Most of the resources listed below require access to the Internet. If you don't have Internet access available at home, visit your local library. Many libraries have access available to the public for free. Comprehensive Guides Educational Resources AVID Test Preparation Internship and Volunteer Programs College Outreach Information Choosing a College Financial Aid Comprehensive Guides College Board US News Education Guide Go College Black Excel: provides resources for all college-bound students, but especially African-American families and first-generation college students. CollegeView Return to Top Educational Resources Internet Public Library Light Span--provides learning resources and activities The Discovery Channel High School Hub College Board Return to Top AVID The San Diego County Office of Education's AVID department has up to date information on college admission requirements and the AVID program. "The mission of AVID is to ensure that all students, especially students in the middle with academic potential, capable of completing a college preparatory path will succeed in the most rigorous curriculum, will enter mainstream activities of the school, will increase their enrollment in four-year colleges, and will become educated and responsible participants and leaders in a democratic society." (from the AVID web site) For more information, call the County Office AVID department at (858) 292-3559 or visit their web site: AVID Program Return to Top Test Preparation Preparing for college admission and placement tests is like preparing for an athletic event. Talk to your college counselor about ways you can prepare. Remember to keep reading and brush up on Algebra when preparing for college placement exams. SAT Preparation (College Board) ACT Preparation Kaplan Return to Top Internship and Volunteer Programs Check with your career/college counselor about businesses in your area that participate in internship programs. AmeriCorps SERVEnet and SERVEnet's List of Volunteer Organizations Return to Top College Outreach Information Some colleges offer specific planning aids for assistance in meeting admission requirements and completing successful applications. Check the individual web site for each institution you are considering. California State University Mentor Early Academic Outreach Program (University of California) San Diego Community College District Return to Top Choosing a College Meet with your school counselor for more information about finding a college that fits you. Guides for finding specific information about colleges such as tuition costs, admission requirements and areas of study are available at bookstores and libraries. Popular guides include: Princeton Review (Princeton) Fiske Guide to Colleges (Edward Fiske) The Insider's Guide to College (Yale Daily News) Information is also available on the Internet: Princeton Review My Road Campus Tours US News Education Guide California Student Opportunity and Access Program Return to Top Financial Aid Talk to your counselor about getting started early in this process. Watch deadlines and apply early! When you receive aid, be sure to compare the cost of a college with the aid amount offered. ScholarShare National Student Loan Data System Sallie Mae EdFund California Student Aid Commission US Department of Education Funding Department Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Return to Top Take the First Step | Plan in Middle School | Plan in High School Choose a College | Get Accepted | Obtain Financial Aid | Communicate | Survive Freshman Year | Articles & Advice | UCTV | UCSD-TV | ©2003 Regents of the University of California. Terms and Conditions of Use.