In high school, you’ll likely take classes in the five core subject areas: English, math, science, history/social sciences, and a language other than English. You may not be required to take a class in each of these areas in every grade, but we strongly recommend that you do. Why? That’s what most college admissions officers are looking for — and it’s what shows them you’re ready for what’s to come in college.

From grants and scholarships to FAFSA and federal student aid, there’s a lot for you to know about financial aid. That’s why we’ve compiled an alphabetical list of the most frequently used financial aid terms— check it out below!

Did you know? More than 75 percent of students get help paying for college.

In fact, over 13 million students receive more than $120 billion in federal student aid each year — and that’s just from the federal government! Students like you may also be eligible for financial aid from states, colleges, and/or private organizations.

We at the Coalition believe in the value of a college education: Research shows that students with a four-year bachelor’s degree earn an average of $1.3 million more than those with only a high school diploma. But we also realize that the cost to attend college can seem very high.

So, let’s talk about calculating the cost of your college education.

As you begin researching your college options, you might find yourself asking: How can I possibly pay for college?

We’re glad you asked (and you will be too)!

First things first: You’re not alone. Almost every student wonders how they’ll be able to afford college. But you may not realize that most students — more than 75 percent of them — get help paying for it.

It’s one thing to research and read all about the schools you’re considering. But a great way to know if those colleges are a good fit for you is to visit them!

On a college campus tour, you can experience firsthand where you might live, study, sleep, eat, and socialize. That’s why we highly recommend you grab your parents or someone that is supporting you in your college visit search, gas up the car, and hit the road!

As a high school student, you are all too familiar with deadlines: essay due Jan. 15, lab report due Feb. 2, final project due April 30. These are firm dates when you submit your materials and — phew! —you’re done.

We know that writing your essays can seem especially daunting when applying to college. But the essays are a great opportunity to add depth to something that is important to you and address a topic you’re not able to cover elsewhere in your application.

The essays reveal how you learn, what you value, or how you approach challenges, which helps the admissions committee imagine how you might approach the living and learning environment at their school.

As you probably know, college application fees can really add up. In fact, the average application fee is currently $50 — and some schools can charge as much as $90. Multiply that by 6-10 schools, and you’re looking at hundreds of dollars just to apply.

Good thing we’re here!

So, you have a college interview coming up … congratulations!

This in-person or online meeting with a representative of the school you’re considering is a great opportunity to showcase you: the person behind the application. And the best way for you to shine during your interview is by being honest, confident, and prepared.

Many (though not all) colleges and universities interview students as part of their application process. It’s a way for them to learn more about you: the person behind the grades, essays, activity listings, and recommendations you may have already submitted.

Your interview will likely be with someone from the admission office, a current student, or a graduate of the college. It might take place at the school, at a nearby meeting place (like a coffee shop), or online through a system like Skype or FaceTime. In any case, think of it as an opportunity to show that you’re so much more than the paperwork you provided.

You’ve done the research and created a college list, but now you have to decide: Where do I apply? 

At the Coalition, we’re here to help you make smart choices when it comes to applying to college, and your first choice should always be: Apply to more than one school! In fact, we recommend applying to 6-10 schools, because applying to college means applying to colleges — and we encourage you to consider Coalition schools because of their commitment to access, affordability, and success.

Now’s the time to start thinking about colleges. But which ones?

Do you want a small liberal arts college on the East Coast? A big football university in the Midwest? A midsize engineering school on the West Coast?

Your college search means finding schools that line up with your interests, academic abilities, and future goals. There are thousands of schools out there, but only a few will be right for you.

Did you know? Applying to college means applying to colleges, plural.

In fact, we recommend you apply to 6-10 schools, so your list needs at least that many schools, in order to give yourself the best opportunity to make smart college choices.