16 College Admissions and Scholarship Resources to Help Jumpstart Your College Journey

by/September 26, 2023/Tags#collegeadmissions, #collegebound, #collegescholarships, #fedlifehacks, #fedshelpingfeds, college, federal families, scholarships, students
Admissions and Scholarship Resources

From Free Test Prep Resources to Financial Aid Explanations, We’ve Compiled All the Resources You Need in One Spot

FEEA champions the pursuit of higher education among federal and postal public servants and their families, providing over $14 million in merit-based scholarships since our founding in 1986.

Our efforts to support the federal community extend beyond the 200+ scholarship awards each year. Through our #FEDLifeHacks program, we hope to use our extensive experiences to provide families with college admissions and scholarship resources to guide them through the complex process of collegiate admissions.

Below, you will find resources recommended and used by high school college counselors with their students. These resources range from free online test prep to financial aid planning tools we hope will assist you and your teen through the various stages of planning for the exciting next chapter of life.

Academic Support and College Planning

  • DecidED.

    This free site provides students and parents with resources, tools and guidance to compare college costs, financial aid benefits, and other fit factors.

  • 529 PLANS

    A 529 plan is a specific account designed to provide incentives for saving for the future cost of education. We sat down with an expert to talk about the ins and outs of 529 plans for college.

  • KHAN ACADEMY

    Khan Academy is a free learning platform offering practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that empowers learners to study at their own pace. Subjects include math, science, computing, history, art history, economics, and more, including K-14 and test preparation (SAT, Praxis, LSAT) content.

  • BIG FUTURE WITH COLLEGE BOARD

    A comprehensive website from CollegeBoard that allows you to plan for college, explore schools, search for scholarships, and much more.

  • FAIR TEST

    Provides a listing of over 1,835+ accredited, 4-Year Colleges and Universities with ACT/SAT optional testing policies.

  • American Sign Language

    To see a listing of schools that accept American Sign Language (ASL) as a part of admissions and graduation language requirements.

  • TUITION EXCHANGE

    For students whose parents may work at a college or university (professor, staff, facilities, cafeteria, it all counts).

TESTING REGISTRATION SITES &INFO

While some institutions have begun to roll out testing optional admissions standards, most still require either an SAT or ACT score. Be sure to view admissions requirements for the schools you plan to apply. Keep in mind that for both SAT and ACT, the registration deadline is typically 30 days prior to the testing date.

  • PSAT/NMSQT

    The PSAT/NMSQT or Preliminary SAT is a practice version of the SAT exam and also the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Content on the PSAT/NMSQT is very similar to the SAT, with reading, math, and writing and language sections.

    You can only take the PSAT once per year, and many students take the test in both 10th and 11th grade. Unfortunately, not all schools administer the PSAT testing during the school day. If your teen’s high school does not offer the PSAT, they may take the test at another nearby school that is offering it. Talk to a school counselor to inquire about test dates and procedures.

    For more information about the PSAT/NMSQT, visit the CollegeBoard site opens a new window., which includes information like free study resources from Khan Academy opens a new window.

  • SAT TESTING

    The SAT is a multiple-choice test created and administered by the College Board. The purpose of the SAT is to measure a high school student’s readiness for college, and provide colleges with one common data point that can compare all applicants. Testing subjects include math and evidenced-based reading and writing.

    SAT Fee Waiver opens a new window

  • ACT TESTING

    View the ACT Fee Waiver opens a new window. In addition to the testing fee waiver, ACT also offers the following benefits to qualifying students: Free access to The Official ACT® Self-Paced Course, Free additional score reports, and request of a Waiver or Deferral of College Admission Applications Fee

COMMON APP & THE ESSAY

  • CommonApp

    Common App connects students to over 1,000 diverse public and private colleges and universities across the United States and 20 countries. The non-profit aims to lower the logistical and systemic barriers to college access with a single college application form used by member institutions. The Common App application includes a single essay submitted to institutions that require an essay. Prompts for the personal statement for the Common App post on May 1, meaning you can begin crafting essays over the summer. Keep in mind that many colleges and universities have begun to require a supplemental essay to demonstrate interest.

  • Writing Your College Essay

    While students may find themselves stuck searching for an impressive topic or story that will jump off the pages, it’s important to remember that Admissions Officers want to know what you have learned, rather than what you did. Check out our guide to the college essay.

Scholarships and Scholarship Search Engines

Financial Aid Forms

  • FAFSA

    Filing the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is a requirement for all students to qualify for grants and low interest loans.

MORE COLLEGE BOUND RESOURCES FROM FEEA

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The information provided in this piece is for your convenience and informational purposes only and not to be construed as professional advice. FEEA and its coauthors and sponsors are not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act with regard to the content in this piece.