DESTINATION
COLLEGE:
A Four-Year Plan for
High School Students
online resources
In today’s digital world, the right tools can make all the difference in your college and career journey. This hub connects you to hand-picked, reliable resources for every stage of high school — from scholarships and applications to internships and mental health support.

Time management apps, study techniques, tutoring
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Time Management Apps – Stay organized and productive.
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Study & Note-Taking Guides – Sharpen your academic skills.
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Tutoring Platforms – Find subject-specific support.
Support for balance and well-being
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Application Anxiety Tools – Manage the pressure.
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Mindfulness & Self-Care – Daily practices for balance.
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Stress & Burnout Resources – Support for academic stress.
AP, IB, CLEP, DSST and Dual Enrollment
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AP & IB Credit Policies – See how colleges award credit.
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Dual Enrollment Programs – Learn eligibility and options.
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CLEP & DSST Guides – Earn credit through exams.
Gain experience through internships, volunteering, job shadowing
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High School Internships – Explore career fields early.
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Volunteer Databases – Give back to your community.
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Job Shadowing & Mentorships – Gain real-world exposure.
Free & paid SAT, ACT, AP, PSAT prep
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SAT/ACT Practice Tools – Free and paid prep options.
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AP Exam Prep – Review guides and practice exams.
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PSAT/National Merit Info – Understand scoring and scholarships.
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Test-Optional Database – Find colleges that don’t require scores.
Explore applications, essays & deadlines
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College Search Engines – Find schools by size, location, and majors.
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Common App & Coalition App – Apply to multiple colleges with one application.
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Essay Tips & Examples – Learn how to craft standout essays.
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Deadline Trackers – Stay on top of key dates.
Search databases, learn FAFSA, estimate costs
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Scholarship Databases – Search national and local opportunities.
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FAFSA & CSS Profile Guides – Step-by-step help for financial aid forms.
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Aid Calculators – Estimate costs and packages.
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Merit Scholarships – Research what’s offered by individual private and state schools
Explore your interests, build professional skills, and prepare for future opportunities
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Career Assessment Tools – Discover your strengths and explore career paths.
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Resume, Cover Letter & Portfolio – Build polished resumes and showcase your work.
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Career Exploration Platforms – Learn about jobs, salaries, and majors.
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Interviews & Networking - Ace interviews and connect with professionals.
First-gen, minority, LGBTQ+, access programs & scholarships
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First-Gen Resources – College access and mentorship.
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Scholarships for Special Groups – Minority, LGBTQ+, and others.
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College Access Programs – Support for underrepresented students.
Common interview questions, tips, showing interest
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Common Interview Questions – Practice and prepare.
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Virtual & In-Person Tips – Make the right impression.
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Demonstrating Interest – Show commitment to your top schools.
Guidance on waitlists, deferrals, appeal letters, negotiating aid
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Waitlist & Deferral Advice – Next steps if your spot is uncertain.
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Appeal Letter Guides – How to request reconsideration.
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Negotiating Aid Offers – Improve your financial package.
Vocational programs, certifications, apprenticeships
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Vocational/Tech School Directories – Explore skilled trades.
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Certification Programs – IT, healthcare, technical, creative and more.
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Apprenticeships – Earn while you learn.
Structured gap years, study abroad, service travel
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General Gap Year Programs – Structured learning and service.
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Service-Based Programs– Volunteer abroad experiences.
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Personal Growth Programs – Build independence and leadership.
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Environmental Programs – Contribute to conservation, research, and sustainability.
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High School Study Abroad – Programs for global learning.
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Gap Year Funding - Scholarships, grants and awards for gap year programs.
Startup guides, teen success stories, grants
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Startup Guides & Toolkits – Build your first business.
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Funding & Grants – Discover programs for student ventures.
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Success Stories – Learn from young entrepreneurs.