What you need

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Tests and applications

SAT or ACT registrationoptional1-2 times · Only if your schools require it. Fee waivers exist.
$68-$95 each
College application fees4-8 schools · Many schools waive fees. Ask your counselor. Common App is free to use.
$0-$90 each
Official transcript sendingas needed · Request from your high school office.
$0-$10 each

Study materials

SAT/ACT prep bookoptional1 · Buy used or borrow from the library. Khan Academy is free.
View on Amazon
$15-$30
Planner or notebookoptional1 · Track deadlines. A free phone calendar works too.
View on Amazon
$5-$15
Folder or accordion fileoptional1 · For documents, tax forms, and letters.
View on Amazon
$8-$15
Approved calculatoroptional1 · Borrow from school. Needed only if you take tests with math.
View on Amazon
$15-$100

Tech and software

Laptop or computer access1 · Use the library for free. Buy refurbished later for college.
View on Amazon
$0-$500
Free accounts (Common App, FAFSA, email)1 set · Use a professional email address.
$0

Visits

Campus visit traveloptional2-4 trips · Virtual tours are free. Some schools offer fly-in programs.
$0-$300

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Certificates and registration

Certificate required

High school diploma or GED, plus SAT/ACT (optional at many schools)

Almost all colleges require a high school diploma or GED. Many schools are now test-optional, so check each school's rules. Community colleges usually accept anyone with a diploma or GED. You can take the GED at a local testing center via ged.com.

Check that you will earn your high school diploma or plan the GED at ged.com
Look at each school's admissions page to see if SAT/ACT is required
Register for SAT at collegeboard.org or ACT at act.org if needed
Ask your school counselor for fee waivers if cost is a problem

Can I start right away? Today: make a free account at bigfuture.collegeboard.org, write down 5 possible schools, and list the application deadlines in your phone calendar.

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What you need to know

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Choose the right schools

Build a list of 6-8 schools: 2 reach, 3 match, 2 safety. Consider cost, size, location, majors, and graduation rates. Use College Navigator and College Scorecard to compare schools. Community college then transfer is a cheap, solid path.

Paying for college (FAFSA)

Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov every year. It opens around October 1 (the recent cycles opened in December). It unlocks grants, loans, and work-study. Grants like the Pell Grant are free money. Take federal loans before private loans. Never pay to file the FAFSA.

Scholarships

Apply to many small scholarships, not only big ones. Use Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and your school counselor. Check local clubs, employers, and churches. Never pay a fee for a scholarship.

The application

Most schools use the Common App. You need grades, an essay, recommendation letters, and activities. Ask teachers for letters at least one month early. Write your essay about a real story and have someone proofread it. Regular deadlines are often January 1-15; early action is November 1.

Timeline and grades

Take challenging classes like AP or dual enrollment if you can; it can save money. Take SAT/ACT in spring of junior year and retake in the fall if needed. Keep your grades up through senior year since schools can check.

Comparing offers

Compare award letters by net price: cost minus grants and scholarships. Loans are not free money. Use the school's net price calculator. Appeal if your family finances change.

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Where to learn it

6

Online-KursKhan Academy SAT PrepFree official practice with College Board.Browse online courses

WebseiteBigFuture by College BoardFree college search and planning tools.

WebseiteCommon AppOne application for many schools.

Kurs vor OrtYour high school counselorFree help with fee waivers and letters.Browse online courses

WebseiteEducationUSAAdvice for international students.

BuchFiske Guide to CollegesHonest school profiles. Borrow from the library.Book on Amazon

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Key websites and creators

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Websites

studentaid.govFederal Student AidOfficial FAFSA and loan site. Always free.Visit

nces.ed.gov/collegenavigatorCollege Navigator (NCES)Government tool to compare schools.Visit

collegescorecard.ed.govCollege ScorecardCosts, graduation rates, and earnings data.Visit

commonapp.orgCommon AppApply to many colleges at once.Visit

bigfuture.collegeboard.orgBigFutureSearch colleges and scholarships.Visit

Creators and channels

YouTubeKhan AcademyFree SAT, math, and college prep videos.Visit

YouTubeCollege Essay GuyClear help for writing application essays.Visit

YouTubeIvy CoachAdmissions tips from a consulting firm.Visit

Recommended by the AI, not paid. Please check them yourself.

Are you a creator or do you run a related website? Get featured here

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Step by step

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Set your goalsThink about majors, career ideas, budget, and location. Talk with your family.
1 week
Done
Build your school listUse College Navigator and BigFuture to find 6-8 schools. Mix reach, match, and safety.
2-4 weeks
Done
Prepare for testsPractice on Khan Academy and take the SAT/ACT if needed.
2-4 months
Done
Create accountsSet up Common App and FAFSA (studentaid.gov) accounts. Parents also need a FSA ID.
1 week
Done
Write and applyWrite essays, ask for recommendations, and submit applications before deadlines.
2-3 months
Done
File FAFSA and scholarshipsSubmit FAFSA early and apply to scholarships every month.
Ongoing
Done
Decide and enrollCompare award letters, pick a school, pay the deposit by May 1, and sign up for orientation.
1-2 months
Done

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Your timeline

5

What to do when, from the first week to the first year.

Week 1
- Talk to your school counselor
- List your goals and budget
- Check your GPA and graduation status
Weeks 2-4
- Build a list of 6-8 schools
- Start Khan Academy SAT practice
- Create Common App and FSA ID accounts
Months 2-3
- Visit campuses or take virtual tours
- Ask teachers for recommendation letters
- Start essay drafts and list scholarships
Months 4-6
- Submit applications before deadlines
- File the FAFSA as soon as it opens
- Apply to 2-3 scholarships per month
Months 7-12
- Compare financial aid award letters
- Pick a school and pay the deposit by May 1
- Complete orientation, housing, and class registration

Downloads a calendar file with one reminder per phase, starting today (Google, Apple, Outlook).

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Product reviews

0

Experiences from signed-in users. We do not verify whether the product was purchased.

Guide: Plan for college or university