Guide to College Admissions 2025

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

Navigate the College Application Process With Confidence

Different Ways to Pay for College

PRESENTING THE 2025 GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

GOT QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS?

Email me at mschwartz@teenlife.com

The journey to college is an exciting one filled with endless possibilities. But navigating this path can be exciting and stressful. With evolving admissions requirements and expectations, you need reliable, accurate guidance.

Our comprehensive guide offers a wealth of information and resources, from developing essential academic and soft skills to selecting the right college and securing financial aid. You'll find expert advice on everything from writing a compelling college essay to how to pay for college.

Whether you’re a freshman just starting high school or a senior visiting colleges, narrowing your choice, and sending out applications — or preparing to fill out your FAFSA — this guide is your roadmap to a bright future. Let’s embark on this exciting adventure together!

Marie Schwartz Founder, TeenLife Media

PART II: CHOOSING A COLLEGE

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

Welcome students and parents to our 2025 Guide to College Admissions! This guide is jam-packed with a ton of information on the college admissions process. Some of it, like our College Planning Calendar & Checklist, will be helpful for everyone. The rest is more of a toolkit — it’s all about picking what fits your story.

We know that every student’s journey differs, and we want to make sure you can find the information most relevant to you. Think of this guide as a “choose your own adventure” for the college journey. Option one: read it cover to cover — we promise you’ll learn a lot. Option two: skim the table of contents and flip to the sections you need now. Whichever option you choose, bookmark this guide and refer to it whenever you have a question about the college application process and what to expect (and do) once you decide where you’re going.

Brand new to college admissions? Start with the basics:

» Understanding U.S. College Admissions

Forward-thinking freshmen should take a peek at:

» AP vs. Honors Classes

» Activities That Help You Stand Out

» Beyond Academic Success

Students unsure about potential career paths can take inspiration from:

» The Importance of Career Exploration

» Why Summer Programs Are Actually Pretty Awesome

» College Admissions Strategy: Deadlines & Major Declaration

Students seeking their dream school can explore:

» How to Use College Rankings

» Criteria for Choosing a College

» How to Maximize Your College Visit

Parents feeling overwhelmed by the financial aid process can dive into:

» How to Pay for College (and Not Break the Bank)

» FAFSA and the CSS Profile: Everything You Need to Know

» 6 Things to Know About Student Loans

And if you’re a high school guidance counselor looking for resources for your school’s college and career center — or a one-stop-shop to help your students start planning their future — this guide’s for you, too.

Founder - Marie Schwartz mschwartz@teenlife.com

Editor-in-Chief - Nancy Li nancy@teenlife.com

Managing Editor - Jodi Ireland jodi@teenlife.com

Associate Editor - Stefanie Tedards stedards@joincollegeadvisor.com ADVERTISING

Director of Sales - Brenda Boos brenda@teenlife.com

Sales Account Manager - Jen Fisher jen@teenlife.com

Sales & Support AssociateRegan Beiermann regan@teenlife.com

DISTRIBUTION

Digital Marketing StrategistDustin Silvaer dustin@teenlife.com

DESIGNER

Kathy Tilton kbtilton@gmail.com

To Download a PDF of this Guide, go to: www.teenlife.com/guide-to-collegeadmissions

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PART I DEVELOPING ACADEMIC & SOFT SKILLS FOR COLLEGE

THE IMPORTANCE OF CAREER EXPLORATION

BY JODI IRELAND

he American Student Assistance (ASA) conducted a series of surveys over several months on “How Gen Z Approaches Decision-Making.”

About 5,000 students between ages 13 and 20 shared feedback on how they planned (or were planning) their postsecondary education and careers. Nearly 70% of current high school students and 66% of graduates indicated they wished they’d had more access to career exploration in middle and high school.

Key findings from a 2024 Pearson’s Connections Academy survey also support today’s students' uncertainty about their future after high school. Teens also wanted help from their parents, whether finding jobs (nearly 50%) or sharing resources (over 40%). With so many options, teens fear making the “wrong” choice, which can significantly impact the time and cost of their postsecondary education, training, and career path.

Yet, while teens need information to make informed decisions, many parents feel ill-equipped to guide them beyond their own career expertise. Both parents (52%) and teens (49%) expressed a strong desire to understand the skills employers value and how to develop them. A similar percentage (52% of parents and 42% of students) emphasized the need for guidance on suitable educational pathways.

And let’s face it — testing different career paths once you’re in college isn’t always feasible, let alone affordable. Fortunately, students can start exploring potential careers in high school — and even earlier.

CAREER EXPLORATION STRATEGIES

The line between “jobs” and “careers” blurs in today's economy. While many students use these terms interchangeably, they represent very different paths. A job typically refers to short-term employment, often focusing on earning income. A career, on the other hand, is a long-term professional journey that provides financial security and personal fulfillment.

High school students may not fully grasp the distinction. They may have specific job aspirations, like becoming a veterinarian or data analyst, but may lack a clear understanding of the education, training, and experience required to build a successful career in those fields.

Different career exploration strategies can help teens navigate this complex landscape. At the heart of the process lies self-reflection.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

Sports teams, clubs, and student organizations offer valuable insights into interests and skills.

HOBBIES:

What activities do students enjoy outside of school? Do they enjoy creative pursuits, problem-solving, or working with others?

SUMMER PROGRAMS AND CAMPS:

These experiences can expose students to new fields and help identify potential career paths.

INTERNSHIPS AND VOLUNTEERING:

Hands-on experiences provide a peek into different work environments and allow students to explore their interests firsthand.

PLAN YOUR STRATEGY

Whether you’re a parent or a teen, we understand if you feel overwhelmed by your options. Here are some tips on how to begin.

1. Figure out what matters to you and what you like. You don’t have to have all the answers right now. Even if your interests evolve, exploring options can set you on the path to a rewarding future. A great starting point? Identifying your interests. You can take an interest survey using an online tool like BigFutureQuiz, which helps match your preferences to potential careers. Or check out ASVAB’s Career Exploration Program. Many colleges and universities, like Yale, also have career assessment tools on their websites.

Think about your values. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Do you love to create, solve problems, help others? Do you like the challenge of taking things apart and reassembling them? Is it fun figuring out how things work?

While interests are important, so is figuring out your values and skills.

• What’s most important to you in a career?

• Do you seek a high salary, work-life balance, the opportunity to make a difference, or a chance to be your own boss?

• What are you good at?

• Do you have strong communication, leadership, or technical skills?

2. Research options.

Once you answer those questions and take a quiz or two to identify possibilities (if you don’t already have a few in mind), it’s time to do some digging! Here are some key questions to consider:

• What does a typical day look like? Job descriptions often provide a general overview. See if you can learn about the specific tasks and responsibilities professionals perform regularly.

• What’s the work environment like? Would you prefer a fast-paced indoor setting or rather work outside? Some roles require independent work, while others rely on teamwork and collaboration.

• What’s the earning potential? Research typical salary ranges for the profession, remembering that entry-level roles may pay far less than middleand upper-level roles. Consider potential expenses — rent, car payment, insurance, healthcare, entertainment — and estimate your take-home pay

after taxes (approximately 22% in the U.S.).

• Is the career in demand? Research job growth projections to see if the field is expected to expand or contract in the next decade. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is a great place to start. It predicts significant growth in fields like information security, nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, statisticians, and wind turbine service technicians.

• What education and training are needed? Some careers require two-year, four-year, or graduate degrees. Others require internships or apprenticeships. Some require only a certificate program and skills training.

3. Set your goal (note: goals can evolve!).

Once you narrow down a few potential careers, plan your next steps. Visualize your future and where you see yourself in five or ten years. Then, work toward that goal by exploring these possible careers more deeply. You could shadow someone in the field, volunteer in a related area, or informally interview a professional in that career.

If you’re ready to look at postgraduate programs, cast a wide net to see what schools offer the degree or training you need to obtain an entry-level role. Visit the colleges and talk to professors and others teaching classes needed to prepare you for that career. Above all, remember your career journey is a continuous process of learning and growth.

4. Review the plan and adjust.

Remember, career exploration is a dynamic process, not a one-time event. Your interests, values, and skills may change. For example, if you have a passion for animals and thought you wanted to become a veterinarian, but you completed a summer program involved with animal conservation and fell in love with that type of work, do not apologize for updating and revising your plan!

Review your goals regularly — talking to your guidance counselor or parents can be helpful — and adjust as needed.

One last thought: If you don’t know what you want to do when you grow up, you’re not alone. Only 25% of high school students are “very sure” of their post-graduation plans. According to the U.S. Department of Education, 33% of college students change majors at least once — and 10% change their majors two or more times! While you don’t need all the answers before graduating from high school, exploring possible careers before starting college can help guide what you choose to study.

BEYOND ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Acquiring other essential skills to prep you for college while beefing up your academic performance

BY JODI IRELAND

he journey to college marks a significant turning point in your life: perhaps your first foray into independent living, requiring newfound responsibility for your time, finances, and overall well-being. This freedom, paired with the academic rigors of college courses, can present unique challenges during your first year.

Traditional high school classes may not explicitly address these essential skills, yet they’re crucial for a smooth, successful transition to college life. Developing these skills empowers you to navigate the complexities of higher education with greater confidence and ease.

You won’t acquire these skills overnight but continuously refine them throughout your academic journey. Proactively cultivating these skills before stepping onto campus gives you a head start on acing your college experience.

ADD THESE SKILLS TO YOUR COLLEGE TOOLKIT

Whatever your high school year, having these skills “in your back pocket” before you head to college will serve you well.

TIME MANAGEMENT

College demands a substantial shift in time management. Expect less classroom time but significantly more independent study. This freedom can be deceptive, however. Balancing courses, extracurriculars, a part-time job, and a social life requires careful planning. While in high school, practice prioritizing tasks and refining your study habits. Different strategies work for different people, but here are a few tried and true approaches that work:

• A color-coded digital (or paper) planner or calendar to track short- and long-term assignments, extracurriculars, your part-time job, and other responsibilities.

• A study schedule that reminds you to review your class notes and materials over time (instead of cramming all that info into your brain the night before a test).

• Prioritization — handle the big stuff first, like brainstorming ideas for a huge project, before tackling easier assignments or homework.

• Cultivate good habits and routines, like reviewing notes for a different class each night before bedtime.

GOAL SETTING

Defining and pursuing your academic, career-related, or personal goals fosters a sense of direction and purpose. To make them feel more tangible and help chart a path to success, write them down and outline a plan to achieve them. Break your outline into achievable chunks. After all, if you’re training for a marathon, you don’t start by running 10 miles on day one — you build up to it. Achieving goals works the same way (and feels a whole lot less overwhelming with this approach).

Set challenging but attainable goals that push you to grow and provide a sense of accomplishment. Your goals might include excelling in a certain class, joining a team or club, or applying for (and getting) a part-time job.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

You need effective communication, emotional intelligence, leadership, and problem-solving skills to build strong relationships with your peers, RAs, professors, future coworkers, and others you’ll meet in the future. Hone those interpersonal skills in high school by chatting with people and finding opportunities to interact with diverse individuals.

Mastering virtual communication is also important, like learning to write professional emails to your teachers. If you’ve always relied on your parents to handle administrative tasks like contacting your teachers, take the initiative to develop these skills before graduating high school.

NETWORKING

While networking may seem nebulous, it’s never too soon to start. Play a high school sport? Connect with your coach and other players. Have a part-time job? Ask your boss for a recommendation. Hold a leadership position in a club? Learn how to create an elevator pitch to introduce yourself, the club, and its mission. In college, build connections with your peers, professors, and professionals in your field of interest.

STUDYING

College requires a deeper level of engagement with academic material. You spend less time in class, but your professors expect you to use your “free” time on independent study. To succeed and master the material requires you to actively participate in your education. Cultivate that habit in high school, dedicating 20 or 30 minutes a night to a deeper study of one of your classes. Now’s the time to find an effective note-taking strategy, sharpen your critical reading and analytical skills, and polish your writing skills. If you’re not naturally organized, proactively establish a study schedule to help you stay on track.

BUDGETING

Money management is a critical skill that’s never too soon to learn. If you earn an allowance or have a part-time job, you can create a budget to manage your finances effectively. Start by assessing your income and identifying expenses. Prioritize spending, allocating funds for essentials, savings, and entertainment. It’s never too soon to learn the 50/30/20 rule, where 50% of a paycheck is designated for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings.

WAYS TO DEVELOP THESE SKILLS

Your high school classes, clubs, and other extracurriculars aren’t the only places for you to develop these skills before heading to college. Have some additional time in your schedule during the school year? Consider volunteering. Want to do something different in the summer? Sign up for a summer program or travel abroad and learn a new language. Not sure you’re quite ready for college immediately after graduation? Consider taking a gap year or enrolling in a post-graduate year. Whatever you choose, here are some tips to help you navigate high school and prepare for the next chapter.

1. Try different things

First, don’t feel like you have to participate in every club or activity. Yes, try a few things out to see what you like, but don’t spread yourself too thin. It’s better to focus on a couple of things you really love.

Real talk: Colleges actually prefer seeing you explore your interests more deeply than having a mile-long list of random activities.

2. Check out options outside of school

Have an itch to learn more about a certain topic? See if dual enrollment is an option! This partnership between your school and a local college or university allows you to take classes through the college at a much lower cost than typical tuition. You earn credits you can potentially transfer once you enroll as a full-time college student — and you get to try advanced courses that interest you.

3 Avoid the temptation to chase grades

Here’s the thing about learning — try to enjoy it beyond just chasing grades. Your GPA matters, but high school is also the time to discover what excites you about learning more. When you dig what you’re studying, everything becomes more fun and meaningful. Plus, this mindset will help you crush it in college, too.

4. Get involved in the community

Want to break out of the high school bubble and do something meaningful? Volunteer in your community. It’s not just good for college applications. Studies show it can lower your blood pressure and help you live longer. A side benefit? Your classes may make even more sense when you see how your lessons connect to real-world situations.

5. Use available resources

If you begin feeling overwhelmed as your graduation year grows closer, look for the people and resources who can help you. There’s no need to struggle alone!

• Your guidance counselor can help you manage your classes and begin planning for college.

• Honors societies like the National Honor Society (NHS) and individual honors societies for foreign languages, the arts, and core classes offer scholarships and leadership opportunities.

• Talk to current college students — they’ll give you the scoop on what to expect.

• Check out online publications that include recommendations and guidance on everything from prepping for SATs and writing a high school resume to choosing a college or learning how to relax and live in the moment.

6. Take care of yourself

Your health matters more than any grade. Prioritize moving your body, eating nutritious, balanced foods, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, hanging with friends and family, and taking breaks when needed.

CHART YOUR PATH

You’ll figure out what works for you as you move through high school. While everyone’s got advice to share, only you can discover your personal formula for success. You'll build confidence in your choices by trying different study methods and activities. You might notice yourself becoming more confident and self-assured. The best part? This confidence may inspire others around you.

Remember: Your high school journey is unique. Use this time to explore your interests, find what motivates you, and develop habits that work for you. Future you will be grateful you took time to figure things out!

AP VS. HONORS CLASSES

BY JODI IRELAND

ccording to AP Central, the College Board’s resource for all things Advanced Placement (AP), almost half of enrolled college students start with some credit earned by taking AP classes and their associated exams.

But do higher institutions expect that all applicants will have taken every available AP course at their high school? Not necessarily. While AP scores can positively impact college admissions, it’s just one piece of the puzzle used to understand a student’s academic potential.

High school guidance counselors and college admissions professionals agree that it’s better to prioritize quality over quantity when choosing AP courses. Taking on too many can lead to burnout and potentially lower AP exam scores. A few judiciously chosen AP exams with higher scores (4 or 5) demonstrate genuine interest and mastery of challenging material.

Another option available for high school students? Honors classes. They work differently than AP classes; students don’t take a national exam to evaluate their knowledge. You won’t earn college credit for taking an honors course, but that doesn’t mean it’s not without value.

When choosing your high school classes, consider more than what looks good on your transcript. How will your choices affect your passions and abilities? A well-rounded application showcases a student who excels academically and in extracurriculars and personal pursuits and can maintain a healthy balance between the two.

WHY TAKE HONORS CLASSES

Honors classes are more rigorous than standard courses, but their content and expectations can vary significantly from school to school. Each district — and sometimes individual teachers — has the freedom to create their own curricula. So, an 11th-grade honors English class at one school might cover vastly different material compared to another.

Even though you can’t earn college credits for honors classes like you can with an AP course, honors classes still have value. Honors classes go beyond the basics in standard courses to encourage critical thinking, analysis, and a more nuanced understanding of concepts.

The faster pace and more demanding workload of honors classes help you develop essential study skills in time management, organization, and critical thinking. These courses also emphasize complex problemsolving and analytical skills, preparing you for the challenges you’ll face in college and beyond.

Taking honors classes also demonstrates academic ambition to colleges and contributes to a well-rounded education. While AP courses can offer a direct path to college credit, honors classes also provide a valuable educational experience.

WHY TAKE AP CLASSES

Top universities seek students with a strong academic foundation and commitment to challenging themselves. AP courses can showcase those qualities. A transcript including successful AP experience highlights a dedication to rigorous study and your ability to thrive in demanding academic environments.

Developed and overseen by the College Board, these courses adhere to a standardized curriculum and end with a comprehensive standardized exam. High scores can earn you college credit, enabling you to bypass introductory courses and potentially graduate early. AP exam scores are widely recognized, and qualifying scores earn university credit at institutions in the United States, Canada, and over 60 other countries.

A caveat: each college and university maintains its own distinct policies about the minimum scores accepted to earn credit. A 2024 study published by PPI, which analyzed the U.S. News and World Report’s top 102 universities and 51 colleges, found that some are

limiting the use of AP credit toward a degree. Of these 153 schools:

• Only 16% offered AP credit in all subject areas

• 42% no longer accept a 3 (out of a possible 5) for college credit

• 50% cap the total number of AP credits they offer

The report includes the entire U.S. News list of top universities and colleges’ AP credit policies.

