Early Action

With EA, you can apply early to a college and receive an early admission decision, typically by January or February. Admissions offered through EA are non-binding, meaning you’re not obligated to attend the school if you’re accepted. This is a great option if you’re interested in a particular school but are still open to other choices. Here are the facts on EA:

• You can apply to multiple schools with EA.
• You do not have to commit to attending the college when you receive your acceptance letter.
• You must decide if you’ll accept the offer of admission by May 1—which is the normal response date for the college admission cycle.

Early Decision

With ED, you apply early to your first-choice college—typically in November. You’ll receive an admission decision around December, which is significantly earlier than if you were to apply through the normal application process. If you’re accepted as an ED applicant, you’ll enter into a binding agreement, which means you must attend this college. Here is what you need to know about ED:

• You can only apply to one college with ED. You need to go through the normal application process if you apply to other schools, though you can apply to another college for EA.
• If you’re accepted, you’ll receive your offers of admission and financial aid at the same time.
• If the financial aid package is adequate and you accept the offer of admission, you must withdraw all other applications.
• You’ll need to send a nonrefundable deposit well in advance of May 1.

What to Consider

While it’s great to have a head start in planning for college, there are some things to consider before deciding to apply for EA or ED.

• Financial aid. If you’re accepted through ED, you won’t be able to compare financial aid offers from other schools before making your decision.
• Your college choices. Are you comfortable giving up the opportunity to attend any of the other schools you’ve applied to if you’re accepted for ED?
• Other applications. Even if you feel set on attending your top-choice college, it’s a smart idea to apply to other schools through the normal admission process. There will be a small window of time between receiving a response for ED and the national deadline for all college applications. If you don’t get accepted through ED, you don’t want to have to rush to apply to other schools.
• Standardized tests. You’ll need to take the SAT or ACT as early as possible so you can submit your score with your application.
• Maintaining your grades. Most importantly, you need to maintain your level of dedication to school even after you’re accepted. Schools can revoke their offer if there is a change in your GPA.

Choosing the Right Option

If your top-choice school offers EA or ED, do your research before deciding to apply. You want to be confident that you have chosen the right school for you. Take into consideration the cost, degree programs, campus culture, and location before making your decision—and check out our guide to visiting a college campus to help you narrow down what you want from your college experience. After this, if you’ve decided that you have found the college of your dreams—go ahead and get a head start on planning for your future college experience.

• Choose the right major. Pick a major that aligns with your interests and career goals. Be sure it is something you can see yourself enjoying in the future. If you’re questioning whether it’s the right major, talk with your academic advisor and explore other options. They can help you find the right fit.
• Stay on track with your coursework. Attend all your classes (even if attendance isn’t required), complete your assignments on time, and study regularly. Keep track of your GPA to make sure you’re meeting the minimum requirements to graduate.
• Use available resources. Most colleges offer tutoring services, study groups, and writing centers. If you need support in your coursework, these resources can be extremely helpful.
• Be organized. Get a planner and use it. Keep track of important deadlines and major test dates and block out time for studying and completing assignments. Having a plan in place for coursework and deadlines will help you manage your time more efficiently—which could mean more free time as well.
• Be aware of graduation requirements. Don’t let last-minute unfulfilled requirements sneak up on you. In addition to completing all required courses and meeting GPA and credit requirements, you may also need to complete an internship or participate in a research project. Talk with your academic advisor if you have questions about your progress.
• Apply for graduation. Did you know that you’ll have to apply for graduation by a specific date? This will ensure you’ve completed everything required for your college major and officially recognize you as a college graduate.

Graduating from college is an amazing accomplishment because it takes hard work and dedication, starting on day one. Take advantage of opportunities that will help you gain practical experience and build a professional network. Most importantly, work through each day with the end in mind—knowing that every course you take and every skill you develop helps prepare you for a fulfilling career and life beyond school.

