College Planning Guide

Study for standardized tests (SAT, ACT, PSAT, GRE) required for college admissions.

• Use practice tests, prep courses, and e-books on Testing & Education Reference Center.
• Get online tutoring and feedback on practice tests from Homework Help Now.

Learn more about the college application process.

• Read tips for the college application process at Applying 101.
• Find information just for California college admissions, plus apply online.
• Visit Central Library’s College & Center for books and DVDs.
• Find books on college admissions from the Sacramento Public Library.

Select the right college for you. 

• Get tips on finding and applying for the right school at GoCollege.
• Search CollegeBoard for schools by location, activities, diversity, and more.
• Compare California colleges by location, setting, and size.

Apply for financial aid from the government.

• Submit a free online application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Apply for local and state financial aid opportunities on CaliforniaColleges.edu.

Find and apply for scholarships.

• Search for scholarships using the Financial Aid and Scholarship Wizard.
• Find scholarships using the College Board’s Scholarship Search.

Learn more about student loans.

• Plan, manage, or get help paying a loan from the nonprofit organization ECMC.
• Learn about different types of loans at BigFuture by The College Board.

Learn more about college saving plans.

• Find out more about California's official 529 College Savings Plan at ScholarShare.