WHICH SHOULD I TAKE?

Let’s address a few misconceptions to help you decide whether to take honors or AP classes.

Myth: More AP is better

Not necessarily. Prioritize quality over quantity. If you think you’ll struggle in a certain AP class, take honors instead. For example, if you can take AP history, AP English and AP calculus, but math isn’t your strongest subject, sign up for the AP history and English classes, but perhaps take honors calc instead.

The goal isn’t to overload your schedule, create stress, and unintentionally set yourself up for frustration and failure! The classes you take should show your ability to master challenging coursework in the subject areas that interest you most.

Myth: Only certain AP classes impress admissions officers

Not at all! The best AP classes you can take are those aligned with your academic interests and where you can show exceptional performance. If AP Art and Design and AP Biology are more your jam than AP U.S. History or AP Statistics, take the art and bio!

Myth: AP courses equal automatic college credit

False. Colleges award credit based on how high you score on the subject-specific AP exam. Depending on the exam and college, you may need to score a 3, 4, or even 5 to earn credit. You can check specific college requirements by visiting their website.

Myth: My school doesn’t offer AP classes, so I’m out of luck

Not so! Many AP classes are available online — as are the exams. If there’s an AP class you’d like to take, verify with your guidance counselor that the credits will count toward your high school graduation requirement, and if they do, go for it!

Choosing the “right” number of AP and honors classes is a personal decision influenced by your goals and circumstances. If you’re aiming for highly selective colleges, challenge yourself with harder classes. But be careful! Taking too many AP courses can hurt your college applications if you get low grades or test scores.

The key? Balance. Think about your commitments. Are you working part-time? Playing sports? Involved in clubs? Volunteering in the community? You want to excel in your classes and have time for these other important activities.

There’s another common misconception that you need a specific number of AP classes to get into a good school. But the reality? There is no magic number. Students who take 15-20 AP classes throughout high school can burn out from overloading their schedules with college-level courses. They’re exhausted before they even get to college. Taking fewer AP classes and staying involved in other activities you love is better. Colleges want well-rounded students, not just those who laser focus on AP classes.

The most important thing? Challenging yourself appropriately without becoming overwhelmed. Review your options and push yourself to where you “bend” but don’t break. Be honest about what you can handle. To help make the best choices for your academic schedule, don’t just ask, “What do colleges want?” Instead, ask, “What subjects do I enjoy and excel in?” and go from there.

TIPS FOR PREPPING TO TAKE THE SAT/ACT

BY JODI IRELAND

he 2020 pandemic upended many industries, including education and the college admissions testing. Because of safety concerns and facility closures, many SAT and ACT testing dates were canceled, making it difficult — even impossible — for many students to take these standardized tests.

In response, hundreds of colleges and universities temporarily adopted test-optional policies, allowing students to apply without submitting test scores. This shift represented the largest-ever experiment with test-optional admissions in U.S. higher education.

The sudden change created what many called a “natural experiment” in college admissions. Schools that had long required standardized test scores had to evaluate applications without them, leading to an increased focus on grades, course robustness, extracurricular activities, and essays. Many institutions found they could successfully

SAT/ACT TIMELINE

evaluate potential students without test scores, leading numerous schools to extend their test-optional policies beyond 2021.

While some schools have made their test-optional policies permanent, others have returned to requiring test scores, creating a mixed landscape in which testing policies vary significantly among colleges and universities. This variation has led to ongoing debates about the value and equity of standardized testing, with some arguing that test-optional policies increase diversity and access and others maintaining that standardized tests provide important data for admissions decisions.

If you’re unsure whether to take the SAT or ACT, many high school guidance counselors and college education consultants recommend you sign up. Here are some tips on increasing your scores — and a timeline for when to take the tests.

Depending on where you live and attend school, you may have the option of taking the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) 8/9 in the fall or spring of 8th grade. Think of it as a practice test for the official PSAT and SAT. The PSAT 8/9 helps you understand your academic strengths and weaknesses and exposes you to the SAT format. You can also take the PSAT 10 in 10th grade. If you wait until sophomore year, you can take practice tests online using free resources like the Khan Academy.

11TH GRADE

Fall (September-November): Take your PSAT/NMSQT in October, which will count for National Merit scholarships. Take a full-length practice SAT and ACT under timed conditions and analyze the results to identify your strengths and areas of weakness. Choose the best test for you, and start prepping about 2-3 months before your planned test date. Consider different prep methods like self-study, online courses, tutoring, or classes.

12TH GRADE

The summer before senior year, make time for optional final preparation if you plan to take the SAT or ACT for a third time. If you’re satisfied with your previous scores, use this time to focus on your other application components.

Winter (December-February): Take your first official SAT or ACT (recommended in January or February). It takes 3-4 weeks to receive your scores. If you hit your goal score, great! If not, plan to address areas where you fell short, and consider different prep strategies if the initial methods weren’t effective.

If you plan to retake the SAT or ACT, schedule it for August or October. November test scores will arrive in time for Regular Decision. Testing in December cuts score results close, so use this date as a last resort.

Spring (March-May): Take a second SAT or ACT, if needed. Give yourself 6-8 weeks between test dates for focused preparation. Aim to finish your testing by June.

According to the College Board, the average SAT score increases by about 40 points when you take the test a second time. Can you improve by 150, 300, or 500 points? Absolutely. But certain factors will influence how much better you do on a second or third attempt.

STUDY TIPS

Whether you’re taking the SAT or ACT for the first or third time, try the following strategies to prepare.

1. Choose high-quality study materials. The College Board partnered with Khan Academy to offer a free online Digital SAT Prep course. You can also download the College Board’s Official SAT Study Guide. And there are plenty of other options online, too. The ACT offers free practice tests and resources alongside its official subject guides. You can also find many ACT study options through ACT x Kaplan.

2. Create (and stick to) a study schedule. Both the SAT and ACT cover many topics. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, create a schedule that breaks everything into smaller, more manageable chunks. This resource offers suggested study schedules for 3-day, 1-week, 1-month, 2-month, and 3-month breakdowns. You can find ACTspecific study schedules here.

3. Take the practice tests. Think about prepping for your standardized tests similarly to how you might train for a marathon. You start with small sprints and gradually build up. You can do the same with the SAT and ACT, but as the test date nears, plan to take complete practice tests (they take 2 ½ - 3 hours) to get a sense of the conditions on the actual day.

4. Optimize your study strategy. You’ve probably got a busy schedule already, so maximize your SAT/ACT study time efficiently by:

• Noting questions you’re unsure about as you take the practice test(s).

• Grading yourself once you finish and reviewing all the questions you marked — the ones you got right and those you got wrong.

• Writing down each question’s general gist, why you answered incorrectly, and how you could’ve gotten the correct answer.

5. Knock down mental blocks. We all get mental blocks — but you can knock ‘em down (and reduce your stress and anxiety) by treating each mistake as a learning opportunity. Each time you “deconstruct” your mistakes to see where you went wrong, you take a step toward improving.

6. Use a timer. Whether you take a full practice test or just sections, timing yourself will help you determine where you can work quickly and where you get bogged down.

7. Follow the 30-second rule. If you can’t answer a question in 30 questions, skip it and keep going. Make a note and go back to them before the test time ends. Never leave a question blank because the SAT/ACT won’t penalize you for wrong answers.

8. Think like the test creators. You could say the SAT and ACT are designed to test how well you take tests, so put yourself in the mind of those who design them.

• Learn how to eliminate wrong answers by using your critical thinking skills.

• Create a reading strategy, whether by looking at the questions before you read the passage or skimming the passage, reviewing the questions, and then re-reading the passage more carefully.

• Improve your math skills by cutting down on common mistakes people make, like forgetting formulas, misunderstanding the question format (or misreading the questions), or solving for the wrong value.

TEST DAY PREPARATION

The night before your test, take a break and don’t study. Lay out your materials (calculator, pencils, ID, admission ticket, water bottle, snacks) and get plenty of rest. Wake up in good time, wear your comfiest clothing, eat a good breakfast and hydrate. Plan to arrive at the test center at least 15 minutes early.

HOW A POST-GRADUATE YEAR AT BOARDING SCHOOL HELPS YOU IN COLLEGE

BY JODI IRELAND

aking a gap year after high school graduation is nothing new, although it’s more prevalent among European and Australian than American students. According to the Gap Year Association, about 2.6% of the U.S. Class of 2023 took a break before pursuing higher education.

Some graduates opt for volunteer or cultural immersion programs, but others spend that “13th grade” focusing on academics. These students recognize that a dedicated academic year can improve grades and test scores, foster a sense of independence, and refine essential writing and study skills. Some who pursue this option are also athletes who use this time to improve their chosen sport.

A postgraduate (PG) year at a boarding school is an excellent option for these students. According to Boarding School Review, just under 2,000 U.S., Canadian, and European students enroll each year in PG programs.

These students actively participate in varsity sports and extracurricular activities while benefitting from personalized guidance from the school’s college counselors. It’s a unique experience that provides a structured environment for academic growth and personal development before heading to college or university.

THE HISTORY OF PG PROGRAMS

PG programs at boarding schools have a long history, dating back over 50 years. Initially, these programs catered to male students who often had specific goals, like improving their athletic, academic, and study skills. While these objectives remain important, the number of young women enrolling in these programs has increased significantly. An increasingly competitive college admissions landscape has inspired young men and women to take advantage of a PG year, which can help improve their chances of gaining acceptance into a top-tier college.

Public schools don’t offer PG years — only boarding schools do. Historically, if a high school student suffered some kind of setback, like an illness or sportsrelated injury, or simply didn’t have the academic standing necessary to get into one of the Ivy League schools, they’d stick around at the boarding school for an extra year.

Top boarding school cohorts have three groups:

• Lowers: 9th and 10th graders

• Uppers: 11th and 12th graders

• PGs: High school graduates retaking 12th grade (there’s no official 13th grade designation, but “repeating” 12th grade gives students the flexibility to take classes that didn’t fit into their schedule during senior year)

Boarding schools offer flexible curricula where students in different grades can take a mix of classes; however, advanced courses have prerequisites. A typical course numbering system mirrors many college curricula, with 100-level for 9th grade, 200-level for 10th grade, etc., up to 600-level for second-year college courses.

PG students often take a mix of advanced 500- and 600-level courses and 300- or 400-level classes that interest them. While some boarding schools offer AP or IB courses, many emphasize their own challenging 500- and 600-level courses, which match AP/IB classes in rigorousness.

WHY ENROLL IN A PG PROGRAM

PG programs offer a valuable opportunity for students to grow and prepare for college.

ACADEMICS

Some students benefit from more time to strengthen their academic foundation. Maybe they were late bloomers in high school and didn’t reach their full potential. Others may need to improve grades and test scores to increase their competitiveness in the college admissions process.

SPORTS

Aspiring college athletes gain time to refine their skills, compete at a higher level, and increase their visibility to college recruiters. Improving their athletic performance can also create additional opportunities to win

scholarship aid — including a full-ride covering tuition, room, and board.

PERSONAL

Some students benefit from an extra year to develop greater independence and maturity in a supportive environment that helps them adapt to living away from home and develop essential life skills.

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

PG years can enhance college applications by enabling students to improve their academic profile and increase competitiveness while receiving personalized guidance from the boarding school’s experienced college counselors.

IS A PG YEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?

The first step in deciding whether to apply for a PG year is clearly defining your goals. Are you interested in improving your academic performance, developing your athletic abilities, or growing personally? Many students who’ve faced health issues, family disruptions, or other significant challenges also find PG years a helpful next step before heading to college.

A PG year gives you the freedom to focus on your individual goals, pursue challenging coursework — and classes of interest to you — and engage in a more deliberate college search process. The extra year of focused learning and personal development often results in greater academic success and increased satisfaction once you do begin your college journey.

The spring semester of your junior year of high school is the perfect time to explore the potential benefits of a PG year. By now, you have a clear understanding of your academic progress and can evaluate whether a PG year aligns with your future goals. Talk to parents, teachers, counselors, coaches, and even educational consultants while evaluating this option.

The biggest challenge families face with a PG year? The cost. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average annual tuition, room and board for boarding schools across the country in 2024 was $69,150. But many schools offer financial assistance, including grants and scholarships, so if you think that a “grade 13” will set you up for future success, it’s still worth exploring the PG year option.

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WHY SUMMER PROGRAMS ARE ACTUALLY PRETTY AWESOME

(And no, it’s not just about padding your college apps!)

BY JODI IRELAND

et’s be real. When summer rolls around, the last thing most high school students want to think about is more “learning.” But — stick with us — summer programs aren’t just mini-school sessions. They’re amazing opportunities to try cool stuff, meet interesting people, and maybe even help you figure out what you want to do with your life.

We all know that when May arrives, freedom is so close you can almost taste it. While catching up on sleep and binge-watching your favorite shows (or playing endless rounds of video games) deserves a spot in your summer plans, mixing in a summer program can make your break fun and productive. Think less “sitting at a desk” and more “hands-on adventures with people who share your interests.”

LEVEL UP YOUR SKILLS (WITHOUT EVEN REALIZING IT)

Remember when your parents or teachers said, “You’ll need this in the real world?” Summer programs can help you pick up those skills, but in ways that don’t feel like work.

• Learn how to speak in groups — without that nervous stomach flip.

• Figure out how to collaborate with different personalities — even that one group member who never does their share of the work.

• Become the person everyone wants on their team — leadership skills for the win!

• Master the art of thinking on your feet — problemsolving like a boss.

REAL-LIFE SURVIVAL SKILLS 101

Let’s talk about stuff schools don’t usually teach, but everyone needs to know. Develop your financial literacy and money management skills beyond knowing how to use

Venmo. Fine-tune your time management (because showing up late to everything isn’t a great life strategy). Traveling abroad or living on campus for a weeklong summer program cultivates your decision-making savviness (especially when your parents aren’t there to help) and figure out how to navigate unexpected challenges — because life just loves throwing curveballs.

BECOME A LEADER (WITHOUT BEING BOSSY)

Leadership isn’t about telling everyone what to do (like your older or younger sibling). It’s about inspiring people to work together toward a common goal. Summer programs give you tons of chances to practice leadership skills through:

• Group projects that matter — not just random presentations about random topics.

• Outdoor adventures that push your comfort zone.

• Community service that makes a real difference.

• Team challenges that require everyone’s input.

TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK

Working with others involves more than dividing tasks and assigning who does what. It’s about learning to listen to others even when you disagree — and finding common ground with people from totally different backgrounds. Summer programs help you learn self-advocacy and how to manage conflicts and support others while standing up for your own ideas.

LEVEL UP YOUR COMMUNICATIONS GAME

The ability to express yourself clearly is huge, too, whether you’re:

• Giving presentations without feeling like you’re going to pass out.

• Writing emails that actually get responses.

• Having meaningful conversations with new people.

Many summer programs help you develop the self-confidence to speak up and articulate your ideas clearly — super helpful skills for college, professional, and personal life.

PROBLEM-SOLVE LIKE A PRO

Summer programs love throwing challenges at their participants to help refine critical thinking skills, whether solving real-world problems or devising creative solutions when the obvious answer doesn’t work. You learn how to break big problems into manageable pieces and work under pressure (without freaking out). Those skills are a huge asset in the academic and professional worlds!

ADD POP TO YOUR RESUME

Let’s be honest — college applications and job hunting are competitive. Summer programs help you stand out by showing you’re:

• Proactive about learning.

• Excited about gaining real-world experience.

• Able to handle independence.

• Interested in adding specific skills that matter in your field of interest.

• Curious about the world around you.

Whether you attend a leadership workshop, participate in a language immersion program or take a finance/business course, that program’s focus adds a little spice to your resume. It demonstrates your determination to upskill and keep learning — even in the summertime.

TEST-DRIVE DIFFERENT CAREERS

Don’t know what you want to do when you grow up? You’re in good company! Summer programs let you try out different fields while meeting people who work in careers you’re curious about. You can get hands-on experience in different industries and figure out what you like — and what you don’t!

TRY INTERNSHIPS AND WORKSHOPS

Some summer programs take that hands-on experience a step or two further, offering opportunities to:

• Shadow professionals and see what their days are really like.

• Work on actual projects that mean something, not just simulations.

• Learn industry-specific skills.

• Build a portfolio of real work.

NETWORK LIKE A NATURAL

For some people, networking comes naturally, but for others? Making those connections can feel super intimidating. Summer programs introduce you to professionals in your dream roles and mentors interested in helping you succeed. You’ll connect with other students who share your interests — and you’ll start building relationships that might even lead to future opportunities.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Summer programs are what you make of them. They can be:

• A chance to discover new passions.

• An opportunity to build specific skills.

• A way to try out college life.

• A place to make new connections and friends who get you.

• An adventure that pushes you out of your comfort zone.

Remember: The best program is the one that matches your interests and goals. Don’t just pick something because it looks good on paper — choose something that genuinely excites you. After all, it’s still summer, so you should spend your time doing something fun!

Curious about starting your own company? Check out business and entrepreneurship programs. Want to hone that artistic talent? Enroll in an arts workshop. Love all things technology? Check out a STEM program.

PRO TIPS FOR CHOOSING A PROGRAM

Summer programs offer fantastic opportunities to strengthen your resume, explore a potential career, polish your existing skills, and learn new ones.

Start looking early because many popular programs fill up fast. Look at in-person and virtual programs to see what fits your schedule best.

Think about length — want to commit for a week? A month?

The whole summer?

Look at the activities and curricula to see what you’ll do.

Talk to past participants if you can; at the very least, read the reviews.

Consider the location and whether you want to stay close to home or venture further afield.

Check the costs, and if they exceed your budget, see whether the program offers financial aid.

Your summer break is precious. Make it count with experiences that are enjoyable and valuable contributions to your future.

