Choosing a College
College Navigator from the US Department of Education will search for colleges and universities by degree types offered, location, test scores, athletics, and more.
College Scorecard from the US Department of Education will tell you the average cost of a school, graduation rates, test score requirements, and other important information.
Illinois Career Information System has tools to search associate, undergraduate, and graduate programs by areas of study, location, size, and other criteria.
Peterson's Test Prep has tools to search undergraduate, distance learning, and nursing programs.
Virtual Campus Tours are available for free at hundreds of college campuses with these sites:
Find slides from our February 2022 program Get the Most from Your College Visit.
Paying for College
How and When to Apply for Financial Aid from ISAC is a great first stop in the financial aid process, and includes a schedule fo when to complete certain steps, explanation of important terms, and more.
All college applicants and students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year. Find more info here:
Illinois and Federal Financial Aid Programs is a list created by ISAC to explore even more funding options beyond the FAFSA
This Financial Aid Comparison Worksheet from ISAC will help you compare your final cost for school after being accepted and learning your financial aid awards from multiple schools
Scholarships
Both the library's Peterson's Test Prep and the Illinois Career Information System have tools for searching available scholarships by numerous criteria
Search for available grants and scholarships in Grants for Individuals. From Candid (formerly The Foundation Center) This database accessible only from within the library.
Find slides from our program College Knowledge: All About Scholarships here
College Experts
You can also contact your local ISACorps Member from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission for help with selecting and applying to college, scholarship searches, FAFSA completion, and student financial aid. Contact them for free one-on-one assistance.
Upcoming ISAC Event Calendar
Area high schools have dedicated college counselors to support students in the college search and admission processes.
Buffalo Grove High School - Admissions Fast Facts
John Hersey High School - Admissions Fast Facts
Prospect High School - Admissions Fast Facts
Rolling Meadows High School - Admissions Fast Facts
Saint Viator High School
District 214 has College & Career events that are open to all high school students. If you do not attend a District 214 High School, please contact Kara Fisher about attending any of these events.