Planning to Go

Resources to help you
make a smart college choice.

I don't even know where to start!
Resources to help you plan for college:

• College.gov - This site, launched in Fall 2008 by the U.S. Department of Education intends to be "the go-to source for information and resources about planning, preparing and paying for postsecondary education."
• Know How 2 Go - From middle school through high school, this site will walk you through what you need to know - and what you need to do - at every step on your way to college.
• National Association for College Admissions Counseling - This association of high school counselors and college admissions officers also offers information and guidance for students.
• Adventures in Education - A non-profit site by the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation.  This link takes you to the section for high school students, but go to the home page for resources for middle school students, parents, counselors, and others.

I'm ready to do some exploring.
Web sites that (like U-CAN) help you learn what's out there:

• College Navigator - This U.S. Department of Education site offers tons of data, as well as maps showing each college's location.
• Voluntary System of Accountability - Similar to U-CAN, but for public colleges and universities.
• College Board - Use their "College MatchMaker" to zero in on colleges that are likely to be right for you.
• U.S. News & World Report "Best Colleges" - Beyond its rankings, this site offers a wealth of data and guidance on the 1,400 colleges it lists.
• Princeton Review - Insights from student surveys, and click on "Best Fit School Search" to try out their "Counselor-O-Matic" in beta.
• Colleges that Change Lives - This nonprofit group's site offers helpful tips on what to look for during a college search. It also profiles 40 less-well-known colleges (public and private) that they cite for "their life-changing success with students."

Can I afford it?
Help with figuring out what college will cost:

• Student Aid on the Web - Set up a personal account on this Department of Education site to determine your "estimated family contribution," and to fill out the infamous FAFSA on line.
• FinAid - Extensive information and calculators for every aspect of student aid.  Click on the "Students" button to get step-by-step guidance.
• FastWeb - Information on national and institution-based scholarships, and also has a feature that automatically alerts students to application deadlines for scholarships of interest.
• Sallie Mae Affordability Analyzer - Help with determining the average cost and financial aid package at the colleges you're considering.
• FinancialAidSuperSite - Provides detailed information on financial planning for college, plus it offers links to lots of other student aid sites.
• Student Loans - Avoiding Deceptive Offers - A publication by the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Education on avoiding scams in student lending.