College Planning Toolkit

Bookmark this page to use these FREE resources throughout your college admissions process

COLLEGE PLANNING GUIDES | ON DEMAND WORKSHOPS | FREE COLLEGE CONSULTATION | ARTICLES

Complimentary Initial Consultation

Identify key issues you should be considering as you begin the college admissions process.

  • Discuss your child’s academic aspirations and how that matches his/her ideal career and lifestyle after college
  • Explore key factors that go into choosing the right college and how to build a balanced college list
  • Begin to develop a college planning timeline
  • Provide financial clarity for parents and discuss steps students can take to reduce college costs and graduation debt
  • Ask questions about college planning and learn how we can help

You’ve got an expert right there to answer your pressing questions and help you determine your best path.

SPEAK WITH AN EXPERT

Guides, Checklists and Worksheets 

S.A.F.E Questions for College Visits

A document with key questions to ask on a college visit in each of the four S.A.F.E. categories.
View the Document

Digital College Visit Checklist

An online document with key tasks pre, during, and post-college visits.
Get the Checklist

College Visit Worksheet

This google sheet helps you prepare for a visit, track contacts made, and rank your experience on the visit with a "College Visit GPA."
Access the Worksheet

S.A.F.E College Fit Guide

This guide outlines the four key areas to evaluate when determining a college fit: social, academic, financial, and employment.
View the Guide

College List Organizer

This worksheet allows you to track and rank colleges on important research factors
Access the Organizer

Guide to Finding a Social Fit

Social Fit is the key to finding a college that is going to keep you happy and healthy and avoid transfers.
View the Guide

College Selection and Application Process Overview

Learn about the key areas considered in admissions in this document.
View the Document

Developing your College List

This 15-page document review important aspects to consider as you build your college list.
View the Document

Scholarship Toolkit

Links to scholarship websites, scholarships by category, and high school specific scholarships.
Access the Toolkit

Standardized Test Plan

This document will help you develop a strategy for ACT/SAT test prep
View the Document

Standardized Test Best Practices

This document covers important considerations for your test prep
View the Document

Resume Template

Keep your academic achievements, awards, activities and employment history in one place so you are ready to enter the information in the common app
Access the Template

Letters of Recommendation FAQ

Commonly asked questions regarding letters of recommendation
View the FAQ

Common App FAQ

Commonly asked questions about the Common App
View the FAQ

Common App Best Practices

Some helpful tips as you are completing the Common App
View the FAQ

Common Application Activities Worksheet

This worksheet helps you define and prioritize your activities to make sure they meet the Common App requirements
Access the Worksheet

What Our Families are Saying.

HelloCollege was a lifesaver when it came to the college process. They helped me with everything from test prep for the SAT, to forming and narrowing down my college list, to providing workshops for finding and applying to scholarships. I received attention I needed during such a stressful application time, and it was so awesome to have someone to go to and have all of my questions answered. The college process went so much smoother with HelloCollege, and I got into my dream school thanks to them!
Sandy KahnUniversity of Wisconsin
Sandy Kahn
The program was of immense help in keeping her focussed & mindful of every deadline in the process. The entire staff at Hello College was caring, supportive & understanding. Truly the service levels go above & beyond!
Anu Patolawala - Mother of ReeyaLyons Township High School - Penn State Wharton School of Business
Anu Patolawala - Mother of Reeya
They provided services to me that were essential to my success in searching for a college. They provided organization and guidance, which made the stressful and chaotic college process less daunting. I’m extremely happy with my choice and the path that I am on, and especially thankful for HelloCollege getting me here.
Tess S.Hinsdale South High School, IL
Tess S.
I would not have known what to do or when to complete all of the different aspects of applying to college. The program helped me find seven scholarships, kept me accountable and is a push in the right direction.
Matthew NicholsonNorthwestern University, William Fremd High School Graduate
Matthew Nicholson
Utilizing their services alleviated a lot of stressful conversations with our daughter about deadlines and keeping on task. The skill set she acquired during the process from interviewing skills to professional prep will be key in the years to come...Their program was worth every penny spent!
Nora S.Daughter at University of Illinois
One of the key benefits for both the parents and the student is the structured approach to the entire process from selecting schools to preparing for the standardized tests to writing essays and everything in between. It took the pressure off to just know that there was a plan of attack. The process helped build her confidence as well as she was ultimately making the decisions that will impact her life in the future.
Mary Anton CarterMother of Graduate
This program successfully guided our family through the competitive college application process and provided superb resources at every step to help our son get into Duke University.
Jimmy and Heide ReillyParents of Hinsdale Central High School Graduate
On your own applying to college can be tough. It was beneficial for someone like me who is a procrastinator to get direction on my essays and applications and help me stay organized.
Michael StelletelloWheaton-Warrenville South High School Graduate - Marquette University
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On Demand College Planning Workshops

College Admissions Guidance Experts

20 Tips to Mastering College: Applying, Affording, Succeeding

Learn best practices, key deadlines and how to help your child maximize opportunities to get accepted. Discover how to create a strong college list, create a plan to pay for college, and choose a major and career path.

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Crack the Code: Tips for Highly Selective Admissions

This workshop is specifically for high-achieving students striving for a highly competitive academic institution. Learn how to maximize your academic talents during the college admissions process.

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Juniors: Start your College Planning Right Here, Right Now

We guide you through the necessary steps to successfully plan for college during junior year of high school. By having a plan, you'll reduce your stress and make sure you're on the right track moving into senior year.

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Get Accepted! College 101

We will cover important topics students and parents should be thinking about as freshman and sophomores to set them up for later college planning success. Learn the basic fundamentals of college planning that set the stage come junior & senior year.

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Articles