Preparing for college

How to start preparing for college in high school


Being prepared is a huge key to success. In many cases, preparing for college is a family effort. We're equipped to help you prepare your student to succeed in college. From test-taking to college tours, housing and everything in between, we can help your family and student get ready for college life.

 

 

 

Choosing a college

Six factors to help you feel confident that you’re picking the right college for you.

Transitioning to college

The move from high school to college is big, but we’re dishin’ on the transition so you can help your student make a smooth jump into college life.

After being admitted to college

Your student has applied to several colleges and they’ve received an admission letter. But in some ways, the real work is just about to begin.

Scholarship tips

Discover some of our best scholarship tips — when to search for them, how to keep them and more.

How to begin a college search

Choosing the right college is hard, especially if your student doesn’t know where to start. We can help them take the first steps.

Choosing a minor in college

Your student is probably in the process of choosing their major, if they haven’t already. But have they considered earning a minor, too?

Your college packing list

Figuring out what to pack for college is always a challenge. That’s why we’re sharing our essential packing list so your student is fully prepared.

How to take notes in college

Share these tips with your student on how to become a noteworthy note-taker.

What to study in college

Your student may be struggling to pick a major that’s right for them. You can help them weigh the choices to find their perfect fit.

CLEP Examinations

Did you know your student can get ahead and earn college credit just by taking a test? Learn more about CLEP exams.

Summer College Bucket List

Your student is going away to college in the fall. Before they go, plan a summer that you both will always remember.

Student Mental Health

College students can be particularly susceptible to mental health challenges. It's okay to have concerns about student mental health. Find out the signs and how you can help your…

Top financial aid questions and answers

Financial aid can be a tough road to navigate, but we’ve got answers to some of the most-asked financial aid questions.

Computer science majors

Computer science as a major opens the doors to a lot of different jobs. Discover what your student can do with a computer science degree.

Political science major

A political science degree can take your student many places. Find out what career fields they can enter with one.

What you should know about college

Your student will learn a lot in college. But they also have a lot to learn before they go to college. Find out what they need to know.

Getting into top college

College applications can seem like they are never ending. Here are some tips for supporting your student through the process.

Tracking College Achievements

Is your student tracking all their high school achievements? They should be. But if they’re not, we’ll help you show them how.

Visiting college campuses

College tour formats and options have changed, but your student can — and should — still take a campus tour.

College scholarships

College is expensive, but scholarships can help a lot. We’ll show you where your student can find them.

Freshman orientation

Orientation is a big day. Find out how your student can get the most out of it before, during and after the experience.
 

National Merit Scholar

What is the National Merit Scholarship Program, and how can your student qualify? We have the deets to share.
 

College application mistakes

Top schools list, check. Now it’s time to apply. Here are seven things you can do to help your student  make their application stand out.

Resume Building Guide

Help your student gain an edge when it comes to building their resume. Use this free tool.

 

University honors college

Does your student have visions of the Ivy Leagues? Before they apply, encourage them to explore honors colleges.

International student admission

If your student is considering coming to the U.S. to attend college, there are some admission steps they should know about.

Communication major

The study of communication is a valuable skill. Discover some of the degree and career paths that communication majors can pursue.

High school stress for seniors

Here are some of the reasons why your high school senior might be stressed about college — and how you can help.

 

Skills for College Success

Is your student really ready to succeed in college? Check out this list for valuable college success skills.

 

Jobs for social science majors

Discover the many degree options and career paths for social science majors.

Virtual classrooms

As many colleges and universities move to digital formats, we offer tips for your student to succeed in their remote classes. 

Chemistry majors

Explore some of the most common chemistry-related college majors and the career paths your student could pursue.

Gap year

So your student wants to take a gap year — here’s the inside scoop on what that’s all about, and how it can benefit your student. 

Mentoring

Here’s why it’s a good idea for your student to find a mentor in high school and college.

 

Benefits of diversity

Holly Singh, executive director of the International Students and Scholars Center at ASU, shares his thoughts about being successful global citizens.
 

College viewbooks

All those viewbooks your student gets in the mail may look the same at first glance, but knowing how to read between the lines can make all the difference in choosing the right college…

Jobs for art majors

There are a wide variety of potential career paths for students majoring in art. Getting a degree in art will help expand their career options and sharpen their artistic skills and…

Jobs for engineering majors

The field of engineering includes a wide range of possible careers. See some of the many possibilities for future engineers.

Making a college decision in a virtual world

Find out how colleges are making information and visit experiences accessible during this uncertain time.
 

Letter of recommendation

Learn about letters of recommendation for college, and how your student can ask for them.

College signing day

Each year, College Signing Day is a big celebration of students who choose to go to college. That celebration continues in 2022.

Benefits of Advanced Placement tests

Learn some reasons why your student should consider taking AP classes and exams. 

College recruitment and admission

Recruitment and admission from the university perspective. How to make it less stressful by focusing on what's important for your family.