PART II CHOOSING A COLLEGE

CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING A COLLEGE

BY STEFANIE TEDARDS

he U.S. is home to more than 5,000 colleges and universities — how does anyone narrow those choices to just one? When it comes to college admissions, picking the right college is just as important as crafting a standout application. In fact, finding the right college is key to making the most of your next four years.

Some students have thought about their dream school for ages. Others are the first in their family to apply to college. No matter your situation, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. After all, choosing a college is a big decision! Knowing what’s out there is the first step towards finding a school aligned with your values and goals.

UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENT TYPES OF COLLEGES

Each type of college has its own flavor. Everything from size and campus culture to academic programs and cost varies by school.

Colleges fall into three main funding-based categories: public, private, and for-profit. Public colleges receive state funding, whereas private colleges do not. Instead, they rely on tuition, endowments, and donations. For-profit colleges generate profits through the educational services they provide. These distinctions matter because a school’s financing will affect the quality of your education and what you’ll pay for it.

In addition to funding, colleges can also be categorized based on the types of degrees they offer. Two-year colleges award associate degrees, and four-year colleges offer bachelor’s degrees. You might encounter these common types of colleges while looking for your dream school.

• Public 4-year colleges: These state colleges and universities typically offer lower tuition than private colleges; however, tuition costs more for out-of-state students. Public colleges can vary in size from small (like the United States Merchant Marine Academy, with 947 students) to large (like Arizona State University,

with over 65,174 students). Most students graduate with a bachelor’s degree.

• Private 4-year colleges: Many of the most prestigious schools in the U.S. are private colleges. They tend to have higher tuition but also offer generous financial aid packages. Like public colleges, they vary in size and offer bachelor’s degrees.

• Community colleges: Community colleges are public in-state, lower-cost options for earning a degree. Most community colleges offer 2-year associate’s degrees, but some do offer bachelor’s degrees. Many students begin their college education at a community college before transferring to a 4-year institution. In fact, community colleges saw a 6.2% growth in freshmen enrollment in spring 2024.

• Liberal arts colleges: These colleges, which tend to be smaller, provide a liberal arts education, emphasizing a broad, well-rounded approach rather than intense specialization. As you work on your bachelor’s degree, you’ll take courses outside your major, including in the humanities and sciences.

• Research universities: Many prestigious universities, including the Ivy League schools, are research universities. These larger institutions offer a wide range of majors and degrees, including master’s and doctoral programs for graduate students.

• Vocational colleges: Unlike other colleges, vocational colleges focus on career-specific training programs. Depending on the program, students may earn either an associate’s degree or a certificate.

Colleges can also have a specific focus or serve a specific student population. Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) focus on educating Black students. Religiously affiliated colleges may integrate a particular faith into their educational mission. Women-only colleges only accept women. Certain colleges only offer degrees in specific fields, such as the arts or STEM.

As you can see, there’s a lot of variety, and no two colleges are the same. Building your own criteria gives you a clear framework for comparing colleges.

6 THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN A COLLEGE

How do you know which type of college is right for you? For starters, clarify what’s important. Think beyond name recognition — a prestigious school doesn’t necessarily guarantee it’ll be a good fit. Consider these factors as you compare colleges:

Size. A small college campus feels completely different compared to a larger one. U.S. colleges range from a few hundred undergraduate students to well over 50,000. Smaller colleges often have lower student-to-faculty ratios and more tight-knit communities; larger campuses often have more resources and more diverse student bodies.

Location. Four years is a long time to spend in one place, so pick an environment you enjoy. Deciding between urban, suburban, or rural, East Coast vs. West Coast, and in-state vs. out-of-state can help narrow your options. Think about transportation, distance from home, and housing options on- and off-campus.

Campus culture. Your peers comprise a big part of your college experience. Consider the makeup of the student body. Is it diverse? How’s the campus spirit? Extracurriculars offer a great way to get involved during your college years, so explore student groups, athletics, Greek life — whatever you’re most interested in.

Academics. Does the school have the major you want? Is there a required core curriculum? Whether you’re undecided or interested in double majoring, consider the strengths of the programs you’re interested in and how much flexibility you’ll have to take other classes of interest.

Student resources. This broad category includes everything from dorm rooms and fitness centers to tutoring and career services to research and study abroad opportunities. Remember, you’re paying for much more than your classes, so take advantage of everything your college offers.

Cost. While cost shouldn’t be a driving factor, be realistic about your budget. Evaluate a school’s cost of attendance and the types of financial aid they offer. Applying to college costs money, so get a general idea about whether a college is in your price range before sending an application.

As you fine-tune your list of priorities, decide which factors are “needs” vs. “nice to haves.” Depending on where you’re accepted, you may need to compromise to get what matters most to you.

MAXIMIZING YOUR ACCEPTANCES

Many college admissions websites use terms like “reach” or “target” when describing college types, usually in relation to building what they call a "balanced" college list. But what do those terms actually mean? To put it plainly, the entire college admissions process is a game of odds. Some colleges admit the majority of applicants, while others only admit a fraction of hopefuls. Playing the odds maximizes your total number of acceptances.

Group the schools on your list into three categories: reach, target, and safety schools.

REACH SCHOOLS are those hardto-get-into universities with a <20% acceptance rate. Always consider them as reach schools, regardless of your GPA and test scores.

BEST SCHOOLS FOR ME

TARGET SCHOOLS can have a range of acceptance rates, but your GPA and test scores should be at or above their averages. You have a good chance of acceptance from these schools.

SAFETY SCHOOLS include those with 70% or higher acceptance rates and schools where your GPA and test scores are way above average. This category usually includes in-state public schools.

A “balanced” list should have a combination of all three schools. How many schools should be on your final list? It depends on you! Some students apply to over 20 schools while others apply to just one. The sweet spot? Between 6-10 colleges, including at least one safety school you’re genuinely excited about attending and a healthy mix of target and reach schools.

HOW TO USE COLLEGE RANKINGS

BY STEFANIE TEDARDS

ach year, different publications roll out their “top schools” list, giving us an inside look into which schools are leading the pack. Some of the bestknown college rankings in the country come from U.S. News (Best National Universities), Forbes (America’s Top Colleges), and Niche (Best Colleges in America). While you’ll find many of the same colleges and universities topping these lists, each organization has its own ranking system and methodology for naming the best schools.

Although many students rely on college rankings during their college search, these rankings have drawbacks. The top-ranked schools are often highly competitive, and focusing only on these institutions might cause you to overlook other incredible, less prominently featured schools. Understanding how college rankings work and how to use them can help you make a more informed decision and ensure you’re considering a wide range of options.

WHAT ARE COLLEGE RANKINGS?

College rankings categorize schools based on a number of factors, including graduation rates, return on investment, financial support, and more. They offer a perspective on the top schools in the country and are generally updated each year. The Princeton Review, Times Higher Education, the WSJ, and other independent ranking sites also publish annual lists.

These lists don’t just feature the country’s best colleges — they often include sub-categories as well, like the best:

LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES COLLEGES BY REGION

VALUE COLLEGES COLLEGES BY MAJOR

WOMEN’S COLLEGES COLLEGES FOR STUDY ABROAD

HBCU SCHOOLS

Exploring various lists can help you find colleges aligned with your goals. For example, if you want an engineering degree, check out Niche’s Best Colleges for Engineering list or U.S. News’s list of the Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.

ARE COLLEGE RANKINGS RELIABLE?

For the most part, yes — but it depends on what you’re looking for and the methods each ranking site uses to choose its feature schools. For instance, the Forbes Top Colleges list uses alumni salary as a determining factor; U.S. News does not. Evaluative methods include quantitative metrics, like graduation and retention rates, and qualitative (or subjective) metrics, like peer rankings from presidents, provosts, and deans of admissions.

College Scorecard, Payscale, the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, and the American Association of University Professors are several sources providing data used to generate these lists. Federal data sources are generally accurate, but sites that collect self-reported data may contain inaccuracies. To learn more about data sources, you can read about how Forbes ranks America’s best colleges or how U.S. News narrows its top contenders.

While the information used to determine these rankings may be accurate, it doesn’t mean a school ranked #30 will provide a lesser education than a school ranked #5. Rankings offer a good starting point, but choosing the best-fit school requires a deeper look.

3 TIPS FOR USING COLLEGE RANKINGS

Look beyond the top 10. The same schools often earn the top spots, but there are plenty of excellent colleges further down the list. Don’t cross off schools missing from that spotlight — these gems offer great opportunities, too.

Factor in your wants. Lean into your interests and needs, and let them dictate your college search, not lists and rankings. If a school lacks the program you want, isn’t the right size, or is too far from home, don’t add it to your list.

Don’t get caught up in the numbers. Consider college rankings as one tool in your college search toolkit. Instead of hyper-focusing on a school’s ranking, visit the campus, talk to current students, and research specific programs.

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HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR COLLEGE VISIT

BY STEFANIE TEDARDS

magine yourself walking through the quad, studying in the library, and heading to your very first college class — it can be hard to picture without seeing campus for yourself. So why not schedule an in-person visit to experience a school firsthand? Taking a campus tour and chatting with current students can help you get a feel for a school’s vibe and a real sense of campus life. Whether you have a dream school in mind or are still exploring your options, in-person visits can help you decide if a school is a good fit.

In general, you can approach college visits in two ways. You could go on college visits before applying to schools to help you get a read on important factors, such as setting and size. For instance, after comparing visits to a large

university and a smaller college, you might find that one feels more comfortable than the other.

Option B? Planning your college visits after you’ve received your admissions decisions. This strategy reduces the total number of colleges you’d need to visit — instead of trying to visit a ton of schools throughout the summer and in the fall, you could visit just a handful in the spring.

College visits in the spring are just as valuable as those in the fall, so choose the timing that best fits your schedule. Whether you have just a few hours, a day, or a few days to learn all you can about a college, check out these seven tips to maximize each visit.

7

TIPS FOR COLLEGE VISITS

Do your research ahead of time. Knowing what a school offers, from specific programs to campus culture, gives you a good starting point. Make a list of specific campus spots you’d like to visit, departments or majors you want to learn more about, and any areas of student life you’d like to observe or experience while there.

Attend organized tours and information sessions. Official school-sponsored events such as tours and information sessions are a must-do. Current students typically lead campus tours and can answer your questions while giving you a more in-depth perspective on college life. See whether you can attend an academic information session specific to your area of interest. Those sessions often allow you to meet department faculty, undergrads, or grad students.

Ask questions. An in-person visit presents the perfect opportunity to get answers to your most important questions about academics, student activities, on-campus housing, and campus culture. Be sure to ask about anything that matters most to you, whether it’s about specific programs, student resources, or the overall campus experience. Maximize your chance to gather firsthand insights beyond what you read online.

Sit in on a class. What better way to experience a day in the life of a college student than by sitting in on a class? Observing a lecture or lab can give you a peek into the course content, teaching style, and student engagement level. You’ll get a feel for the academic environment and the chance to see if it matches your learning style and expectations.

Talk to current students. Your best source of intel on college life? The students! While a single student doesn’t represent an entire student body, talking to a current student gives you a unique take on the college experience. Ask about their dorm room, extracurriculars, social life, and what they love (or wish were different) about the campus.

Explore on your own. While organized activities are great, save some time for yourself. Wandering alone allows you to reflect on your impressions without feeling pressured to stay focused or ask the “right” questions during a group tour. Pay attention to your comfort levels in each environment. Explore the surrounding area, too. A sense of the local neighborhood can help you imagine off-campus life.

Document your visit. Finally, jot down your impressions! As you visit more colleges, you’ll want to remember the specifics of each school — what you liked and didn’t like and your overall impression of your visit. Take pictures and notes, record new questions for later research, and capture your feelings for each campus. Then, when it’s time to compare colleges, you’ll have plenty of references to compare.

HANDLING LOGISTICS

College visits can be really fun and exciting — but they don’t just happen on their own. Plan and prepare to ensure a smooth visit. For starters, consider your timing. The campus will feel more vibrant during the semester versus breaks. Consider the weather and climate. Of course, dress appropriately during your visit, but imagine the campus during other parts of the year — midwestern schools can get hammered by winter snowstorms, but SoCal schools feature year-round sunshine!

Check if your college’s website includes a calendar of events for prospective students and plan your visit accordingly. Tours and information sessions provide opportunities to connect with current students and faculty while offering a guided campus tour. Remember to check out public transit, if you’re using it, where to park, and other details about traveling to and from campus.

VIRTUAL COLLEGE VISITS

While in-person college visits are ideal, they’re not necessarily accessible to everyone. If you’re looking at a school in another state, a campus visit requires airfare, hotel rooms, and multiple days away from home. If college visits aren’t a possibility for you and your family, don’t worry — you can always visit virtually!

Virtual college visits bring the campus experience to your living room, allowing you to explore colleges from home. Through immersive photos and videos, you can wander the campus, check out housing options, explore different academic programs, discover extracurricular activities, and so much more. Many schools offer live and recorded Q&A sessions with current students and faculty. While all virtual visits provide a glimpse into college life, some definitely go above and beyond to deliver a truly comprehensive experience. Check out this list of 25 Virtual College Tours Worth Taking.

ATTENDING COLLEGE IN THE U.S. VS. ABROAD

BY STEFANIE TEDARDS

he U.S. is home to some of the best colleges in the world — but that doesn’t mean you can’t look elsewhere. While many students plan to study abroad for a semester or a year in college, others opt to spend all four years abroad. Why? Because going to school overseas offers an amazing opportunity to broaden your horizons and see more of the world.

Other countries’ colleges may have different teaching styles, program lengths, costs, and expectations. Programs are often more focused and less flexible, so you’ll want to be confident in your choice of major. You’ll also be navigating cultural differences and potential language barriers, which can impact your experiences in class and daily life.

Earning your degree abroad has countless benefits and makes for an exciting college experience. However, studying far from friends and family has its own challenges. Homesickness and culture shock are very real — but they’re nothing to fear. Adjusting to any new school takes time, whether 500 or 5,000 miles from the familiar.

If you’re considering attending college somewhere other than the U.S., check out these three reasons why some students enroll at a university in a different country.

CHEAPER TUITION

The U.S. has some of the highest college tuition rates globally. For instance, the average yearly tuition at a U.S. private school hovers at $37,000/year. Now let’s look at some other countries: CANADA:

$23,000/YEAR

$5,000/YEAR

A caveat! Private colleges in Australia and New Zealand cost nearly as much as those in the U.S., so cheaper tuition isn’t an across-the-board guarantee.

REAL TALK

TIME:

While students will still need to budget for additional expenses such as visas, health insurance, travel, and living accommodations, the savings in tuition alone could easily offset these other costs. Additionally, many overseas undergraduate programs take just three years to complete, so you earn your degree sooner and save time and money, too!

CULTURAL AND LANGUAGE IMMERSION

During the 2022-23 school year, 280,716 U.S. students studied abroad — a 49% increase from the previous year. Many choose this route to strengthen their language skills. While you can benefit tons from spending a semester abroad, imagine how much you could learn over a few years! Beyond improving your language fluency, you’ll learn more about local cultures, traditions, and ways of living.

If you are considering college abroad, identify the primary teaching language. If you’re not yet fully comfortable speaking and learning in that second language, confirm your program is taught in English, at least for the first year. If the idea of pursuing your degree in your nonnative language feels overwhelming or causes anxiety but you still want to attend school abroad, consider limiting your search to primarily English-speaking countries, like Canada, the UK, and Australia.

POST-GRADUATION WORK OPPORTUNITIES

If you have your heart set on one day living in another country, attending college in that country can open you up to future opportunities. Some countries offer international students post-graduate work visas, enabling graduates to remain and work in the country. Take advantage of the college’s partnerships with local companies and organizations to land an internship during school and earn valuable realworld experience. Expanding your professional and social networks overseas is excellent for building connections and increasing your chances of success in the global job market.

You should be realistic about how attending college in another country will impact your life: communication across time zones, fewer visits home during the year, and a whole lot more navigating challenges on your own. But you’ll also have the chance to explore a new culture, travel to cool countries, and take charge of your future. And who knows, expanding your college search outside of the U.S. might be the key to finding the college of your dreams.

NEED LEARNING SUPPORT?

Here's What You Need to Know When You Apply to College

BY JODI IRELAND

f you have a student who has received learning support in K-12 and plans to attend college, you should know that colleges also offer accommodations, but they differ quite a bit. We’ll break down the differences between K-12 and post-secondary learning support and suggest what to look for during your college search.

KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN K-12 AND COLLEGE LEARNING SUPPORT

In K-12, teachers take primary responsibility for adapting materials and supporting students’ learning needs. Teachers help students learn and process information — and remind students about incomplete work. In some cases, students receive modified assignments or do individual check-ins with teachers about their assignments. Teachers also structure students’ time, provide assistance in that support, update parents, and advocate for the student.

In college, however, the responsibility for learning shifts significantly to students. While experts in their fields, college instructors may not be specifically trained in education or learning differences. Instructors are responsible for being accessible to help students during office hours, but they expect students to manage their own time, take notes, synthesize material, and communicate their needs.

If students need an assignment extension or are struggling with something, they have to attend office hours. The professors, assistants, and other support staff work with students from the sidelines, and it’s up to the students to keep everyone in the loop and advocate for themselves.

The legal framework differs between K-12 and higher education. K-12 operates under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), where “student plus services equals success.” Higher education follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), where “student plus accommodation equals success.” College accommodations aim to provide equal access rather than guarantee success.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Universities provide academic and reasonable accommodations — not academic modifications or fundamental alterations. For example, extended time might be appropriate, but unlimited time could fundamentally alter an assignment’s purpose. Other examples could include:

Extended test time for students with difficulty concentrating, slow reading rates, or reading comprehension challenges.

Audio formats for students with low vision, poor visual acuity, or reading comprehension deficits.

