Ultimate Guide for Students: College Planning Resources

Applying for college is not easy task, so having some college planning resources are a must!

The college application process can be a daunting task, but with the right resources, it can be a breeze.

From finding the perfect college to crafting compelling essays, these online resources will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to succeed.

College Application Platforms

One of the most crucial college planning resources are college application platforms.

The Common Application (Common App):

Think of this as your one-stop application shop.

The Common App allows you to submit applications to over 1,000 colleges and universities with a single, standardized form.

This not only saves you valuable time but also ensures consistency across your applications, as you can enter your personal information, extracurricular activities, and essays once and reuse them for multiple schools. Additionally, the platform features a user-friendly interface that guides you through the various sections, helping you stay organized throughout the application process.

Many schools also allow you to track your application status through the Common App, providing real-time updates on your submission and requirements.

The Coalition Application:

This platform serves as a robust alternative or supplement to the Common App, particularly if you’re applying to institutions that are members of the Coalition for College Access.

The Coalition Application emphasizes a holistic view of your accomplishments, allowing you to showcase not just grades and test scores but also personal stories and experiences.

A unique feature of this application is the option to include endorsements from mentors, which can come from a wider array of individuals beyond traditional teachers and counselors

Moreover, the Coalition platform includes a virtual locker where you can store documents, media, and accomplishments throughout your high school career, making it easy to access and organize materials when it’s time to apply.

Universal College Application (UCA):

The Universal College Application offers a streamlined process specifically for a select group of public colleges and universities.

If you’re targeting public institutions in specific regions or those that are UCA members, this platform can save you significant time and effort.

Similar to the Common App, the UCA provides a centralized application form, but it’s designed to cater to the unique requirements and characteristics of its member institutions. This means that you can complete one application while still addressing the specific prompts and needs of the schools you’re applying to.

College Search Tools

A key part about applying to college is the research that goes into it. Creating a list of schools that you are applying requires theses college planning resources; college search tools!

The College Board:

The College Board is the official organization behind the SAT and offers a wealth of resources for college planning.

Beyond just SAT registration and practice tests, the site features an extensive college search tool that allows you to explore a wide range of institutions based on your criteria, such as size, location, and majors offered.

Additionally, the College Board provides resources for understanding financial aid and scholarships, helping you navigate the often-complex world of funding your education.

Their Scholarship Search tool allows you to find opportunities that match your profile, while their “Big Future” program offers step-by-step guidance on preparing for college, from course selection in high school to application tips.

Niche:

Niche is an excellent resource for researching colleges in a user-friendly format.

With powerful filtering options, you can narrow down your college choices based on size, location, academic programs, and even specific aspects of student life such as campus culture, diversity, and social activities.

Niche sets itself apart by incorporating real reviews and ratings from current students and alumni, giving you insight into the actual experiences at each institution.

This qualitative data can be invaluable in helping you determine which schools align best with your personal preferences and goals.

Furthermore, Niche also provides information on the best colleges for specific majors, making it easier for you to find institutions that excel in your areas of interest.

U.S. New s & World Report:

Known for its annual college rankings, U.S. News & World Report is a widely recognized resource in the college search process.

The rankings are based on various factors, including academic reputation, graduation rates, faculty resources, and financial resources.

While these rankings can serve as a useful starting point for your college search, it’s crucial to remember that “best” is subjective.

Different students prioritize different aspects of their college experience, so it’s important to use these rankings as just one tool in your research.

U.S. News also provides articles and advice on college admissions and financial aid, further enriching your understanding of the college landscape.

By combining the rankings with other resources, you can create a more personalized and informed list of potential schools.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

College is quite expensive and definitely an investment in your future. Financial aid and scholarships are going to be huge college planning resources to keep on hand.

Federal Student Aid (FA FSA):

Federal Student Aid, the U.S. Department of Education’s official site, is essential for students seeking financial assistance for college.

It provides comprehensive information on various types of aid, including grants, loans, and work-study programs.

The site explains how to apply for federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is crucial for determining eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid. FAFSA also offers guides and resources to help navigate the FAFSA process, including tips on common mistakes and important deadlines.

Scholarships.com:

Scholarships.com organizes scholarship opportunities into distinct categories, making it easier for students to find relevant awards based on factors like academic performance, demographics, and specific talents.

This categorization helps students discover niche scholarships with smaller applicant pools, which can increase their chances of winning. The site offers detailed application information, deadlines, and resources to assist students in navigating the scholarship landscape effectively.

College Financial Aid Website:

Most colleges have dedicated financial aid websites that provide information about internal scholarships and grants specific to their institution.

These awards may be less competitive than national scholarships and can consider factors such as financial need and academic performance.

Additionally, financial aid offices at these colleges offer personalized support, including workshops and resources for applying for local scholarships and understanding financial aid packages, further empowering students to secure funding for their education.

Standardized Test Preparation

Standardized tests are another component to your college applications. You’re going to need these test prep college planning resources in order to ace those tests.

The College Board (SAT):

The College Board is the official organization behind the SAT, making its website an invaluable resource for students preparing for this important standardized test. The site offers a comprehensive suite of materials designed to help students succeed.

