College Prep Resources

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Where do I begin?

If you plan on attending college, there are steps you must take to begin the process of applying to a university. Below is a guide that will help you plan out your junior and senior years of high school to prepare for your college career.

When Should I Test? ACT, SAT Exams

Pick a test date that is at least two months ahead of the application deadlines of all the colleges and scholarship agencies you might want to apply to. Scores for the ACT No Writing are normally reported within 3–8 weeks after the test date. If you take the ACT Plus Writing, scores will be reported only after all of your scores are available, including Writing, normally within 5–8 weeks after the test date. Most students take the SAT during their junior or senior year in high school.

At least half of all students take the SAT twice — in the spring of their junior year and in the fall of their senior year. Most students also improve their score the second time around.

For the SAT Subject Tests, most students take them toward the end of their junior year or at the beginning of their senior year. In general, you should take tests such as World History, Biology E/M, Chemistry or Physics as soon as possible after completing the course in the subject. Students tend to do better on other tests like languages after at least two years of study.

Advantages to testing in your junior year:

• You’ve probably completed the coursework corresponding to the test material.
• You’ll have your test scores and other information in time to help you plan your senior year.
• Colleges will know of your interests and have your scores in time to contact you during the summer before your senior year.
• You’ll have information about yourself and the schools you’re considering prior to your campus visits, making your visits more focused.
• You’ll have the opportunity to retest if you feel your scores don’t accurately reflect your abilities in the areas tested.

How Do I Apply for College?

Once you’ve selected several schools that interest you, ask the admissions office for application forms and make sure that you:

• Fill them out carefully.
• Look for application instructions in the school’s catalog and follow them exactly.
• Make copies of everything you submit.
• Wait two to six weeks for a response to each application.

When you apply for admission to a college, you will need to pull a lot of pieces together:

• High School Transcript: Most colleges will require a copy of your high school transcript. You can request this be sent to the college or colleges you are interested in through your high school’s office or your school counselor.
• Application Fee: You might have to pay an application fee. If you can’t afford it, talk to an admissions counselor at the college to which you are applying. You may be able to get the fee waived.
• College Admissions Tests: Most four-year colleges or universities require you to submit ACT or SAT scores. Make sure you know test dates, times, and locations.
• Letters of Recommendation: Four-year colleges or universities often require letters of recommendation. These can come from teachers, coaches, mentors, church leaders, employers, and people you’ve worked with in your community. Recommendations cannot come from relatives.
• Application Essay: If you plan on attending a four-year college or university, you may be required to write an application essay. If you need help, talk with a school counselor, teacher, or parent.
• Interview: If the school is very selective with its admissions process, you may have to schedule an interview. The best interview tip is to relax and be yourself.

Make sure you keep track of your college applications using a college application worksheet.

Paying for College

When deciding where to go to college, you shouldn’t have to worry about cost. With the right planning and financial resources, you can successfully fund your college education.

Families have the primary responsibility of paying for higher education. Sometimes a family’s resources are not enough to pay all college expenses. Different types of financial aid are available to help a family meet the costs of higher education, including tuition, fees, books, personal living expenses, food, housing, and transportation.

Financial aid can also help pay for technical, trade, or vocational school programs. Many different types of schools, not just colleges and universities, have financial assistance available to students.

Applying For Financial Aid

Financial aid refers to borrowed, given, or earned money that can be obtained from various sources to pay for college. There are many types of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, Federal Work-Study programs, and loans. Most types of financial aid require you to reapply every year.

Use the EFC Calculator to determine how much financial aid might be available to help you pay for college. Keep in mind that calculator results are based on estimates and may not reflect your actual awards.

Colleges also offer financial assistance to their students. The financial aid office on campus is the best place to find out about financial aid available at that particular college.

Searching for Financial Aid

Many agencies, associations, and organizations provide money for college students. There are different eligibility requirements, award amounts, application forms, and application deadlines for each type of financial aid, so research these carefully.

Every program has its own unique awarding and processing cycle. If a student plans to use funds from a scholarship or grant to pay a balance owed to the college, but those funds are not received before the scheduled due date, it is the student’s responsibility to work with the appropriate office at the college to make satisfactory arrangements.

Students who are uncertain of the college’s policy regarding anticipated financial assistance should contact their financial aid office for clarification.