Separate or reduced distraction testing spaces for students easily distracted by external or internal stimuli, experiencing anxiety in large groups, or managing conditions like Type 1 diabetes that require a quiet space to access medications.

A scribe for students with illegible handwriting or poor hand dexterity.

Permission to audio record lectures for students with difficulty concentrating in class, those experiencing anxiety, or those managing conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that may necessitate frequent absences.

Accommodations can address a wide range of limitations and disability impacts, and they aren’t limited to academics. Housing and dining accommodations enhance the student experience and help ensure a student’s well-being.

For example, students with conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or autism may benefit from a single-room assignment for a quieter, less socially demanding environment. A student with mobility limitations needs an accessible shower with a seat or grab bar. Other students with conditions like Crohn’s might need a semi-private or private bathroom. Students with severe dietary restrictions or allergies may need kitchen access to prepare their meals. Other dining accommodations can include meal plan exemptions or reductions.

DISCLOSING YOUR DISABILITY

You don’t need to disclose your specific diagnosis when applying to college. You can choose to self-identify or not. Unless you need an accommodation for the application itself, you can wait until after acceptance to disclose. If you write about your disability in your application essay, focus on your personal growth and learning experiences rather than just your challenges.

Your IEP and 504 plans don’t automatically transfer to the college level. Your self-identification and the documentation you provide — a previous IEP, a psychoeducational evaluation, a letter from your healthcare provider, or other relevant documents — determine your accommodations. Other information the college will ask for includes your diagnosis, specific limitations resulting from your disability, and the impact of those limitations on your academic performance. For conditions like migraines or mental health issues, you’ll need to provide information about symptoms' frequency, severity, and duration.

When you explore college options, consider whether the disability office takes a compliance-based or social justice approach, how the college organizes its services campuswide, and what additional services are available. Visit the campus and meet with disability staff to see if it’s a good fit. The universal design movement has motivated many universities to create environments that serve all their students better, with disability diversity enriching campus communities.

SERVICES OFFERED BY THE DISABILITY RESOURCE OFFICE

The Disability Resource Office (DRO) at your prospective campus will be just one piece of the puzzle. While the DRO can assess your accommodation requests and put them in place, you won’t go there for tutoring, its staff won’t communicate with your professors on your behalf, and it won’t serve as your healthcare provider.

Campuses have other offices to meet your specific needs, including learning or tutoring centers, office hours with professors, and health centers. Many colleges provide individual and group therapy services and have an on-campus pharmacy for medication management. The availability of these services varies depending on the size of the institution.

OTHER CAMPUS RESOURCES

Given the variety of services available on any given campus, explore the full range of resources beyond the DRO. Every university offers different services, and the campus size often determines the availability and depth of those services.

Many universities, for example, have learning or tutoring centers staffed with professionals trained to support students with various learning differences, such as ADHD, learning disabilities, or autism. These professionals work with students on specific learning strategies, helping them develop effective study habits, time management skills, and approaches to academic work.

In addition to learning centers, many campuses have specialized writing centers where students can receive individual assistance with writing assignments and subjectspecific tutoring (for example, dedicated help for math, physics, or foreign languages). Some campuses also offer academic coaching, which can help students build organizational skills, stay on track with deadlines, and manage their coursework more effectively.

In addition to academic support, consider your university’s health and wellness resources. Campus health centers often offer therapy and group therapy sessions, which can be an excellent way for students to connect with others facing similar challenges. Larger campuses may also have various mental health services and peer support groups that foster community and emotional resilience.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES

Many universities provide a range of tools (like Read&Write, a program that helps students read and comprehend digital content like PDFs or webpages) designed to enhance accessibility for students requiring assistive technology. Programs like these can be invaluable for students with reading difficulties or other challenges that make traditional reading methods less effective.

Also more common these days? Audiobooks or digital versions of textbooks available through the student store or the library. Students with visual impairments or other challenges related to traditional text-based learning particularly benefit from these options.

In larger institutions, assistive technology might extend to voice recognition software, captioning services, or tools designed to improve note-taking. If you require any of these tools, research their availability on your chosen campuses.

ACCESSIBILITY FOR STUDENTS WITH MOBILITY CHALLENGES

Students with disabilities such as POTS, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), or other chronic conditions that affect their mobility or ability to navigate campus should assess the campus layout and transportation options. Some campuses offer shuttles, wheelchair-accessible routes, or golf cart transportation to help students with difficulty walking long distances.

"CAMPUSES HAVE OTHER OFFICES TO MEET YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS, INCLUDING LEARNING OR TUTORING CENTERS, OFFICE HOURS WITH PROFESSORS, AND HEALTH CENTERS."

FINAL THOUGHTS

When researching a college, consider the characteristics of its disability support services and approach to student support.

• Does the college prioritize compliance or strive for a more holistic approach? Consider how the campus integrates disability services.

• Are they centralized in one office, or are services like dining, housing, and parking accommodations managed separately?

• Do you prefer a centralized system or more autonomy in accessing individual services?

Just as you consider factors like location, size, and academic programs during your college search, you should also carefully consider the disability support services each institution offers. This thorough investigation will help you pick the perfect college.

A STUDENT-ATHLETE’S GUIDE to College Admissions

BY STEFANIE TEDARDS

any high school student-athletes continue playing sports in college, but only a few compete at the collegiate level. The NCAA estimates that fewer than 10% of high school baseball, softball, basketball, football, and soccer players become NCAA student-athletes. Despite the odds, high schoolers have many reasons for wanting to compete at the college level. Some dream of going pro one day, while others hope to earn an athletic scholarship.

Whatever your motivation, applying to college as a student-athlete, from researching schools while maintaining grades — and potentially navigating recruitment — might require some extra planning.

APPLYING TO COLLEGE AS A STUDENT-ATHLETE

Student-athletes complete many of the same application steps as other students:

• Taking the SAT or ACT

• Requesting transcripts

• Submitting the FAFSA

• Writing college essays

Additionally, student-athletes must register with the NAIA or NCAA by creating a profile and submitting required documents to their Eligibility Center.

• Large-scale programs with high visibility.

• Supports over 500,000 student-athletes annually.

• Three divisions; 24 sports.

• Partner schools award $4.0 billion in athletic scholarships annually.

• Partner schools award $1.3 billion in athletic scholarships annually. NATIONAL

• Smaller-scale programs with emphasis on student-athlete experience.

• Supports over 83,000 student-athletes annually.

• One division; 19 sports.

COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (NCAA)

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS (NAIA)

THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS

College coaches recruit some athletes directly. The recruitment process for Division I can begin as early as the summer before junior year, although recruiting rules vary by division and sport. Still, it’s never too early to contact coaches of the teams you’d love to play for. Even though you may not hear back right away, you can certainly express your interest and get yourself on their radar.

Recruitment includes several steps:

• An evaluation period, where athletic programs look for potential student-athletes by reviewing highlight videos, attending showcases and tournaments, and visiting schools

• A contact period, where coaches reach out to students via email and phone calls. Coaches might also send out questionnaires or invite students to attend athletic camps.

• An offer, once coaches have narrowed down their list of top recruits.

A caveat: You might receive an unofficial verbal offer at any time. But it doesn’t become official until you sign your financial aid agreement.

So what happens if you’re recruited before you’ve submitted a college application. Do you still need to send one in? Yes, indeed! While recruitment for a varsity sport might boost your odds, it does not guarantee admission. You’ll still need to impress admissions officers at competitive colleges and universities with your academic performance. Plus, high grades and strong test scores can help you qualify for both athletic and academic scholarships.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT HIGH SCHOOL COURSES

Playing college sports requires you to complete either the NCAA or NAIA eligibility requirements and impress the admissions team at your chosen school. For example, to comply with minimum NCAA Division I academic requirements, students must complete 16 core high school classes in English, math, science, and social science and maintain a minimum 2.3 GPA.

Division I schools vary in selectiveness, and excelling academically is key to positioning yourself as a strong candidate. Ivy League Division I schools have incredibly low acceptance rates, expect high GPAs, and have a reputation for rigorous admissions criteria, for example. Larger state schools like the University of Ohio or the University of Oregon accept a higher percentage of students with a greater range of GPAs and test scores.

While earning high grades is important, challenge yourself, too. Enrolling in honors or AP courses strengthens your transcript and demonstrates your commitment to academic growth and achievement. Balancing challenging courses with your athletic commitments also shows you can handle the demanding schedule expected of a college-level student-athlete.

Outside core requirements, take classes that genuinely interest you! If your goal isn’t to become a professional athlete, don’t wait until college to explore other interests. Art history, psychology, computer science, or foreign language classes might spark new interests and help you discover potential college majors.

WHAT TO EXPECT ONCE ENROLLED

Being a student-athlete isn’t easy. Practices, extra workouts, team meetings, and competitions can demand as much time as you spend on classes and homework. Managing all of your responsibilities requires serious time management skills — you’ll need to know when to buckle down and study and when to unwind and relax with friends.

APPLICATION TIP:

NOTIFY THE COACH WHEN YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION! BUILDING A RAPPORT WITH COLLEGE COACHES SHOWS YOUR COMMITMENT TO BOTH ATHLETICS AND ACADEMICS AND CAN HELP MOVE YOUR APPLICATION ALONG.

Your athletic program’s demands will vary depending on your division and college. Expect the athletic schedule at a Division I school to be more intense than one at a Division III school. Additionally, some majors have a more demanding time commitment than others.

No matter what division you're in, choose a college you love to stay excited about your athletic and academic pursuits. Finding a balance that empowers you to thrive as a student and an athlete is key to a fulfilling, successful college experience.

PART III APPLYING TO COLLEGE

A PARENT AND STUDENT TIMELINE

for Choosing & Applying to College

BY STEFANIE TEDARDS

hen it comes to college applications, it’s no secret that starting early can help make the entire process more manageable — but how early do you actually need to start? Whether you’ve been thinking about college or not, you’ve actually been preparing for your college applications since freshman year. Every class you’ve taken, extracurricular activity you’ve joined, and challenge you’ve faced has laid the groundwork for a strong, well-rounded application.

While you can’t submit applications until the fall of your senior year, you can set yourself up for success much sooner. Here’s a timeline to help you navigate the college admissions process throughout your 9th-12th grade years.

9TH/10TH GRADE

Use the first half of high school for exploration. As you try different classes and discover new interests and passions, college may be the furthest thing from your mind. However, familiarizing yourself with the college application process can help you feel more prepared as an upperclassman.

• Research your school’s courses. Explore required, advanced, and elective classes. Talk to a guidance counselor about your four-year plan to ensure you meet all graduation requirements. Complete any prerequisites for advanced honors or AP courses in your junior or senior year.

• Do extracurriculars. Sign up for school clubs, look into volunteer opportunities, try out for sports teams, or work on a skill or hobby.

• Get to know your school counselor. Most colleges require letters of recommendation from your guidance counselor, so start building a relationship by 10th grade. Ask them about your school’s college application resources.

• Develop good study habits and keep your grades up. While you may not have much flexibility in choosing some of your classes, you can still strengthen your work ethic, improve your study habits, actively engage in class and work toward earning good grades.

• Begin researching potential colleges. Even without a

clear preference, exploring options can help you refine your choices when you're ready to apply. During your search, you might even find a fun summer program for a sneak preview of college life.

• Get involved in summer opportunities aligned with your interests. Maximize your summer breaks with programs, internships, classes, and other extracurriculars. Staying involved will make it easier to jump back into classes come fall, and you’ll have more to share in your college essays.

11TH GRADE

By junior year, start zeroing in on your goals. You probably have a good sense of your strengths and weaknesses, topics or classes that spark your curiosity, and activities you love. Double down on the foundation built in 9th and 10th grade by setting and sticking to academic and personal goals.

• Enroll in more challenging courses. Honors and AP courses look great on your transcript and can make transitioning to college-level coursework much easier. If you take any AP tests and earn a high enough grade, your college could award credit and save you some money.

• Take the PSAT, SAT, and/or ACT. The PSAT helps identify the areas or skills needing improvement as you prep for the SAT or ACT. Taking the PSAT during the fall of your junior year also qualifies you for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Take the SAT or ACT in the spring of 11th grade, so you have plenty of time to study and retest later, if necessary.

• Become a leader in your extracurriculars. Colleges seek students with demonstrated leadership experience in clubs, sports, or student groups. Taking on more responsibility fosters personal growth and strengthens your apps.

• Keep your school counselor updated on your goals and progress. Connect with your counselor periodically to keep them in the loop. Use meetings to discuss specific college goals, questions about the application process, or concerns about your grades.

• Build relationships with teachers and potential recommenders. Many students ask for letters of recommendation from their junior-year teachers. Participate in class and cultivate personal relationships with your favorite teachers — especially those teaching classes related to a potential major.

• Keep refining your college list; plan your college visits. To alleviate the stress of juggling senior year and college applications, consider planning some early college visits during the spring of 11th and the summer before 12th grade. This approach helps you avoid missing school or scheduling many visits in quick succession.

• Apply to summer opportunities related to potential college majors. Take advantage of summer break before senior year and application season begin by dedicating yourself to a research project, summer course, or other activity showcasing your interest in a particular field or subject.

• Research scholarships. Over $1 billion in scholarship and grant aid goes unclaimed annually — you’ve got many options, but you’ll have to do some legwork to find ones that work for you. Create a spreadsheet or document to track potential scholarships, noting their requirements and deadlines.

• Start thinking about your plans for early apps. Don’t wait until senior year to start your applications. Talk to seniors applying now and ask for tips. Use the spring and summer to compile your accomplishments, brainstorm and draft your personal statement, and prep for the SAT or ACT.

12TH GRADE

Things ramp up in senior year. While juggling coursework, extracurricular activities, and a social life, it’s college application time. Most deadlines fall in January, so the first semester of 12th grade can feel like a relentless sprint. Applying early decision or early action further compresses this timeline, shrinking prep time. Try to remain calm, focused, and organized.

• Stay engaged in your courses and extracurriculars. Colleges look for strong academic records and continued engagement, especially in your senior year. Keep prioritizing your grades and following through on your commitments.

• Take/retake any standardized tests if necessary. Many students take or retake the SAT or ACT in 12th grade. If you’re applying early, your last testing date falls in October; otherwise, you have until December to raise your score.

• Finalize your college list and any early application plans. Honestly assess how many applications you can realistically complete within the given deadlines. To meet early application deadlines, typically in November, finalize all application components in advance.

• Develop a checklist to manage your application materials. Start a spreadsheet, use a calendar, tape lists on your bedroom walls — do whatever you need to do to stay organized and on track to meet those submission deadlines.

• Ask for letters of recommendation. To get strong letters of recommendation, identify your preferred recommenders and approach them early in the school year so they have at least 4-6 weeks to write and upload the letter.

• Request official score reports for the SAT/ACT be sent to colleges requiring them. You must select which colleges receive your scores. The first four colleges receive the scores for free, but SAT charges $14 per additional school.

• Keep your high school counselor updated and request any relevant paperwork. Your counselor submits your transcript and, in some cases, a letter of recommendation to your chosen schools. When requesting letters of recommendation, share your list of target schools and provide relevant information highlighting your strengths.

• Continue applying for scholarships. Don’t deprioritize your scholarship search while applying to colleges. Use the summer before 12th grade — and the spring after you’ve sent your apps — to keep submitting scholarship apps, too.

• Draft, edit, and finalize your personal statement and supplemental essays. Writing essays is the most timeconsuming part of the college application process. However, the personal touch that comes from your essays differentiates a good app from a great one. Give yourself ample time to polish your essays so your final drafts are ready at least a week before your deadline. That way, you have time for one last read-through before submitting.

• Complete all financial aid forms, including the FAFSA and CSS Profile. If you’re applying for financial aid, submit your forms by each school’s financial aid deadline. Work with your parents to gather all the information; try to submit your financial aid forms when you submit your application.

Once all your application deadlines pass, you’ll have officially survived admissions season! All that’s left? Maintaining your grades and waiting for your “Congratulations on your admission” email.

COLLEGE PLANNING CALENDAR & CHECKLIST for 11th & 12th Grade

JUNIOR YEAR

FALL

• Take challenging courses and classes needed for graduation.

• Sign up for a PSAT prep course.

• Register through your school for the PSAT in October. (You can take the PSAT online.)

• Use this guide as a starting point to start searching for your perfect college.

• Check out summer programs geared toward career exploration. Not sure what career path to take? Talk to your guidance counselor and take an assessment test through your school or another organization like ASVAB’s CEP Program.

WINTER

• Continue your college research, looking at websites, “best of” lists, and student reviews. Take online campus tours.

• Create a list of colleges you’d most like to visit. Prepare questions and schedule in-person tours.

• Take free practice tests for the SAT and ACT to see which test you perform better on.

• Start researching scholarship and financial aid options.

SPRING

• Look into summer jobs, internships, summer programs, and other career-inspiring programs that can boost your resume and give you an idea of potential college majors.

• Attend college fairs hosted by your school or other local colleges. Collect information and chat with college representatives one-on-one.

• Register for the SAT/ACT and sign up for a prep course so you’re ready for the May/June exam.

• Register for and take AP/IB exams.

• Start visiting colleges on your list. Explore the campus and facilities, talk to students and professors, and create a list of what makes each school unique.

SUMMER

• Request catalogs and admissions information from your top-choice schools if you haven’t done so already.

• If you took the SAT/ACT for the first time in May/June but want to improve your scores, take a summer prep course.

• Visit additional schools on your list.

• Look at the Common App essay topics for the current year; brainstorm and outline a few essay ideas.

• Schedule an appointment with your guidance counselor or independent consultant to discuss your college plans.

• Create an organizational system to keep track of top schools, your information, and anything else related to your college search process.

• Start working on the Common Application to get a head start before senior year begins.

• If your colleges require an interview or audition, verify the specific guidelines and deadlines and sign up for your slot — note that interviews can be hard to get, so sign up early to get your first choice.

