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The process of getting into college actually starts long before you fill out your first application. In fact, soon after you start high school, it can be a good idea to start laying the groundwork for college, from choosing the right classes to thinking about where you might like to go to figuring out how you’re going to cover the cost.

What follows is a simple five-step, pre-college plan that can help you find, get into, and pay for your dream school.

Preparing For College: A 5-Part Checklist

For many things in life, preparation is the key to success. And this is certainly true when it comes to getting into college. Here are five steps that can help you set yourself up for a successful college experience.

1. Research Your Dream School

One of the first parts of preparing for college is deciding which college or university is right for you. The good news is that there is a school out there for just about everyone. The bad news is that you have so many options that you might be overwhelmed with choices.

Some students know right away that they want to go to the same school their parents went to, while others may be limited to choosing between a few in-state campuses. Regardless of your position, there are some questions you can ask yourself to help narrow down your college search:

What Type of Career Do You Want to Pursue?

One of the first things you might consider is what you hope to do with your degree. If you already know that you want to be an urban planner, then you may want to focus your college search on schools with stellar urban planning programs. Think your dream is too niche?

Whether you want to study auctioneering or Egyptology, there’s likely a program for you. If, on the other hand, you aren’t sure what you want to major in, you may want to look at bigger schools with many different programs where you will be able to take a wide variety of classes.

Where Do You Want to be Located?

You may also want to consider what type of location you’re looking for in a college experience. Maybe you want to get as far away from home as possible, or maybe you would be more comfortable on a campus within driving distance of your family. Some students choose to live at home and attend a local college in order to save money on living costs. Once you narrow down a location, you can start searching for schools in that area.

Recommended: Should I Go to Community College?

How Many Schools Will You Apply To?

It’s not a bad idea to apply to multiple schools even if you have your heart set on just one. Your dreams and goals can change through the college application process, and a different school, whether a college or a university, may be a better match when it comes time to make a final decision. Plus, the application process can be competitive, and applying to more schools may give you more chance of success in your application.

2. Plan For the SAT and ACT

Once you know where you want to apply, it is time to get down to business and start preparing for college entrance exams. Some schools require the Scholastic Aptitude Test, known as the SAT, and some schools require American College Testing, known as the ACT. Many schools will accept either the SAT or ACT. It’s also worth noting that many schools are test-optional. It can be wise to see if test scores are required or not by the schools you are most interested in.

The key to working towards a killer score on either test is preparation, preparation, preparation. Whether you’re taking an after-school prep class or studying by yourself, there are lots of resources available online to help you succeed. Both the SAT and the ACT offer free practice tests, and Khan Academy offers a free SAT practice program .

Taking practice tests can help you not only learn the material but can help you get comfortable with the format of the test. This can help you stay calm and confident when test day rolls around.

Recommended: Do Your SAT Scores Really Matter for College?

3. Get Involved in Extracurriculars

In between all that studying, you may want to consider taking some time to get to work in your community. One thing many colleges look for are multi-faceted students who are interested in more than just academics.

That means that getting involved in the community could potentially help you write a strong college application, and it may also help you decide what you want to do with your life. Sports-obsessed? You might consider taking up a new sport to round out your classes or volunteering to coach a local youth team.

More into classic literature than shooting hoops? Many schools have programs where you can volunteer to tutor younger students, which can not only help sharpen your skills, but may look great on an application. Whatever you’re into, don’t be afraid to branch out and try something new — you might discover you have a passion for marine biology after organizing a beach clean up day with your classmates.

Recommended: College Planning Checklist for Parents

4. Consider Taking AP Courses

Many schools offer Advanced Placement or “AP” courses. Taking these classes may help you get one step ahead when it comes to college. AP courses allow you to tackle college-level material while you’re still in high school, and at the end of the class (if you pass the AP exam), you could be rewarded with college credits. Why try to rack up college credits in high school?

The more credits you earn from AP classes in high school, the more intro classes you may be able to skip in college. So if you take AP English in high school, you may qualify to skip out on the freshman level English class once you’re at school.

Depending on the school, that may mean that you have more opportunity to take specialized classes in your major, or it could even lead to the opportunity to graduate early.

