LibGuides: Education Resources Guide: College Preparation

College Preparation

Subject Guide

Links to the Library

Ask a Librarian
Ask questions, report problems, or just send comments and suggestions.
SAPL on Facebook
SAPL on Twitter
SAPL on YouTube

SAPL Databases

Search our databases to locate magazine and journal articles about college preparation. You will need to have a library card to access them outside the library.

LearningExpress Library This link opens in a new window
Provides online academic and career practice tests and full-texts of test prep books. Areas covered include academic, such as SAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT; basic skills, civil service, cosmetology, EMS, firefighter, GED, law enforcement, ASVAB, postal services, real estate, and U.S. citizenship. Test score report includes explanation of right and wrong answers.
Brainfuse HelpNow This link opens in a new window
With HelpNow, expert tutors and a powerful suite of services to accommodate virtually any need are just a click away. One-on-One Homework Help, State-Aligned Skills Building and a 24-Hour Writing Lab are all available through the HelpNow service.

SAPL eBooks on OverDrive

With electronic books– your public library is open 24/7! The San Antonio Public Library offers ways to access ebooks through Downloadables for free with your San Antonio Public Library Card.

OverDrive This link opens in a new window
Download audio books, ebooks, magazines, and video titles to your PC or portable device 24/7.

Loans/Education

Find the links for the loan agencies that provide funding for your college education.

Federal Perkins Loans
The Federal Perkins Loan Program provides low-interest loans to help needy students finance the costs of postsecondary education.
Federal Stafford Loans
Offers fixed-rate federal student loans for undergraduate and graduate students attending college at least half-time. Stafford loans are the most common and one of the lowest-cost ways to pay for school.
Federal Parent (PLUS)
The Federal Parent PLUS Loan helps parents and guardians with good credit borrow up to the cost of attendance for their undergraduate children. Parent PLUS Loan funds can be used for tuition, supplies, housing, and more.
Student Loans - Compare Reviews
Find out about different types of loans and their benefits.

Grants/ Education

Look into some of the grants that are offered at the following links for funding college education.

Grants - Pell grant
Federal Pell Grant program that undergraduate and vocational students enrolled or accepted for enrollment in participating schools may apply.
Grants - FSEOG
The FSEOG Program provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduate students to promote access to postsecondary education.
Grants- Federal Agencies
Federal agencies offer grants to help students attend college. Students can use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to apply for Pell Grants and other aid for college.
Grants- State
This link provides information on state-based college grants as an essential resource list and types of state funded grant programs.

Local Resources

Following are some of the local resources in San Antonio that provides one on one assistance for your college prep.

Cafecollege
131 El Paso St
San Antonio, TX 78204
(210)207-4528
more...less...
Geared towards helping High school students and parents who want a crash course in applying to colleges and landing financial aid, scholarship info and internship opportunities and more.
KAPLAN Test Preparation
8401 Datapoint Dr Ste B100
San Antonio, TX 78229
(210) 614-2924
more...less...
Score High on SAT, PSAT , ACT and other tests to attend the college of your choice.
The Princeton Review
901 NE Loop 410 # 802
San Antonio, TX 78209-1310
(210) 824-8378
more...less...
Various test prep options available: online, classroom, private tutoring on SAT, PSAT, AP and more for scoring high to get into the college of your choice

Career Guide

10 Things for High School Students to Remember
This guide offers practical advice on how to start thinking of potential majors and planning career paths. Check it out!
Choosing a College Major
This guide gives practical advice on how to start thinking of potential majors and planning career paths.
10 Things Colleges Seek From High School Students
The link offers overview of the kinds of things admissions offices seek from applicants. It is useful for high school sophomores and juniors as you begin your college planning, but it can also be useful for seniors as you prepare your college applications.
Teaching Degree Programs
Check it out the most comprehensive teaching degree guides that lists 3,100 different teaching degrees and 1,700 different universities as one of the top resources for finding an accredited teaching degree. Explore to further your career through continuing education or begin a whole new career with a degree in teaching.
How to Choose a Major - Tips, Tactics, and Examples
The link helps students to find out how to choose a major through their career choices. Check it out!

Resume Builder for High School Students

Resume Buider
This link will help guide you to create the best resume. The link lists resume examples as well as resume resources that are designed to help you land the job that you want.

LGBTQ College & Scholarship Guide

The College Guide for LGBTQ Students
The link offers LGBTQ student resources and organizations; Title IX and other protections for the LGBTQ community; a guide to evaluating colleges as an LGBTQ student; a comprehensive list of scholarships available to LGBTQ youth. Check It Out!
LGBTQ Scholarship Guide
Explore this link to find out the list of scholarships for LGBTQ Students
from a wide range of sources, including schools, private foundations and corporations!

