Resources & FAQ
Start with FAFSA®, then explore loans, scholarships, testing, jobs, and templates.
10 things guide
10 Things to Check
College gives students access to more than classes. Before paying for another tool, subscription, certification, or piece of equipment, check what your school already provides.
10 Things to Check at Your School
OpenA practical guide to resources college students may already be paying for.
10 Things to Check for Research
Coming soonComing soon: how to verify colleges, careers, programs, and costs.
10 Places to Check for Grants
Coming soonComing soon: public, local, employer, school, and nonprofit grant sources.
Thing 1
Online library access
Check for research databases, academic journals, ebooks, newspapers, industry reports, and professional publications that may be included with tuition.
Thing 2
Newspaper and magazine subscriptions
Look for free student access to publications like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, The Washington Post, Harvard Business Review, and industry journals.
Thing 3
Free or discounted software
Before buying software, check whether your school provides Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, MATLAB, SPSS, SAS, Tableau, ArcGIS, AutoCAD, JetBrains tools, or field-specific licenses.
Thing 4
Cloud computing credits
Students in computer science, data science, engineering, AI, or cybersecurity may have access to AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, or university-hosted cloud environments.
Thing 5
GPU and high-performance computing access
Some schools offer GPU clusters, supercomputers, research computing systems, or virtual computing labs that would be expensive to access independently.
Thing 6
AI tools and student plans
Check school-provided AI tools and company student plans. Some platforms offer free or discounted access after verifying a college email address.
Thing 7
Training platforms and certificates
Your school may already pay for LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, edX, Udemy Business, Skillsoft, or certification-prep platforms.
Thing 8
Career services beyond resume reviews
Ask about mock interviews, career coaching, internship databases, employer introductions, job fairs, professional headshots, salary negotiation help, and alumni networking.
Thing 9
Entrepreneurship, startup, and research resources
Look for incubators, innovation centers, research labs, pitch competitions, grant programs, patent support, mentorship, and prototype funding.
Thing 10
Hardware, equipment, and facilities
Check for access to 3D printers, makerspaces, cameras, podcast studios, recording equipment, electronics labs, VR gear, computer labs, research hardware, or equipment checkout.
FAFSA & Financial Aid
Loans & Paying for College
Scholarships & Money
Applications & Testing
Career, Jobs & Paths
Docs & Templates
FAFSAWhat is the FAFSA® and why does it matter?
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What is the FAFSA® and why does it matter?
The FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is how students become eligible for federal grants, work-study, and loans. Many states and colleges also use it to award their own aid.
FAFSAWhen does the FAFSA® open and what deadlines should we track?
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When does the FAFSA® open and what deadlines should we track?
The FAFSA typically opens in the fall. There are three important deadlines: federal, state, and school-specific. Submit as early as possible—some aid is first-come, first-served.
- Check FAFSA® deadlines
- Also check each college's financial aid page for priority dates.
FAFSADo we need an FSA ID? (Parent and student)
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Do we need an FSA ID? (Parent and student)
Yes. The student needs an FSA ID; a contributing parent usually does too. Create them before starting the FAFSA to avoid delays.
Create/Manage FSA IDFAFSAWhat information and documents should we have ready?
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What information and documents should we have ready?
- Student and parent Social Security numbers (or Alien Registration numbers)
- Tax info (student and parent), W-2s, untaxed income details
- Household size and number in college
- List of colleges/programs to receive the FAFSA (up to the current limit)
FAFSAWe submitted the FAFSA—what are the next steps?
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We submitted the FAFSA—what are the next steps?
- Watch for your FAFSA Submission Summary and fix any errors.
- Colleges may ask for verification—respond quickly.
- Compare financial aid offers from each school and note deadlines.
- If needed, update schools listed on the FAFSA.
Student LoansWhere can we learn the basics of federal student loans?
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Where can we learn the basics of federal student loans?
Start with the official overview of federal loans (types, interest, limits) and use the Loan Simulator to estimate future payments and compare plans. Federal Loans Overview · Loan Simulator
ScholarshipsHow do we find local scholarships?
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How do we find local scholarships?
Check your high school counseling office site, local community foundations, employers, and civic groups (Rotary, Elks, PTA, etc.). Many districts publish a PDF or page with local awards and deadlines.
For broader searches, try: CareerOneStop and BigFuture.
Applications & TestingCommon App vs Coalition—do we need both?
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Common App vs Coalition—do we need both?
Most colleges use one or both; some use state or institutional apps. Start with each college's admissions page. If both are accepted, choose the platform your son finds simpler or that aligns with your school list.
Applications & TestingTest-optional—should he still take the SAT/ACT?
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Test-optional—should he still take the SAT/ACT?
It depends on target schools, merit scholarships, and his practice scores. Many merit awards still consider test scores. Check each college's policy and scholarship criteria.
Career & JobsWhat if he's exploring trades, apprenticeships, or direct-to-work?
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What if he's exploring trades, apprenticeships, or direct-to-work?
Look up registered apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov, and check community colleges for certificate programs. Build a starter résumé and seek part-time roles or internships via Handshake, LinkedIn, and Indeed.
Docs & TemplatesWhere can we grab a quick academic résumé template?
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Where can we grab a quick academic résumé template?
In Google Docs, click Template gallery and choose a résumé to customize; add an "Activities & Honors" section. For polished layouts, see Canva templates.
Links provided for convenience. Always verify deadlines, policies, and requirements on official sites.