Step One

Plan for PSAT & Other Standardized Tests

Many high school students choose to take the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) and other practice exams to help them prepare for future standardized tests. Practice test scores can help your student determine how much they need to study for the SAT or ACT.

What You Need to Know

High School Is Stressful: A Mom Expresses Concern and Our Community Responds

A Stressed Mom Speaks Out (A version of this story was first published anonymously by a mom in our Paying

SAT and ACT Prep: Your Guide to the Best Free Resources

SAT and ACT prep doesn’t have to be expensive; in fact, many of the best resources are free. Below, I’ve

Important Test-Day SAT Tips

The benefits of preparing academically for the SAT are obvious, but many families underestimate the importance of preparing emotionally and

Preparing for the SAT

As the parent or guardian of a college-bound student, you have probably done at least a little worrying about the

What Is a Good PSAT Score?

The PSAT, or Preliminary SAT, is an important standardized test used to measure college readiness and provide valuable feedback to

Holistic Admissions: Your Child Is More Than Their Grades and Test Scores

What Are Holistic Admissions? Applying to college can be one of the most stressful times of your child’s life, and

Step Two

Get Involved in Outside Activities

Now’s the time for your student to participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports, the arts, hobbies, projects, etc. These can all be added to their brag sheet later.

What You Need to Know

High School Is Stressful: A Mom Expresses Concern and Our Community Responds

A Stressed Mom Speaks Out (A version of this story was first published anonymously by a mom in our Paying

Volunteering in High School Means Intrinsic and Extrinsic Rewards for Your Child

Not every student is an A-team athlete or the star of the school play, nor do they have to be

Certification Classes for Teens, High Schoolers

Whether your child is thinking about taking a few classes before college, in between semesters, or even jumping right in

Summer Programs for High School Students

Summer programs for high school students offer opportunities ranging from local college classes to programs around the world. As college

Holistic Admissions: Your Child Is More Than Their Grades and Test Scores

What Are Holistic Admissions? Applying to college can be one of the most stressful times of your child’s life, and

NHS vs. NSHSS: What Are They and Which One Is Right For Your Child?

National honor societies are very popular within the academic world. In particular, high school students see admission to an honor

Step Three

Understand Types of Colleges

It’s true that one school doesn’t fit all. Learn as much as you can about school typesfrom private to state, small to large, community to 4-year, liberal arts to special interest.

What You Need to Know

PROOF POINTS: Why elite colleges won’t give up legacy admissions

This story about legacy admissions was written by Jill Barshay and produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused

What Is Yield Protection and What Does it Have to Do With College Admissions?

Your student isn’t the only one worried about college acceptances. Schools are as well–they want to know the rate at

Best-Selling College Guides

With thousands of US colleges and universities to choose from, it’s no wonder students and parents alike find the application

Understanding College Tuition and Fees

 The price of attending a college found in Google searches and on college and university websites can often be deceiving.

Colleges and Universities That Are Need Blind

As the name implies, need blind colleges and universities promise to ignore a family’s ability to pay tuition when making

What Is a Trade School?

A trade school, sometimes referred to as a vocational school, is an educational institution students attended in order to learn

Step Four

Use College Search Resources & Tools

Tools and resources like guide books and school websites can be tremendously helpful. Use them often.

What You Need to Know

A Community Member Shares HBCU Scholarship and College Application Tips

This story was first published in our Paying for College 101 Facebook community. It’s been edited for clarity and flow. 

How to Get Into Highly Rejective Colleges

This story was originally published in R2C’s Paying for College 101 (PFC 101) Facebook group. It has been edited for

Best-Selling College Guides

With thousands of US colleges and universities to choose from, it’s no wonder students and parents alike find the application

Understanding Cost of Attendance

Choosing a college and budgeting to attend can be a daunting experience. Luckily, most colleges provide a convenient, standardized way

Understanding College Tuition and Fees

 The price of attending a college found in Google searches and on college and university websites can often be deceiving.

Holistic Admissions: Your Child Is More Than Their Grades and Test Scores

What Are Holistic Admissions? Applying to college can be one of the most stressful times of your child’s life, and

Step Five

Understand Financial Aid/Merit Scholarships

Searching for merit scholarships and understanding financial aid application requirements shouldn’t be taken lightly. This stage requires you to roll up your sleeves.

What You Need to Know

Financial Aid and More: How to Pay for College With No Money

For many families, saving up enough money to cover the entire cost of their children’s higher education just isn’t possible.

How to Make Affordable Colleges Even More Affordable

This story was written by Elizabeth, a member of R2C’s Paying for College 101 (PFC 101) Facebook group, where it

Understanding Cost of Attendance

Choosing a college and budgeting to attend can be a daunting experience. Luckily, most colleges provide a convenient, standardized way

The Price You Pay for College: Why It’s so Difficult to Predict Merit Scholarships

This article is adapted from “The Price You Pay for College: An Entirely New Road Map for the Biggest Financial

Bribery and the Scholarship Application Process

On top of homework, extracurriculars, internships, or jobs, and the stress of deadlines, chores, and fitting in social activities, it’s

Big (and Not So Big) Changes Coming to a FAFSA Near You

Whether you’re the type to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in a weekend or take it

Step Six

Search & Apply for Private Scholarships

Merit aid is lovely, but sometimes, it doesn’t come through. There are other options to fill some of the cost gaps, like private scholarships. Although researching these takes perseverance, the effort can pay off.

What You Need to Know

Teen Jobs May Come With a Bonus: Scholarships

This story was originally published in our Paying for College 101 (PFC 101) group. It has been edited for clarity

Financial Aid and More: How to Pay for College With No Money

For many families, saving up enough money to cover the entire cost of their children’s higher education just isn’t possible.

How to Make Affordable Colleges Even More Affordable

This story was written by Elizabeth, a member of R2C’s Paying for College 101 (PFC 101) Facebook group, where it

How to Find Scholarships

Everyone wants to know how to find college scholarships. The first step is to understand what type of scholarships you’re

Bribery and the Scholarship Application Process

On top of homework, extracurriculars, internships, or jobs, and the stress of deadlines, chores, and fitting in social activities, it’s

Top Strategies for Finding College Scholarships

A scholarship is money awarded to a student to help pay for college. Unlike a loan, it doesn’t have to

Tools & Services Recommended for You

There may come a time when you realize you can’t do it all alone. Use any of the many tools in our toolbox to assist you on the road to college.

Become a Member

At Road2College you’ll find everything you need to make the admissions and paying for college process less stressful and more transparent.

TOOLS

Explore College Insights™ — your source for finding affordable colleges and merit scholarships.

Coaching

Get coaching on admissions and college financing.

Community

Join Road2College where parents and experts work together to inform and inspire college-bound families.