College Prep & Financial Aid

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Jump start your college prep journey with these free resources at home or in the library. Learn about searching for schools, the application process, admission requirements, financial aid, and more.

College Search & Prep Websites

Explore college majors and research career options to help focus your college search. Focus on your college readiness with test prep and see what college options are just around the corner.

Exploring Careers & Majors

Alternatives to CollegeExternal Link - Earning a degree isn’t the only path toward career success
BigFuture Career SearchExternal Link - Search for careers by income, education, or interest area, plus take the quiz to see which careers match your interest areas
Career One StopExternal Link - Occupation and industry information, salary data, career videos, education resources, self-assessment tools and career exploration assistance
Guide to Choosing a MajorExternal Link - You should consider several factors, including the program cost, your salary expectations, and the employment rates in that field of study
Mapping Your FutureExternal Link - Explore CareerShip, a free online career exploration tool for high school students
Student Transfer GuideExternal Link - Create a strategy for securing your transition to a four-year school
Trade/Vocational Schools and Career CollegesExternal Link - Learn about some other options for after High School

College Search

BigFuture College Search External Link - Search for colleges in this database by major, location, degrees, and more, or take the quiz to get your college match
College Discovery Center External Link - Curated lists of recommended colleges by field of interest
College Navigator External Link - Figure out if you are interested in a large university, a small liberal arts college, a specialized college, a community college, a career or technical college or a trade school
College Scorecard External Link - Search and compare colleges: their fields of study, costs, admissions, results, and more
Comparison Worksheet External Link - Use this worksheet to generate a side-by-side comparison of the financial aid offers you have received
Graduate School Discovery Center External Link - Curated lists of recommended grad schools by field of interest
Niche Colleges External Link - In-depth profiles on every school and college in America with ranking lists, student reviews, and ratings
Niche Colleges in Illinois External Link - In-depth profiles on every school and college in Illinois with ranking lists, student reviews, and ratings
Select a College External Link - Find the steps to selecting a school that suits you
U.S. Department of Education External Link - Before you choose a college, research its accreditation here
U.S. News Best Colleges External Link - Expert advice, rankings and data to help you navigate your education journey and find the best college for you

College Test Prep & Practice

ACCUPLACER External Link - Information and resources to help you prepare for ACCUPLACER course placement tests
ACT External Link - Find information on test dates, places, fees, and how to register, plus how to prepare for the ACT and review your scores
Fair Test External Link - List of colleges and universities that do not emphasize ACT or SAT scores in their admission process
Method Learning Test PrepLibrary Card Required - Comprehensive self-paced lessons and resources that help students prepare for, and score higher on, the SAT and ACT
SAT External Link - Find information about test dates, places, fees, how to register, and how to interpret your score report
Test Prep for Students - Find tools to help you prepare for upcoming tests including resources for driving tests, ACT, SAT, AP tests, and more

Local Colleges & Universities

Two Year Schools
- 1. Harper College External Link - Public, Palatine
  2. Oakton Community College External Link - Public, Des Plaines
  3. City Colleges of Chicago Wilbur Wright College External Link - Public, Chicago
  4. Triton College External Link - Public, River Grove
  5. College of DuPage External Link - Public, Glen Ellyn
  6. Elgin Community College External Link - Public, Elgin
  7. City Colleges of Chicago Harry S Truman College External Link - Public, Chicago
  8. College of Lake County External Link - Public, Grayslake
  9. McHenry County College External Link - Public, Crystal Lake
  10. Morton College External Link - Public, Cicero
Four Year Schools
- 1. Christian Life College External Link - Private, Mount Prospect
  2. Trinity International University External Link - Private, Deerfield
  3. Elmhurst College External Link - Private, Elmhurst
  4. Hebrew Theological College External Link - Private, Skokie
  5. Judson University External Link - Private, Elgin
  6. Wheaton College External Link - Private, Wheaton
  7. Concordia University Chicago External Link - Private, River Forest
  8. Lake Forest College External Link - Private, Lake Forest
  9. Dominican University External Link - Private, River Forest
  10. North Park University External Link - Private, Chicago
  11. Northeastern Illinois University External Link - Public, Chicago
  12. Northwestern University External Link - Private, Evanston

College Planning Helpful Sites

When you're ready to start the application process use these helpful resources to see you through planning and financing for college to achieve your goals.

