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My Timeline and College Spreadsheet
My Timeline and College Spreadsheet
Wondering what you should be doing when? Make a copy of this comprehensive checklist for the senior year (below). Not everything will apply to you, so remove what you don't need and customize it to make it your own.
Notice the tabs at the bottom of the checklist document... You'll want to create a spreadsheet to organize your college application process. Use the template or tailor it to meet your needs.
And finally, check out your district counselors' favorite resources tab (bottom of sheet) to help you every step of the way!
Know Yourself!
Know Yourself!
Before you start researching colleges, it’s important that you know yourself - what you value, what you need to be successful, and what you want for your future.
Videos and articles to get you thinking about these questions
Year By Year - "What Should I be Doing Now" - Common Application
Year By Year - "What Should I be Doing Now" - Common Application
Year By Year - Am I on Track? University of California
Year By Year - Am I on Track? University of California
Look Ahead - Plan Ahead
Look Ahead - Plan Ahead
From the University of California, San Diego, but applicable for all UCs. On this link here you'll be able to click by grade level 9, 10, 11, 12 for steps and activities that will keep you on track to apply to a UC the fall of YOUR senior year!
Researching Colleges
Researching Colleges
CollegeXpress
Over 800 college lists to help your college search process. Find lists of schools based on what your own criteria. For example, you'll see lists on "Schools for the Free Spirit" and "Gay-Friendly Colleges" and "Colleges for Video Game Lovers." Break down the college search in totally new ways, so you can find the right school—or schools—for you!
Student Perspective
Go to unigo.com to read real students’ opinions on their schools. But don’t just read 1-2 reviews, read a bunch of them, in particular the “What’s the stereotype of students at your school?” and “Is the stereotype true?” You’ll get a sense of the school vibe pretty quick. (from College Essay Guy)
Pro Perspective
Check out the Fiske Guide to Colleges or Fiske Interactive Guide for great 2-3 page summaries of hundreds of colleges including academic, social and quality of life rates. Here's a PODCAST with the author. (Please note: Fiske Guide is not free)
College Board Big Future
College Board's Big Future is an excellent college search engine. Students can discover good fit colleges based on a wide variety of criteria such as major, location, cost, size and likelihood that their financial need will be met.
College Navigator
College Navigator goes beyond a simple search engine. The National Center for Education Statistics provides data to help you find good match colleges. Find statistics on admission, enrollment, cost, financial aid, majors, retention and graduation rates and much more! You can even do a side-by-side comparison of up to 4 colleges.
Researching College Websites
Walk through the steps of how to research a college using their website. Find out key facts on academics, major offerings, campus life, chances of admission and much more.
More tools and resources for building your college list
Khan Academy - Exploring College Options
Khan Academy provides timelines (starting in grade 9) and walks families through every step of the college planning process.
And check out this QUICK & DIRTY COLLEGE LIST BUILDER to jump start your search!
Find out about colleges: their programs, costs, admissions, & results.
The CTCL website can help you find excellent liberal arts colleges that might be right for you.
California Community Colleges
With 115 options, the California Community College system is an option to build career skills, earn a career technical certificate, or prepare for transfer to a univerity.
Sierra College offers 40+ Skills Certificates in addition to Associate Degrees and Associate Degrees for Transfer.
CaliforniaColleges.edu is a counselor favorite! The platform provides high school students the tools to match their interests and skills to postsecondary college and career opportunities. They can take career assessments and use search tools to develop college, major, and career lists, write goals and journals, track activities, and read a variety of age-appropriate content to develop and expand their knowledge on all college, career, and financial aid planning topics. Students can also launch Cal State Apply, CCCApply, and FAFSA.
Virtual College Exploration
Workshops and webinars for students to explore college opportunities - the college search process, choosing a major, NCAA, financial aid, gap year, application tips and much more! Experienced college admission officers will share tips on what you need to know.
College Options Panel
Check out the NJUHSD College Options Panel to learn more about the UC, CSU, private, out-of-state public and community college systems.
College Week Live
Have questions about the enrollment process? There were few opportunities to connect with colleges and universities until now. We help students connect with college reps, current college students, and admissions experts at key decision points. These conversations help you find the best college match, navigate the admissions process, and prepare for college life.
You can search by schools which accept first time applicants and transfer applicants.
I’m First! If you are the first in your family to go to college, this website resource is a must to check out. Find colleges, read the blog and hear stories from other first gen students.
Here’s a great blog post on digging deeper when researching colleges.
Campus Visits
Campus Visits
CampusReel provides student-driven virtual college tours. Visit CampusTours and YouVisit to take virtual tours, watch videos and check out photos from other colleges and universities around the country. It’s the next best thing to being there!
To chat with a current student from universities and colleges, check out Unibuddy!
Want to visit a college campus to see if it’s right for you? Check out multi-cultural fly-in programs and College Green Light to find out how. College campus visit tips can help you navigate when you’re there. You may also find information about fly-in programs on colleges’ websites. MOST DEADLINES ARE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, so don’t delay!
Consider asking these questions to make the most of your campus visit.
Can I Afford to Apply To This School?
Can I Afford to Apply To This School?
Many believe that top colleges are financially out of reach.In just 3 minutes, MyinTuition can help students/families see that a top college is not only an option, but also a realistic financial fit.
Requires 6 or 7 questions
Requires basic financial information that most people know
No need to refer to tax records
Takes the average user just 3 minute to complete
Great for use early in the application process
UpNext is a free college support tool offered to high school seniors and first-year college students across the country. This personalized support tool focuses on all things college – college search and application, federal student aid/scholarships, and how to prepare for college success.
Up Next will even text you during your first year of college to offer encouragement and tips about how to make the most of your college experience.
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