Among the most useful features are official practice tests, which simulate the actual test-taking experience, allowing students to familiarize themselves with the format and timing of the SAT. These practice tests are crucial for identifying areas of strength and weakness, enabling students to tailor their study strategies accordingly.

In addition to practice tests, the College Board provides official study guides that cover each section of the SAT in detail. These guides include in-depth explanations of the concepts tested, sample questions, and strategies for tackling various question types.

The College Board also offers online courses that provide structured preparation and access to expert guidance, making it easier for students to stay on track. Furthermore, the site features resources such as video tutorials and tips from test-takers, creating a well-rounded preparation experience. Overall, the College Board is a central hub for students aiming to excel on the SAT, ensuring they have access to high-quality, reliable preparation materials.

ACT:

For students opting to take the ACT, the official ACT website is an essential tool for effective test preparation.

The site provides a wealth of resources tailored specifically for the ACT, including practice tests that closely mimic the actual exam format.

These practice tests are instrumental for understanding the timing and pacing required for each section of the ACT, which covers English, math, reading, and science reasoning. By taking these tests under timed conditions, students can build confidence and improve their performance.

In addition to practice tests, the ACT website offers comprehensive study guides that outline the test structure, scoring, and content areas. These guides include sample questions and answer explanations, providing students with a clear understanding of what to expect on test day.

The ACT also features a range of additional resources, such as webinars and preparation tips, to help students develop effective study plans. By utilizing the resources available on the ACT website, students can enhance their test-taking strategies and improve their overall scores, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of the exam.

Khan Acad emy:

Khan Academy is a non-profit educational organization that provides free, high-quality resources for standardized test preparation, specifically tailored for both the SAT and ACT.

One of the standout features of Khan Academy is its personalized learning approach. After completing an initial diagnostic assessment, students receive customized practice recommendations based on their strengths and weaknesses. This targeted approach allows students to focus their efforts where they need it most, making their study sessions more effective.

Khan Academy’s extensive library includes video lessons, practice exercises, and interactive quizzes that cover all aspects of the SAT and ACT. The platform allows students to learn at their own pace, ensuring that they can revisit challenging concepts as needed.

Additionally, Khan Academy offers full-length practice tests and real-time progress tracking, enabling students to monitor their improvement over time.

With its user-friendly interface and wealth of resources, Khan Academy has become a go-to platform for students seeking accessible and comprehensive test preparation. By leveraging these free tools, students can enhance their confidence and performance on standardized tests, setting themselves up for success in the college admissions process.

Essay Writing

Writing your college essay allows you to showcase your uniqueness, highlight your strengths, reveal your thought process, and humanize your application.

It’s essential to have college planning resources that can provide guidance, examples, and feedback, and improve time management.

Purd ue Online Writing Lab (OWL):

The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) is an essential resource for students looking to enhance their writing skills, particularly when it comes to crafting effective essays.

Developed by Purdue University, this comprehensive website offers a wealth of materials that cover every aspect of the writing process.

From foundational grammar tips and writing mechanics to advanced topics like citation styles and research strategies, OWL equips students with the tools they need to produce high-quality written work.

One of the standout features of OWL is its extensive guides on various citation styles, including APA, MLA, and Chicago. These resources not only provide clear formatting examples but also explain the importance of proper citation in academic writing.

Additionally, OWL offers sample essays across different genres, allowing students to see effective writing in action. Whether you’re struggling with thesis development, paragraph structure, or transitioning between ideas, OWL provides detailed explanations and practical tips. Overall, the Purdue OWL is a cornerstone for any student looking to improve their writing skills and create compelling essays.

Grammarly:

Grammarly is a widely used online grammar and writing assistant that helps students polish their essays and other written assignments.

Its primary function is to identify and correct typos, grammatical errors, and issues related to clarity and style. The user-friendly interface makes it easy for students to upload their essays or write directly within the Grammarly platform, where they can receive real-time feedback.

The free version is incredibly useful, offering essential checks that can catch common mistakes and improve overall readability.

For those seeking more advanced features, the premium version of Grammarly provides enhanced functionalities, including suggestions for word choice, style improvements, and even plagiarism detection.

This can be especially beneficial for students working on important essays where originality and sophistication are crucial.

Additionally, Grammarly offers insights into writing trends and performance over time, helping students track their progress and become more mindful of their writing habits

The College Essay Guy:

The College Essay Guy website is an invaluable resource specifically tailored for students navigating the college essay writing process.

Founded by Ethan Sawyer, this platform provides a rich array of resources designed to help students brainstorm, draft, and refine their college application essays.

Among the offerings are blog posts that cover various aspects of essay writing, from understanding prompts to crafting compelling narratives. These posts often include practical tips and examples, making the writing process more approachable.

In addition to written content, The College Essay Guy also hosts webinars and workshops that delve deeper into essay writing techniques.

These sessions often feature expert advice and real-time feedback, which can significantly enhance a student’s understanding of effective essay strategies. For those in need of personalized assistance, the website offers paid essay editing services, where experienced editors provide constructive feedback and guidance tailored to individual essays.

In conclusion…

The college application process can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.

With the right college planning resources, you can streamline your application journey and increase your chances of admission!