5. Figure Out Your Finances

There’s no denying that college can be expensive. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the average tuition at a public college was $11,260 for state residents and $29,150 for out-of-state students. The average tuition and fees for a private college was $41,540. Keep in mind: These numbers don’t include the cost of housing, food, text books and supplies.

According to the Sallie Mae How America Pays for College 2025 , 74% of families used parent income and savings to help cover college costs. Even if you’ll get some help from your family, you may need more funding to cover some of the cost of college. Fortunately, there are many ways to finance your education.

A good place to start is by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will let you know if you are eligible for financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work study, and federal student loans. If those do not cover your costs, you may also consider private student loans.

Private student loans are available through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms vary, depending on the lender. Generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind, though, that private loans may not offer the borrower protections — like income-based repayment plans and deferment or forbearance — that automatically come with federal student loans. But if you are looking for supplemental funding for your education, private student loans are an option.

The Takeaway

The college application process can be overwhelming. Breaking it down into smaller steps and goals can make it feel a little bit easier. Consider researching schools, making a plan for standardized testing, expanding your involvement in extracurriculars, and taking AP level courses. Getting into college is half the equation, however — the other half is paying for it.

When federal financial aid, scholarships, grants, and savings aren’t enough -– private student loans may be one option to consider to help fill in the gaps.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

How can you prepare for college?

Ways to prepare for college include research schools you want to apply to, developing a plan for standardized testing, getting involved in extracurricular activities, considering AP courses, and budgeting for the cost of college.

What are the five C’s of college choice?

The five C’s of college choice are culture, curriculum, community, conclusions, and cost.

What year will I graduate if I start college in 2026?

Students take different amounts of time to graduate from college. Typically, getting a four-year degree would mean those who started in Fall 2026 would graduate in Spring 2030.

About the author

Julia Califano

Julia Califano is an award-winning journalist who covers banking, small business, personal loans, student loans, and other money issues for SoFi. She has over 20 years of experience writing about personal finance and lifestyle topics. Read full bio.

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SOISL-Q325-104

If you are gearing up to go to college, you are likely focused on maintaining a good GPA, but getting involved in extracurriculars in high school can be another important factor.

One type of extracurricular that you may want to consider is joining a club. High schools usually have a variety of clubs available for students to join. Joining a club comes with many benefits and can also make your high school experience more fun and memorable. Read on to learn more about why clubs are important and how to get involved.

Benefits of Joining a Club

The list of things to do while in high school can seem pretty overwhelming at times, especially when you add college preparation to the mix. There are classes to stay on top of, events and parties to attend, and soon enough college applications roll around. Balancing coursework and a social life can be a struggle, but one way to combine social life with college preparation is by joining a club.

There are a lot of benefits to joining a high school club. Many colleges like to see that applicants are well-rounded, so academic success isn’t the only way to stand out among other applicants. Clubs provide colleges with insight into what a student’s interests and passions are. In addition, they help students develop time management skills and responsibility.

Learning to balance work and fun while in high school can help make it easier to maintain that balance after entering college.

Joining a club in high school can also provide an opportunity for students to relax and have some fun. Having fun is a vital piece of creating a memorable high school experience and it can help students perform better in class.

Not only is the social time enjoyable for some students, but participation in clubs can also help students develop their “soft” skills, such as effective communication and learning to work with others.

In addition to making friends, being in a club gives students the opportunity to bond with their faculty advisor, who is usually a teacher. Building a relationship with teachers during high school is important for getting quality letters of recommendation to add to those college applications.

Common High School Clubs

The list of high school clubs that are available at each school will differ. Generally, a school will have a variety of clubs available. These can range from clubs that are academic, like a foreign language club, to clubs that are artistic, like a creative writing club, or something that’s related to a student’s hobbies, like a videogame club.

Usually, high schools will also have clubs that participate in some kind of volunteer work or community service. These can be clubs that do work in the community hospitals, in meal programs for the homeless or elderly, and much more.

Some clubs are high-tech, like the robotics club, and some are more old-school, like the chess club. Schools will usually have a lot of variety in the types of clubs that exist, and there may be some clubs that are unique to just your school. Since students can often start their own clubs, there isn’t one set list of clubs that will exist at every school.