Jobs for business majors

If your student wants to major in business, that’s just the first step. Next, they’ll need to narrow down which of the many areas of business they want to focus on.

Campus housing

We’ve got some advice on university housing, from finding a roommate to what students should bring with them to the dorms.

Choosing a major

Some students have known what they want to study in college since middle school while others may need some guidance turning passions into a career.

How to handle rejection from a college

Rejection hurts, and a rejection from any college can be a particularly difficult blow. Here are some ways to get through it.

Military and college

Learn how to talk about college after military service, and how to find the best university for a student veteran

What to ask your high school counselor

Your student's  high school guidance counselor can help make their college search and application process much easier. 

Ivy League vs. Public Universities

Is attending an Ivy League school all about the prestige, or do they truly offer an unmatched education experience? What’s the fuss all about? 

Financial aid notification (FAN)

Everything you and your student need to know in order to compare university financial aid packages and how to make an informed choice.

College Campus tours

Maximize spring break. It’s the perfect time to tour college campuses.

 

Getting involved

Find out the real benefits of participating in extracurricular activities in high school.

 

You can go to college

College is within your student’s reach. By preparing now and learning what’s involved, you and your student can make it happen.

College preparation checklist

Tips and resources for preparing for and applying to college, from junior high through high school.

Western Undergraduate Exchange

The Western Undergraduate Exchange is an option to make out-of-state tuition more affordable. Find out all about it.

Winter break to do list

A winter break to-do list for your student — with a giving theme.

 

College savings plan

A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings account. 529 accounts offer more flexibility than other types of education savings accounts.

College visit

Get the most out of your college visits. Here’s what to see, ask and do.

 

What you should know about the SAT and ACT

Which test to take, what to expect on test day and the registration process.

 

Application checklist

Use this handy application checklist as your student prepares and submits their college admission app.

College recruitment buzzwords

Many universities say the same things to attract prospective students, so how can families differentiate one school from another? Here’s what to look for.

Preparing for the SAT

Share these four steps to help your student make the most of their SAT or ACT test prep.

 

College acceptance letter

Cesar Flores Marquez, talks about the touchpoints universities will have with a student and next steps for being prepared to go to college.

Student productivity

Let’s explore the science of productivity with AsapSCIENCE.

Student success

When it comes to personal growth, knowing that they can improve is key to student success.

Studying abroad

Studying abroad is an amazing experience. It’s a great way for your student to see the world and experience new cultures.

First semester of college

This seven-item action plan will help your student be as prepared as possible for their college adventure.

Prestigious universities and success

Where do university choice and success meet? Are highly selective or expensive colleges right for everyone?

Setting goals

Discover how to help your student achieve their goals. We’ll help you simplify the process.

Applying to college

Our college application process checklist is your simplified guide to getting into college.

 

Picking a college

It can be difficult to figure out which college is the best choice for everyone involved, but the selection process doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Living on campus

Students and their families often have questions about on-campus housing. Here are a few insights to help you and your student make the best housing decision.

College rankings

How do colleges differentiate themselves and highlight their strengths?

 

Dealing with anxiety

It’s not uncommon at all to feel sad or anxious when your child leaves for college. Here’s how to approach this change.

Going to College

Learn the who, what, when and how of helping your student get into college. 

 

Choosing a college

Is attending an Ivy League school all about the prestige or do they truly offer an unmatched educational experience?

In State or Out of State

Should your student go to college out of state or in state? Consider the pros and cons of each option.

What to do in Arizona

Arizona is, well, amazing. Big cities and small towns, snow and sun, history and natural wonders, adventure and relaxation — whatever you like, you’ll find it here.

College mail

During your students college search, they might end up with more mail than they know what to do with. It’s important to colleges that students, parents and families understand who they…

College Rankings

Rankings and lists can help students and families narrow their college search. It's important to find the right fit. 

Picking a college major

Choosing a college major might be one of the biggest commitments a high school student has ever been asked to make. Let's talk about how you can help.

Discover your dream job

The truth is many students change their major while in school. In fact, changing majors can benefit the student and lead to more success and less stress.

Planning for college

As a family, you’ll have lots of decisions to make before your student starts college — just take them one at a time.

College buzzwords

Higher ed lingo — yes, it's a thing. We've got you covered. Here you can review some of the most-used college buzzwords and what they mean.

Study Habits

Having a game plan makes all the difference when it comes to supporting good study habits.

Taking the SAT or ACT

As part of the admission process, many universities require your student to take the SAT or ACT to be admitted. Knowing when to take the test is important.

College admission

Although it’s rewarding, applying to college can also be a time-consuming and intimidating process. After all the hard work, what happens when your student receives an admission…

Taking online or hybrid classes

Technology has brought the prevalence of online and hybrid learning to college campuses. But is that style of learning right for your student?

Architecture degree

Your student is interested in architecture, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all degree. We’re drawing up plans to help them choose the specialization that’s right for them.

College enrollment guide

After your student is admitted to the college of their choice, there are a few steps they’ll need to complete to finalize their enrollment.