Resume

College Application Resume for High School Students
Offers college resume template with expert tips and good + bad examples.
How to write a Resume According to Science: 2021 Study
This link offers a data-driven approach and find definitive answers to job seekers’ most pressing questions.
How to List Certifications on a Resume with Samples
This link offers guidance on how to list certifications on resumes + examples and tips and many more.
Free Resume Templates- Download & Start Making Your Resume
Find a free Template for your next resume such as Word, Google Docs, InDesign Resume template and much more.

Welcome to College Education Resources Guide

Visit the guide to build an education portfolio for your college preparation.

Check out this guide to find resources available at San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) on college prep such as books, databases, websites, local resources on standardized tests (SAT, ACT, AP and many more). Use this guide to help write powerful essays, find financial aid, scholarships, grants, school loans and more. Let us help you to prepare better for college entrance.

SAPL Books

Princeton Review AP Chemistry Prep 2023 by The Princeton The Princeton Review
Call Number: 378.1664 CRACKING 2018
Publication Date: 2022-08-16
Make sure you're studying with the most up-to-date prep materials! Look for the newest edition of this title, The Princeton Review AP Chemistry Prep, 25th Edition.
College Admissions 101 by Princeton Review Staff
Publication Date: 2018
This friendly, helpful Q&A book from the editor-in-chief of The Princeton Review presents simple answers to your toughest questions about the college admissions process, figuring out financial aid, and getting into the university of your choice!
The Golden Ticket by Irena Smith
Call Number: 378.1616 COLLEGE
Publication Date: 2023-04-18
What do we, as parents, really mean when we say we want the best for our children? Irena Smith as a former Stanford admissions officer, a private Palo Alto college counselor, and a mother of three children written as a series of responses to actual college essay prompts.
Princeton Review GED Test Prep 2024 by The Princeton The Princeton Review
Call Number: 373.1262 CRACKING 2020
Publication Date: 2023-06-13
Get the help you need to ace the test and earn your GED credential with 2 full-length practice tests, content reviews that are 100% aligned with GED test objectives, and 860 drill questions. Techniques That Actually Work
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2024 by Edward Fiske
Publication Date: 2023-07-11
For 40 years, the Fiske Guide to Colleges has been the leading guide to 320+ four-year schools, including quotes from real students and information you won't find on college websites. Fully updated and expanded every year, Fiske is the most authoritative source of information for college-bound students and their parents.
The Official ACT Prep Guide 2022-2023, (Book + Online Course) by ACT
Publication Date: 2022-05-10
THE OFFICIAL ACT® PREP GUIDE 2022-2023 - INCLUDES ONLINE COURSE The comprehensive guide to the 2022-2023 ACT test--including 7 genuine, full-length practice tests. The Official ACT® Prep Guide 2022-2023 book includes six authentic ACT tests--all of which contain the optional writing test--so you get maximum practice before your official test date.
SAT Prep Plus 2023: Includes 5 Full Length Practice Tests, 1500+ Practice Questions, + 1 Year Online Access to Customizable 250+ Question Bank and 2 Official College Board Tests by Kaplan Test Prep
Publication Date: 2022-06-07
The SAT is changing. Taking the SAT in the US on October 7, 2023, November 4, 2023 , or December 2, 2023? This is the prep for you.

Test Preparation - GED

St. Philip's College
St. Philip’s College is designated as an Authorized Pearson Vue Test Center for the administration of the General Educational Development Computer Based Test (GED-CBT) and an authorized Educational Testing Service Center for the administration of the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) under the guidelines of the GED Testing Services and Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Find a Test Center
Input an address, city, or zip code to find nearby test centers
Free GED Classes: The City of San Antonio Department of Human services
For more details and questions, contact the office.
San Antonio Independent School District Testing Center
For more details, contact the office at 210-299-1102.

Test Preparation- ACT, SAT and More

Visit the websites and links for finding information on SAT, ACT PSAT and more for achieving high scores for college admission.