Recommended: How to Get Involved on Campus in College

Starting a Club

If students don’t like the selection of clubs available at their school (why doesn’t every school have a waffle club?) then they are generally able to start their own. Starting a new club has a lot of benefits for the students who choose to put in the work to get one up and running.

There is no list of “correct” clubs to start in high school, most colleges value students who show commitment to something they care about. It’s about the quality of the activities they spend time in, not the quantity.

Seeing that a student has started a new club will show college admissions that the student has developed leadership and organizational abilities. Starting a club shows initiative, and sometimes, students who start clubs will end up in one of the leadership positions, like President, Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer.

Each school will have its own process for starting a club, but there are a few steps that will be the same everywhere.

•   The first step is, of course, figuring out what the club is about. Is it going to focus on community service, something academic? Will it be focused more on fun and entertainment?

•   After a topic for the club is chosen, students should figure out what the purpose and goals of the club are. If the club is about chess, will students be learning how to play? Will club members be entering tournaments together? Figuring out the purpose of the club and what its goals are before members join will help limit confusion and manage everyone’s expectations.

•   At most schools, the club will have to get registered after its name and purpose are defined by founding members. Registering the club makes it official and once this step is complete students can actually begin enjoying their club.

•   Gaining new members and planning the first club meeting is an important next step.

Once the club is official and ready to start, it’s time to focus on recruitment and preparing for the first meeting. Students should choose a date, time, and location for the first meeting before recruiting, that way they have information to give interested students on when activities will be beginning.

Before the meeting, club members should know what they plan on discussing with the new recruits and how long they want the meeting to last. Usually, the first meeting is a good time to go over the club’s purpose and goals and to get contact information from the new members.

Sometime in the first few meetings, it may be a good idea to assign leadership roles for the club. These usually include President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The way these roles function can differ from club to club, but their usual responsibilities are as follows:

•   The President will lead the club and supervise meetings and activities.

•   The Vice President assists the President and takes over their roles whenever the Present isn’t available.

•   The Secretary takes notes during meetings and helps keep all members up to date on the club’s plans.

•   The Treasurer will manage the club’s budget and keep track of expenses.

Assigning leadership roles will help keep the club running smoothly and make it easier for the club to meet its goals.

Planning Ahead for College

It’s really never too soon to start planning, as well as saving, for college. The process of researching schools and then applying can be time-consuming, so the earlier students begin their research, the less last-minute cramming they’ll have to do.

A vital piece of planning for college is figuring out how to finance college. Most schools come with a pretty large price tag, but there are a variety of ways that students can help fund their college tuition.

To apply for federal financial aid, students will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will allow you to find out if you are eligible for different forms of financial aid, including grants, scholarship, federal student loans, and work-study. Grants and scholarships usually do not need to be repaid, whereas loans do need to be repaid.

It’s recommended that students exhaust their federal aid options before looking into private student loans. Federal student loans vs private loans come with certain benefits.

If students are not eligible for federal aid, or the financial aid they receive is not enough to meet their needs, there are other options, such as private scholarships and private student loans.

Scholarships are widely available and the eligibility criteria varies for each one. Some scholarships are need-based, while others are merit-based. Scholarships are available through schools, local communities, and corporations.

Taking out private student loans is another option for helping to fund a college education. These loans are available through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms vary, depending on the lender. Generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

The Takeaway

As you prepare for college, academics are important but so are extracurricular activities. One good way to build up the latter is to join or even start a club in high school that allows you to pursue a topic you’re passionate about while gaining teamwork, organizational, and communication skills. This can help you stand out when applying to a school and applying for financial aid.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

Is joining clubs in high school important?

Joining clubs in high school can help develop and showcase such skills as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. It can also be a key component of a college application in addition to academic credentials.

What are the benefits of joining a club?

Joining a club in high school can provide social interaction, a sense of community, pursuit of interests, and skill development. It can also help round out a college application.

Does starting a club in high school look good?

Yes, starting a club in high school can have a positive impact on a college application. It can show leadership, initiative, and organizational skills, which may add to a student’s college profile.