When you apply for college, you’ll be asked to write an essay or a personal statement that you’ll submit as part of your application. This is your chance to tell the college admissions team who you are as a person—outside of your academic accomplishments. You may be given a specific prompt to respond to or have more freedom in your writing, but above all else, here is what you should work to accomplish with your essay:

• Share your unique story. Depending on the essay prompt, you’ll get the chance to discuss your personal experiences, what you’re passionate about, and what your academic and career goals are.
• Stand out from the crowd. Be compelling, engaging, and honest in your writing. Admissions officers read thousands of essays each year—show why you’re a unique and valuable applicant through your story.
• Show you’re a good fit for the student population. What are your interests and aspirations, and why are you interested in this college? By sharing this, you can demonstrate how well you will fit into their community.

You may be wondering how to approach writing an essay that accomplishes all of this. With thoughtful planning, you can craft a well-written piece that touches on all the important and engaging points you want to make. Here are some helpful tips for you as you approach the writing process:

• Start early so that you have plenty of time to brainstorm, write, and revise your message.
• Choose an interesting topic or story that is meaningful to you. It should showcase your personality, interests, aspirations, and writing ability.
• Carefully read and follow the directions and make sure your essay follows the prompt.
• Show, don’t tell, by using specific examples and anecdotes that demonstrate your points.
• Be authentic and write a story that reflects who you are and not who you think the admissions team wants you to be.
• Thoroughly proofread your essay for any errors or contradictions and ask someone else to give it a readthrough as well.
• Pay attention to the specified length for your essay. Colleges typically provide a word or page range, so it’s crucial to adhere to these guidelines.
• Ask a teacher, counselor, or mentor for feedback on your topic and the examples you’ve provided. They can offer valuable insights and suggestions for improvement—use them!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or concerned about writing your college essay, know that you are not alone. The written portion of your application can have a big impact on the overall strength of your application, but with careful planning and thoughtful brainstorming, you can create a masterpiece that captivates the admissions officer who gets to read your story.

Activities at Home

Studies show that building STEM-related skills early in life can give your child a distinct advantage when they eventually move into the workforce. So why not try some fun experiments at home with your kids to help boost their understanding of STEM? Build an electric motor that will make your LEGO® bricks spin; set sail with just a bottle, baking soda, and vinegar; or create your own winter wonderland by making snow—with so many cool experiments to choose from, it’s easy to make STEM fun.

Sports

Did you know that the skills and power involved in sports can be explained by math and physics? You can calculate a bike’s speed by dividing the distance it travels by the time spent cycling. You can determine a ball’s path using trigonometry or how far it will go by studying the angle at which it’s hit. Traditional educational models have kept the two fields separate, but integrating sports into lessons could help young athletes or sports enthusiasts uncover an interest in STEM while helping them improve their game!

Apps and Esports

STEM apps on your smartphone or tablet give kids the opportunity to engage in STEM topics through entertaining activities and games. They can build creatures while learning about DNA and genes, power up a robot with technical coding, and help superheroes fight evil villains with math! Through these apps, kids can learn STEM concepts, which is a lot more fun than just reading about them.

STEM is also a key component in esports—multiplayer games in which teams from schools across the nation compete just like in physical sports leagues. In esports, players make calculated decisions to develop winning strategies, requiring kids to use skills throughout their competition! Plus, there is a growing job market in supporting digital gaming leagues—so students who enjoy esports could eventually pursue jobs designing and creating games.

Movies

Many of the compelling historical events and creative science fiction stories we see portrayed in Hollywood movies center on STEM. “Hidden Figures” is a perfect example of an inspiring real-life story about three brilliant Black female mathematicians who used STEM to make history—putting the first American into orbit in space. Other movies such as “Big Hero 6,” “The LEGO Movie,” and “Flubber” put a fun spin on STEM and are great options for a movie night. Movies can be a powerful teaching tool—so why not make learning about STEM fun for the whole family?

Take learning outside the classroom with these engaging, interactive activities, and help your kids see how science, technology, engineering, and math are all around them. With so many interesting topics to explore, your child will have fun learning and building skills that will serve them beyond school in a booming workforce.

