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 & OtterBot

College Bound & OtterBot:

OtterBot was created in 2019 to support students who have signed up for College Bound 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 College Bound. 

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 funds. OtterBot will send texts with the following info:

• All about FAFSA and WASFA.
• Applying for college.
• All about College Bound.
• 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 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 College Bound.
• 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 students in 11th grade will receive OtterBot texts approximately twice a month.

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

Resources

OtterBot Flyers

• Through this one-page printable PDF, students can update their information and gain immediate access to OtterBot. Available in English, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

College and Career Knowledge Workbook

• This workbook is designed to support college and career education planning. Available in English, Arabic, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
• You may also view the College and Career Knowledge Workbook grouped by chapter theme. 

Additional Resources for Students

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

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 funds. 

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 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 junior students)
2. Sign up for our newsletter

Resources

OtterBot Flyers

• Through this one-page printable PDF, parents/guardians can update their information and gain immediate access to OtterBot. Available in English, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

College and Career Knowledge Workbook

• This workbook is designed to support college and career education planning. Available in English, Arabic, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
• You may also view the College and Career Knowledge Workbook grouped by chapter theme. 

Additional Resources for Parents/Guardians:

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