Opportunities Guide and Workbook
Choosing a College Starts with Knowing Your Options
The Opportunities guide helps high school students choose the right college, understand admission requirements, identify types of financial aid and more.
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In addition to the full PDFs of the Opportunities guide, its individual worksheets and checklists are available separately for easy access, sharing and printing.
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View or Download 2024-2025 Opportunities Guides
This free college-planning publication provides students and families with important information and tools to guide their pursuit of postsecondary education. Opportunities guides are available in English and Spanish. The state-specific booklets are the same as the national booklets with the addition of state-specific information on colleges, financial aid and resources.
Access digital publications of each Opportunities guide below.
National OpportunitiesFull PDFs of each Opportunities guide can be downloaded below.
National Opportunities (PDF)Oportunidades Nacionales (PDF)
California Opportunities (PDF)
Oportunidades de California (PDF)
Connecticut Opportunities (PDF)
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Opportunities in Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Career and technical education (CTE) involves educational programs that provide students with the technical and professional skills to succeed in the workplace and throughout their career. CTE programs are designed to meet the needs of employers while providing pathways to lifelong learning and family-sustaining careers, often taught through hands-on learning and on-the-job experience. Use this supplement to determine if CTE is right for you.
This supplement is available in English and Spanish below.
Opportunities in Career and Technical Education (PDF) -
Choosing the Right College for You Worksheet
Finding the right college that supports your career goals and personal interests is an important part of long-term success. Use this worksheet to help you determine your best academic and co-curricular fit in an institution.
This worksheet is available in English and Spanish below.
Choosing the Right College for You Worksheet (PDF)
Hoja de trabajo para cómo elegir el centro universitario correcto para usted (PDF)
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Organize Your Application Information Worksheet
Every college has a different application process. Read the application carefully and use this worksheet to organize information for the colleges you are considering. Make a copy of this worksheet for each college and keep with your application materials.
This worksheet is available in English and Spanish below.
Organize Your Application Information Worksheet (PDF)
Hoja de trabajo para organice la información de su solicitud (PDF)
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Creating an FSA ID Worksheet
Creating an FSA ID is the first step to completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FSA ID username and password are used to electronically sign the FAFSA and other important financial aid paperwork. It also grants you access to your online Federal Student Aid (FSA) account. Use this worksheet to help you create an FSA ID.
This worksheet is available in English and Spanish below.
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Scholarship Application Tracker Worksheet
Scholarships are one way to pay for college and students need to start the scholarship application process early and apply for as many scholarships as possible. The scholarship application process requires time, effort, and most students liken it to a part-time job. Use this resource guide to gather information necessary to complete the scholarship application process.
This worksheet is available in English and Spanish below.
Scholarship Application Tracker Worksheet (PDF)
Hoja de trabajo para rastreador de solicitudes de becas (PDF)
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Make Your Decision Worksheet
When your financial aid offers arrive, you'll need to carefully consider your options and select the types of aid and school that are the best fit for you. This worksheet will help you choose the right school, guide you through the final steps in receiving your financial aid, and help you financially prepare yourself for college.
This worksheet is available in English and Spanish below.
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Freshman–Senior Year Student Checklists
As you plan and prepare for college, these checklists will help keep you on track throughout the process. The checklists highlight important aspects to focus on during each season of the year, including tips for both money and time management, and college and career planning.
These checklists are available in English and Spanish below.
Freshman Year
Freshman Year Checklist (PDF)Lista de comprobación para primer año (PDF)
Sophomore Year
Sophomore Year Checklist (PDF)Lista de comprobación para segundo año (PDF)
Junior Year
Junior Year Checklist (PDF)Lista de comprobación para penúltimo año (PDF)
Senior Year
Senior Year Checklist (PDF) -
Colleges and Universities in Virginia Map
Virginia’s higher education options are as diverse as its landscape. Students can earn a certificate or associate degree through one of the state’s two-year institutions or regional education centers, which can lead to a bachelor’s degree at one of the many Virginia four-year public or private institutions. The Commonwealth’s schools offer career pathways, highly ranked undergraduate programs, competitive tuition and financial aid programs. The campuses are beautiful, and range from metropolitan-based settings to classic college environments nestled in the mountains or along the shoreline and everywhere in between. Use this map to help explore the many available higher education options in Virginia.
Colleges and Universities in Virginia Map 8.5"x11" Poster (PDF)Colleges and Universities in Virginia Map 2'x3' Poster (PDF)