SENIOR YEAR

SEPTEMBER

• Finalize your list of reach, target, and safety schools.

• Identify which colleges accept the Common Application and which require a different application.

• Work on completing your college application(s) and essays.

• Determine whether you’ll apply early action, early decision, or regular admission.

• Ask your teachers, counselors, and employers to write your letters of recommendation.

• Register for the October SAT/ACT if you’re taking it again.

OCTOBER

• Last opportunity to take the SAT/ACT for early applications.

• Fine-tune your college essays; ask a trusted teacher or friend to proofread them.

• Continue working on your college application and submit it if you’ve chosen to apply early to a particular school.

• Submit your CSS Profile, which colleges use to award financial aid.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

• Confirm that people you’ve asked for letters of recommendation have submitted them.

• Create a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) account — and ask your parents/guardians to create an account.

• Most colleges that require auditions/interviews wrap them up in December.

• Submit completed applications and essays to the rest of the schools on your list.

• Continue researching scholarship opportunities.

• Wait for early acceptance letters/emails.

JANUARY

• Submit your FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1.

• Confirm the colleges you applied to in December received your completed application.

• Ask your guidance counselor to send your mid-year grades/ unofficial transcripts to colleges requiring them.

• Check the policies on the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests at schools you might attend.

FEBRUARY

• Submit your FAFSA if you haven’t done so already. If you submitted it but haven’t received your FAFSA Submission Summary within three business days, speak to your counselor or contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center.

• Submit your CSS/Financial Aid Profile if you haven’t done so yet (it’s usually due in February).

• Confirm that all the schools you applied to have received midyear transcripts, exam scores, financial aid information, and any other initial required documents/information.

MARCH

• If you’re taking AP/IB exams, check with your teachers or guidance counselor for recommendations on preparing.

• Continue researching potential scholarships and grants to help reduce tuition costs.

• Wait for admissions decisions from the schools you applied to — and for any additional information the schools might request.

APRIL

• Keep checking your mail and email for admissions decisions and financial aid letters.

• If you’ve been waitlisted, notify the college/university if you’re still interested; ask whether the school will accept a letter of continued interest.

• If you’ve chosen your school, send your enrollment form and deposit.

• Notify other schools of your decision so they can offer your spot to waitlisted students.

MAY

• Take AP/IB exams you registered for and indicate the school(s) that should receive your scores.

• Write thank-you notes to everyone who helped you with the college admissions process, including those who wrote personal letters of recommendation, your guidance counselor, and your teachers.

• Double-check deadlines and last-minute paperwork your school might require.

• Study for your high school final exams — keep your grades up and end the year strong.

• Plan to attend new student orientation at your college.

JUNE

• Ask your guidance counselor to send your final transcript to your new college.

• Complete any final paperwork required by the school.

• Graduate from high school!

SAT TEST DATES

February 21, 2025

April 18, 2025

May 22, 2025

TBD: Check the website

TBD: Check the website

TBD: Check the website

TBD: Check the website

TBD: Check the website

TBD: Check the website

TBD: Check the website

TBD: Check the website

March 8, 2025

May 3, 2025

June 7, 2025

August 23, 2025

September 13, 2025

October 4, 2025

November 8, 2025

December 6, 2025

March 14, 2026

May 2, 2026

June 6, 2026

ACT TEST DATES

March 14, 2025

May 7, 2025

June 20, 2025

Projected dates for 2025-2026 - check the website

August 8, 2025

September 19, 2025

November 7, 2025

January 2, 2026

March 6, 2026

May 8, 2026

June 12, 2026

April 12, 2025

June 7, 2025

July 19, 2025

September 13, 2025

October 25, 2025

December 13, 2025

February 7, 2026

April 11, 2026

June 13, 2026

July 18, 2026

ADMISSIONS JOURNEY

THE WHITAKER FAMILY

BY STEFANIE TEDARDS

In high school, Sebastian and Ashby Whitaker were ambitious, high-achieving students — but that doesn’t mean tackling college applications came easily. Like many students, they were excited by the idea of applying to top-tier schools but not sure how to make their applications stand out. Sebastian and Ashby’s mom, Dana, wanted them to have the best chance of admission to their top schools.

Instead of going it alone, they chose to work with CollegeAdvisor on Sebastian’s and then Ashby’s applications. With their advisors’ guidance and support, Sebastian and Ashby learned how to build balanced college lists and write compelling application essays that helped both land a spot at their dream schools.

BUILDING A COLLEGE LIST

Sebastian approached his advisor with a handful of dream schools: Georgetown, University of Virginia, and Notre Dame. As Sebastian began exploring other colleges and universities, he saw commonalities among the schools on his list. He realized he was most drawn to larger, high-level colleges with strong athletic departments. Knowing what attracted him helped him fine-tune his list.

On the other hand, Ashby wanted a school that aligned with her career goals and interests. She started by looking for international studies and foreign relations programs and then narrowed her list, which ultimately included schools like Johns Hopkins, Pepperdine, and, like her brother, Notre Dame.

College applications take time, so building an honest and realistic college list saves time and reduces stress. Instead of spending hours on application essays for a college that doesn’t spark excitement, follow Sebastian and Ashby’s lead. Consider every aspect, including the college’s size, location, school culture, and academic offerings, to find a school that fits you.

WRITING AUTHENTIC ESSAYS

Many students struggle to write essays for college applications, and Ashby and Sebastian were no exception. Sebastian struggled with putting his personality into words. He said his first few drafts read like resumes — informative and impersonal — and shared more about what he did than who he was. He’s not alone! Many students approach their essays not knowing how to make them engaging and personal. However, with his advisor’s help, Sebastian stuck with the writing process and each draft evolved into a more introspective, honest, and communicative essay.

When it comes to writing essays, you’ll hear this advice again and again: start early. This tip helped Ashby succeed because instead of cramming all her essays into the fall of her senior year, Ashby began brainstorming and writing in the spring of her junior year. Even without the official prompts, Ashby used this time to explore what she wanted to showcase and how to do so in her own voice. When the application windows officially opened, she didn’t have to second guess herself or her goals with her essays.

STAYING ORGANIZED AND COMMITTED

Whether you’re working with your family, an advisor, or a group of friends on your college applications, submitting those apps depends on you — your commitment, your dedication, and your willingness to dream big. As Sebastian and Ashby’s mother, Dana, said, “[Each application] is only as good as what the student puts into it and how much work they give.”

Staying ahead of college essay (and application) deadlines while keeping up with senior year commitments isn’t easy, but a little help and determination kept Sebastian and Ashby on track. Their hard work and dedication resulted in admission for both at their dream school: Notre Dame.

Want to learn more about the Whitaker family’s college journey? Scan or click the QR code to read the full story on CollegeAdvisor.com.

UNDERSTANDING U.S. COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

BY STEFANIE TEDARDS

ervous about embarking on your college admissions journey? You’re not alone — every year, countless students begin the college application process, tackling everything from application essays to financial aid forms and numerous other requirements. In the 2023-2024 cycle, over 1.4 million students applied through the Common App alone, with many more applying through other application platforms.

As an increasing number of students apply to college, and article after article focuses on the increasing difficulty of getting into college, is it time to panic? Not at all! Yes, the most selective colleges continue to report single-digit acceptance rates. However, average acceptance rates across the country are much closer to 70%.

While landing a spot at your dream school isn’t easy, it’s far from impossible. In fact, the college application process is more manageable than you might think! Your first step toward getting in? Becoming familiar with the admissions process.

ACCEPTANCE RATES

Acceptance rates reflect the number of applicants a school admits from its total applicant pool — and those rates can vary drastically from as low as 3% up to 100% of applicants. Acceptance rates vary annually, depending on the number of applications and available spaces. Rates can also vary by admissions plan. For example, while Yale’s regular acceptance rate for the class of 2028 was 2.75%, its early acceptance rate was 9.02%.

Low acceptance rates can make some schools feel totally out of reach, but don’t let that deter you from applying! Many prestigious colleges and universities have low acceptance rates simply because they attract so many applicants. Don’t obsess over a school’s acceptance rate; focus on whether the school is a good fit for you. If so, your best strategy for improving your chances is understanding how to impress the admissions team by highlighting your strengths in your application.

HOLISTIC ADMISSIONS

If you want to crack the code on college admissions, you should understand the term “holistic admissions.” The vast majority of schools in the U.S. follow a holistic approach in their application review. These schools evaluate every aspect of your application — not just grades and test scores — to determine if you’re a good fit.

Beyond your academic accomplishments, colleges want to know what makes you, well, you. They’re interested in:

• Challenges you’ve faced

• Goals you’ve set

• Your passions

• Your values

Those other “ingredients” aside, your academic history remains a critical factor that will heavily influence their decision. Looking at the average GPA and test scores of admitted students can give you an idea of how well your academic background aligns with a school’s expectations.

TYPES OF ADMISSIONS PLANS

Colleges typically divide their application process into several deadlines, which we’ve categorized into four main admission types.

• Early Decision: A binding admissions plan for students applying to their first-choice school. You can only apply to one school via ED. If accepted, you must accept your offer of admission. ED deadlines generally fall in early to mid-November.

• Early Action: A non-binding admissions plan for students who want to apply early but keep their options open. Early action allows you to apply to multiple schools early. However, restrictive early action (like ED) permits early application to only one school. Early action deadlines also fall in early to mid-November.

• Regular Decision: The most common application deadline. You can apply to as many schools as you want with no commitment to attend any school that admits you.

Regular decision deadlines typically fall in early January, although some dates may be earlier or later, depending on the school.

• Rolling Admissions: A flexible admissions process where schools review applications as they are submitted. You can apply anytime during the application window, and decisions are typically made within a few weeks of submission. Since there is no fixed deadline, these schools encourage students to apply early as spots may fill quickly.

Each admissions plan has pros and cons, so be sure to consider your personal preferences, time constraints, and your level of commitment before choosing your strategy.

APPLICATION PLATFORMS

There are different ways to submit your application. Each application platform has its own interface and unique application requirements. The most commonly used application platform is the Common Application, but it’s not the only option.

Common Application: A centralized college application that connects students with 1000+ colleges and universities. You create an account, add schools to your list, and complete a base application to send to every school on your list. You can also work on school-specific questions and essays and then submit your final applications.

Coalition Application: An application platform designed to support low-income and underrepresented students. Fewer schools accept this application, but they tend to offer generous financial aid packages and low-cost tuition.

QuestBridge Application: A unique application for highachieving, low-income students. Finalists of the National College Match program can apply to up to 15 partner schools. Selected students gain a full, four-year scholarship if admitted to their top choice school.

School-Specific Applications: Individualized applications offered by specific schools or school systems. For example, Georgetown University requires potential students to apply via the Georgetown Application. The UC system (e.g., UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego) requires potential students to submit the UC Application.

Your school choices and background will dictate which application to use.

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS STRATEGY: Deadlines & Major Declaration

BY STEFANIE TEDARDS

s you narrow down your college list, think about how different admissions plans and your decision to declare a major (or not) will affect your application experience. Both are critical components of your overall strategy. Your choices can significantly influence your chances of acceptance, so it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each.

EARLY DECISION VS. EARLY ACTION VS. REGULAR DECISION

Applying early certainly has benefits — you’ll know sooner, and you might only have to submit one application — but applying early isn’t for everyone. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each admissions plan will help you decide which makes the most sense for you.

EARLY DECISION (ED)

If your heart is set on a school, applying early decision might make sense. This strategy shows the school that it’s your first choice and you’re committed to attending if accepted.

• It is a binding agreement. ED acceptance will require you to withdraw all other applications.

• ED deadlines typically fall at the beginning or middle of November. Decisions are typically released in midDecember.

• If you choose ED, you can’t apply to other schools early, but you can apply via regular decision.

Receiving an early acceptance can help relieve stress, and many students choose ED to boost their admissions odds. However, the commitment also has its drawbacks:

• If accepted, you’ll have no flexibility to compare financial aid offers from other schools.

• You’ll have less time to prepare your application and will need to start on other applications while you wait for your decision.

• Since senior fall grades aren’t part of the application, colleges will rely on your GPA and courses from freshman through junior years.

EARLY ACTION (EA)

Early action offers a more flexible early application option. You’ll still receive your admissions decision earlier but without the pressure to commit.

• EA is non-binding, so you don’t have to accept your offer of admission.

• EA deadlines also fall in November, with admissions decisions coming out mid-December.

• There are two types of EA deadlines: early action and restrictive early action. Early action permits applications to multiple schools, but restrictive early action allows applications to just one school early.

• Whether you choose EA or REA, you can still apply to other schools via regular decision.

If admitted early action, you get all the benefits of early decision without many drawbacks. Whatever the outcome, you can apply to other schools, compare financial aid packages, and hold off on making final decisions until May 1st. However, you’re still under the pressure of an earlier deadline and will need to apply without your senior year grades.

REGULAR DECISION (RD)

The majority of college applicants apply regular decision. The main advantage? Extra time to prepare your applications. Plus, you’ll have the flexibility to take the SAT or ACT again later and the added benefit of including fall grades on your transcript.

• RD is non-binding, so if multiple colleges offer admission, you can weigh the pros and cons of each before making a decision.

• RD deadlines often fall in early January; however, some may come as early as November, and others fall later in February. Colleges release regular admissions decisions in mid-March to early April.

• RD allows unlimited applications, although many students cap their college applications at 10-12 schools.

Applying RD gives you the full flexibility to compare schools and financial aid options. The downside? A longer wait before you receive your decision and a larger pool of applicants.

MYTHS ABOUT EARLY ADMISSIONS

MYTH 1: COLLEGES ONLY HAVE ONE EARLY DECISION OR EARLY ACTION DEADLINE.

FALSE: Colleges can have multiple early deadlines. For example, the University of Chicago offers four application deadlines: EA, ED I, ED II, and RD. While these later deadlines aren’t technically “early,” ED II plans are still binding and demonstrate your commitment to attending if accepted.

MYTH 3:

IF YOU AREN’T ADMITTED EARLY, YOU AREN’T GETTING IN.

FALSE: If you apply ED/EA, you could be deferred, and your application revisited with the other RD applicants. Should you receive a deferral notice, you’ll have to wait until the spring to receive your final decision. If you’re deferred and then accepted, you don’t have to accept the admission offer.

MYTH 2: APPLYING EARLY INCREASES YOUR CHANCES OF ADMISSION.

FALSE: A higher percentage of applicants are admitted ED/EA than RD applicants. However, early application cycles also tend to draw more highly qualified applicants. You’ll be competing against other stellar students, so you need to do more to stand out.

MYTH 4:

IF YOU ARE ADMITTED EARLY, YOUR SENIOR YEAR GRADES DON’T MATTER.

FALSE: Most college acceptance letters are conditional, meaning colleges can absolutely revoke your offer of admission if there are concerns — typically if your senior-year grades drop significantly.

DECLARING A MAJOR VS. GOING UNDECIDED

Another key decision in the admissions process: declaring your major. It’s completely normal to be unsure about what you want to study — you’re definitely not alone! Fortunately, there’s an alternative: declaring yourself as “undecided.”

WHAT DOES DECLARING A MAJOR MEAN?

College applications include an “Academics” section that asks you to indicate your intended area of study. You may be asked to select a major, a major and minor, or your top two to three majors of interest. Some colleges require

you to declare a major on your application (but that doesn’t mean you’re locked in for your entire college career).

Other college applications don’t have that requirement.

• Declaring a major shows admissions your plan and may qualify you for specific scholarships and opportunities. Conversely, declaring can lead to more competitive admissions and potentially limit your flexibility to take courses outside your major once you begin your studies.

• Applying undecided allows you to explore different subject areas while fulfilling your general education requirements. Plus, admissions officers will appreciate your honesty. A caveat: you may find it harder to declare certain majors later or need to catch up on introductory and prerequisite courses you didn’t take freshman year.

IF I DECLARE MY MAJOR, AM I STUCK WITH IT?

Not at all — schools may ask for your top-choice majors, but you have the freedom to change programs once you’ve started school. Most U.S. colleges give students the flexibility to explore and change their major as needed. In fact, schools like Pomona College or Brown University admit students to the school, not a specific major. Asking you to declare a major on your application is a way to gauge your interests, not cement your commitment to a particular program.

However, if a school does admit by major, things can get a bit tricker. For instance, the UC system considers certain majors selective/high-demand/capped. Admissions can’t admit every qualified student who applies. Applying with a declared major often increases your chances of acceptance to these competitive programs, which become even more competitive after your initial enrollment.

BUILDING AN ADMISSIONS STRATEGY

When it comes to declaring a major or choosing an admissions plan, there’s no wrong answer. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of applying early and see if it fits you. If you declare “undecided,” highlight the breadth of your interests in your application. If you declare a major, reflect on how it fits into your overall story, and include relevant essays, activities, and letters of recommendation to back it up.

Ultimately, the best college admissions strategy is the one aligned with your individual needs and goals — and that leaves room for the possibilities ahead. Remember to research your preferred colleges' specific policies and deadlines thoroughly, and don't hesitate to seek guidance from your school counselor or a college admissions advisor. Good luck!

ACTIVITIES THAT HELP YOU STAND OUT ON YOUR COLLEGE APPLICATION

BY JODI IRELAND

housands of people apply to colleges and universities every year, and differentiating yourself from the other applicants can feel pretty daunting. Some kids already know their dream school or major at the beginning of high school — or even sooner — and may participate in extracurriculars and other activities to set themselves up for acceptance into a specific school or program. But it’s okay if you don’t!

Whether you started early thinking about how to beef up your college application or not, there’s no better time than the present to start. Check out our list of ideas.

PURSUE YOUR INTERESTS

If you’ve had a passion since elementary school, absolutely know your career path, and are determined to attend a top-tier institution, this section’s for you. Top colleges, including the Ivies, want students who are engaged and passionate about their fields. Taking a class or joining a club related to your interests isn’t enough. These institutions expect to see evidence of sustained, high-level commitment, which might involve conducting independent research, interning with a local organization, or advocating for a cause you care deeply about.

