College & Degree Planning
The below resources are for a diverse range of students who are looking for information about planning for college and/or a degree and how to succeed once they begin their journey.
Choosing and Applying to a College
How to Apply to College
This comprehensive guide breaks down the college application process including information on how to choose a school, fill out applications, prepare for necessary interviews, and apply for financial aid. You'll also find answers to frequently asked questions about the application process.
How to Apply to UC Colleges
UC schools are an excellent option for college-bound students living in California. There are some unique things to consider when applying to UC schools, so this guide breaks down what you should know about the application process and funding your education.
Degree Alternatives During COVID-19
In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, many recent high school graduates have reconsidered their post-secondary plans. With many university and college campuses reluctant to open back up, students looking for the classic 'college experience' may want to wait. In this guide, we take a look at alternatives to the classic 4-year university experience and why students might be drawn to them.
Guide to Taking a Gap Year
Taking a gap year has been a popular consideration for many graduating seniors in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This resource provides information on the pros and cons of taking a gap year, in addition to ideas and planning strategies to kick-start your year off from structured education.
Guide to Trade and Vocational Schools
Trade and vocational schools can open up a wide range of rewarding career options for individuals who are not interested in a traditional 4-year college experience. This guide can help individuals navigate this process and help them make decisions about whether or not trade or vocational school is right for them, how to pick such a school, and how to decide on career options.
2021 - 2022 Top 50 Best Test Optional Colleges
Standardized testing used to be a strict requirement during the college admissions process, but this has changed over recent years. Many schools are offering a test-optional or test-free admissions process, either temporarily due to the COVID-19 restrictions or permanently. This guide provides a ranking of the 50 best test-optional colleges in the United States.
Top 50 LGBT-Friendly Colleges
LGBTQ students deserve to go to college in a safe and welcoming environment. To aid students in their search for an accepting college campus, we’ve put together this list of the top 50 LGBTQ-friendly colleges in the country. This guide also offers tips for what to look for in a LGBTQ-friendly college, including on-campus resources, groups, and counseling services.
Diverse Student Guides
Indigenous Student College Guide
There are many college resources available to Indigenous students that will help ease the financial strain of earning a degree. This expert-verified resource provides scholarships and financial aid opportunities for Native students to help make college more affordable. We also provide college planning resources to help you navigate the college selection process easily.
Undocumented Student Guide to College
Applying to college and funding a college education as an undocumented student can be difficult to navigate. This comprehensive guide provides resources including information on financial aid, funding, scholarships, and legal resources for these students.
College & Career Guide After Incarceration
Formerly incarcerated individuals face unique challenges in their education and employment. This guide is designed to help these students and career-seekers overcome these obstacles and provides resources to help them seek education or employment.
College Guide for Students Experiencing Homelessness
College students experiencing homelessness have a unique set of challenges they need overcome. This resource provides information specific to this student population including how to find help with food, shelter, financial aid, and college guidance. Programs and community assistance opportunities are also provided.
College Guide for Homeschool Students
The path to college often looks different for students who were homeschooled in high school. This guide provides concrete steps for homeschool students to take while in high school and during the college application process. We also provide information on alternative college options and tips for parents helping their children with the transition to college.
College Guide for Veterans and Active Service Members
U.S. veterans have several perks when it comes to getting their college degree. In this guide, we provide information on scholarships, credit for experience, and VA-approved schools to ease the financial burden of the degree. We also provide help adjusting to campus life and resources for community support.
Career and Employment Resources
To help college students transition into their career, we've create the below guides that offer helpful advice and tips for pursuing different types of careers, including in nursing, teaching, real estate, and much more.
Career Aid
High Demand Jobs in 2021 & Beyond
Choosing a career is likely one of the most important decisions you make in life. For those who are just about graduate college and those who may have already embarked on a career but need to make a change, we’ve put together this guide of the top in-demand jobs in 2021 and beyond. Here, learn about the job outlook and salary information for careers in green energy, healthcare, eCommerce, and much more.
Guide to the Texas Teaching Certification Process
Each state has a unique process for becoming a teacher. To aid those who are seeking a teaching career in the state of Texas, we’ve designed this guide that explores all of the steps involved in earning certification (traditional and alternative). We also discuss the salary and job outlook for Texas teachers.
How to Become an ESL Teacher
English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers help students of all ages grow and refine their English language skills. This guide walks you through the steps of becoming an ESL teachers and offers information about ESL teacher job outlook and more.
Best Remote Learning Tools
Teaching and learning virtually takes not only skill, but also tools! This guide covers the top gifts and donations for teachers and students who are remote, including subscriptions to online learning platforms, new technology, and more.
Guide to Nursing and Salaries by State
An important consideration for any career is the average salary a professional in the field earns, and nursing is no different. This resource breaks down all the important statistics for nurses by state, including the number of RNs, the average salary by state, and the highest paying city for nurses in each state. We also detail the process of becoming a nurse no matter where you live.
