You are exactly where you are supposed to be.
Wherever you are in the college planning process, Plan Higher Ed is a good place to start.
For Seniors: The College Concierge workbook
Senior year moves fast, and for most students applying to college, it starts right now. (Applications open in a matter of days.)
Navigating the college admissions process can be overwhelming. This college planning workbook helps you stay organized, on track, and confident as you follow your application timeline — one step at a time, including financial aid essentials.
Take a peek inside the workbook:
Get the College Concierge planning workbook:
Get the College Concierge planning workbook:
Plan Higher Ed (PHE)
College affordability, student positioning, & peace of mind for families navigating higher education
You are in the right place at the right time. At Plan Higher Ed, our goal is to meet you where you are in your college planning journey — ensuring your family does not miss out on money, opportunity, or peace of mind.
Navigating college admissions should not feel like a game.
Too often, families feel pressured to chase prestige, accumulate activities, or 'play admissions' in ways that create stress and distract students from authentic growth during their senior year.
At Plan Higher Ed, we believe in an alternative approach: student positioning. This involves helping students understand themselves, communicate their strengths honestly, and discover colleges that genuinely align with who they are and where they want to go.
When families approach college planning with this mindset:
- Students are encouraged to grow, not just perform.
- Families make informed financial decisions throughout the application timeline.
- Students seek colleges based on mission and values, rather than solely on rankings.
- Students align their strengths and goals with the right college environment.
We are building a comprehensive library of resources to support you at every stage — from freshman year to navigating financial aid decisions during senior year. This includes planning tools, scholarship guides, college cost resources, and parent guides.
Explore what's available and check back as new resources are added to assist you in the college admissions process.
PHE Blog
College planning can often feel overwhelming, especially with the complexities of the college admissions process. At Plan Higher Ed, we simplify this journey by providing clear resources on affordability, financial aid, and student positioning. Whether you're tracking your application timeline or looking for ways to navigate senior year with less stress and greater confidence, you can browse by topic, bookmark what's useful, and return as your college planning journey evolves.
Compliance & Disclosure: This page is for educational and promotional purposes only, particularly in relation to the college admissions process and college planning. No guarantees of admission, financial aid, scholarships, tax outcomes, or investment results are made or implied. It's important to note that I am not a licensed financial, tax, or legal advisor. All trademarks and logos are used with permission under affiliate agreements. As you approach your senior year, ensure you are aware of the application timeline and all relevant financial aid options.
RESOURCES
College Board
Application Platforms
Application Platforms
SAT: Scholastic Aptitude Test
CSS Profile
AP tests
As part of your college planning, utilize the College Search Filter to navigate your options efficiently: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search/filters. Remember, understanding the application timeline is crucial for successful college admissions and securing financial aid during your senior year.
Application Platforms
Application Platforms
Application Platforms
When planning for college admissions, be sure to check out the Common App at www.commonapp.org and Quest Bridge at www.questbridge.org. For specific schools, you can apply to Penn State (PSU) through their application timeline at https://admissions.psu.edu/apply/ or the State University of New York (SUNY) via https://www.suny.edu/attend/apply-to-suny/. Additionally, consider the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) for savings on tuition at https://www.wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue/. Remember, there are many other state-based applications, so it's important to research your state school information, especially during your senior year when financial aid options become crucial for college planning.
Financial Aid
Application Platforms
Standardized Tests
Free Application for Federal Student Aid is an essential step in the college planning process. For more information, visit www.studentaid.gov.
As part of your financial aid options during your senior year, you may want to consider a Parent PLUS loan. Learn more about this loan type at https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/what-is-parent-plus-loan.
Additionally, exploring State Financial Aid resources can provide further support during your college admissions journey. For more details, check out https://www.nasfaa.org/State_Financial_Aid_Programs.
Standardized Tests
Additional Resources
Standardized Tests
ACT: American College Testing
SAT: Scholastic Aptitude Test
As you navigate your college planning and application timeline, consider using Prep Expert for comprehensive AP, SAT, and ACT test prep and tutoring to enhance your college admissions prospects.
https://referral.prepexpert.com/julie372
Additionally, organizations like Khan Academy can be beneficial resources during your senior year as you prepare for your future.
Don’t forget to explore options for financial aid to support your college journey.
Career Research
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics provides valuable resources for college planning and understanding career options, which is essential during your senior year. You can explore their occupation finder and more at the following links: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/occupation-finder.htm and https://www.bls.gov/ooh/. Additionally, for insights into your application timeline and financial aid opportunities, check out Road Trip Nation's resources at https://roadtripnation.com/.
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
STARS College Network www.starscollegenetwork.org offers valuable resources for HBCUs and HSIs to assist students during their senior year in navigating the college admissions process. For details on the application timeline and financial aid opportunities, you can visit the following links: HBCU resources at https://sites.ed.gov/whhbcu/one-hundred-and-five-historically-black-colleges-and-universities/ and HSIs information at https://www.hacu.net/hacu/HSIs.asp. These resources are essential for effective college planning.
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