Some advisors suggest starting early, with high school freshmen exploring interests through introductory classes, extensive reading, and relevant club memberships. Sophomores and juniors should seek more advanced opportunities, such as internships, research projects, or leadership roles within their chosen areas.

Don’t despair if you’re on a different timeline, however. If you don’t find your core interest until you’re in 10th or 11th grade, it’s not too late to dig deep and get granular, building your understanding to showcase your knowledge when it’s time to apply. Since your interests may have evolved — and honestly, whose don’t? — highlight that evolution and growth in your application essay.

But what if you really don’t know what you’d like to do when you grow up? That’s okay, too! Colleges want to see applicants with unique backgrounds and perspectives. Plenty of other extracurriculars may align with your interests!

ACADEMIC CLUBS

Chemistry club, debate team, French club, math leagues, science fairs, or scholastic scrimmage represent a few ways to showcase your intellectual curiosity and talents. Participating in these clubs strengthens college applications and opens doors to lasting friendships, personal growth, and exciting opportunities.

Being a member of your school’s robotics team or coding club can highlight your problem-solving, teamwork, and technology skills, making you stand out in a competitive college application process. Plus, clubs provide avenues to compete for national — and even international — recognition. Some clubs offer merit-based scholarships or internships that can reduce the burden of college tuition.

ATHLETICS AND SPORTS

High school sports offer more than physical benefits; they teach life skills like teamwork, discipline, time management, and leadership. Whether you play a team sport such as soccer or basketball or an individual sport like tennis or track, participating shows you can balance academics and athletics. Colleges value students who can manage competing priorities, and excelling in sports can lead to athletic scholarships to help reduce costs. Leadership roles such as team captain demonstrate your ability to motivate others, resolve conflicts, and take initiative.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Community service allows you to give back, build character, and develop empathy, leadership, and teamwork skills (among others). Volunteering helps you connect

with like-minded individuals and deepen your understanding of your community’s needs, whether you work at a food bank, tutor students, or help with environmental efforts. The College Board said college admissions officers view community service as a key component — along with academic achievement, extracurriculars, and personal qualities — they use to evaluate applicants.

CREATIVE AND ARTISTIC PURSUITS

Use your creative talents in visual arts, music, theater, or writing to enhance your college applications. Participate in summer camps and showcases. Take other classes to help build your portfolio. Highlight your artistic pursuits on your application and send a sample (if allowed), or sign up for an audition if it’s part of the college application process.

ENTREPRENEURIAL PROJECTS

Have an idea that would make the world a better place? You don’t have to wait until you graduate from high school to start! Entrepreneurial projects are a great way to showcase your creativity, leadership, and problemsolving skills. Whether you start a small business, organize a community event, or develop a solution for a local problem, these projects demonstrate initiative and a desire to make a difference. An added bonus? If your project addresses a real-world need, you may even qualify for a scholarship!

INTERNSHIPS

Internships give you hands-on experience, allowing you to explore career interests, take on meaningful responsibilities, and hone your communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. These experiences show colleges you’re serious about your future career and committed to learning more about it.

Interning in a field related to your planned major — law, technology, medicine — demonstrates initiative and focus. Beyond new skills, you gain networking opportunities with professionals, which can lead to future job prospects or mentorships.

LEADERSHIP ROLES

High school is the perfect time to develop your leadership skills by taking on these roles in clubs, sports teams,

other student organizations, or even at your part-time job. You’ll get hands-on experience managing, organizing, taking initiative, and making decisions — necessary abilities colleges and future employers seek. Leadership roles teach you to communicate effectively, motivate others, and manage group dynamics while also learning from mentors and building confidence and a sense of accountability.

PART-TIME JOBS

Another great way to develop real-world skills, build your resume, and stand out in college applications? A parttime job. About 80% of applicants to the University of Cambridge have some work experience. You learn and develop many skills like communication, customer service, problem-solving, teamwork, and time management. You also gain exposure to real-world scenarios, learning more about different industries and professional environments.

Work experience doesn’t just help fill your bank account or expand your resume. It shapes your perspectives and expands your abilities. The maturity and personal growth you gain from navigating real-world challenges are qualities colleges appreciate. If your job is related to your major — like interning at a hospital for a future in medicine or working at a tech startup for a career in computer science — you can potentially gain an edge in the admissions process.

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS

If you love all things science and tech-related, seek out extracurricular opportunities to build on that love. From coding and robotics to science fairs and gaming, these activities show colleges you’re curious, creative, and eager to make a difference in the world. Have an idea for a new app? Several excellent programs, like MIT’s App Inventor, Glide, Thunkable, and MAD-learn, will teach and guide you through the process.

WHAT TO CHOOSE?

This list is just a small sampling of extracurriculars out there. Our advice? Choose one (or more) that speaks to you and sparks your interest. And if the club you want doesn’t exist (yet), start your own! Creating a club demonstrates many skills college admissions officers value, too, like initiative and leadership.

CREATING A HIGH SCHOOL RESUME

BY JODI IRELAND

he cool thing about high school resumes? You don’t need to stress if you have little (or no) work experience to include. You just have to think outside the box. Use it to showcase any (or all) of your:

• Academic achievements

• Extracurricular activities

• Leadership roles

• Awards

• Community service

• Work experiences

Believe it or not, it’s worth crafting a one-page resume. Looking for a part-time job after school or on weekends? Hand your resume to the potential employer.

Visiting colleges or attending college fairs? Hand out copies of your resume to the admissions representatives and counselors.

Applying to colleges? Some ask you to send a resume along with the other application materials. It can give admissions officers an overview of your achievements and your potential.

Applying for scholarships? Some scholarship committees request or recommend that applicants include a resume, which you can use to showcase the qualities you have that they’re looking for.

ESSENTIAL SECTIONS: WHAT TO INCLUDE ON YOUR RESUME

SECTION ONE: Contact info

The first (and most important) element of your resume is your contact information — your name, phone number, and email address. For privacy reasons, we don’t recommend including your street address. If you have a LinkedIn profile, portfolio, or website you created, include those URLs, too.

SECTION TWO: Objective

Think of this one- or two-sentence section as your elevator pitch. Use it to quickly share who you are and what you offer. If you’re applying to different jobs (or colleges), tweak it to highlight the skills the specific job or program wants applicants to have.

For example, if you’re applying to film school, showcase your video editing skills. If you’re applying for an entry-level marketing job, highlight your sales and project management experience.

SECTION THREE: Education

This section should include your high school’s name, expected graduation date, GPA (if above 3.0), and class rank (if applicable). Next, include AP classes and any courses you’ve taken that complement your planned major.

For example, if you’ve taken various coding language classes and plan to go into computer engineering, include them. Add classes you’ve taken at a local community college via dual enrollment. And if you’ve received awards for honor roll, sports, or other academics, include them here!

SECTION FOUR: Work Experience

Have a part-time babysitting gig or work weekends and summers at a local amusement park? Add them here. Include the employer’s name, location, how long you’ve been employed there, and your job title. Then, include a sentence or two that explains your responsibilities.

If you have little or no work experience, no worries! The next section offers a place to spotlight your community service.

SECTION FIVE: Volunteering

Whether you’ve had formal employment or not, include volunteerism on your resume. This work shows your commitment to community involvement and can earn you bonus points with colleges and universities.

List the name of the organization, your length of involvement, your role, and your responsibilities. Even if you only volunteered for a limited time, it’s still worth mentioning.

SECTION SIX: Key Skills

Call out your talents, abilities, and strengths here. If you’re a math whiz or a wordsmith, have tech skills like coding or computer building, or you’re a musical virtuoso, actor, or artist, add those things here. Include soft skills you’ve developed through working or volunteering, like collaboration and customer service. And if you’re bilingual or multilingual, add your language skills.

SECTION SEVEN: Extracurricular Activities

Play a sport? Participate in a club? Show off those extracurriculars here — especially if you’ve prioritized these activities over holding a job. List all your extracurricular clubs or teams, and highlight those in which you’ve held a leadership position, like student council vice president, captain of the softball team, or stage crew manager for drama club.

Don’t forget to include any honors you’ve received that are not school-related. For example, if you earned your Eagle Scout after years of participating in Boy Scouts of America, mention it here.

Another benefit to including this section? It boosts super-involved students who may not have the highest GPA but are well-rounded and have different skills and strengths beyond academics.

BONUS SECTION: Hobbies and Interests

While a professional resume won’t include this section (though LinkedIn has a spot), if you have other passions beyond what’s offered at your high school, include them here. For example, if you love computers and have built your own (and a few for friends and family) and plan to go into a tech career, add a note here!

FINAL TIPS AND HINTS

When you create your resume draft, consider the formatting — after all, you’re relying on this tool to effectively communicate who you are and what you have to offer.

• White space is your friend. Leave plenty of space around each section and use one-inch margins.

• Use subheadings to make it easy for readers to scan your resume. The section headings above work well.

• Contact info always comes first at the very top of your resume.

• Use 10.5 point font — too small, and it’s hard to read; too large, and the layout feels unbalanced.

• Bullet points work well for balance and white space.

Check out these example student resumes for further inspiration. »

WRITING A WINNING ESSAY WITHOUT RELYING ON AI

BY JODI IRELAND

ollege admissions officers (and professors, too, for that matter) have gotten wise to essays written using AI. The technology has certain “tells,” like specific phrasing or words it uses consistently. The overall tone of AI-written content tends to be bland and fluff-filled, lacking substance and short-changing creativity.

CORNELL’S ADMISSIONS

OFFICE IS PRETTY SPECIFIC ABOUT ITS EXPECTATIONS:

Ethical uses of generative AI include researching colleges, brainstorming essay topics, and reviewing the grammar and spelling of your completed essays. Unethical uses include (but are not limited to) using generative AI to outline, draft, or write your essays.

College admissions officers aren’t necessarily expecting completely polished, professional-sounding prose. What they want to read is an interesting look into your life — your experiences, goals, and aspirations — communicated in your unique style and voice. If AI does the writing for you, all that authenticity is lost.

Is it possible to write a solid essay without relying on AI? Absolutely. Might it require more planning, fine-tuning, and perhaps a read-through or two from others whose opinions you trust? Sure. But it should 100% come from you. That’s not to say you can’t or shouldn’t use AI at all — but think of it as a tool to help you organize your thoughts, suggest an alternative if you’re stuck on a particular sentence, and check your grammar, mechanics, and spelling. Here’s how you can start.

BRAINSTORM IDEAS, AN OUTLINE AND EXAMPLES

CALTECH’S ADMISSIONS OFFICE OFFERS THIS ADVICE TO ASPIRING STUDENTS:

If you are still wondering whether your use of AI in crafting your application is ethical, ask yourself whether it would be ethical to have a trusted adult perform the same task you are asking of ChatGPT. Would a teacher be able to review your essay for grammatical and spelling errors? Of course! Would that same teacher write a draft of an essay for you to tweak and then submit? Definitely not.

AI tools can’t replicate the human experience — specifically, your experience — during the discovery process. ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini lack the capacity for genuine, spontaneous conversation and the ability to rummage through your memories or understand the nuanced experiences and emotions that have shaped your identity.

Once you’ve chosen your prompt, start generating a list of topics you can write about. As you narrow down your ideas, create a list of examples — your experiences and what you’ve learned — to incorporate into the draft.

CREATE A HOOK

“Call me Ishmael.” “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” “Mr. and Mrs. Dursely, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much.”

A compelling hook can elevate an essay from decent to exceptional. Your essay’s hook is critical in capturing the reader’s interest — and keeping it. A strong introduction may feature a personal anecdote, vivid image, or thought-provoking observation, setting the stage for a memorable essay.

INCORPORATE PERSONAL DETAILS

College applications leave little room to expand on what makes you, well, you. Your essay offers a platform for you to showcase your personality and provide greater detail about your character, motivations, and aspirations. All this added insight enhances your application and gives admissions officers a more holistic look at your profile.

FIND YOUR VOICE

AI-generated content will never be more distinctive and as authentic as content written by a human. Yet, developing that original voice is one of the hardest challenges of writing a memorable application essay. After all, your voice helps readers understand who you are. It’s the lens through which you view the world.

• Perspective is key. Your voice shines through when you share your opinions and attitudes. It shows through the details you share and why they matter to you.

• Vivid details and imagery animate your writing. Incorporate figurative language (similes, metaphors, personification) to deliver a richer reading experience.

• Embrace vulnerability, sharing your honest thoughts and feelings. Incorporate interior monologue to reveal your inner world. Don’t shy away from sharing assessments about yourself, your relationships, and your experiences.

• Inject humor, wordplay, and irony into your writing.

• Pay attention to your writing’s flow and pacing. Experiment with sentence length, paragraph length, and punctuation to create a unique rhythm. Stumped? Try reading the lyrics of songs (or a favorite book) that speak to you — what is it about the style and the rhythm you love? Can you emulate it in your essay?

• Diction matters. Choose your words wisely, selecting those that are precise, evocative, and meaningful.

Consider their connotations and associations. Experiment with different levels of formality and dialect.

• Play around with sentence structure, varying length to create variety and emphasis. Never underestimate the power of a well-placed sentence fragment, either!

PROOFREAD AND EDIT

Here’s a tip I used to share with all my middle, high school, and college writing students: Give yourself enough time to write a draft and then put it aside to marinate for a day or more. When you return with fresh eyes, you may catch things you missed on an initial read-through — whether grammatical errors or clarification issues.

Another tip? Proofread what you’ve written by reading backward. Start with the final sentence of the final paragraph and read in reverse order, sentence by sentence. Or if that’s too granular an approach, read the paragraphs in reverse order. Why this madness? It interrupts the natural flow of “normal” reading, where our brains may substitute or unconsciously “fix” errors because, after all, you wrote the thing so clearly you know what should be there — even if it isn’t. Disrupting that natural flow will help you catch odd turns of phrase or sentences that could use a little TLC that, if you read from beginning to end in the “normal” way, your brain might say is fine.

A third tip: Read your essay aloud or — better yet — ask someone to read it aloud to you. Your ears will catch things your eyes miss.

Find yourself facing a grammatical conundrum or an unwieldy sentence you can’t seem to fix? Grammarly is fantastic for identifying grammar, mechanical, and spelling errors. A caveat: don’t just take Grammarly’s suggestions at face value. Sometimes, it’s a little off — or you have a good reason for using passive voice or incorporating a sentence fragment. If you’re struggling to fix a sentence you know doesn’t sound right but unsure how to improve it, try the Hemingway App — or toss that sentence into ChatGPT or another Gen-AI program and ask it for several alternatives.

There’s nothing wrong with using AI as a tool — but if you really want your essay to stand out from the crowd, don’t take the easy route to bland, boring content generated by a bunch of algorithms. Dig into your brain, sift through your memories and experiences, and share your personality through your writer’s voice instead.

WAITLISTED? NOW WHAT?

BY STEFANIE TEDARDS

fter months of anticipation, learning you’ve been waitlisted can feel like a huge letdown. While better than an outright rejection, the lack of clarity can create more questions than answers — how long will I be on the waitlist? What can I do to boost my chances? Is the waitlist even worth it?

If you’re waitlisted, remember that you submitted a great application. Not every potential student makes the waitlist, and being waitlisted means the school counts you among its most qualified applicants. Just because they didn’t have space to admit you immediately doesn’t mean they won’t in another few weeks or months. Let's clarify how college waitlists work and next steps.

HOW DOES THE WAITLIST WORK?

Just as college applicants don’t know whether or not a college will admit them, colleges don’t know if admitted students will enroll. To ensure they fill all available spots, colleges create waitlists — essentially a list of qualified applicants that a school lacked the space to admit but who nevertheless impressed the admissions team. As spots open, schools will begin contacting those students to offer admission. This process continues until the incoming freshman class is full.

To secure your spot, you’ll need to officially accept your position on the waitlist by submitting an online form. Accepting your position on the waitlist is not a commitment, so you don’t have to enroll if you’re admitted later. In fact, you can be waitlisted at several schools. If that happens, respond to each school individually.

WHAT ARE MY CHANCES OF GETTING OFF THE WAITLIST?

Getting off the waitlist is not common but not impossible. In general, your chances depend on the school and how many students they typically admit from it.

Some schools admit most waitlisted students, while others admit just a fraction. Because most waitlists are unranked, students have an equal chance of getting in. If you know the school ranks its waitlist, try contacting the admissions office to learn where you fall on that list.

IF I’VE BEEN WAITLISTED, SHOULD I STILL SUBMIT AN ENROLLMENT DEPOSIT TO ANOTHER SCHOOL?

There are no guarantees with college waitlists, so continue to make a plan for your future. If you are set on attending college, you must submit an enrollment deposit at a school that accepted you by the enrollment deadline — typically May 1. Because enrollment deposits are often nonrefundable, you can’t get that money back, even if the waitlisted school admits you and you choose to go there instead.

CAN I DO ANYTHING TO GET OFF THE WAITLIST?

Yes! Try writing a letter of continued interest reaffirming your desire to attend a school while providing context that might sway the admissions committee. However, not all schools accept these types of letters, so check first. For instance, Georgia Tech does not accept any additional information outside of its official Waitlist Offer Reply Form.

If you can submit a letter of continued interest, do so. Express your gratitude for the school’s continued consideration, explicitly state your interest in attending, and include any significant updates, including awards, achievements, and other relevant details. Keep the tone professional and concise, and avoid repeating details from your original application. Once sent, focus on keeping your grades up and enjoying the rest of your senior year.

MAKING YOUR FINAL DECISION

BY STEFANIE TEDARDS

ou did the research, worked tirelessly on your applications, and waited patiently for months — now, it’s decision time. Before jumping into the pros and cons of each “yes” school and stressing about which to pick, congratulate yourself! You worked hard to earn those acceptances, and you should be proud of yourself and excited about the future.

