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. 

• To unsubscribe: Users can text #stop. 
• Opting in: Users can resume support during a pause period or opt back into the service by texting #start.

Hashtags

Hashtags:

Hashtag commands and descriptions:

#Stop – unsubscribes users from OtterBot messaging.
#Pause – pauses OtterBot messaging for two weeks.
#Language – prompts a language change to one of over 100 messages.
#Changename – prompts a name update for the contact.
#FAFSA – provides additional information about the FAFSA application.
#FSAID – provides additional information about the FSA ID creation process.
#WASFA – provides additional information about the WASFA application.
#CollegeBound – provides additional information about the College Bound program.
#Scholarshipbot – Gives students access to the Scholarship Bot search feature.
#Follow-up – Prompts students email in for direct follow-up from WSAC staff.

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

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:

All users will receive a minimum of two texts per month. Additionally, users may receive messages about key dates, deadlines, and opportunities like events or scholarships.

Content of OtterBot texts—OtterBot reminders, the year at a glance:

11th graders

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:

• All users will receive a minimum of two texts per month. Additionally, users may receive messages about key dates, deadlines, and opportunities like events or scholarships.

Content of OtterBot texts—OtterBot reminders, the year at a glance:

10th graders

10th graders: Learn about opportunities

Sophomore year is when OtterBot focuses on educating students about the various opportunities in high school and beyond. Most students should be more familiar and comfortable with the high school environment during their second year. Here are some things OtterBot can assist with:

• Learning about different types of colleges.
• Finding information about apprenticeships.
• Researching colleges.
• Learning about College Bound and how to use funds.
• Meeting the College Bound Pledge requirements.
• Find ways to pay for college (financial aid & scholarships).
• Navigating the college application & enrollment process.
• Preparing for your senior year.
• Navigating the FAFSA or WASFA application.

Frequency of OtterBot texts:

• All users will receive a minimum of two texts per month. Additionally, users may receive messages about key dates, deadlines, and opportunities like events or scholarships.

Content of OtterBot texts—OtterBot reminders, the year at a glance:

9th graders

9th graders: Expectations and transition

Freshmen year of high school is a big transition for students, and so the goal of OtterBot messaging is to inform students about their new environment and what they can expect. There are many new aspects that will be new to freshmen students, from the structure of the school day to the academic rigor. To help navigate the new setting OtterBot will send messages about:

• What to expect in high school.
• Resources to help navigate the new environment.
• The College Bound program and the College Bound Pledge.
• Class planning and graduation requirements.
• Preparing for sophomore year.
• Navigating the FAFSA or WASFA application.

Frequency of OtterBot texts:

• All users will receive a minimum of two texts per month. Additionally, users may receive messages about key dates, deadlines, and opportunities like events or scholarships.

Content of OtterBot texts—OtterBot reminders, the year at a glance:

Parents

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.

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