• Dissatisfaction with the academic program at your current school
• Financial difficulties or cost of tuition
• Personal reasons, such as feeling like the social or cultural environment isn’t the right fit
• Health reasons
• Change of major

Transferring can sometimes be a bit tricky, so there are some things you should consider before switching schools. Do your research and work with your academic advisor to understand what you need to do for a smooth transfer. You’ll want to get information on the following before transferring:

• Transfer requirements. Find out what you need to transfer to the new school you are considering attending. Depending on the college, you will likely be required to have a minimum GPA, have completed some specific courses, or have a certain number of transferable credits.
• Credits. Find out how many of your current college credits will transfer to your new school. Some colleges may not accept every credit you’ve earned, which could impact your graduation timeline. I had to repeat a foreign language course at my new school because the curriculum didn’t align with what was offered at my old school. Don’t be discouraged if this happens to you—but know it means you will have to retake a course.
• Financial aid. Talk to your new college’s financial aid office to see if you are eligible for any scholarships or grants.
• Housing. Check out the housing options for transfer students if you plan to live on campus or need to move closer. Some colleges have specific housing for transfer students, while others may require you to find off-campus housing.
• Application deadlines. Look up the application deadline for transfer students—it may be different than the deadline for first-year students.

Once you officially transfer, start off strong by attending the transfer orientation. It’s a great way to get acquainted with the college and meet fellow transfer students. Be sure to set up a meeting with your academic advisor to go over which credits transferred and create a plan to reach your academic goals. From there, you’ll be on track to college graduation—in a new environment that’s right for you.

• Develop a schedule and stick with it. Set aside specific time slots for studying, attending classes, and completing assignments. When you create a routine, it becomes a habit. Plus, you’ll stay organized and on track with your coursework—and avoid many of those late nights in the library.
• Take good notes. This is a learned skill. You don’t need to write down everything the professor says, but you’ll want to develop a shorthand style that you can read easily when reviewing your notes. Organize your notes in a way that works best for you, whether that’s outlines, notecards, diagrams, or summaries. Review them regularly to reinforce what you’ve learned.
• Be an active participant. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and take part in group activities. This can help improve your understanding of course material, retain more information, and build relationships with your professors and classmates.
• Use the resources available to you. Colleges offer a variety of resources to help you be successful. Use them! Tutoring services, academic advising, professors’ office hours, and study groups can help you improve your study skills, strengthen your understanding of a subject, and stay on track academically.
• Take care of your physical and mental health. Don’t neglect your overall health when you’re studying in college. Prioritize sleep, eating healthy foods, self-care, and exercise. Activities such as meditation, journaling, and spending time with friends can help boost your mood and manage your stress.
• When you can, multitask. If you have a lot of pages to read or notes to review but want to get in a quick workout, take your notes to the gym! Treadmills and stationary bikes often have shelves over the screen that can be the perfect perch for a book.

If you’re worried about transitioning from high school to college courses—you’re not alone. It can feel like a big leap, but using these tips will help you develop the habits of a successful student. You could also take college courses now to give yourself a head start. Many online schools offer dual enrollment opportunities for high school students to take college courses. You’ll not only get good practice strengthening your study skills, but you’ll also earn college credit—all while still in high school. For more information on dual enrollment, go to K12.com.

1. Get started now. It’s never too soon to start thinking about college. You should begin researching colleges and preparing for standardized tests as early as possible.
   
2. Make the grade. Colleges look at your high school transcript to learn more about your academic ability. Good grades, especially in challenging courses, can increase your chances of admission. 
   
3. Prepare for standardized testing. Many colleges require either the SAT or ACT, and some highly selective schools may also require SAT Subject Tests. You should prepare for these tests in advance and plan to take them multiple times to improve your scores. 
   
4. Get involved with extracurricular activities. Colleges want to see that you’re well-rounded and involved in your community. Participation in extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, and volunteering, can demonstrate this.
   