As you think about your home for the next four years, remember — you just need a little honesty, realism, and forward-thinking to narrow things down. Here are six tips to remember as you prepare to make your final college decision.

WEIGH YOUR PRIORITIES

Many things in life are not a perfect fit — so be realistic about what matters most to you. Maybe being closer to home is more important than you initially thought, or you’ve decided that a small school isn’t for you. As you reflect, consider:

• Academics and programs

• Student life and campus culture

• Clubs, organizations, and activities

• Classroom experience

• Location and surroundings

• Housing and campus facilities

VISIT (OR REVISIT) THE CAMPUSES

If you haven’t been on campus yet, schedule a visit. You can get a deeper sense of the atmosphere and campus environment and talk to students and faculty. If you visit in the spring, see whether the college hosts an accepted students day. Some schools also offer fly-in programs for eligible low-income students to give them a chance to visit campus before enrolling.

Once on campus, you might get a gut feeling — something incalculable that is hard to describe — telling you that this is (or isn’t) the place for you. Lean into this feeling if you’re stuck between two similar schools. After all the discussions, comparisons, and research, in the end, you’ll probably find that only one really feels like home.

CONSIDER THE COST

With your financial aid packages in hand, you can now make an informed decision about what you and your family can comfortably afford. The difference between a school where you need loans versus a school offering a free ride? Positively monumental. If you’re in this situation, ask yourself honestly about the ROI.

Be sure to factor in expenses like traveling home to see your family or living off-campus in an apartment. Research workstudy jobs, if you qualify, and other potential on-campus jobs, and consider how they can offset your costs.

THINK LONG-TERM

Beyond considering how college debt will affect your finances, think about how a college sets you up for future success. A strong alumni network offers significant advantages, connecting graduates with industry professionals and helping them secure internships and jobs after graduation. A college's reputation carries weight, but don’t let prestige overshadow fit.

TALK TO PEOPLE YOU TRUST

While this decision is yours to make, you don’t have to go through it alone. Discuss your options with parents, mentors, and trusted peers to help you clarify your goals and zero in on what you truly want. A caveat: It’s your path, your future, and the next four years of your life. Whatever your decision, make it with confidence.

DON’T FORGET YOUR PERSONAL VALUES

Finally, look at the college community and consider these questions:

• Do you align with a school’s mission statement and values?

• Can you see tangible examples of how they support their students?

• Is the student body diverse?

• Are there campus groups that interest you?

• Is there a sense of campus spirit and community?

Consider how a campus community can help you become the person you want to be. A school where you feel challenged, respected, and encouraged to grow and contribute could be the perfect fit.

PART IV PAYING FOR COLLEGE

ADMISSIONS JOURNEY

ERRONN BRIDGEWATER

BY STEFANIE TEDARDS

On paper, Erronn had everything he needed to craft a stellar college application — a strong academic record, impressive extracurriculars, and a determination to succeed. But as a first-generation, low-income (FGLI) student, Erronn also knew the challenges ahead. He wanted someone to guide him, cheer him on, and keep him motivated.

After researching a few online college counseling services, Erronn and his family decided to sign up with CollegeAdvisor. He was matched with a Princeton University graduate who played a key role in helping him gain acceptance to his top-choice school.

BUILDING A CANDIDATE PROFILE

Throughout high school, Erronn got involved in many extracurriculars. By graduation, his had a pretty impressive resume:

• Varsity cross country

• Black Student Union

• Student body government

• National Honor Society

• Violin

• Tutoring

• Volunteering

By junior year, Erronn had became co-captain of his cross-country team, and Khan Academy had invited him to teach an SAT boot camp. But with college applications fast approaching, he realized he needed to narrow his focus and reprioritize.

Erronn continued his 8-year passion for violin and his 4-year commitment to volunteering with his church community. He also seized an opportunity to bolster his resume and learn something new. The summer before senior year, he landed an internship at Brookhaven National Laboratory’s High School Research Program in their physics department. Despite no prior experience in physics, he called it one of the best experiences of his life — and it even helped him figure out his future major!

NAVIGATING FINANCIAL AID

Financial aid was a major factor in choosing a college. Erronn applied to QuestBridge’s National College Match program, which connects high-achieving, low-income students with partner schools like Cornell, Stanford, and Duke, among others. Although selected as a finalist, he didn’t match with any of his top-choice schools. Undeterred, Erronn worked with his advisor to strategize his next steps and focus on his application essays.

Without the QuestBridge scholarship, Erronn had to take a traditional approach to applying for financial aid — but he had guidance. He collaborated closely with his advisor and CollegeAdvisor’s financial aid team to answer all application questions and submit his documents on time. Whenever he needed help with school-specific questions or contacting a financial aid office, his advisor coached him on exactly what to say in emails or over the phone.

MAKING A FINAL DECISION

When admissions decisions arrived, Erronn was thrilled to learn he’d been accepted to several schools on his list. After weighing the pros and cons of each, he narrowed it down to NYU and Colgate University, his top picks. He took his time deciding, comparing physics programs, considering potential minors and which school would support him the best. In the end, he decided NYU was the perfect fit.

Throughout the whole process, Erronn learned about his own strengths and how to turn his goals into reality. Managing deadlines, staying organized, and tackling challenges head-on helped him build discipline — skills he applied to his applications and his academic work. His biggest piece of advice for future applicants? “Trust in the process, trust in whoever is helping you, and trust in yourself, and know you’ll get through it no matter where you go. You’ll just do great.“

Interested in hearing more about Erronn’s journey?

Scan or click the QR code to read the full story on CollegeAdvisor.com.

HOW TO PAY FOR COLLEGE

(and Not Break the Bank)

BY JODI IRELAND & STEFANIE TEDARDS

hether your parents started saving for your college education when you were a newborn or you began saving money from shoveling snow, mowing lawns, or babysitting, you and your family have many ways to tackle college expenses. It’s a good thing, too, because prices continue to rise, with average tuition and fees increasing 5.5% at private colleges and between 2.2% and 2.4% at public universities in 2024-25, according to recent data from U.S. News.

Do these soaring prices mean college is out of your budget? Not necessarily. Often, the sticker price listed on a college or university website is not what students pay. Many factors go into calculating your final cost, like your grades, annual family income, available grants the institution has to award, and much more. You can even go onto your top schools’ websites and look for their net price calculator, which will help you estimate how much tuition might cost you.

But let’s back up a few steps. If college is a few years off, you can start saving now so those price tags don’t look quite so hefty once you’re ready to make your choice.

INCREASE COLLEGE SAVINGS BEFORE GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL

1. Education savings accounts (ESA)

These accounts allow parents and family members to contribute toward your education — and you can draw on funds to pay for tuition, books, uniforms, transportation, and other costs. The most popular ESAs? Coverdell accounts and 529 plans.

A Coverdell ESA permits $2,000 in annual deposits per beneficiary until you turn 18. While the money isn’t tax deductible, the account will grow tax-free — and withdrawals for qualified education expenses are also tax-free.

A 529 plan is more flexible, with higher contribution limits: $18,000 annually or $36,000 for couples filing taxes jointly. Total contributions vary by state and range between $235,000 to $575,000 as of 2024. You can use these plans to pay for higher education expenses, including tuition, room and board, and more. Some states allow withdrawals from these plans to pay for K-12 tuition, too.

2. Take AP or IB classes (and exams)

AP and IB classes offer college-level coursework in high school. If you take the associated exams and score high enough, your chosen college may award you credit and exempt you from having to take a similar class. The test fee (around $125) is significantly less than the cost of a threecredit course, and it frees your schedule to take other classes instead.

3. Consider dual enrollment while in high school

If your high school offers this program, you can earn college credits at your local community or four-year college at a much lower cost than taking those same classes once you’re a full-time college student. Essentially, you’re

“pre-paying” for part of your degree while still in high school. Some states provide funding to support these programs, so you may not have to pay anything at all! By earning credits early, you can potentially reduce the number of semesters you need to earn your degree, graduate sooner, and save on tuition.

4. Student aid index calculated by FAFSA

The Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) is an application you and your parents complete to determine your need-based and non-need-based federal student aid. Non-need-based aid includes Parent PLUS and unsubsidized student loans. Needbased aid includes Pell grants, subsidized student loans, and work-study. FAFSA makes its determination based on parent and student income and assets.

Pro tip: Pay attention to timing. Colleges calculate financial aid awards based on the “prior-prior year” — in other words, your parents’ tax return from the year you were a high school sophomore (or firstsemester junior). Your parents should meet with a financial planner when you start high school (or even earlier) to organize their financial life because if they’re not careful, it can artificially inflate their expected family contribution (EFC).

5. Scholarships and grants

You may think you have to wait until you’ve been accepted to college before you begin applying for scholarships, but many organizations award scholarships to high school — and even middle school — students. The awards are banked until you graduate and need the funds. If you have a little downtime during your summer breaks, check out available scholarships and grants you can apply for once you know what college you’re attending. And there are hundreds and hundreds available. In fact, over $2,100,000 in grant and scholarship money goes unclaimed every single year.

6. Get a part-time job

The average hourly salary for high school students working part-time climbed to just over $17/hr in 2024. That’s not too shabby! The U.S. Department of Labor divides working papers into two age categories: blue for 14 and 15-year-olds and green for 16- and 17-year-olds still in school.

Pro tip: If you’re in high school and pay for some of

your expenses, like a car or car insurance, clothing, or extracurriculars, create a budget. It’ll help you track how much you earn, where you spend, and where you can save a little more.

7. Ask for cash gifts and save up

Whether you work part-time, receive money for holiday or birthday gifts, or earn an allowance or a few bucks doing extra chores around the house, earmark a portion of that income for savings. Parents, you can encourage more savings by matching your child’s deposits dollar-for-dollar.

If you’re heading to college in the next few years, talk to your parents about getting everyone’s finances in order. By taking proactive steps now, like exploring scholarships and grants, understanding financial aid options, and building good credit, you can ease the financial burden of a college education.

EARN MONEY WHILE EARNING YOUR DEGREE

For many students, particularly those from low-income families, earning a college degree comes at a steep cost. Beyond tuition and housing, students need money for textbooks, clothes, food, and their social lives. As a result, many students split their time between academics, extracurriculars, and part-time jobs.

According to the Department of Labor Statistics, about 44% of students at 4-year colleges work while they study, whether a few hours on the weekends or several shifts spaced throughout the week. Managing a job and classes may feel intimidating, but it’s also a great way to get real-world experience, gain independence, improve your work ethic, and prepare for your first professional role after graduation.

8. Work-study jobs

Over 400,000 students are part of the federal workstudy program, which provides part-time jobs to students with demonstrated financial need. Typically, it’s awarded as part of your financial aid package; however, you’ll still need to find and apply for a position once school starts. Once you’ve found a work-study job, the school pays you directly.

Work-study jobs are generally on-campus and flexible, making it easy to fit into your schedule. You might work just one or two hours between classes or have a few longer shifts throughout the week. Positions can include administrative assistant, tutor, researcher, or laboratory

aide roles. While you might find a job within your department that relates to your major, there’s no guarantee.

Most schools have a student job board advertising available jobs. Some are open to all students — others only hire students with a federal work-study allotment. Salary and hours will depend on your job.

9. Part-time jobs

If you don’t qualify for work-study, you’ll find plenty of other part-time jobs on and off campus. You can try working at campus facilities, like the gym or the library, or giving guided tours to prospective students. Plenty of students find work in local businesses, including coffee shops, restaurants, and clothing stores. You can also babysit, look for freelance work online, or turn one of your skills into a part-time gig.

If you decide to work off campus, look for a job with flexible hours. For instance, some restaurants may only need help on Fridays and Saturdays, but do you really want to sacrifice all of your weekends? Keep your search close to campus to avoid spending hours commuting on the train or in the car.

10. Thinking outside the box

Looking for other ways to earn money in college?

Consider a research grant. Many colleges will fund students interested in independent research projects. For example, Northwestern University offers a $4,000 Summer Undergraduate Research Grant that can cover your housing and research-related expenses. Programs like this offer a great way to earn (and save) money for the upcoming school year.

You can also find one-off opportunities to make cash, including donating plasma, participating in research studies, or completing online surveys. You can usually get on an email list for updates on future research projects seeking participants.

PRIORITIZE A WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Working during college means you’ll have two jobs: your part-time job and full-time courses. Balancing all your commitments requires maximizing your productivity and cultivating time management skills. To avoid burnout, prioritize your homework, be realistic about your hours, and give yourself time to rest and recharge. It might take some trial and error, but with the right approach, you'll find a rhythm that works.

FIRST GENERATION LOWER INCOME (FGLI)

COLLEGE STUDENT? START HERE

BY JODI IRELAND

tarting college preparations — from figuring out applications and financial aid to navigating freshman orientation — is exciting, but it can quickly become daunting for any student and their family. And first-generation college students often face extra challenges.

You’re considered a first-generation college student if neither of your parents completed a four-year degree. Congrats on breaking new ground for your family! Here are some of the challenges you may encounter.

• Less guidance, since you may not have family members to give you advice or share their experiences.

• Financial hurdles, since many first-generation students come from families with limited financial resources, creating barriers to affording college, covering living expenses, and managing student loans.

• Balancing responsibilities, since a good percentage of first-generation students juggle school with family responsibilities like caring for younger siblings.

The good news? You’re not alone! Many students are the first in their families to attend college. Here are some recommendations and suggestions to help you navigate this transition.

WHAT DOES “FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT” REALLY MEAN?

Think of college as a family tradition. If your parents earned a four-year degree, like a bachelor’s, you’re part of a “continuing generation” in college. Your family has experienced higher education in the past.

But if neither parent has finished a four-year degree? That makes you a first-generation college student — you’re the first person in your family to make this journey. Now, this definition is a bit more complicated, depending on the following scenarios.

If your parents earned a degree outside the U.S., you might still be considered first-generation. Even if your grandparents, aunts, or cousins attended college, your status doesn’t automatically change. If your parents attended community college and earned an associate (two-year) degree but not a four-year degree, you’re still considered first-generation.

Why do these factors matter? Because understanding your status as a first-generation student can help you find resources and support designed specifically for you. Many colleges have programs and services to help firstgeneration students succeed.

Remember — your journey is unique, and your family’s educational background is just one part of the story.

RESOURCES FOR FIRST-GEN COLLEGE STUDENTS

Starting college is a significant milestone, and firstgeneration students may feel quite alone and overwhelmed. Some experience “imposter syndrome,” feeling like they don’t belong or deserve to attend college. Remember: you’ve earned your place, and it’s okay to seek support from your family, teachers, friends, and college resources.

LOOK FOR PROGRAMS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS

It’s never too early to start prepping for college. Begin by meeting with your high school’s academic advisor or guidance counselor. They’ll help you stay on track for graduation and answer your questions about the college application process.

Many organizations offer valuable resources, too. For example, America Needs You (ANY) has fellowship programs supporting low-income, first-generation college students. These programs help students thrive in college

and prepare for the job market. ANY also offers a free program called FirstGenU that offers guidance on career planning, interviewing skills, and workplace adjustment.

CHOOSE YOUR COLLEGE PATH

You have dozens of options, like a traditional university where you live on campus and completely immerse yourself in the college experience. Or perhaps you’d prefer an online college, which offers more flexibility for students balancing work, family, or other responsibilities.

Studies have shown that first-generation students enroll in less selective colleges at higher rates than non-firstgen students. But many more highly selective, top-tier colleges have implemented significant resources to help first-generation students thrive.

COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY:

The university offers firstgeneration scholarships to help its 25%+ first-generation students thrive.

DUKE UNIVERSITY:

10% of the university students are first-generation and have access to DukeLife, a program offering holistic support for all FGLI students.

HARVARD UNIVERSITY:

Over 15% of its students are firstgeneration college students, and the college has a first-generation program to help students apply.

TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY:

The university has a transition and mentorship program specific to first-generation college students.

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI:

The university’s “Gen-1” program is the country’s first livinglearning community specifically designed for first-generation college students.

YALE UNIVERSITY:

To support and empower first-generation students, the university created the FGLI Community Initiative.

RICE UNIVERSITY:

The support for FGLI students includes a range of programs and services from new family orientation and FLI Ambassadors to the Access and Opportunity Portal, the Pantry, and FLI Network Supporters.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your needs and goals. To help you find the right fit, check out the “I’m First!” website. This organization partners with colleges that specifically support first-generation students. Its website provides information on programs for low-income learners, college statistics, and application details.

EXPLORE THE LEDA SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA) recruits 11th graders each year to form a cohort of 100 students who have the potential to become leaders but lack the support and exposure to attend highly selective colleges.

This program offers leadership development training, academic support through writing workshops and test preparation, and personalized guidance throughout the college application and admissions process. LEDA continues to support college graduates with ongoing mentorship, career counseling, and postgraduate planning assistance.

Here’s more information on the three-part application process, which you can start when the application opens in September.

EXPLORE SCHOLARSHIPS

There are dozens of scholarships available for FGLI students. Here are just a few to consider researching when you’re a high school senior.

• Ron Brown Scholars Program awards $40,000 scholarships.

• KPMG Future Leaders Program awards $10,000 scholarships/year for four years.

• National Horatio Alger Scholarship awards scholarships to students pursuing a bachelor’s and associate’s degrees, certificate program, or post-graduate degree.

• Coca-Cola Scholarship awards annual scholarships worth over $3.5 million.

• Jackie Kent Cooke Scholarship awards full-ride scholarships (tuition, room and board).

• Gates Millennium Scholarship awards full-ride scholarships (tuition, room and board).

As Michelle Obama, a first-generation college student, said,

NO MATTER WHERE YOU COME FROM, OR HOW MUCH MONEY YOUR FAMILY HAS, I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT YOU CAN SUCCEED IN COLLEGE, AND GET YOUR DEGREE, AND THEN GO ON TO BUILD AN INCREDIBLE LIFE FOR YOURSELF. THAT’S BEEN MY LIFE STORY AND MY HUSBAND’S AS WELL.

