Lesson 1: Get Organized
Pro tip: Stay on track! Download the worksheet to explore which colleges are a great fit for you!
Lesson 2: Plan Your Tests
Pro tip: Plan ahead! Download the worksheet to create your own personal testing plan!
Free Lesson 2 Resources
- ACT vs. SAT Diagnostic
- ACT Prep from ACT Academy
- SAT Prep from Khan Academy
- Prep Smarter: How to Make the Most of SAT/ACT Preparation
- New Research on Admissions Testing and Test Preparation
- Test-Optional/Test Flexible Colleges List
Lesson 3: College Research
Pro tip: Focus on the data points that matter in the admissions process!
Free Lesson 3 Resources
- College Navigator
- College Scorecard
- College Greenlight
Lesson 4: Build Your List
Pro tip: "Likely" colleges that you love (and can afford) are critical to any college list!
Free Lesson 4 Resources
- Naviance (if your school offers Naviance)
- College Greenlight Scattergrams
- Net Price Calculator
Lesson 5: Recs, Summer, and Senior Year
Pro tip: You don't need to spend money on fancy summer programs! The biggest impact can usually be made in your local community!
Free Lesson 5 Resources
- College Greenlight Summer Programs (that offer financial aid)
- 15 Competitive Summer Opportunities for High School Students
- What Do Colleges Want You to do This Summer
Lesson 6: The Money Mindset
Pro Tip: The Net Price Calculator will provide a personalized price quote for need-based financial aid at any college or university!
Free Lesson 6 Resources
- Net Price Calculator
- RaiseMe (micro-scholarships that can be accessed as early as 9th grade)
- College Scorecard
Lesson 7: Writing Skills
Pro Tip: Essays rank as the most important factor in the admissions process after grades and test scores!
Free Lesson 7 Resources
- Guide to the University of California Application essays
- Tips for the Additional Information section of the Common Application
- Answering the "Why College?" Supplemental Essay
Lesson 8: Rock Your Applications
Pro Tip: Even though it’s a standardized form, students can still use the Common App to present a powerful and unique story about themselves.
Free Lesson 8 Resources
- The Only College Checklist You'll Need
- 5 Places to Unlock Value in College Applications
- 7 Tips for the Additional Information Section of the Common App
Lesson 9: Interviews and Interest
Pro Tip: To figure out whether a college considers demonstrated interest, you can also check the Common Data Set--just Google ‘[Specific College] Common Data Set’ to a college's specific Common Data Set.
Free Lesson 9 Resources
- 5 Common Interview Questions How to Answer Them
- How to Share Your Demonstrated Interest in Your College Essays
- Develop Stories for Your Interview with StoryBuilder
Lesson 10: Make an Early Plan
Pro Tip: Early applications are a good move for most students, particularly binding Early Decision which will put you in the best possible position in a college’s admissions pool!
Free Lesson 10 Resources
- 5 Tips for Early Decision and Early Action
- Early Admissions Advantage Data from the Washington Post
- Story2 Supplemental Essays Course
Lesson 11: Finalize your list
Pro Tip: As you finalize your college list remember to keep it balanced, included affordable options, and do a “gut check” to make sure you could see yourself at every college!
Free Lesson 11 Resources
- 5 Things to do before hitting "submit"
- 4 Tuition Hacks to make college more affordable
- Finding a likely school you love
Lesson 12: Decisions, Decisions
Pro Tip: As you finalize your college list remember to keep it balanced, included affordable options, and do a “gut check” to make sure you could see yourself at every college!
Free Lesson 12 Resources
- College Scorecard
- You Got Accepted, Now What? (The College Board)
- How to Find a College You'll Love by Jeff Selingo
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