5. Write a compelling essay. The personal statement or essay is a chance to showcase your personality, interests, and writing ability. You must take your time to write a strong essay that reflects who you are. 
   
6. Ask for letters of recommendation. Colleges want to hear from teachers, counselors, or other adults who know you well and can speak to your character, academic ability, and potential for success in college. 
   
7. Research college options. You should research and apply to colleges that are a good fit for you academically, socially, and financially. You should consider factors such as location, campus culture, and financial aid options. 
   
8. Don’t miss deadlines. Each college has its own application deadline, and missing a deadline can mean missing out on admission to a college. Be sure to keep track of all application deadlines and plan to submit your application well before the deadline. 

Applying to college doesn’t have to be stressful. Your effort, preparation, and positive mindset will help set you on the path to a smooth application process.

Career counseling is a service where a trained professional works with you to identify your interests, skills, values, and personality traits and then help you determine a career path that would be a great fit for you. To learn more about you, your counselor will ask questions and may administer assessments and use that information to guide you toward making informed decisions about your future.

With career counseling, you can expect to:  

• Identify your strengths and weaknesses 
• Gain insight into different industries and careers
• Determine your career goals and map out a plan to achieve them 
• Get help with your job search process, including writing your resume and preparing for interviews
• Receive resources and support for overcoming career-related challenges 

Your career counselor will be a wealth of knowledge as you map out your future, but remember, this is a collaborative effort, and you’re in the driver’s seat. Take control of your future and get the most out of your career counseling by following these tips:

• Be open-minded. You may discover career paths you have not yet considered. Keep an open mind as you explore different options. 
  
• Be honest. Your interests, strengths, weaknesses, and values can play an important role in your career. The more honest you are, the better outcome you will have in career counseling.
  
• Take action. While a career counselor will provide guidance, it’s up to you to be proactive and make decisions about your future. 
  
• Ask questions. This is your time to learn about different industries, careers, and the job search process. Ask a lot of questions—that’s what your career counselor is there for! The more you know, the better equipped you will be to make informed decisions. 

If you need help deciding on a career path or are interested in exploring different options, reach out to a career counselor. Many high schools, colleges, and universities offer career counseling to students, so check with your school to find out what services are available.

There are also dedicated Student Success Coaches who offer comprehensive counseling from the college application process to career planning and interviewing. With their help, you can expect to receive the guidance, support, and resources you need to make smart decisions about your future.

Now’s the time—get out there and find your path!

The college admissions process can be competitive, and many colleges have very low acceptance rates, so it’s helpful to go into the application process prepared. Many things will be considered when you apply to a college. If you have a solid academic record, extracurricular activities, and personal essay, you have a good chance of being accepted to the college of your choice.

Keep these tips in mind as you prepare to apply to college:

• Start early. The college admissions process is time-consuming. Give yourself plenty of time to research colleges, take standardized tests, and write your personal essay by starting early.
  
• Do your research. With thousands of colleges and universities in the United States to choose from, it’s important to find schools that are a good fit for you. Consider factors such as location, cost, academic programs, and extracurricular activities.
  
• Take standardized tests. Most colleges require applicants to submit standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT. These tests can be challenging, but many resources are available to help you prepare for them in advance.
  
• Get letters of recommendation. Ask for letters from teachers, counselors, or other adults who know you well and can speak about your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. Start building strong relationships with teachers and counselors by engaging in school activities and asking for help, when needed.
  
• Write a strong personal essay. This is your chance to tell colleges who you are and why you want to attend their school. Your essay should be well-written, personal, and engaging. 
  
• Apply to a variety of schools. Submit applications to multiple schools, including some you are likely to be accepted to and others you are reaching for. This will give you a good chance of getting into a school of your choosing. 
  
• Take challenging courses. Advanced Placement® (AP®), International Baccalaureate® (IB), and other challenging courses can demonstrate your academic ability and potential for success in college. 
  