FAFSA AND THE CSS PROFILE

Everything You Need to Know

BY STEFANIE TEDARDS

pplying for financial aid is a crucial part of the college admissions process. Countless U.S. students wouldn't be able to afford a college education without scholarships, grants, and loans. Eligibility for these opportunities requires submitting two key financial aid applications: the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.

WHAT IS THE FAFSA?

Families use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for government-sponsored aid. Nearly all U.S. colleges require or recommend that students complete the FAFSA.

Once you and your guardians create and link your accounts, you can complete the FAFSA application, which requires you to submit financial documents — tax forms, income, assets, and other information. The U.S. Department of Education reviews this information to determine your eligibility for grants, work-study, and loans.

The FAFSA application asks you to list the colleges you are applying to. Once your FAFSA application has been processed, each college on your list receives a summary of the information you and your parents shared. But don’t worry, you don’t need to finalize your list before submitting your FAFSA. In fact, you can add or remove colleges from your FAFSA list, even after submitting it.

WHAT IS THE CSS PROFILE?

The College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile) is a financial aid application offered by the College Board, the same organization that administers the SAT. The CSS Profile determines a student’s eligibility for institutional aid — grants, scholarships, and loans offered by colleges and scholarship organizations. The CSS Profile is free to submit for families earning up to $100,000. If you don’t qualify for a free application, the application fee costs $25.

Over 200 schools require the CSS Profile. Before applying, verify whether the schools on your list require it. Some participating schools will also require you to submit your financial documents via the Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC). You will receive information from the College Board about accessing IDOC after submitting your CSS Profile.

DO I REALLY NEED TO SUBMIT BOTH APPLICATIONS?

If a college requires both applications, yes — you’ll need to submit both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile. Failure to do so may prevent you from receiving any financial aid from that school. This oversight won’t affect your admissions decision, but you won’t receive any money if you’re accepted and choose to attend.

FINANCIAL AID FAQS

In general, because CSS Profile requests more particulars and information regarding you and your family’s finances, it’s more in-depth than FAFSA. While the CSS Profile can take longer to complete, a more comprehensive look into your finances can help you qualify for more aid — and perhaps guide your decision on which college to choose.

What type of aid am I eligible for?

The FAFSA qualifies you for federal government aid:

• Grants

• Federal loans

• Work-study

When does the application typically open?

When is the deadline to submit?

Is the application free?

Where do I access the application?

Do my parents need to create their own account?

What documents do I need to complete the application?

Do I have to finish my application once I’ve started it?

I made a mistake — can I edit my application after submitting it?

The CSS Profile qualifies you for non-federal institutional aid:

• Grants

• Scholarships

• School-backed loans

Both open on or about October 1, although this date can vary.

Financial aid deadlines vary by school and admissions plan:

• Early decision/early action deadlines typically fall between October and December.

• Regular decision deadlines typically fall between February and April.

Yes, the FAFSA is free to all applicants.

You can log into the FAFSA online at studentaid.gov. To access your account, you must verify your identity and create an FSA ID.

Yes — Parents must create a FAFSA account, separate from their child’s. Your child will then log in to their account and invite you to join their application.

• Most recent federal tax returns

• Records of child support

• The current balance of cash, savings, and checking accounts

• Records of net worth of investments, businesses, and farms

• Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)

• Records of untaxed income (if applicable)

The CSS Profile is free for certain students. View fee waiver eligibility requirements here.

You can log into the CSS Profile online at cssprofile.collegeboard.org. If you already have a College Board account, you can use the same username and password.

No — Custodial parents do not need to create a separate account. However, non-custodial parents may need to create an account and complete their own CSS Profile.

• Most recent federal tax returns

• W-2 forms

• Records of current-year income

• Records of untaxed income and benefits

• Records of assets

• Bank statements

No, you can save your application and return to it later.

TIPS FOR COMPLETING YOUR FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS

Applying for financial aid can be tricky. Here are a few tips to remember.

• Do your research. These applications might feel intimidating if you and your family are filling them out for the first time. However, there are tons of great online resources, including this CSS Profile tutorial and this guide to Filling Out the FAFSA. Review these resources ahead of time to feel more prepared when you’re ready to apply.

• Talk to your parents about the financial aid process. Ideally, your parents should help you compile the information you need for the FAFSA and CSS Profile. However, more complicated situations need extra support. A knowledgeable expert like those at CollegeAdvisor can help guide you through the process.

• Work on your applications concurrently. The FAFSA and CSS Profile ask for some of the same information — so why not make the most of your time and tackle both at once? You can gather a list of each form’s requirements — like past years’ taxes — to have handy. This strategy can help you stay organized, reduce stress, and keep you on track to meet your deadlines.

• Review your applications before submitting. Verify the accuracy and completeness of the information you provided. Leaving blank answers or misentering information could result in delays or less aid than you qualify to receive. Ensure you and your parents provide all required signatures — your applications won’t be processed without them.

Yes, you can update your information and submit corrections to your application after submitting.

• Submit your applications early. To maximize your financial aid package, submit your applications early. Waiting until the deadline can reduce the amount of available aid because the pot of money isn’t limitless. Submitting your FAFSA and CSS Profile sooner improves your chances of receiving the financial assistance you hope for.

6 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT STUDENT LOANS

BY STEFANIE TEDARDS

ountless students rely on loans to help finance their college educations. According to the Pew Research Center, 25% of U.S. adults under 40 have student loan debt, contributing to a nationwide student loan debt of over $1.6 trillion.

While enabling educational opportunities, student loans can impose a substantial financial burden. These loans provide immediate financial relief for tuition and college expenses but often lead to long-term challenges in managing debt. Before you borrow, here’s what you should know.

THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF STUDENT LOANS.

Not all student loans are created equal; some have more favorable terms than others. Understanding different loan types can help you make informed decisions that protect your future financial well-being.

FEDERAL VS. PRIVATE

Loans are federal or private. The U.S. government offers federal loans with a fixed interest rate — the rate doesn’t change during the life of your loan. Qualifying for a federal loan requires submitting the FAFSA. The government evaluates your family’s finances to calculate your eligibility for federal loans.

Private lenders like banks and credit unions offer private loans. Income and credit scores determine their interest rates, which may be fixed or variable. Private loans tend to have higher interest rates; qualifying may require a parent co-signature.

SUBSIDIZED VS. UNSUBSIDIZED

Federal student loans are subsidized or unsubsidized. The difference? When interest starts accruing.

Subsidized loans don’t charge interest while you’re still in school. The government covers interest payments while you’re a student and six months post-graduation. Unsubsidized loans start accruing interest when you receive your first loan payment. Interest accumulates while you’re in college, increasing the total repayment amount.

Let’s say you borrow $8,000 with a 4.99% fixed interest rate for an undergraduate degree.

PARENT PLUS LOANS

A PLUS loan is a federal loan specifically for parents choosing to borrow. These federal loans have a fixed interest rate but aren’t subsidized; borrowers repay all accrued interest. To apply, parents must create their own FSA ID and complete a credit check.

INTEREST RATES DETERMINE YOUR TOTAL LOAN COST.

When calculating how much to borrow, know your loan’s interest rate, which directly impacts what you’ll pay over the life of your loan, and these key terms.

• Principal: Initial dollar amount borrowed

• Interest: Additional dollar amount owed

• Interest Rate: Percentage of principal charged as interest

• Interest Rate Factor: Interest rate divided by the number of days in the year

• Outstanding Balance: Dollar amount left to repay

FIXED VS. VARIABLE INTEREST RATES

Your loan will have a fixed or variable interest rate. Fixed interest rates never change. The current fixed interest rates for 2024-2025 are 6.53% for undergraduate student loans and 9.08% for parent PLUS loans. Variable interest rates can change yearly and may be higher or lower than the fixed federal rates.

SIMPLE VS. COMPOUND INTEREST

Simple interest is calculated based on the original amount of your loan. Multiply Outstanding Principle Balance x Interest Rate Factor x Number of Days Since Last Payment.

For example, if you borrow $20,000 at 5% interest:

DAILY INTEREST:

$20,000 × (5% / 365) = $2.72 per day

MONTHLY INTEREST (30 DAYS):

$2.72 × 30 = $81.60

Compound interest is calculated based on the original amount of your loan plus any accrued interest. Interest — and the total outstanding balance — grow exponentially over time.

For the same $20,000 loan at 5% interest:

DAY 1:

Interest = $20,000 × (5% / 365) = $2.72.

New balance = $20,000 + $2.72 = $20,002.72

DAY 2:

Interest = $20,002.72 × (5% / 365) = $2.72.

New balance = $20,002.72 + $2.72 = $20,005.44

MONTHLY INTEREST (30 DAYS):

Total interest = $83.50

While a few dollars may not seem like much, it adds up over 20 years.

YOU HAVE MULTIPLE REPAYMENT PLAN OPTIONS.

The terms of your loan include different repayment options. Private loan choices can vary. Federal loans offer a variety of repayment plans.

• Fixed Payment: Standard, Graduated, and Extended Repayment Plans

• Income-Driven: Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE), Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Income-Based, and IncomeContingent Repayment Plan

Your repayment plan determines your monthly payments. Like a car loan or mortgage, fixed payment plans have a set number of months for repayment. However, depending on your salary, these monthly payments may not be realistic. Income-driven plans determine your monthly payments based on income after taxes and essential costs.

If you’re struggling, you can apply for deferment or forbearance — a temporary pause on your payments. Your loans may still accrue interest. You may be eligible to consolidate federal loans into one lower monthly payment with a Direct Consolidation Loan. A caveat: consolidation can affect your eligibility for certain loan forgiveness programs.

LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAMS CAN HELP ELIMINATE YOUR DEBT.

Your federal student loans may be forgiven, canceled, or discharged, eliminating your responsibility for paying back any outstanding loan balance.

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PLSF) applies to individuals employed by the government or non-profits who have made 120 monthly payments.

• Teacher Loan Forgiveness program helps qualified teachers who have worked five straight years at a low-income school.

• Income-driven repayment plans may forgive any remaining balance if your loans aren’t paid off by the end of the repayment period (20-25 years).

MISSING PAYMENTS HAS SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES.

Missing loan payments can lead to delinquency and/or default, negatively affecting your credit score. You lose options for deferment, forbearance, and repayment, and the lender may withhold wages and tax refunds. Understanding repayment status helps keep you on track.

BORROWING WISELY IS KEY TO AVOIDING EXCESSIVE DEBT.

Before borrowing, carefully review your loan’s terms, including its interest rate and repayment options. Think long-term, including how your career choices will impact your ability to make payments. If you’re currently applying to colleges, maximize other aid before borrowing. Scholarships don’t require repayment. Submit your FAFSA and CSS Profile to qualify for institutional grants, federal loans, and other aid.

Don't Let Cost Hold You Back:

EXPLORE SCHOLARSHIP OPTIONS

BY STEFANIE TEDARDS

cholarships are one of the best ways to finance your college education. Unlike loans, this debtfree option doesn’t require repayment. Scholarships generally fall into two categories: need- and merit-based.

Need-based scholarships are awarded based on your family’s financial need, often calculated based on the information you provide on financial aid forms such as the FAFSA and the CSS Profile. Merit-based scholarships are based on academic or other achievements and may or may not be need-based.

Individual colleges and organizations like the CocaCola Scholars Foundation and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation award scholarships. Many colleges automatically consider applicants for their institutional scholarships. External scholarships, on the other hand, usually require a separate application. These scholarships have specific requirements. Some are targeted toward specific demographics or students from particular backgrounds. Some have great flexibility, allowing you to use the funds at any school, while others have strict limits.

External scholarships range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. These scholarships might be good for one year, whereas others may invite you to renew over the course of your studies. Applications might include a quick and easy form, while others require a scholarship application essay.

Feeling a little overwhelmed? No worries! Let’s review a few common types of scholarships and examples of each.

FIELD-SPECIFIC SCHOLARSHIPS

If you already know what you want to study in college, look for scholarships specifically for your major. Many organizations offer scholarships promoting the study of a specific field.

• AIAA Lockheed Martin Marillyn Hewson Scholarship: Offers one $10,000 scholarship to a female high school student interested in aerospace and pursuing a degree in engineering or another related field.

Academic scholarships are the most common type of merit scholarship and are based primarily on academic record, although some may have additional requirements.

• Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship: Offers $20,000 scholarships each year to 120 outstanding students with demonstrated achievements in leadership, academics, and service.

• National Merit Scholarship Program: Offers $2,500 scholarships to finalists entering the competition by taking the PSAT/NMSQT.

• Paul Tsongas Scholarship: Offers scholarships of varying amounts to in-state students with a minimum of 3.75 GPA and 1200 SAT score and planning to attend Massachusetts state universities.

• Cameron Impact Scholarship: Offers a four-year, fulltuition scholarship to students with a minimum 3.7 GPA and demonstrated excellence in leadership and service.

ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS

While not all high school student-athletes will win D1 athletic scholarships, many can qualify for smaller athletic scholarships.

• Zack Zolin Scholarship Foundation: Offers $500$2,000 scholarships to collegiate student-athletes.

• Varsity Athletics Scholarship of the Pride Foundation: Offers scholarships of varying amounts to LGBTQ+ students playing collegiate varsity-level sports in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington.

• MHSAA Scholar-Athlete Scholarship: Offers $2,000 scholarships to student leaders who have earned a varsity letter in a Michigan High School Athletic Associationsponsored sport.

• BBB Ethical Athlete Scholarship: Offers $1,000$2,500 scholarships to students who have participated in AIA-sanctioned sports and displayed ethical and positive behavior.

• Doris Gregory Memorial Scholarship: Offers $1,000 scholarships to residents of New Mexico planning to pursue a degree in journalism or another related field at an in-state college or university.

• CBC Spouses Performing and Visual Arts Scholarship: Offers $5,000 scholarships to Black students pursuing a visual arts degree.

• Dr. Aura-Lee A. and James Hobbs Pittenger American History Scholarship: Offers one $2,000 scholarship that can be renewed annually over four years to a student pursuing a degree in American History/Government.

DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS

Diversity scholarships target students of a specific ethnicity, gender, background, or other identity. Some are general and apply to students studying various topics, whereas others are field-specific or even school-specific.

• Hispanic Scholarship Fund: Offers scholarships between $500 - $5,000 to Hispanic students.

• USPAACC College Scholarship: Offers scholarships between $3,000 - $5,000 to APIDA students (East, South, Southeast Asian, or Pacific Island heritage).

• Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship: Offers a scholarship of up to $35,000 to minority students attending a JRF-approved four-year college or university.

• MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship: Offers scholarships between $1,000 - $6,000 to female international/DACA students pursuing a STEM degree.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT SCHOLARSHIPS

Many scholarships recognize students actively working to better their communities. Some community involvement scholarships may have a specific focus, while others may be location-specific.

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS

• Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes: Offers $10,000 scholarships to students involved in an inspiring service project.

• Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards: Offers $36,000 scholarships to Jewish students leading a project or initiative benefitting the Jewish or general community.

• BAFTX Community Service Award: Offers $5,000 scholarships to low-income students in Texas or the UK who have led a community service project.

• Youthlinc Utah Young Humanitarian Award: Offers scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $7,500 to high school students in Utah who have performed outstanding humanitarian service.

PROJECT

Some scholarships are awarded based on an original work, like an essay, research project, or another type of creation.

• U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize: Offers a $10,000 scholarship to a student who has completed an outstanding water-related research project.

• Doodle for Google: Offers a $55,000 scholarship to a student who crafts an original doodle, along with five $5,000 scholarships offered to national finalists.

• Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest: Offers $8,000 scholarships each quarter to students who submit a written or video essay about an individual who has inspired them.

• Davidson Fellows Scholarship: Offers scholarships ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 to students who have created an exceptionally meaningful or significant work.

These scholarships are dedicated to providing financial support to local students. Applications can be state- or county-specific, and many require students to attend college in-state.

• Henry O. Peabody Scholarship Program: Offers renewable scholarships between $1,000 - $5,000 to women in Norfolk County, Massachusetts.

• Roy F. and Joann Cole Mitte Foundation Scholarship Program: Offers renewable scholarships of $10,000 to four-year institutions and $5,000 to two-year institutions to Region 13 Texas residents.

• Gary S. Wilmer/RAMI Music Scholarship: Offers scholarships of varying amounts to residents of Boone, Ogle, or Winnebago counties in Illinois pursuing a music degree.

• PG&E Better Together STEM Scholarships: Offers scholarships between $2,500 - $10,000 to California residents (and customers) pursuing a STEM degree in-state.

National scholarships are available to students all over the country. Eligibility varies by scholarship, though most are offered to students with strong academic records.

• QuestBridge National College Match: Offers full four-year scholarships to high-achieving, low-income students who are matched with a participating college or university.

• Burger King Scholars Program: Offers scholarships between $1,000 - $60,000 to low-income students based on their financial need and achievements in academics, service, and extracurriculars.

• Equitable Excellence Scholarship: Offers $5,000 scholarships that can be renewed annually over four years to students who have been a force for good in their community.

• Hilton Cares Scholarship Program: Offers scholarships of up to $5,000 to students interested in hospitality and other fields.

WHERE TO LOOK FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

This list is just a small sample of the thousands of available scholarships representing more than $1 billion in financial aid annually. The best part? Finding scholarships isn’t as difficult as you might think. Here are a few online resources to help kickstart your scholarship search.

• College Board’s Scholarship Search database includes thousands of scholarship opportunities.

• Going Merry can help you find everything from state-specific scholarships to national scholarships.

• Scholarship America administers scholarships from hundreds of organizations nationwide.

• For more targeted opportunities, check out CollegeAdvisor’s list of 42 scholarships for high school juniors and TeenLife’s list of scholarships for Hispanic students and the performing & visual arts.

LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS

NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS