top of page

Resources

Looking for ways to get to college? Not sure which college to go to, or what to major in? This section is filled with resources to help you find your fit!

What are the benefits of going to college?

Check out the resources below to find out how earning a college degree will help you, your family, and your community.

​

Former first lady and graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, Michelle Obama, tells us why education is important.

Beth Brandon tells us why to go to

college in Episode 21 of the podcast,

College Talk, Why Even Bother?

Is College Worth It?
Is College Worth It?

New study shows that, from a financial standpoint alone, earning a bachelor's degree is on average a sound investment.

YES.

12   

Surprising Benefits of a

college degree

Why Should You Go to College?

Five Ways Ed Pays: Having A College Degree Means A Richer Life in Every Way!

Why Go to College

1.

Higher Job Satisfaction

2.

build a social network

3.

increase your family's social mobility

4.

improve your kid's future

5.

more likely to exercise

6.

more likely to live longer

7.

less likely to smoke

8.

Have healthier kids

9.

become a better communicator

10.

Be Able to give back to your community

11.

More likely to vote

12.

become more confident

Applying to Colleges

Applying to Colleges
Computer Learning

The thought of applying to colleges might seem scary and complicated, and it's okay to feel intimidated. This section will show you how you can take it step by step, no matter where you are in your journey.

Admissions expert Pamela Donnelly, author of the recently published 4 Keys to College Admissions Success, offers several tips for families looking for a way to stay sane.

Remember 3 Steps...

1.

Research! 

Before you start applying, research the schools that appeal to you! Do they offer the major you want to choose? Are they close or far enough? Visit the school if you can to get a good idea of what it's like before you go!

Know where you want to go?

Start applying! Apply for at least 3 schools: a reach (your dream school that's hard to get into), a target ( a school you feel pretty sure you can get into), and a safety school (that you know you'll get into). 

2.

Apply!

Stacks of Coins

3.

Scholarships

&

Financial Aid

Don't forget to apply for scholarships and financial aid! Fill out the FAFSA and apply for both public and private scholarships! Meet with or email an admissions advisor to ask what aid might be available for you! 

How can you visit Colleges?

A key aspect of choosing a college is visiting the campus! Sometimes this isn't possible to do in person so you'll have to get creative! Check the college's website to find information about virtual college tours or other options for you. 

​

Sites like Youvisit.com allow you to virtually tour college campuses so you can feel confident sending your applications!

Student on Mobile Phone

How do I decide where to apply?

Planning Travels

Where is it?

The location of a college is very important. Do you want to be in a big city or in a rural area? Close or far from home? It's up to you, and there are no wrong answers!

Getting sick of reading article after article? Here are some College Talk Episodes that will help you choose and apply for college!

Listen Up!

Everyone knows that college can be expensive. Luckily, there are many ways to pay for college! You can start now by learning about the FAFSA, student loans and scholarships.  

Looking for a checklist? Done!

Follow the link on the right for a year-by-year list that will help you prepare! 

Working in Cafe
Financial Aid Checklist

This checklist will tell you how to get ready for college—and how the government will help you pay for it.

Step 1

Fill Out the FAFSA

Even if you think you know how you'll pay for college, you should ALWAYS fill out the FAFSA each year you attend college. You may qualify for free government aid!

Step 2

APply for scholarships

Scholarships and grants DO NOT need to be paid back! They are a great way to pay for tuition, housing, or textbooks. Apply for both public and private scholarships, and ask an admissions advisor for tips! They might be able to show you college specific scholarships you qualify for!

step 3

loans

You may be offered several types of loans. Loans can help you pay for college now, but you will need to pay them back later! Do your research and know your options before accepting a loan.

Watch the playlist for the full breakdown

Financial Aid

Scholarships

Too Many Scholarships?

No Such Thing!

There are SO MANY scholarships out there! You may not have time to apply for all of the scholarships that you want to, but you should apply for many different types and for as many as you can, even if you aren't sure you will qualify. Scholarships should always be FREE to apply to, so there is nothing to lose!

LOANS

What's the difference?

There are many types of student loans available, but they can be very different! Before you accept any loans, make sure you know what you'll need to pay back and when!

Financial Reports
Financial Reports

Paying Back Loans

Calculate how much you'll need to borrow, spend, and pay back! It is always best to plan ahead. Ask your parent or guardian for assistance before adding any of their information.

Paying For College

Paying for College
Choosing a Major

Choosing a Major

Not sure

what to study?

You're not alone!

As many as 50 to 75% of all undergraduate students change majors at least one time before earning a degree. Depending on where you go, there could be more than 300 different majors to choose from! 

Find out More

​

If you don't

want to declare a major right away, see if your college offers an Exploratory Program! These can help you learn about different skills, classes, degrees, and careers! 

There are

several classes (Gen Eds)

that all students have to take to get a bachelor's degree. If you aren't sure what you want to major in, you can start by taking these courses to see what you like! Reach out to an academic advisor to talk about what classes

you should take

and when!

Change your mind?

Don't worry! You can

change your major as many times as you want to! Before you do, make sure you know how much longer it might take to graduate, and what types of classes you'll need to take! Plan ahead as much as you can so you don't end up with any surprises later on!

If you don't

want to declare a major right away, see if your college offers an Exploratory Program! These can help you learn about different skills, classes, degrees, and careers! 

Consider your

Values, Interests, Skills,

and Personality when you choose a major. To help, take the Focus 2 Assessment! It's FREE!

Find a walkthrough

HERE

Don't forget!

Your major doesn't determine what you do forever, and you may find yourself in a career you never imagined! Take classes you enjoy, study hard, and have fun!

Have a career

in mind but

aren't sure how to get there? Find out how with O'NET!

Check it out

HERE!

This page is in progress! Check back regularly for more!

bottom of page