11th-graders April 2023

• Values Exercise (video): Spend some time thinking about your core values by working through this simple exercise. Your answers may help drive how you spend your summer ahead.

• How to research colleges without visiting a campus: Learning more about colleges is an exciting and time-intensive process. Make sure to expand your search beyond your local public universities—and use your values as a guide.

• Colleges That Change Lives: As you build your college list, consider this set of 44 schools that focus on providing a personalized, student-centered experience. Listen to this podcast, and check out upcoming events.

• Explore colleges with 800+ lists: Use this fun online, searchable database from CollegeXpress, which covers everything from academic environments to school spirit.

• Think about financial fit: Experiment with the Net Price Calculator to get a rough estimate of what you might likely have to pay for college.

11th-graders March 2023

• How to Create a College List (with tracking spreadsheet): It’s go-time. This is a perfect time to pick up the pace on building your college list with these resources.

• Keep building your college list:

  • College List Building Resources for First Generation-Low Income students

  • ScholarMatcher: Awesome search tool for low-income/first-gen students

  • The Hundred-Seven and College Equity Index: Excellent resources for Black students

  • College Advising for Undocumented Students 

  • I’m First: Guide for first-generation college students and their families

  • Tips and Campus Pride: Resources for the LGBTQ+ community 

  • Women’s colleges: Seven reasons you should consider a single-sex school

  • HBCUs and TCUs: Essential tips when considering one of these institutions committed to serving underrepresented students

  • American Indian College Fund: List and descriptions of tribal colleges and universities

  • AICAD: List of 42 colleges of art and design that allows you to search by major and by region. 

11th graders - February 2023

• Virtual college fairs: There are many opportunities to attend college fairs from home, including sessions that focus on STEM programs and the visual and performing arts. These easy-to-attend virtual events can be a great window into what college is all about.

• Start looking out for fly-in program opportunities: These subsidized travel programs offer overnight campus visits for populations traditionally underrepresented in higher education.

• QuestBridge College Prep Scholars: See if you qualify to apply for this top-notch college admission support program.

• Pre-work for your teacher recommendations: Take a look at this form and imagine how your teacher(s) might fill it out. What are your strengths/areas for improvement? What words will come to their mind when they think of you? You’ll request teacher recs in May, so this is a good time to start thinking about these important pieces of the college application process.

• 5 Ways to Spend Your High School Summer: Think about your summer in the context of how your choices can help you to lead a happier life (really!).

11th graders - January 2023

• How to Create a College List (with spreadsheet tracker): If you haven’t already, begin to create your list with this guide. 

• Identify high-value colleges: As you work on developing your college list, identify schools that’ll meet 100% of your financial need, institutions with generous merit-aid programs, and regional tuition agreements like WUE.

• Essential Advice for Low-Income/First-Gen Students: Get key tips and resources, including learning about the chance to visit college campuses for free. 

• AP practice resources: If you’re taking AP exams in May, here’s how to prep.