Resources for High School Students Preparing for College?

Hi everyone, I'm a high school sophomore and starting to think about college applications. Can anyone recommend any college resources specifically tailored to high school students? Any websites, books, or YouTube channels would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hi! It's fantastic that you're beginning your college preparation journey early. There are plenty of resources available to high school students, and I'm happy to share some with you. Keep in mind that these are just a few out of many resources available, but they should provide a solid starting point.

1. CollegeVine (website): CollegeVine offers personalized guidance on everything from test prep to essays, extracurriculars, and building a balanced college list. They also have articles and blog posts discussing admission strategies, financial aid, and more. Plus, they provide a free chancing engine to estimate your admissions chances at specific schools.

2. College Board (website): College Board is the organization behind both the SAT and AP exams, but they also offer resources like BigFuture, a college search tool. You can create a personalized account to help you find the perfect college fit based on your interests, location, and financial situation.

3. Fiske Guide to Colleges (book): This annually updated guide provides detailed profiles of hundreds of colleges and universities, covering aspects like academics, campus culture, and financial aid. It's particularly helpful when narrowing down your college list and gaining insights into each institution.

4. Khan Academy (website/YouTube channel): While not exclusively for college-bound students, Khan Academy offers free courses and resources in many subject areas to strengthen your academic skills. They also have SAT prep resources in partnership with College Board.

5. The Common App (website): The Common Application is used by over 900 colleges and universities, streamlining the application process. While it's primarily an application platform, it also has a blog and resources section to help you tackle various aspects of the admissions journey.

6. US News & World Report (website): US News offers a variety of helpful college-related information, including their famous annual college rankings. However, don't solely rely on rankings to choose your school; use them as one of many factors in your decision-making process.

Remember, the key to a successful college application journey is to stay organized, be proactive, and explore various resources to find the best fit for you. Best of luck on your journey!