Student Tips and Tools

Learn how to:

  • Start your college search
  • Improve your chances of getting accepted
  • Find the right college
  • Prepare, plan, apply and decide with videos, tips, guides, checklists and more from Cappex.com.
  • For students who have not yet begun their college search

    • View Tips

      Prepare Tips

      Quick, easy-to-use advice to get your college search started right.

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      New! 5½ Tips for Writing an Essay

      This fun, handy one-pager explains how students can write essays that shine.

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      New! Juniors Timeline

      What key things should students be focusing on to gear up for their college search? Juniors can use this handy one-page timeline to stay on track.

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      New! Seniors Timeline

      What are the important college search milestones that seniors should keep in mind? This handy one-page timeline will help them stay on track.

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      Your Application: Now and Then

      What do you need to do between now and senior year to reach your college goals? Use this roadmap to set goals, expectations and priorities for the college search.

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    • Download Handout

      Student Worksheet: What sets you apart?

      Before students can find the right college they have to know what they're looking for. This survey is designed for students to take before they begin their college search, and helps them organize personal factors to be considered during their search.

      View/Print Student Handout PDF

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      Student Worksheet: What kind of student are you?

      This exercise helps set college expectations, and lets students know what they need to do to meet their college aspirations.

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      Student Handout: Your Standout Factor

      There are more than 26,000 high schools in the U.S., and that means lots of football captains, prom queens and even valedictorians. If your students want to get in to competitive schools they'll need to stand out.

      View/Print Student Handout PDF

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      Parent Handout: What kind of helicopter are you?

      Designed for parents, this quiz will help set expectations as their child begins the college search. Make it a "pop quiz" during parents' night or when you meet one-on-one with parents.

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      Student Worksheet: Planning Your Campus Visits

      Five thought-starters to help plan successful campus visit trips.

      View/Print Student Handout PDF

  • For students just beginning their college search

    • View Tips

      Plan Tips

      Quick, easy-to-use advice on how to take command of your college search.

      View Plan Tips

    • Download Worksheet

      New! FAFSA Worksheet

      Find out how, when and why you should fill out a FAFSA Worksheet

      Download Student Worksheet PDF

    • Download Worksheet

      New! How to Get Letters of Recommendation

      From timing to suggested content, this worksheet takes students through what they need to know to get meaningful recommendations and submit them on time.

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      10 things you need to know about Merit Aid Scholarships

      There is $11 billion in merit aid scholarships available. These tips will help your students learn about how merit aid can help them and how to discover merit scholarships before applying to colleges.

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      Speak the Language: College Admissions

      Don't get lost during the college search. This quick reference will introduce you to common college admissions terms you're likely to encounter.

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      Speak the Language: Financial Assistance

      Don't misspeak about money. This easy guide will ensure you understand all the ways and means of paying for college.

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    • Watch Video

      Video: Ten Tips: College Choices

      College admissions officers and experts offer essential college search advice for your students. Their advice covers the entire process from getting an early start to visiting the campus to making a decision.

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      Student Handout: Find your college fit on Cappex

      Cappex.com can help students find the school that's right for them. Learn about the ways Cappex can help your students, for FREE!

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      Student Handout: Choosing your team

      This guide will help students plan who will help them during the college search process: counselors, teachers, parents and friends.

      View/Print Student Handout PDF

  • For students ready to complete and send out applications

    • View Tips

      Apply Tips

      Quick, easy-to-use advice on how to perfect your applications.

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    • Watch Video

      Video: Admissions Behind-the-Scenes: Where's My Application

      Get a behind-the-scenes look at how a large state college and a small private college handle incoming applications and make decisions on which students are admitted. This video also includes college admission tips and advice from the people making the decisions.

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    • Download Handout

      Student Checklist: College Application Checklist

      Helps your students manage deadlines, track their progress and complete all the key details of each college application they submit.

      View/Print Student Handout PDF

  • For students ready to make a choice

    • View Tips

      Decide Tips

      Quick, easy-to-use advice to help you find the college that's right for you.

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      New! “Can you afford your college choices?” Worksheet

      Beyond tuition prices and family contributions, there can be a lot involved in comparing colleges from a financial standpoint, though we've made it a little easier with this concise one-page worksheet.

      Download Student Handout PDF

    • Download Worksheet

      Choosing Your College Priorities

      To succeed in college, students need to find their college fit: A school offering the right mix of academics, location and atmosphere. Prioritize which college fit factors matter most with this activity.

      Download Student Worksheet PDF

    • Download Handout

      Student Checklist: College visit checklist

      For students to take with them during their college visit, this checklist will ensure students get the information they need out of these important trips. The checklist will also help students rank and compare each campus.

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  • En Espanol

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      ¡Nuevo! Habla el idioma: Admisión a la universidad

      (New! Speak the Language: College Admissions)

      No te pierdas durante la búsqueda de una universidad. Este recurso conveniente te introducirá a términos comunes de admisión a la universidad con los cuales probablemente te encontrarás.

      Descarga el PDF de la Hoja de Trabajo

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      Hoja de trabajo para el/la estudiante: ¿Qué te diferencia de los demás?

      (Student Worksheet: What Sets You Apart?)

      Antes de que los estudiantes puedan encontrar la universidad más compatible, tienen que saber lo que buscan. Esta encuesta se diseñó para que los estudiantes la tomen antes de comenzar su búsqueda, y les ayuda a organizar todos los factores personales que se deben considerar durante la búsqueda.

      Mira/Imprime el PDF de la Hoja de Trabajo

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