This college planning tutorial is designed to give college-bound students the understanding and tools you need to successfully apply to college.

Introduction to the Tutorial

Your College Search

• When to Begin Your College Search
  
• Your College Choice Criteria
  
• Personal Sources for Finding Colleges
  
• College Fairs
  
• College Websites/Videos/Literature
  
• College Visits
  
• College Information/Planning Websites
  
• College Planning Books
  
• Narrowing Your List of Colleges
  
• College Admission Choices
  

College Preparation While in High School

• Junior Year Activities
  
• Senior Year Activities
  

College Entrance Criteria

• Standardized Exams
  
• Grades
  
• Class Standing/Rank
  
• Course Type & Load
  
• Community Involvement/Extracurricular Activities
  
• Leadership Roles
  
• Personal Essays
  
• Recommendation Letters
  
• Portfolio
  
• Interview
  
• Family History
  

College Application Process

• College Application Timeline
  
• Tips for Managing Application Process
  
• Application Forms
  
• Application Fees
  
• Completing Applications
  
• Requesting Recommendation Letters
  
• Requesting High School Transcripts
  
• Requesting Test Scores
  
• The College Essay(s)
  
• Application Checklist
  

The College Application Essay(s)

• The College Essay: Where to Begin
  
• Sample Essay Questions
  
• Sample Essays
  
• Planning Your Essay(s)
  
• Writing Your Essay(s)
  
• Editing & Seeking Opinions
  
• Rewriting Your Essay(s)
  
• Proofreading Your Essay(s)
  
• College Essay Resources
  

Obtaining Financial Aid

• Background & College Discount Rates
  
• FAFSA and PROFILE
  
• Work-Study
  
• College Grants & Scholarships
  
• State Sources
  
• Independent Grants & Scholarships
  
• Student Loans
  
• Financial Aid Books
  
• Financial Aid Websites
  

College-Related Vocabulary

Have you checked out the rest of the great free college, career, and job-related tutorials offered on Quintessential Careers?

Go to College! Use our resources to help you research colleges and become more familiar with the tools that can help you achieve your educational goals: College Planning Resources.