Following is a list of resources that may be helpful to you and your family. Simply double-click on any of the following links to be taken directly to the website.
CAREER and COLLEGE PLANNING
College Foundation of North Carolina: This website contains information regarding high school planning, college entrance requirements, career assessments, and placement test preparation. You can even apply for North Carolina colleges online! Find links to every public and private 2-year and 4-year school in North Carolina. Check out the “Financial Literacy” quiz and enter to win a $500 scholarship for completing the lesson. Be sure to write down and keep your user name and password.
Forgivable Education Loans for Service
Helpful “College Preparation Checklist” for students and parents grades K-12 as well as adult students. “My FSA” allows students to learn about careers and colleges that match their interests. Information about federal grant and loan programs. Financial literacy tips and money management links appropriate for high school and college students. Suggestions for selecting a college, tips for the college application process, and career/college/scholarship searches.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published annually by the United States Department of Labor, includes information about 100s of jobs…such as training and education needed, expected earnings and potential growth, what workers actually do on the job, and working conditions. Also find job search tips and information on the current job market in each state.
Why go, what to do, and how to pay. Information for parents and families as well as for students.
Specific information for middle school, high school freshmen, high school sophomores, high school juniors, and high school seniors. Be sure to take the college quiz!
Publications and fact sheets about topics such as homework hints, preparing for college, and helping your child succeed. Special emphasis on typically underrepresented populations–such as first generation college students. Click on “resources” then “publications for parents and communities.”
Explore personality type, learning style, college majors, colleges and universities, and careers. Costs $19.95 per year, but YOU can receive free access to “My Road” and “My College Quickstart” if you have taken the PSAT! Look for the 10-digit access code in the upper right corner of your paper score report.
Virtual tours of colleges with 360 degree views of dorm rooms and facilities. Must create an individual user account with an email address.
Photos and information about colleges nationwide.
Search colleges, graduate schools, and scholarships. Find test prep hints and college application tips.
Great resource for middle and high school students. Explore careers /complete self-assessments and download helpful planning guides.
Quick reference for schools listed as Colleges of Distinction. This is a great place to start exploring your options.
Creat a free profile to search for college and scholarship matches.
COLLEGE ENTRANCE/PLACEMENT TESTS
American College Testing: This website allows your student to practice for the ACT and register for the ACT. Also includes a wealth of information about career and college planning. Write down and keep your user name and password!
The College Board: This website allows your student to practice for the SAT and register for the SAT. It also includes information for college planning, college research and comparison, and great college application tips. There is also information about Advanced Placement exams. Write down and keep your user name and password!
STUDY SKILLS
This website includes spelling, math, and memory tips as well study, test-taking, and note-taking skills. It also provides information about college planning.
This website has great tips for specific learning difficulties such as procrastination, stress, attention/focus, etc.
www.educationatlas.com/study-skills.html
Identify your learning style and find specific tips for studying smarter.
Download documents on variety of topics that may be of interest to families–such as helping your child with homework, reading or math skills, or strategies to stay drug free.
FINANCIAL AID
Federal Aid: Here you can electronically submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All students interested in financial aid MUST complete this document by March of the year they are planning to begin college study. You may also want to try the “fafsa4caster” to estimate financial need.
http://ifap.ed.gov/EarlyFAFSA/EarlyFAFSAResources.html – Early FAFSA Resource
http://ifap.ed.gov/EarlyFAFSA/earlyfafsaFAQv1.html – FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.cfnc.org/home/sc/dr/webinars.jsp – Financial Aid Webinars
Link to all the college and university college cost calculators – maintained by the federal government
Information for Financial Aid Professionals from the Fed. Dept.
Fast Web: Search for scholarships with our free scholarship matching service. You can also get student financial aid and find money to pay for college.
Search for scholarships; avoid the scams.
Search “Tax Benefits for Higher Education” to see how you might benefit from federal income tax credits for education expenses.
Tuition Funding Sources (TFS) is a private website designed to help students gain access to over 7 million scholarships. (Wells Fargo)
www.scholarships.com – National scholarship search site
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/scholarship/index.shtml – Federal Trade Commission site for scholarship scams
COLLEGE ATHLETICS
The following two websites provide information about the National Collegiate Athletic Association. There are new requirements for students entering college in August 2016.
This website contains helpful and comprehensive information for the college-bound student-athlete. You may wish to download and print the student “Guide.”
Electronically submit documentation for college athletic eligibility. Students considering playing sports in college are recommended to begin this process their sophomore year of high school.
http://www.ncaapublications.com/productdownloads/CBSA.pdf
Additional websites include:
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics: You can access information about this national organization, and you can submit your eligibility online. If your school of interest is a member of the NAIA, you are encouraged to register in the spring of your junior year.
National Junior College Athletic Association
National Christian College Athletic Association
SPECIAL NEEDS
Association on Higher Education and Disability: Click on “Students and Parents” for Frequently Asked Questions and downloadable documents for students with disabilities who are planning the transition from high school to college.
www.heath.gwu.edu/resources/links
National Clearinghouse on Postsecondary Education for Individuals with Disabilities
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Learning Disabilities Association of America: Specific strategies for parents and teachers who want to better support students with learning disabilities
LD Online: Resources, articles, and links for parents, teachers and students. Offers strategies and information.
RELATIONSHIPS and PROBLEM-SOLVING
Information for parents and students identifying appropriate (and inappropriate!) problem-solving strategies.
Accurate information about the short-term and long-term effects of drug use–including “synthetic” drugs. Updated frequently.