• Maintain good grades. Colleges look for students who have a strong academic record, so maintaining good grades throughout high school, especially in rigorous courses, is important.

The college admissions process can be daunting, but you are not alone. Follow the tips above and take advantage of the numerous resources available to help you through the process. Most importantly, know that thousands of colleges and universities would be lucky to have you as a student. 

It’s important to note that you can fill out the FAFSA® starting October 1 of the year before you plan to attend college. It’s processed on a rolling basis, so you should file it as early as possible.

However, before filling out the FAFSA®, you’ll need to create an FSA ID to access and electronically sign your form and loan documents. Once you get started, you will be asked to provide personal and financial information for you and your family, which is used to determine how much financial aid you are eligible for.

How Eligibility and Award Amount Are Determined 

Your eligibility for federal student aid depends on several factors, starting with financial need. The information you provide on the FAFSA® is used to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)—a measure of how much you and your family can afford to contribute to your education based on the following:

• Dependency status: You will indicate your dependency status on the FAFSA® form. If you are a dependent student, you will report your and your parents’ information. If you’re independent, you will report your information as well as your spouse’s, if you are married.
• Marital status: The FAFSA® asks for marital status as of the day you fill out the form for yourself and your parents (if you’re a dependent student). This determines whether a spouse’s income will be included in your EFC.
• Income: Your taxed and untaxed income and benefits are calculated in your EFC. If you are a dependent student, this includes your parents’ income and your own.
• Asset net worth: The FAFSA® collects information on the current value of your assets, excluding what you owe, and calculates them into your EFC. This includes money in checking and savings accounts, investments, businesses, and real estate, excluding the home you live in. 
• Family size: If you’re a dependent student, your household size includes your parents, yourself, and their other children, who receive more than half of their support from your parents. It also includes other individuals who are not your parents’ children but who live with and receive more than half of their support from them. If you’re an independent student, your household size includes you and if applicable, your spouse and your children, who receive more than half of their support from you. Individuals who are not your children but live with and receive more than half of their support from you are also included.

If you are eligible for federal student aid, the amount of aid you receive will be based on your EFC. The lower your EFC, the more aid you will receive. In addition to financial need, you must meet other basic eligibility requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen (However, don’t assume you can’t get aid if you’re not a citizen. Many non-U.S. citizens qualify for student aid).
• Have a valid Social Security number (SSN), with some exceptions.
• Be enrolled or accepted in an eligible degree or certificate-granting program.
• Meet additional eligibility requirements.

Five Steps to Receiving Financial Aid

To get started, gather the required information, such as your SSN, federal income tax return, W-2 forms, bank statements, and alien registration number, if you are an eligible noncitizen. Once you have collected this information, you are ready to follow these steps to complete your FAFSA®:  

1. Create an FSA ID. Your FSA ID allows you to access and sign your FAFSA® form and loan contracts electronically. You should not share this unique and secure digital signature with anyone.
2. Fill out the FAFSA®. Answer all questions on the form accurately and completely. If you need help, reach out to your school’s guidance counselor or the Federal Student Aid Information Center. 
3. Submit the FAFSA®. Some colleges have a priority deadline for financial aid, and because the FAFSA® is processed on a rolling basis, it’s important to submit your form as soon as possible. 
4. Follow up with colleges. Once you’ve submitted the FAFSA®, the colleges you listed on your form will use the information to determine your financial aid eligibility. Check with each college you’ve applied to for any additional financial aid requirements or application procedures. 
5. Renew the FAFSA® annually. You’ll need to renew the FAFSA® each year you’re in college to continue receiving financial aid. Keep track of deadlines and be sure to submit your form on time each year.

If you’re planning to attend college, start gathering the necessary information you need for the FAFSA® early so you can submit your form as quickly as possible. For some insight into how much financial aid you may expect to receive, check out the Federal Student Aid Forecaster. This tool helps estimate your eligibility for federal student aid. And remember, your education is a worthwhile investment in your future. Take advantage of the student aid available and start preparing for your academic future today.