Increasing Postsecondary Access
Explore resources designed to help educators to support students successfully navigate the path to college. 
- View a visual diagram of all five practices
- Watch a topic overview and download planning templates
- Listen to an expert
Explore the subtopics below to learn more about the recommended practices:
- Prepare Students Academically
- Assess and Intervene
- Foster College Aspirations
- Assist with College Entry
To learn more about the research underlying these practices, view the IES Practice Guide, Helping Students Navigate the Path to College: What High Schools Can Do.
College Application Support Assessment Tool
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Assist with College Entry > Overview & Tools
District and school leaders can use this tool to conduct an assessment of the supports available to students for applying to college and for financial aid. The assessment can help schools identify...
Resource Type
Tool
College Application Planner
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Assist with College Entry > Overview & Tools
Teachers, counselors, and other school-based personnel can use this planning tool to track activities that facilitate students’ college application process. This tool can be useful in identifying...
Resource Type
Tool
Learning Together: Supporting Students in the Financial Aid Process
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Assist with College Entry > Overview & Tools
This workshop guide can be used to help school-based personnel understand how to support students in applying for and securing financial aid for college. Participants learn new strategies for...
Resource Type
Tool
Paying and Saving for College
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Assist with College Entry > See How It Works
This handout, created for the University of California Early Academic Outreach Program, explains options for paying for college to students and their families. The handout includes definitions of...
Resource Type
Sample Material
College Search Form
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Assist with College Entry > See How It Works
This chart allows students to research and compare colleges in order to find the school that best meets their needs. Students can also identify and track their progress completing scholarship...
Resource Type
Sample Material
High School Planning Calendar
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Assist with College Entry > See How It Works
This planning calendar guides students in grades 9-12 in making the most out of their high school career. It suggests tasks, activities, and assessments students should be completing each month...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Summer 2009: Making Your Summer Count
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Assist with College Entry > See How It Works
This document is completed by students at the end of their junior year to help them develop their summer plans in preparation for applying for colleges. View Using Checkpoints to Guide Students...
Resource Type
Sample Material
College Admissions Flow Chart
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Assist with College Entry > See How It Works
This flow chart is used in documenting and managing the college admissions process. It shows the steps in a decision-tree format. This diagram can give a step-by-step solution to a given problem....
Resource Type
Sample Material
Overcoming Fears Around Paying for College
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Assist with College Entry > See How It Works
This school coordinator discusses strategies for conducting activities to help students and their families prepare for the financial aspects of college. Workshops help students know how to apply...
Resource Type
School Example
Parent Flyers: College Application Process
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Assist with College Entry > See How It Works
This collection of flyers and announcements is disseminated to notify parents of upcoming workshops and events and to help them understand the college application and financial aid processes. View...
Resource Type
Sample Material
College Preparation Checklist
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Assist with College Entry > See How It Works
Beginning in ninth grade, counselors give this checklist to all students that outlines steps to be ready to enter college. The video Walking Students Through the Application Process describes how...
Resource Type
Sample Material
College Seminar Class Syllabus
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Assist with College Entry > See How It Works
Seniors at Crossland High School are required to participate in a college seminar course. This syllabus outlines the course requirements and provides a timeline of the topics and major deadlines....
Resource Type
Sample Material
