Planning Your College Search

• Your College Team: Know the Roles

  For your college search to run smoothly, everyone involved will need to know their roles. Find out who should do what to help you find the right college.

• Attending College Fairs

  College fairs are a great way to learn about colleges from across the country while staying close to home. Learn what to do to prepare for college fairs and how to best take advantage of what they offer.

• Common College Search Mistakes Parents Make

  Parents, you play a key role in your child's college search, but keep in mind that this is your child's college search. Sometimes, your actions, even if you only want to help, can negatively affect your student's college search.

• Calling in the Pros: Do I Need a Private College Counselor?

  Some students spend thousands of dollars on the services of a private college counselor. We'll tell you what private counselors and what other, more affordable options exist.

• Should I Take a Test Prep Course?

  Every year, high school students spend millions of dollars in classes, programs and materials to help prepare them for the SAT and ACT standardized test. Should you spend your money on such services? What low-cost alternatives are available? We tell you which students really need test prep help, and show you were to find it.

• Junior Year College Search Guide

  The beginning of your junior year of high school means it's time to start your college search engines. This guide will help ensure you start the college admissions process the right way.

• Types of Colleges Defined

  Colleges take on many different forms and offer many different experiences. To help you decide which is right for you, here is a brief guide to the types of colleges you may encounter.

• Do You Need AP or IB Courses

  Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and duel-enrollment courses have a reputation for being some of the toughest available to high school students. In the eyes of potential colleges, are they worth the work? It all depends on your college goals.

• Finding Your College Fit

  College fit is the idea that colleges are not one-size-fits-all. So instead of worrying about attending the "best" college, you should instead be asking these questions to find the college that has all of the elements you need to thrive academically and personally.

• Game Plan for Student Athletes: NCAA Regulations You Should Know

  Planning to take your high school athletic career to the collegiate level? There�s more to the process than just making the team. Before you can get any scholarship, you will need to be aware of regulations from the NCAA that affect everything from your eligibility to practice and play to how much financial aid you can receive.