The Building Blocks of College Planning
There are various building blocks that play in the college application process. The non-profit organization, Any Kid Can Be Anything, aims to provide accessible resources and information regarding this process.
The Building Blocks of College Planning
A common aspect constitutes extensive research and the final decision of the type of postsecondary educational pathway a student aims for. Common pathways include, but are not limited to, trade school, community college, public four year universities, and private four year universities. There are many advantages and disadvantages for each of these pathways, and it is important to stay informed on the cost of attendance, lifestyle habits, environment, alignment with one’s career, analyzing schools in relation to their funding origins, and more. (Postsecondary Education)
Starting Early
Students can start preparing ahead of time to prevent feeling overwhelmed from the college application process. Practical steps high school students can take to prepare for higher education, would be to get involved early. This includes taking advantage of opportunities such as clubs, sports, research, summer programs, AP and dual-enrollment classes, volunteering, and starting a passion project. It is recommended to start the essay writing portion of the application the summer before senior year, to maximize the quality of writing.
In relation to writing, there are many scholarship opportunities that are available for high school students of various grades with and without essays. Many of these opportunities are made available on the website of this nonprofit, Any Kid Can Be Anything – In a World of Possibility, as well as scholarships.com and other websites.
Comparing Your Options
During the college application process, students must take into account location, academic programs, campus environment, career preparation, personal fit, and cost. These factors may seem miniscule during the college application process, meanwhile they largely influence a student’s success, happiness, and health. The location of a campus impacts the student largely. Whether it is regarding weather, safety, or scenery, an environment that matches a student’s needs must be addressed and taken into consideration.
Additionally, the academic programs that an institution provides heavily plays into refining where a student decides to pursue their education. Different institutions offer various forms of programs, such as specialized counseling for first generation students, students of color, research opportunities, specialized majors, dedicated college within the university, and more. Also, the campus environment is essential for the success of the student. Specifically, picking an environment that fits with the personality, whether that is a school that is social, or more reserved. This also includes whether a student wants an institution with smaller class sizes, PhD level professors, a competitive or collaborative environment.
In addition to the environment of an institution, they provide immense opportunities for career advancement beyond one’s degree. When one analyzes the advancement opportunities, especially through an alumni network, it can impact one’s choice on what type of higher education they plan to pursue.
Financing One’s Education
Furthermore, the cost of the student’s higher education can either deter or attract them. However, even if a school appears costly, there are still options on how to navigate one’s finances.
Through these different educational experiences, costs vary. To ensure every qualified student deserves to attend the institution of their choosing, regardless of financial background, Any Kid Can Be Anything strives to educate students on different ways to finance one’s education. These include grants, work-study jobs, scholarships, loans, financial aid, aid for specific groups, and other various aid sources. (Types of Financial Aid | Federal Student Aid).
Closing Statement
More information regarding the postsecondary educational pathways, financing a student’s education, and additional insider tips, will be made available at our upcoming event on October 3rd, 2026. Please visit the home page for event details.
