College or University

Navigating the first steps in higher education (community college and 4-year universities) is generally straight-forward. It can be broken into clear steps, such as choosing a major, completing required courses, and meeting course credits for graduation. Most programs will even provide you with a roadmap or degree timeline. While in college, you can meet regularly with an academic advisor for recommended courses and to make sure you are on track. However, the intricacies of each "step" can sometimes be nuanced.

Let's explore relevant topics:

Where to Start?+

You are probably on this tab because you are thinking about your next steps - you might be graduating high school soon or are planning to go back to school after a gap year. Well congrats! This is already a big step. Here are some things to think about before and while applying to schools. It's really about finding the right fit for you.

College vs University

Types of Colleges | College Board

To College or Not to College | Crash Course | How to College

How to Choose a School | Crash Course | How to College

Virtual College Tours | The College Tour
Choosing a Major+

A major is a discipline or field of study you choose to focus on. Most of your upper-division courses will focus on your major.

Choosing a Major | College Board

How to Choose a Major | Crash Course | How to College
Applying to College+

Applying to colleges and universities takes months of preparation. Here are some tools to help you in the process:

How to Prepare for College | Crash Course | How to College

Example College Application Timeline | Khan Academy

How to Apply to College | Crash Course | How to College
Paying for School+

Paying for college can be a challenge, especially due to high tuition and fees, living expenses, and limited financial aid. With proper planning and resourcefulness, it is possible to cover some of these expenses through scholarships, grants, part-time jobs, and student loans.

How to Pay for College | Crash Course | How to College

Federal Financial Aid

Federal Student Aid | FAFSA

Finaid

Scholarships

There are tons of scholarships out there. Look into your local organizations, foundations, societies, etc.

Bold.org - scholarship search for high school seniors

careeronestop - scholarship finder

College Raptor - scholarship search

Immigrants Rising Scholarships and Fellowship Database

College or University

College vs University

Federal Financial Aid

Scholarships