The following resources are suggestions and recommendations by parents and staff. This list is not meant to be exhaustive. Libraries, bookstores, and the Internet are great resources for finding materials that may be even more specific to your needs.
A note of caution regarding websites: Online resources are an excellent source for college information, but be wary of “.com” sites. For example, there is a “FAFSA.com” site which states it will fill out your FAFSA form, but for a price. The federal government’s FAFSA site and other federal educational websites end in “.ed.gov ”, and California government sites end in “.ca.gov”. The information on these government sites is offered free and their publications are also free. Nonprofit organizations end in “ .org ” and are more reputable than “.com ” sites. However, there may be a charge for certain services with “.org” sites.
Online Information about Colleges
Best Colleges
Information about what schools have to offer in terms of top-rated academics and student lifestyle.
The Best Colleges
Get the best education possible.
BigFuture
Step-by-step college planning guide from The College Board.
California Colleges
Source for college planning in CA.
College View
College finder, Virtual tours; how to make the most of your college experience.
Cyber Degrees
Directory of colleges and universities offering cyber security degrees
Discover Business
Subject guides, resources and rankings of business schools.
My College Options
Extensive information about college planning, preparation, financing.
My Road
College Board sponsored site. Free access for students who have taken the PSAT.
Universities.com
Online college prep resource providing university rankings, tuition costs and in depth information.
Information about Online Colleges
Accredited Schools Online
This tool helps simplify the process of comparing online colleges and programs.
Affordable Colleges Online
Identify an online institution that meets your educational, professional and financial needs.
Consumer Affairs
A guide and resource of verified consumer reviews used to make a more informed decision.
OnlineColleges.net
For the experienced online learner, current student, or those considering attending college online.
Naviance Family Connection
http://connection.naviance.com/albanyhigh
Naviance is a web-based college & career research and planning tool for AHS students and parents. Every AHS student has an account with Naviance, but you must register before you can start using its many features. On Naviance, students can search for colleges, explore careers, and take interest inventories. In addition, students can review admission data for colleges across the United States and get a better sense of whether a particular college would be a good match for them.
Other Resources
The AHS Counseling office, AHS library and Albany library have a wide variety of college guides, books and pamphlets on the college search process, admissions, financial aid and more.
Americorps
Complete a term of service to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award.
College Affordability Guide
Info and advice on the many options students have to reduce the cost of their degree.
CollegeSavings.org
Clearinghouse for information among state-administered college savings programs.
East Bay Consortium
Services for students to finish high school and enroll in postsecondary institutions.
Fastweb
Search engine with access to information on 600,000 scholarships.
Ivy Ready
Help identify areas of improvement on your college applications.
Pay Your Tuition
Lower loan debt by fundraising.
Raise.me
Get scholarships from colleges for your achievements in high school.
The Impossible Dollar
Build a financially secure future and still afford a few luxuries in life.
California Chafee Grant For Foster Youth
Free Money for Foster Youth for college or career training.
California Student Aid Commission
California Student Aid Commission information
California Dream Act
More information about AB540 and DACA.
Cash 4 College
Get help completing the FAFSA or CADAA and Chafee application.
U.S. Department of Education
Grants and loans from the Office of Post-secondary Education (OPE).
Federal Student Aid
U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.
Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Get help paying for college or career school. Information about grants, loans, and work-study.
The SmartStudent Guide to Financial Aid
Overview of financial aid process; contains financial aid calculator. Student financial aid information, advice and tools.
I Can Afford College
Provides for financial aid awareness.
Sallie Mae Bank Loans
Stafford, PLUS and Consolidated Loans (federal loans) CSS PROFILE / contains online financial aid calculator 1–800–778–6888 (Nellie Information on FFELP Federal Family Education Loan Programs and privately funded loans for students and families.)
Federal Student Aid
An office of the U.S. Department of Education.
Web Grants 4 Students
Visit after receiving your application submission confirmation.
SAT and ACT
Students register for the SAT/ACT directly through each organization's website, NOT through the Counseling Office:
ACT SAT
Families of students with disabilities who are seeking accommodations on these standardized tests need to apply directly to the testing organization to receive those accommodations. Click here for helpful hints for applying for accommodations through ACT and College Board (applies to SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests as well as PSAT and Advanced Placement exams).
For students wanting to explore test prep over the summer, Kaplan is offering free PSAT, SAT and ACT practice tests and workshops. Visit www.kaptest.com/hsevents to see what is available!
The Student–Athlete
AHS Athletic Department's Planning Guide for the College-Bound Student Athlete (link broken)
Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse
P.O. Box 4044
Iowa City, IA 52243–4044
NCAA Eligibility and Recruitment Information
For other questions call toll free 1–877–262–1492
Financial Assistance for Undocumented Students
If you are not a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident and do not currently possess a green card, visa, or other legal documentation, you are considered an undocumented immigrant.
Being an undocumented student does not prohibit you from applying to college or receiving financial assistance. Albany High School hosts a financial aid workshop for students each year. Please listen to the bulletin or refer to the Counseling calendar for more information and visit CA Dream Act for details.
Financial Assistance for Foster Youth
If you are or were in foster care between the ages of 16 and 18 as a dependent or ward of the court and have financial need, you may qualify for up to $5,000 a year for career and technical training or college.
Being a foster child does not prohibit you from applying to college or receiving financial assistance. Albany High School hosts a financial aid workshop for students each year. Please listen to the bulletin or refer to the Counseling calendar for more information and visit Chafee Grant information page for details.