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SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOISL-Q325-106

For student athletes, staying on top of their academics and extracurricular activities, along with everything else that college entails, can be a challenge. Their chosen sport is basically a full-time job ― and a physically-demanding one at that.

To make it to your college graduation, you’ve got to keep your grades up and find the time to study, which can be especially challenging during your freshman year.

Read on to learn some simple and effective strategies that can help you balance your responsibilities in the classroom and on the court, field, or wherever you play.

Planning Your Class Schedule Accordingly

Often, coaches will outline clear timeframes for practice and training that student athletes need to plan their class schedules around. Additionally, games and competitions are usually scheduled far enough in advance for student athletes to know which days of the week they’ll be traveling most often.

Still, there may be some discretion in choosing class times. Keeping in mind when you prefer to eat, sleep, and study is key to creating a schedule that will help you perform as a student and athlete.

Although many student athletes maintain an active training schedule throughout the year, the official NCAA season (or the majority of it) for many sports occurs during either the fall or spring semester. You may want to take advantage of a more flexible off-season schedule by taking more academically demanding classes and those that would otherwise conflict with their practice schedule.

Keeping Your Eye on the Prize

Student athletes invest countless hours in their chosen sport. Yet, the vast majority will graduate and pursue a career outside athletics. On average, barely 2% of college student athletes move up to professional leagues after NCAA competition.

Academics are an integral part of being a successful student athlete. Choosing a degree program you’re passionate about and that supports your career goals can help keep you motivated and on track to graduate.

Each team and college may maintain its own standards for GPA requirements to compete, but the NCAA sets minimum requirements too. Division I and Division II athletes are required to meet initial eligibility criteria set by the NCAA while Division III student-athletes are held to the standards set by the schools they attend.

Just skating by in terms of GPA may allow you to compete, but it could hurt your candidacy for internships and jobs after graduation.

Recommended: 12 Ways a College Athlete Can Make Money

Building Relationships With Your Professors and Classmates

This advice could apply to any college student, but student athletes in particular stand to benefit from getting to know their professors and classmates early on in the semester.

To varying degrees, college sports teams travel off-campus for games and competitions, which means student athletes might miss some in-person class time. Meeting with professors at the beginning of the semester can show a commitment to your studies and help hash out any scheduling conflicts for classes and exams.

Also, making friends with classmates can be beneficial for exchanging class notes to cover each other’s absences, as well as forming study groups.

Finding an Accountability Buddy

Student athletes know the importance of teamwork. In addition to pushing each other to greatness at practice and the gym, teammates can be a support system to help achieve your academic goals too. Forging a partnership or study group to hold each other accountable to these goals, on and off the court or field, is one such strategy.

For starters, who can better relate to your experience and challenges balancing athletics and academics than a teammate? Together, you and your accountability buddy can capitalize on downtime on the road to away games to tackle assignments or plan a study night before a big game to resist the urge to party.

It’s okay if your goals are different. The important thing is that you find an accountability buddy you feel comfortable with and who will help keep you on track.

Recommended: 5 Ways to Start Preparing For College

Prioritizing Health and Wellness

Both academics and sports can be demanding, and taking them on simultaneously requires serious stamina. Prioritizing physical and mental health by eating well, getting enough sleep, and finding ways to destress can help prevent burnout and stay sane. It’s okay to slip up every now and then, but creating a plan that you can stick to could make a difference in succeeding as a student athlete.

Recommended: What Is College Like?

It’s Okay to Ask for Help

Many college students deal with stress between exams and assignments. For college student athletes, the pressure to succeed athletically and academically can be a lot to handle.

There is no shame in asking for help, and the sooner the better. College tutors can assist with everything from proofreading essays to prepping for a chemistry test. Approaching professors early with any concerns could also help with extra credit opportunities or a chance to redo an assignment.

Recommended: The Ultimate Guide to Studying in College

What About Redshirting?

For Division I athletes, the NCAA regulation grants college student athletes a span of five years to compete in four years of athletic competition. For Division II and Division III students there is a 10-semester, or 15-quarter clock. This means that student athletes may take a year off from competing ― a practice known as redshirting ― as long as they continue taking coursework and meet other eligibility requirements.

