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Student Resource Guide: Spring 2023
Whether you’re in high school, college, or just thinking about the next steps in your education, it can be hard to know where to start. Applications, admissions, financial aid and scholarships all have their deadlines – and they happen while you Also trying to balance his usual studies, work, family and social life.
To help you stay organized and on track, we’ve put together some important and helpful resources that you can use to reach your educational goals.
How to find the right college
General application: New and transferring college students can study and apply to over 900 partner colleges through a single application through the Common Application, which opens on August 1st each year. The Common App website will also help you plan your college roadmap and learn about college payment options.
BigFuture: BigFuture, the College Board program (the people who bring you the SAT), is the one-stop college admissions planning resource for high school students, transfer students, parents, and adult students—and your college application automatically enrolls you in the scholarship draw!
Access to college money
Free App for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA): Everything starts here. FAFSA applications open on October 1st of each year and the completion of the application is a mandatory step for any government financial assistance. If you don’t complete it, you could leave money on the table, as 44% of high school graduates did last year. Good news? FAFSA has been streamlined, simplified and connected to the IRS database for tax information, and further simplifications are coming. Bad news? This year’s changes May be push back the opening date, so keep a close eye on the FAFSA website for updates.
Updating your FAFSA: Don’t forget that you must complete the FAFSA every year if you want to keep getting the help you are eligible for! In the meantime, if your income or life has changed, here is the Department of Education’s guide to updating the information you report.
Do’s and Don’ts When Applying for a Scholarship: Learn directly from one of Scholarship America’s developers about what to do (and not to do) when you start looking for private scholarships, and download our Knowledge is Power quick guide for reference!
America Scholarships: We are not the only provider of private scholarships, but we are the largest! Browse over 100 programs on our website, including the efficient and renewable Dream Award and the Barry Griswell Scholarship. (We also partner with over 1100 companies to manage scholarships, so check your work and that of your parents for opportunities!)
Set up for success
To get an education: Founded by Paramount and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this free (and ad-free) resource provides students with the tools to help you get into college, plan your path, and find your first job. You can access everything from one-on-one essay writing assistance to one-on-one text messages with a financial advisor, resume, and job search advice. Did we mention it’s all free?
Get college credit for life/work experience: Whether you took a semester off during the pandemic or ten years to start a family, going back to school is both challenging and rewarding. CollegeTransfer.net provides valuable guidance on transitioning or returning to school, and assessments such as the College Council’s CLEP test can help you turn your life and work experience into college credit.
Keep your study skills sharpA: Anki offers a free downloadable flashcard app and website that you can customize for all areas of study. Whether you’re in college or heading back to the academy, this is a great way to use your free time to stay in shape.
Facing the challenges of student life
Who’s who on your campus: College is very different from high school, especially if you are the first in the family to attend it. Fortunately, there are many people on campus who can help you, and successful students take full advantage of the many campus support resources available to help. Never again will you have access to so much information in one place – and in most cases at no additional cost!
Get rid of hunger: Food insecurity is a real problem for millions of high school and college students, and a lack of good nutrition can derail your educational path. Swipe Out Hunger is a network of hunger resources at over 450 partner colleges. If your school is not one of them, there are many more options; check out this overview, google “food pantries” in your city, or contact the student services office.
Emergency Grants for Financial Failures: If you’re juggling work, school, and family life, unexpected expenses can force you to make difficult decisions. Emergency grants from your school or local nonprofit can help you stay on track when you fail; here’s a quick overview, and be sure to check with your campus counselors to see what options can help you.
Find out what to pay attention to
Moving financial aid can cost you: While a number of states have made it illegal and many schools have stopped doing so, your private scholarships may fall victim to “resettlement” practices where student institutions’ aid packages are cut when they receive external scholarships. Here’s what you need to know (and what you need to ask).
Some scholarship funds may be taxed: This is rare, but in some cases funds for scholarships and emergency grants may be treated as taxable income. Updated for tax year 2022, this infographic will help you and your family avoid a costly tax surprise.
How to make the most of downtime
Fitness Resources (Free): You don’t need to empty your bank account to stay active! Celiac-affected college blogger Casey has put together 13 great free fitness resources for college students.
Explore the world of art from your laptop: Want to get some culture between scrolling through TikTok and chatting with roommates? Google Arts & Culture has launched its free virtual museum collection to help people explore during the pandemic, and you can use it to check out everything from the Uffizi to the Met.
Participate in campus activities: Whether it’s sports, a club, a game night or a volunteer trip, there are a million ways to stay involved and meet others. The linked guide has 100 event organizing ideas, and the school’s student life department or campus events can point you to your people!
It’s important to get started on your path to higher education, whether you’re a high school student ready to go to the college of your dreams or a single parent looking to earn a new certification. These resources can help you make sense of complex issues and succeed along the way.
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