Tutoring is a great way to keep up with your schoolwork and be proactive. Some schools have active, afterschool or in-school tutoring programs, or you can request to meet with your teachers during your lunch period or after school for extra help.

As a youth in care, you can get  SAT or ACT Fee Waiver. Ask your guidance counselor for assistance to apply. 

You are also eligible for AP Test discounts. For more information click here. 

Khan Academy offers great SAT and ACT practice problems as well as instructional videos for free. 

If possible, take advantage of dual credit classes and advanced placement courses that offer college credit. This will reduce your credit-requirements in college, when you have to pay per credit.

First Star Academy College Preparation Program at Rowan University and Rutgers New Brunswick is a great resource to get you ready for higher education.

High school juniors and seniors have the most third-party scholarships available to them. See the outside/third party scholarship section for more details. 

Build a good rapport with teachers, coaches, guidance counselors, and don’t be afraid to ask for letters of recommendation for both colleges and scholarships.

Talk to a school guidance counselor, PACES Coach, helpful teachers, or trusted adults. Figure out which colleges are in your budget range, have your intended major and preferred atmosphere. (suburban, urban, rural / small or large)

Consult your English teacher or tutor when writing your college essay.  Have someone you trust take a look to make sure you’re expressing yourself the best you can.

Filling out your FAFSA and HESAA

When filling out college applications AND financial aid applications, AND third-party scholarship applications they usually require appropriate documentation: 

• Address 
• Social security number 
• Driver’s license number 
• Proof of being a ward of the state
• Tax documentation