Traditionally, redshirting is applied to allow students athletes more time to develop or recover from a significant injury. However, student athletes may be able to use redshirting to their advantage in terms of coursework.

Redshirting may allow students to take a more manageable course load by stretching their degree over ten semesters instead of eight. Alternatively, it can provide extra time to complete both a bachelor’s and graduate degree in one go.

Keep in mind that redshirting guidelines vary by division. For instance, Division I and II athletes are permitted to practice with their team during their redshirt season, whereas Division III athletes may not.

Paying for College

College is a big investment, but fortunately there are options for funding education. Financial aid, grants, work-study programs, and scholarships may be enough to pay for all or a portion of tuition and room and board.

Athletic Scholarships

There have usually been some full-ride and partial athletic scholarships available to Division I and II student athletes. Athletics classified as headcount sports offered full ride scholarships to a certain number of athletes per team, whereas equivalency sports traditionally extend partial scholarships.

However, as of the 2025-26 academic year, that has changed. The NCAA is transitioning away from the head count scholarship model, meaning all sports will effectively become equivalency sports. The NCAA explains that “this change allows coaches to offer a mix of full and partial scholarships, rather than being limited to full scholarships in certain sports.” Some sports may have historically been considered head count sports, like men’s and women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, women’s tennis, and women’s gymnastics, the new rules have eliminated these distinctions.

Recommended: Finding Free Money for College

Student Loans

In the event that scholarships, grants, and financial aid are not enough to cover tuition and living expenses, student athletes can take out student loans to help them cover the difference.

Federal student loans may be subsidized, which means interest won’t start to accrue until six months after you graduate, or they may be unsubsidized, which means interest begins accruing right away. Either way, you don’t have to start making payments until six months after graduation. Federal loans come with a fixed interest rate set by the government and don’t require a credit check. Filling out the FAFSA can be a critical first step to obtaining these loans.

If those do not cover your costs, you may also consider private student loans.

Private student loans are available through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms vary, depending on the lender. These loans do require a credit check and, generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind, though, that private loans may not offer the borrower protections — like income-based repayment plans and deferment — that automatically come with federal student loans.

The Takeaway

Student athletes have a lot to juggle in college, between academics and athletics. It can be wise for them to plan their schedules to accommodate both pursuits, find an accountability partner, and ask for help if they are feeling overwhelmed. It’s also important to line up financing for college, since not all student athletes will get sports-related scholarships. That’s where federal and/or private student loans can help.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

How to balance academics and athletics?

To balance academics and athletics as a student who plays a sport can be a challenge. Staying organized, having an accountability buddy, connecting with professors and coaches, and knowing when to ask for help are all important to staying on top of your dual pursuits.

How do college sports affect athletics?

There is some evidence that college sports can help a student perform better academically in terms of problem solving, creativity, and memory.

Why can student athletes struggle with grades?

Student athletes may struggle with grades since their sport takes up significant time that might otherwise be spent studying for their academic classes. Training sessions and practices, as well as games, can all eat up a student’s available time, causing them to struggle with grades.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOISL-Q325-107

Being a first-generation college student is something to be proud of, but it can also be nerve-racking. There might be high expectations that come with being the first in the family to attend school that add to the normal stress of attending college. On top of that, there’s the fact that, if nobody else in the family has done it yet, there are no family members to give advice or provide guidance.

Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to not only survive but thrive as a first-generation college student. Below are some strategies that can help you prepare for college and manage the pressure of being the first in your family to have this opportunity.

Challenges of Being a First-Generation Student

What exactly is a first-generation college student? Being a first-generation college student means the student’s parents either did not earn a college degree or did not go to college at all. Since their parents may not understand much of the college experience, these students are embarking on a somewhat unknown path, which can lead to challenges that other students don’t face.

Lacking this direct source of advice can affect the student’s ability to complete school. It may be more difficult for a first-generation student to adequately prepare for college, both financially and socially. College can be stressful, and without a support system that understands these experiences, the student may find it difficult to continue with school.

