The clock is ticking! It's never too early to begin to plan for the future.
Use the links below to review valuable information about preparing for college.

Planning for College

Studentaid.gov
The U.S. Department of Education helps you learn why to go, what to do, and how to pay for college.

ISAC
Illinois Student Assistance Commission brings you and your parents this information to planning for college.

Mapping Your Future
An online guided tour to help you plan for the future, select a college, and choose a career.

College Board
Mission-driven organization representing over 6,000 of the world’s leading colleges, schools, and other educational organizations.

Choosing a College

College Navigator
Find a college based on majors offered, location, or type of school. From the National Center of Education Statistics.

U.S. News & World Report: America's Best Colleges
This free online edition from U.S. News and World Report ranks over 1,800 colleges and universities by quality and value.

Financial Aid

Bright Start College Savings Program
Bright Start is Illinois' tax-advantaged Section 529 Plan that helps parents, grandparents, and relatives, save for a child's college education.

College Illinois
The Illinois prepaid tuition program allows families to lock in future tuition and fee costs at today's prices.

FAFSA on the Web
From the United States Department of Education, this website allows you to complete and submit an online version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal School Code Search

 

Test Prep

The ACT and SAT are two types of standardized tests, which help to gauge students readiness for college + University. In the state of IL, the SAT test is administered to juniors in public high schools.  Almost all universities will accept either test; check the university website to be sure.

LearningExpress Library

 

SAT/ACT Essentials, powered by The Princeton Review on Tutor.com
Use the new test prep features on Tutor.com. You must have a GBPLD library card and create a free Tutor.com account. Available from 4pm to 11pm seven days a week. If you need extra help, chat with a live, professional tutor five times a week.

ACT
Learn more about the ACT test from their website.

SAT
Learn more about the SAT test from College Board.

 

Scholarships and Grants

College Zone - Scholarships

Directory for Illinois and Federal scholarships.

Collegeboard.com Scholarship Search
Complete an online questionnaire and this website will search its database of more than two thousand college scholarships, internships, and loan programs to help you find financial aid from non-college sources. Matches are based on your education level, talents, and background