Preparing for College

Find resources here to get you ready for college, from figuring out which major to choose, which colleges to apply to, which classes to take to prepare, and how to apply for financial aid, you'll find help here.

What is Preparing for College?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how to prepare for college, but there are some general principles that can help guide students and their families through the process. The most important thing is to start early and take advantage of all the resources available.

The first step is to research different colleges and programs to find the best fit for the student’s interests and goals. Once a list of potential schools is narrowed down, it’s important to begin the application process as early as possible. Most colleges have deadlines for applications and financial aid, so it’s important to stay organized and on track.

The next step is to prepare for college exams, such as the SAT or ACT. College admissions offices take these exams into consideration when making decisions, so it’s important to do well. Students can find practice exams and take classes to help them prepare.

Finally, students should start thinking about how they will pay for college. There are many options available, including scholarships, grants, and student loans. It’s important to explore all of the possibilities and make a plan that fits the student’s budget.

Preparing for college can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little planning and preparation, students can find the right college and enter the next phase of their lives with confidence.

Preparing for College Resources

Student using laptop for learning and studying

Unlimited Memory: How to Use Advanced Learning Strategies to Learn Faster

International Grandmaster of Memory Kevin Horsley shares powerful memory techniques and learning strategies to help students remember anything and learn faster.

Collaborative learning and problem-solving session

A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science

Barbara Oakley's bestselling guide to mastering math and science, based on her popular "Learning How to Learn" course — the world's most enrolled online class.

Books and study notes on learning strategies

Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning

A groundbreaking book that draws on cognitive science research to reveal the most effective learning strategies — and why many common study techniques don't work.

Student studying effectively at organized desk

How to Become a Straight-A Student

Cal Newport's evidence-based guide to earning top grades while studying less, based on interviews with real straight-A students at elite universities.

Test preparation desk with study materials and pencils

Kaplan ACT Prep Plus 2025

Kaplan's flagship ACT guide with 5 full-length practice tests, online resources, and their proven score-raising strategies used by millions of students.

Student studying for ACT with textbooks and notes

Barron's ACT Premium Study Guide with 6 Practice Tests

Expert ACT preparation from Barron's featuring 6 full-length practice tests, comprehensive subject review, and proven test-taking strategies.

Multiple choice test answer sheet for standardized exam preparation

Princeton Review ACT Premium Prep, 2026

Comprehensive ACT preparation with 8 full-length practice tests, proven score-raising strategies, and detailed content review for all test sections.

Student preparing for ACT test with study materials

The Official ACT Prep Guide 2025-2026

The only ACT prep guide written by the test makers at ACT, Inc., featuring 8 full-length practice tests with detailed answer explanations.

Is College Worth It?: A Former United States Secretary of Education and a Liberal Arts Graduate Expose the Broken Promise of Higher Education

Is College Worth It?: A Former United States Secretary of Education and a Liberal Arts Graduate Expose the Broken Promise of Higher Education

For many students, a bachelor's degree is considered the golden ticket to a more financially and intellectually fulfilling life. But the disturbing reality is that debt, unemployment, and politically charged pseudo learning are more likely outc...

U101: Understanding College and College Life

U101: Understanding College and College Life

College can be confusing and intimidating, but U101 can help. If you were just admitted to college and are nervous about what the next step in life might look like, this course is for you. If you are the parent of a newly admitted college student and...

Try College 101

Try College 101

The first unit of this course will help you determine your goals for your college education. In other words, you will have the opportunity to thoughtfully answer the question, why am I pursuing an undergraduate degree? Knowing the answer to this ques...

Applying to U.S. Universities

Applying to U.S. Universities

About this Course “It depends.” That is what you’ll hear when asking about the U.S. university admission process. With over 4,000 universities in the United States and no standard application system, the U.S. admission process can be confusing for e...