Some first-generation students may have other demographic characteristics, such as low economic status or being enrolled in a less-than-full-time course load, that also increase their risk of not finishing college. The usual stressors of college are enough to make it a challenging experience for anybody, but first-gen students may find these factors make it even more difficult.

Another factor that makes being a first-gen student difficult is not understanding the financial aid system. Students whose parents have gone to college may be more familiar with the process of applying for aid and looking for scholarships and grants. If first-generation students are already from a lower socioeconomic background, as well as being the first person in their family to go to college, the financial strain could be more difficult to manage than it is for others.

There are other reasons that first-gen students may have difficulty completing their four-year degrees: They may be less prepared for the rigorous academics at the college level, they could be working full-time jobs, or they could be attending college later in life, after having children.

First-generation college students can still be successful despite these additional difficulties. With the proper preparation and support, they can not only achieve their four-year degrees but also thrive in college.

Thriving in College

If you’re a first-generation student looking to make the most of your college years, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Study Tips

If you want to crush your academics, instead of being crushed by them, you’ll need to develop proper study techniques. The lessons will be more difficult in college, and students have to depend more on their own self-discipline than they did in high school. If it’s been a while since you have been in school, implementing good techniques and habits can help you adjust to the work again.

Here are some study tips that may help first-generation students adapt to college-level learning:

•   Pick a consistent study location, one that is comfortable and free of distractions. Once you’ve found the perfect spot, you might consider studying there consistently.
•   Write down deadlines and important dates in a planner — this may help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and being caught by surprise when deadlines are approaching.
•   Schedule consistent study times instead of cramming the night before an exam. This has been proven to be a better method of remembering subjects for the long term.
•   Find a study group; this can make it easier to learn more difficult material.
•   Review notes each day. This repetition can help you remember them.
•   If you’re struggling with a certain class, ask professors for help during their office hours or seek out available tutoring services on campus.

Recommended: 5 Ways to Start Preparing For College

Building Relationships

The connections you make while in college can become invaluable after graduation. Getting to know professors and classmates can not only provide a source of social support during the stressful college years but may also provide opportunities for future networking.

Most professors will have regular office hours when they’re available to meet with students. These office hours can be used to talk about class material, get to know your professor better, or get their advice on your future. Usually, professors are happy to help students excel in class or discover the next steps in their journey.

Taking the time to get to know your classmates is also beneficial. When students make connections in class this helps give them support. Classmates can take notes for each other when someone needs to miss class, they can study together, and assist each other in the post-graduation job hunt.

Making friends with classmates will not only provide academic support, but emotional support, too. Nobody understands what a college student is going through as well as another college student.

Staying Organized

Students who are juggling work, family, and school may feel overwhelmed by their college workload. Planning ahead and staying organized can help you stay successful in school despite these extra responsibilities.

Like all students, first-gen students might benefit from keeping a planner and scheduling study sessions ahead of time so they don’t fall into the trap of ineffective, last-minute cram sessions.

Staying ahead of schedule can also help in case other problems arise. Students who are parents might have child-related reasons for missing a class, but if they have assignments started ahead of time and are already on top of their study schedule, the absence will be less likely to negatively impact their grades.

Paying for College

College costs are an important piece of attending college, and it’s good to start planning as soon as possible. First-generation students may not have any immediate family members who have been through the process, possibly making information on how to pay for college more difficult to come by. There are a variety of ways students can finance college, including grants, loans, and scholarships.

The first step to financing your college education is filling out the FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This application will determine your eligibility to receive federal aid for college, which includes scholarships, grants, work-study, and federal student loans. Federal grants usually don’t need to be repaid, but federal loans generally do.

Students must be able to demonstrate financial need to receive most federal aid, along with meeting other eligibility requirements .

If you aren’t eligible for federal aid, or if the federal aid you receive isn’t enough to cover all of your costs, you might also consider applying for private scholarships, which are available through a variety of sources, including schools, community organizations, and corporations. Eligibility varies for each one. Some scholarships are need-based, whereas some are merit-based. There are also scholarships available specifically for first-generation college students.

Another option available for financing college is private student loans. These are available through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms vary, depending on the lender. Generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind, though, that private loans may not offer the borrower protections — like income-based repayment and deferment or forbearance — that automatically come with federal student loans

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

What should you know as a first-generation college student?

