College Planning Starter Course

Five guided units that take you from “getting organized” to a confident college list.

• • Set up core tools: Google, College Planner Pro, YouScience, Methodize.
• • Build your Personal Data Record, Activity List, and 3D self-profile.
• • Track service/summer plans and create an SAT/ACT strategy.

You’ll define key college criteria with your parent survey, use the College Matrix and visit checklists, and finish with a smart College Planner Pro list.

Five steps to help you turn your ideas into a polished 650-word essay.

• • Read Fact Sheet; use Six Steps and Essay Track-It.
• • Draft in Google Docs; revise with mentor feedback.
• • Use Application Track-It, Supplemental Track-It, UC/Apply Texas.

You'll have a polished personal statement, complete tracking sheets, and a file that's ready to be sent in.

A guide that turns financial aid simple

• • Learn direct/indirect costs; estimate needed aid amount.
• • Read Understanding Your Options, Fact Sheet, FAFSA tools.
• • Track tuition, fees, aid with Comparison Worksheet.

When you're done, you and your family will be able to look at the offers and make a good choice.

A planned way to search for and sort scholarships that you can actually win.

• • Target realistic awards using a focused search strategy.
• • Use Scholarship Plan & Tracker: deadlines, requirements, results.
• • Prioritize schools, local businesses, community groups nationally.

You'll have a well-organized tracker and a plan that helps you keep looking for scholarships.

Learn how to talk to colleges and employers with confidence and make a great impression.

• • Review Professional Etiquette and Communication Fact Sheet.
• • Improve LinkedIn and social profiles for professional presence.
• • Build résumé; practice outreach scripts from Unit 1.

You'll have a professional résumé and the ability to communicate clearly in person and online.

A clear way to go from draft to submission that keeps everything in order.

• • Review Application Fact Sheet; note key timeline dates.
• • List target colleges; use Application Tracker to stay organized.
• • Organize essays, résumés, recommendations per school before submission.

You will have a full application package ready to send in and keep track of with ease.

Gives students who learn differently the tools they need to stand up for themselves and get ready for college.

• • Understand FERPA, ADA, Section 504 vs K–12/IDEA differences clearly.
• • Use Fact Sheet, Self-Advocacy Surveys, Role-Play Scenarios to practice.
• • Review family guides on shifting parent roles and supports.

You'll have a personal plan for self-advocacy and the right words to ask for what you need.

A creative way for artists who want to study music, art, dance, film, or design.

• • Compare BA, BFA, BM with VPA Fact Sheet guidance.
• • Plan portfolio/audition with Program Evaluation Worksheet and Track-It tools.
• • Track uploads, repertoire, deadlines to stay scheduled and organized.

You'll have a carefully chosen target list and a portfolio or audition package ready to send in.

A helpful guide for balancing sports and schoolwork on the way to college play.

• • Learn clubs, NAIA, NCAA eligibility rules and timelines.
• • Complete Skills Assessment; build Athletic Action Plan for recruitment.
• • Create Student-Athlete Résumé; prepare coach communications and outreach templates.

You'll have a list of colleges, an outreach plan, and the confidence to talk to coaches.

A path for students who want to work in technical and hands-on fields.

• • Learn program timelines, certificates, diplomas, apprenticeships options available.
• • Compare schools and certifications with Fact Sheet carefully.
• • Explore financial aid and FAFSA funding options thoroughly.

You'll have a short list of right-fit programs and a clear next step for your career path.