Thursday, May 23, 2013
Resources
click to enlarge
College links and finding money
FinAid
Go here first! Since 1994, FinAid has been the definitive source for financial aid information, advice and tools. The site boasts an easy-to-navigate guide to funding your education through savings, scholarships, loans and military aid.
Fast Web
Go here next! Among other resources, Fast Web provides a comprehensive database of scholarships sorted more ways than you can shake a wallet at.
QuestBridge
Underprivileged high school students willing to do a little legwork can get a big boost from QuestBridge. Every year, about 1,000 low-income students get admission and full-tuition scholarships to top U.S. universities courtesy of the National College Match program, and another 1,000 get access to funds for admissions counseling, college visits and summer college programs through the College Prep Scholarship.
College In Colorado
A nonprofit clearinghouse for information and scholarships for the state's higher-learning institutions, College In Colorado was initiated by the Department of Higher Education to make it easier for students to pursue a college education. It offers planning, application and financing tools for everyone, whether you're a middle schooler, high schooler, college student, a member of the workforce or the parent of a student.
Xanthus Higher
Education Loan Program
4775 Centennial Blvd., 594-4176
When you've got a ton of student loans to consolidate, these are the people who will help you get your life back on track.
Researching/Planning your career
Bureau of Labor Statistics
If you're sure you want to find out what your career is setting you up for, the bureau site has a ton of useful data, searchable by region, state, income bracket and more.
Colorado Trade Schools, Colleges & Universities Directory
trade-schools.net/locations/colorado-schools-directory.asp
For the maximizers who like to start with all the information at their fingertips, this directory is a great way to begin the process of narrowing down your educational options.
eHow Money: How to Explore Career Choices
ehow.com/how_2377114_explore-career-choices.html
All you need to get started is "the desire to figure out a direction for your career," says eHow, and maybe a cup of coffee to sip while you're brainstorming. If you're at a loss as to where to start, this article breaks the process down into manageable steps.
LULAC Educational Service Center
829 N. Circle Drive, 637-0037
The League of United Latin American Citizens provides advocacy and aims to assist the Hispanic community via a range of programs in leadership, college access and finance. In addition, LULAC offers scholarships to assist students in acquiring a high-quality education and preparing them for the workforce.
Office of Postsecondary Education
ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx
It always pays to do some sleuthing on the institution you're thinking of attending. If it has government accreditation, it will show up here.
Pikes Peak Workforce Center
2306 E. Pikes Peak Ave., 667-3700
Pikes Peak Workforce Center is a local powerhouse of free resources, from career planning workshops and assessments to industry videos to developing a résumé.
Planning for traditional college
The College Board
Not only does the College Board administer SAT and Advanced Placement exams, it's also a search tool that aims to provide equal access for students and educators to information on colleges, financial support and scholarships.
education-portal.com/pages/Career_Field_and_Degree_Program_Videos.html
All the resources of a career counseling center are available with the click of a mouse at education-portal.com. A large collection of videos, articles and tools helps guide students and recent grads through the job search process with information on programs, schools, careers and job prospects.
GRE
Those interested in pursuing graduate study will most likely need to start by taking the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Luckily, the official website boasts a wealth of study tools, including review guides and practice tests as well as online registration and maps to test centers. Those who register to take the GRE in August and September 2011 get a 50 percent discount on the test fee.
MyMajors
Wondering what a major in studio art versus biology can do for you? Check out this site for course planning and future careers.
Palmer High School College Planning Guide
d11.org/palmer/counseling/college_planning.htm
The career center at Palmer High School offers this college planning page, packed with curriculum advice, links to entrance exams and more.
U.S. College Search
Getting information on any college in the United States is as easy as searching by program or entering your ZIP code, filling out an info request, and letting U.S. College Search do the work. The site also includes helpful guides to occupations and financial aid.
U.S News
The beauty of U.S. News' college coverage is in the compare-at-a-glance format that turns a monumental topic into a simple matter of rankings, charts and statistics. Don't miss its annual college guide for news and information related to careers, colleges, graduate programs and scholarships.
Related Stories
-
2011 Ed Guide
Get smart, not schooled
- May 5, 2011
-
Don't come to us. We'll come to you
Today, non-traditional students have so many options ... and so few excuses.
- May 5, 2011
-
Joe versus the volcano
With worry roiling state campuses, Lt. Gov. Garcia digs into his 'other' role as higher-ed chief.
- May 5, 2011
-
Cap-and-trade school
A 'fix' to the Post-9/11 GI Bill could leave current ex-military students in the lurch.
- May 5, 2011
-
Trade Schools & Continuing Education
A list of alternative education resources, offering education in beauty, leadership, aviation and more.
- May 5, 2011
-
The universe and I
A year after college graduation, one woman shares her tale of Secret shame — and success.
- May 5, 2011