It can be important for first-generation college students to understand what sort of academic support, from professors’ office hours to extra help, is available, as well as to investigate and use financial aid offerings. Finding friends and joining activities to feel connected to the college experience can be valuable, too.

What do first-generation college students struggle with?

First-generation students can struggle with imposter syndrome (feeling as if they don’t truly deserve to be or belong on campus), financial obligations, and the stress of integrating with campus life and keeping up with their classes.

What is a disadvantage of being a first-gen college student?

First-generation students may lack as deep an educational background, as high a GPA, and as strong a sense of confidence as their peers who have college-educated parents, according to research.

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The Ivy League is made up of eight elite private colleges, all of which are based in the Northeast. Being accepted to an Ivy League college is something some students work toward all their lives — but there’s more to gaining admission to these schools than good grades and a long list of extracurriculars.

With admission rates now hovering in the 4%-5% range, there’s a heightened sense of competition among top students in high schools across the country and around the world.

Read on to learn more about Ivy League colleges, including which schools are considered “Ivies,” the benefits of going to an Ivy League college, how much they cost, and ways to make your application stand out.

What Are the Different Ivy League Schools?

Named for their ivy-covered campuses, the eight private colleges that make up the Ivy League have many things in common. However, each school has its own unique reputation and characteristics that attract different kinds of students. Here’s a closer look at these top-ranked schools.

Brown University

Located in Providence, Rhode Island, Brown is known for its humanities programs as well as its Warren Alpert Medical School. Its open curriculum allows for a relatively free-form educational model where students are encouraged to take classes they like without having to accumulate certain requirements. Brown also gives students the option of taking as many classes as they want on the basis of pass-fail.

Columbia University

Located in New York City, Columbia is one of the most diverse Ivy League schools with 59% of undergraduates identifying as minorities. It also has one of the highest percentages of international students at any Ivy League, with up to 21% of its student body coming from foreign countries. This cosmopolitan college is host to renowned business, journalism, and law schools, and requires students to adhere to its core curriculum, which focuses largely on liberal arts.

Cornell University

Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell is one of the largest Ivy League universities, occupying a sprawling campus in this scenic upstate town. Known for its agriculture and engineering schools, Cornell also has strong Greek life and a wide range of athletic programs.

Dartmouth College

Located in Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth is the most rural of the Ivies, drawing a student body interested in the outdoors and Greek life — around 60% of students participate in sororities or fraternities. Its somewhat smaller student body allows for more one-on-one attention in classes and a strong sense of community on campus.

Harvard University

Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard encourages students to take a wide range of courses through their general education requirements, which allows students to broaden their interests and take advantage of intellectual curiosities. The school has 12 residential houses that seek to foster a sense of community in an otherwise imposing setting.

The University of Pennsylvania

Located in Philadelphia, Penn is known for its four distinct undergraduate colleges, including the Wharton School of Business and the College of Arts and Science. Students have the option of taking part in Greek life, and are also encouraged to explore opportunities in the greater Philadelphia area, from internships to the wide array of cultural events available.

Princeton University

Located in Princeton, New Jersey, Princeton University offers either a liberal arts or engineering and applied science degree for undergraduate students, with both programs including general education requirements. Princeton is known for its international affairs and engineering programs, as well as their storied eating clubs, which serve as coed dining halls and social centers for students, and are comparable to nonresidential fraternities or sororities.

Yale University

Located in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale University is known for its creative writing and arts programs, as well as a residential college program and an array of secret societies. It’s also home to a renowned graduate drama program and law school.

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Benefits of Attending an Ivy League School

For those who get that coveted acceptance letter, the benefits can be worth the years of hard work it took to get in. From growing your network to gaining access to world-renowned resources and professors at the top of their field, attending an Ivy League school can set students on an accelerated path to intellectual and professional success.

Having an Ivy League school on your resume may open countless doors when it comes to applying for jobs, fellowships, or graduate programs and may provide a leg up when it comes to advancing your career.

The amount of funding available at Ivy League schools can also be a major draw. All Ivy League schools have need-blind admissions policies, meaning that admissions officers will not look at a student’s financial need when considering their application. They also have a promise to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need based on household income.