Application Process

Application Deadlines External Link - Keep track of the most common college application deadlines with this guide
Apply for Admission External Link - Learn about early admission, application process, and tips to apply
What do I need to apply? External Link - Apply to online college quickly and conveniently when you are prepared

College Tours & Study Abroad

Campus Tours External Link - Search by school name to see video campus tours, interactive maps, or 360-degree panoramic views
Campus Visits External Link - What to know before you go on your campus tour
IES Abroad External Link - International Education of Students coordinates study abroad programs, internships and other international education offerings
Study Abroad External Link - Find the best study abroad program for you
Questions to Ask on a College Visit External Link - Help for prospective students to better understand what to ask on a college visit

Financial Aid

Debt/Salary Wizard External Link - See how much you can afford to borrow in student loan funds based on your future expected earnings
Explore Financial Options External Link - Start by reviewing your eligibility for aid, search for scholarships, apply for financial aid, and more
FAFSA Application External Link - Official application for students seeking federal financial aid
Federal Student Aid External Link - Publications, fact sheets, online tools, and other resources to help you prepare and pay for college or career school
FinAid External Link - Information on financial aid for college and tips on how to help ease the burden of college expenses
Student Loans Info External Link - Get the latest information on student loan news and learn how interest rates could impact your student loan payment after college

Scholarships

Avoid Scholarship Scams External Link - Learn about a variety of scholarship scams and how to determine a fake scholarship from a real one
Become Scholarships External Link - Scholarship search for underserved populations
District 211 Scholarships External Link - For high school students attending William Fremd High School, Palatine High School, or other District 211 schools
FastWeb Scholarships & Grants External Link - Find unique college scholarships, grants, internships, college tips and more — 100% FREE
FinAid Scholarship Search External Link - Featured scholarship lists, winning scholarship tips, and how to spot scholarship scams
Peterson’s Scholarship Search External Link - Search for scholarships, grants, prizes, fellowships, and more
U.S. Grants External Link - Information on U.S. grants like the Pell Grant and more
Veterans Benefits Administration: GI Bill External Link - If you qualify, apply for VA education and training benefits online, in person, or request an application over the phone
Vocational School Scholarships External Link - Advice and resources for trade/vocational school scholarships

Succeed in College

Disability Resources External Link - Learn how to take advantage of services and rights of students with disabilities
Go College External Link - Survive college life with info on topics like financial responsibilities, study tips, dealing with dorm life, and more
Minority Student Resources External Link - Tap into all available resources to college-seeking or enrolled minority students
Success in College Guide External Link - Step-by-step guide to make the most out of college including identifying goals, managing time, getting around roadblocks, and more
What to Bring to College External Link - List of things that will likely come in handy during the year

Life After College

Apprenticeship Finder External Link - Discover available apprenticeships to earn paid, relevant workplace experience while acquiring the skills and credentials for your career
Career Planning External Link - Find internship programs and helpful information on internship interview questions
Graduating Students Career Resources External Link - Career development advice for recent college grads
Job Seeker Resources - Need help with your job search? Find job listings, resume building, cover letter examples, unemployment info, and more
Small Business Resources - Are you an entrepreneur or need help with your small business? Find tools for your business plan, licenses, marketing, and more

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College Admission Tools & Guides

Use these helpful guides to excel at every step of the college application process.

Application Process

Admission Essays & Statements

Admission Interview

Letters of Recommendation

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Self-Guided Online Learning

Learn at your own pace anywhere, anytime. Find a variety of lessons on each step of the college journey.

