OtterBot

Texting Guide

Texting Guide:

WSAC doesn’t charge users, but message and data rates may apply depending on their text plan. WSAC takes user privacy seriously. The info users provide us will only be used to send resources and reminders they are interested in. 

• Pausing messages: Users can text #pause to suspend messages for two weeks.
• Opting out: Users can text #stop to opt out of the service completely. 
• Opting in: Users can resume support during a pause period or opt back into the service by texting #start.

College Bound Scholarship & OtterBot

College Bound Scholarship & OtterBot:

OtterBot was created in 2019 to support students who have signed up for the College Bound Scholarship and is managed by MainStay (formally AdmitHub) and WSAC. OtterBot expanded services to parents/guardians as of March 1, 2023. Our combined partnership ensures Washington students and parents/guardians have access to helpful financial aid resources any time they need support.

• Contact info is provided by school staff members in WSAC’s online portal.
• This step is critical and allows WSAC to communicate with students and their parents/guardians about the College Bound Scholarship. 

12th Graders

OtterBot for Financial Aid & College Planning:

Want to know if you’re on track in the college application process? OtterBot shows you what you should be doing, and when. OtterBot will share resources and important deadlines and help with completing your FAFSA or WASFA—a required step for getting your College Bound Scholarship. OtterBot will send texts with the following info:

• All about FAFSA and WASFA.
• Applying for college.
• All about the College Bound Scholarship.
• All about the College Bound Pledge.
• Applying for scholarships.
• Understanding financial aid award letters.
• Making your college decision.
• Transitioning to college.
• What to expect in your first term at college.
• College resources you need to use.

Frequency of OtterBot Texts:

College Bound Scholarship students in 12th grade will receive OtterBot texts 2-3 times a week, or 8-12 a month.

Content of OtterBot Texts—OtterBot Reminders, the Year at a Glance:

11th Graders

Financial Aid & College Planning:

Junior year marks a turning point. This is because for most students and families, it’s when college planning activities kick into high gear. Here are some things OtterBot can assist you with this year to stay on track for college:

• Types of colleges.
• All about apprenticeships.
• Researching colleges.
• All about the College Bound Scholarship.
• All about the College Bound Pledge.
• Ways to pay for college (financial aid & scholarships).
• Parts of a college application.
• Preparing for your senior year.
• All about FAFSA and WASFA.

Frequency of OtterBot Texts:

• College Bound Scholarship students in 11th grade will receive OtterBot texts approximately twice a month.

Content of OtterBot Texts—OtterBot Reminders, the Year at a Glance:

Support for Financial Aid & College Planning

Support for Financial Aid & College Planning:

Need help supporting your student through the college application and financial aid process?
OtterBot:

• Helps parents/guardians walk alongside their student(s) in the college planning process by explaining their role in the financial aid completion
• Informs parents/guardians about the processes their student(s) will go through as they prepare to transition out of high school.
• Shares resources and important deadlines and help you understand what you need to do as a parent/guardian. 
• Provides information to help your student complete a FAFSA or WASFA application—a required step for them to get their College Bound Scholarship. 

Parents/guardians with multiple students across different grade levels will receive information and resources for the student in the highest grade level, as the information is more immediately needed.

Frequency of OtterBot Texts:

Parents/Guardians will receive OtterBot texts at least 2 times a month. 

Stay Connected!

Stay Connected!

College Bound Scholarship parents/guardians play an important role in their student’s financial aid and enrollment process. Explore the following resources to learn more ways to stay connected and support your student as they prepare for life after high school!

Explore ways for parents/guardians to stay connected:

1. Contact info update (For parents/guardians of College Bound Scholarship junior students)
2. Sign up for our newsletter

Additional Resources:

Additional Resources for Parents/Guardians:

• College Bound Scholarship
• Apply for financial aid: FAFSA or WASFA
• 12th Year Campaign
• GEAR UP
• Plan Your Future