Princeton recently announced it was waiving tuition for low-income students, a policy Harvard has in place, too, which takes things even further. Ivy League schools also have incredible funding opportunities for research and travel for students, allowing them to broaden their interests and perspectives.

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The Cost of an Ivy League School and Options for Paying for Tuition

All of the Ivy League schools are private universities, which usually implies a hefty price for tuition. The average undergraduate tuition for an Ivy League school for the 2024-25 school year was $64,806, plus room and board. But due to the universities’ impressive, multi-billion-dollar endowments, these schools are able to offer generous financial aid packages to prospective students.

While Ivy League schools do not offer merit-based or athletic scholarships, there are generally a wide variety of need-based scholarships awarded to students depending on their household income.

A student’s household income is equal to the combined gross income of all people occupying the household unit who are 15 years of age or older. Among Brown’s class of 2027, for example, students with household incomes below $60,000 received an average of $87,781 in annual financial assistance — nearly full rides, including room and board. For families making between $60,000 and $100,000, students received an average of $75,840 in annual need-based aid.

In addition to aid offered by Ivy League schools directly, students or their parents may choose private student loans to help ease the burden of paying college tuition and expenses.

Students will generally want to exhaust all federal student aid options (which include grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans) before considering private student loans. But if there is still a gap between federal student aid and the remaining cost of attendance, a private loan may be an option for some students.


💡 Quick Tip: It’s a good idea to understand the pros and cons of private student loans and federal student loans before committing to them.

GPA Requirements for Ivy League Schools

An impressive grade point average (GPA) is only one aspect of a student’s college application. However, to even be considered for admission to an Ivy League school, students may want to see if their own GPA falls within the average for admitted students. Among the Ivies that release statistics on accepted students’ GPAs, the average weighted GPA is about 4.0 to 4.25, meaning mostly As.

How to Make an Application More Competitive

In addition to a high GPA and impressive SAT and/or ACT scores, prospective students often need to prove themselves in other ways to gain admission to an Ivy League school.

Excelling in advanced courses, like honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes throughout high school may improve students’ chances of admissions, especially if students show a particular area of interest, like science or humanities.

While in the past, college admissions counselors would advise students to be “well-rounded” candidates, it’s now advisable to develop and demonstrate a passion for a particular subject area, which helps Ivies to build a more well-rounded student body.

Students can show their interests beyond academics by taking part in extracurricular activities. By engaging in activities early in high school and growing that interest over time, students show their commitment and enthusiasm for a particular area.

Strong interviews and letters of recommendation can also improve a student’s application, along with a strong personal essay. Ivy League admissions teams look for essays that highlight a student’s best qualities, perhaps expressed through a personal anecdote or description of a unique passion that displays a candidate’s distinctive character.

Hitting the “Submit” Button

Following the tips above may help improve a student’s Ivy League application, helping to gain admission to one or more of the most prestigious universities in the world. Of course, there are many schools that have the same academic rigor of an Ivy League, and it’s generally advisable to sprinkle in one or two “safety” schools for good measure.

But once a student has decided they want to apply to an Ivy League school, determined which is the right one for them, applied for financial aid, and completed their applications, it’s time to hit submit!

The Takeaway

If you’re hoping to attend an Ivy League college, you’ll want to consider each school’s admission rate, along with its particular academic program and financial aid statistics, to determine which is the right school to apply to.

However, it can be helpful to apply to a range of schools, both in terms of admission standards and tuition costs. This will give you options in case a school’s financial aid package isn’t as generous as you hoped.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

Which is the easiest Ivy League to get into?

While the Ivy League schools aren’t considered easy to get into, Cornell typically has the highest acceptance rate.

Why isn’t Stanford an Ivy?

Stanford is not considered an Ivy League school mainly because the Ivy League refers to a specific athletic conference composed of eight private universities in the Northeast, and Stanford is located on the West Coast.

What’s the #1 hardest school to get into?

The #1 hardest school to be admitted to is usually considered to be Harvard University. Harvard typically has an extremely low acceptance rate of 3%-5%.

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SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.