12th grade

Seniors- College and Career Readiness

12th grade planning

Free ACT Practice test

Free ACT Practice Tests and Study Guides for the Enhanced ACT

An overview of the ACT test and what to expect on test day
A full-length practice ACT test (including writing prompt)
Answers and a scoring key for each test section
A breakdown of the content covered in each test section
General test-taking strategies
Ways to approach each section of the ACT

Visiting a college campus allows you to experience the campus atmosphere firsthand, interact with current students, and gain valuable insights into the college's academic programs and extracurricular offerings. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your visits.

How to Schedule Your Campus Visits

Visiting a college campus is one of the most exciting steps in choosing a college. It’s best to visit colleges before your applications are due. That way, you can be confident you'd be happy at any college you're applying to.

It's also best to go when the college is in session. You'll see the campus when classes are meeting and day-to-day activities are in full swing.

How to Pick a Date

Here are some guidelines on when to visit. Plan your visit well ahead of time. That way you can make sure you see what you need to see and meet with the people who can tell you what you need to know.

During the Week

Mondays through Thursdays are ideal for visits because you can get a good idea of what campus life is like. Visiting on a Friday may not be as practical. Students, faculty, and staff might be busy with social activities starting Friday afternoon.

High school holidays that fall on Mondays are often perfect opportunities for making college visits. Many colleges are in session on these days─and you won't be missing any of your high school classes.

The Best Seasons

The spring of your junior year is a good time if you've already researched colleges. Spring break is also good if you play fall sports or are considering applying under early action or early decision plans, which usually have application deadlines in November of your senior year.

Early fall is also a good time for seniors to visit. That timing can help seniors narrow their college lists.

Step by Step: College Awareness and Planning

Financial Aid 101

Start Planning Early

Plan how to pay for college or career school before you start. Ask school counselors and the school’s financial aid office about state, college, and grants and scholarships you can apply for. Be sure to meet application deadlines. Start saving before early. Consider prepaid tuition and education savings (529) plans.

Preparing for College

Understanding Grants

Understanding Scholarships

Fill Out the FAFSA^® Form

Apply for federal grants, work-study, and loans for your degree or certificate program with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) form for each year you’re in school. Your school uses your FAFSA data to determine your federal aid eligibility. Many states and colleges use FAFSA data to award their own aid.

Filling Out the FAFSA^® Form

Understanding Work-Study Jobs

Understanding Loans

Reviewing Your FAFSA Submission Summary

Review Your Aid Offer

Your aid offer explains the types and amounts of aid a college or career school is offering you, and your expected costs. If you’ve been accepted to multiple schools, compare the costs and aid offers. Accept the aid from the school that's best for you and inform them of other sources of aid (such as scholarships) you expect to receive.

Comparing School Aid Offers

Accepting Financial Aid

Understanding College Costs

Get Your Aid

Time to go to school! Your financial aid office will apply your aid to the amount you owe your school and send you the remaining balance to spend on other school costs. One of the requirements to maintain financial aid eligibility is that you must make satisfactory academic progress. And don’t forget to complete a FAFSA^® form each year!

Receiving Financial Aid

Staying Eligible