Gale Presents Udemy

Learn and improve skills to advance you in your college career.

You will need to create an account with your email and full name.

All Free Lessons External Link

Khan Academy

Informative videos and practice exercises to help at every stage of your schooling including your transition to college.

Library card is not required.

All Free Lessons External Link

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The Great Courses

Choose from thousands of online courses to learn in-demand skills from real-world industry experts to help you succeed in college.

Sign-in with your Library Card Number and PIN.

All Free Lessons External Link

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Upcoming College Prep Programs

Find all of our entertaining and enriching programs and classes on the Programs page.

Smartphone Photography 101

Thu, May 15, 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Community Room

Learn mobile photography tricks and tips, editing options, and solutions that make snapping photos more fun.

Excel Formulas and Functions

Tue, May 20, 10:00am - 11:00am

Board Room

Learn the fundamental concepts you need to get started using Excel, as well as a few basic functions such as VLOOKUP.

Library Apps for Your Tablet or Phone

Wed, May 21, 10:00am - 11:00am

Board Room

Read, listen, and watch content on-the-go or from the comfort of your home, 24/7. All you need is your library card and mobile device. We’ll show you how.

See all events

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Online Resources

You will need your Rolling Meadows Library card to access many of our online resources if you are not using them in the Library. Need help? Stop by or call the Reference Desk at 847-259-6050 x130.

Use from home = Use from home

Library Card Required = Library card required

America's News: Education

Use from home Library Card Required Current and archived full-text articles from news sources nationwide. Browse current college and university issues.

Go Now External LinkTutorial External Video Link

Popular College & University Topics

Accreditation
Affirmative Action
Campus Safety
College Admissions

College Enrollment
College Tuition
International Students
SAT & ACT Preparation Programs

Student Aid & Support
Student Housing
Studying Abroad
Transfer Students

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Method Learning Test Prep

Use from home Library Card Required Comprehensive self-paced lessons and resources that help students prepare for, and score higher on, the SAT and ACT.

Preview Titles External LinkHow to access External LinkLibby App Internal app download page

Have the mobile app?

Open in App

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Points of View Reference Center

Use from home Library Card Required A balance of materials from all viewpoints about controversial issues regarding colleges and universities.

Go Now External LinkTutorial External Video Link

Weiss Financial Ratings

Use from home Library Card Required lan for your college goals with guidance toward your finances. Easy to understand guides to help you evaluate, plan, and fund your path to college.

Cost of College PDF FileSaving for Education PDF File

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More Resources

If you didn't find what you needed on this page, we have more resources for homework, test prep for students, career advancement, and more.

Homework Resources

Find databases, learning tools, and news to help with your homework needs including researching topics, essay writing, preparing for presentations, finding primary sources, and more.

Learn More

Test Prep for Students

Need to cram for an exam but don't know where to start? Find tools to help you prepare for upcoming tests including resources for driving tests, ACT, SAT, AP tests, and more.

Learn More

Career Advancement

Find tools to help you develop your career plan, enhance your workplace and technology skills, and even improve your work-life balance.

Learn More

College Prep Checklists

9th Grade Checklist External Link
For college-bound freshmen and their parents.
10th Grade Checklist External Link
For sophmores looking to stay on the right track towards college and their parents.
11th Grade Checklist External Link
For juniors diving into college prep. Broken into seasonal checklists.
12th Grade Checklist External Link
For seniors who have thier eyes on the college finish line.
Last-minute Checklist External Link
For anyone who has been accepted at a college and is starting classes soon but hasn’t applied for financial aid yet.

Contact us

Reference Services
3110 Martin Lane
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

askrmlreference@rmlib.org
847-259-6050 x136

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College Prep & Financial Aid

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Recommended Reads

College Search & Prep Websites

Two Year Schools

Four Year Schools

College Planning Helpful Sites

College Admission Tools & Guides

Self-Guided Online Learning

Upcoming College Prep Programs