Information on standardized tests for PSAT, SAT 1 or ACT, SAT lls and AP Tests
The College Board is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Among its best-known programs are the SAT, the PSAT/NMSQT, and the Advanced Placement Programs.
Test Preparation Courses- Number2.com
This website offers online test preparation courses free of charge. It includes user-friendly tutorials, practice sessions that match each student's ability level, a vocabulary builder and more.
College Planning Resources
You will find free SAT prep videos, online courses and practice tests as well as math, reading, writing and general SAT tips and strategies.
ACT Prep Guide
This guide will help you to better understand the ACT, from what your results mean to tips for finding resources — both free and paid — that are available to help you prepare.
SAT Prep Guide
Students can lessen test stress by taking time to understand the SAT and developing strategies to tackle it. This guide offers an inside look at the SAT and expert advice from a tutoring specialist.
SAT Prep Guide
The Ultimate SAT Prep Resources Guide. Ultimate Guide to Finding The Best Sat Help. Check it out!
ACT Free Practice Test
The link offers ACT free practice test that would help students to identify their areas of strengths, weaknesses and predict ACT score. Check it out!!
GRE Guide
Check out the resource that provides insight into the graduate school application process and GRE tests for accounting students.
Texes Study Guide
Texestest study guide
TExEStest.org is a valuable resource for current and prospective educators seeking credentials in the state of Texas! Here, you'll find what you need as you prepare for the Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES), the exam series for state licensure.

Online Resources on Colleges

College Atlas
The College Atlas help students make better, more informed choices by providing relevant, reliable and up-to-date information about colleges and universities.
College Affordability Guide
Find more than 5,000+ colleges and universities in the US that offer both financial accessibility in terms of the lowest costs for low and middle income students, as well as flexibility in learning & credit.
The Best Colleges
Find in-depth information and get the most out of your college education. In addition, you will find articles with tips on paying for school, planning for college, maximizing military benefits, and student lifestyle.
How to Choose a Major
Written by Resume Expert Christian Eilers, the guide is aimed at students, well-researched and includes professional tips from career advisers plus useful infographics. Explore the selection of Major based on your interest.
How to Write a High School Resume for College Application
Find out how to write Resume for College Application. The link offers templates and tips on how to write to get the college admission of your choice.
Introducing EduMed: Connecting Students to Medical Careers
EduMed.org connects students with the best and most affordable higher education programs in the medical field. See how blended and online programs work and get key information about accreditation and financial aid from medical education experts. Take your first step toward a career in care.
more...less...
Also refer to "Guide to Online Learning for Medical Support Students" with the following URL: https://www.edumed.org/online-schools/
Bachelor Degree in Data Science – Guide to Choosing a Great Program
Bachelor's Page would be a great starting point for students who are exploring a potential education in Data Science, in addition to comprehensive listings for schools across the country.
Learn How To Become Careers Today
Explore career options to find your career path. You will find out whether the job in high demand? What hours will you be working? Is there room for advancement? How much education is required? And many more. This will help you give you an idea of what opportunities are available so to decide what you want to be.
Healthcare Careers:Definitive Guide
Healthcare is an essential part of life. Patients need proper care from compassionate people, and healthcare providers need to find the right people to fill those positions. This guide offers so many contents such as finding the right school, getting into school and getting a job and many more. Check it out!
College and Career Guide for Students with Disabilities
Recognizing that individuals with disabilities might have questions about attending college and finding employment that might be difficult to find answers. The guide offers a comprehensive college and career information to help inform students with disabilities about critical information regarding the college education and career choices to help set up for success.Check it out!
Alternatives to Four-Year Degrees During COVID-19
This link offers a more options for those who might not want to attend a typical 4-year college. If you have plenty of reasons why you might feel a 4-year degree is not right for you, check it out this link!
2022 Guide to Trade & Vocational Schools
This guide will define trade and vocational schools and go over the basics of finding a program, applying to it, and paying for it. Dental hygienists, plumbers, electricians, and web developers are all highly valued by society. This guide will also cover some of the careers and trades that graduates of trade and vocational schools might pursue. If you are considering attending a trade or vocational school, then this resource is an awesome starting place for you!
Texas Library Science Degrees
The link offers Texas Library Science Guides that include lists of scholarships, comprehensive degree program data, licensing & certification info by state, and career profiles. Check it out!
Solomon Admissions
This college admission consulting firm is dedicated to helping students be admitted to their dream college and pursue the career path they aspire to.

Online Degree Guide on Colleges

Find your choice of online degree by going to this very informative website. It also lists a top competitive master's degree program including the top jobs for online master's degree holder.

Online Universities
This site features an expertly curated database of free online college courses from the top universities from around the world. You are able to search these courses by countries, subjects as well as languages.
Not-For-Profit Accredited Online Colleges
Today, more and more traditional colleges are offering degree programs online to meet the needs of a more diversified student population. The resource here focuses more heavily on the not-for profit programs with pointing out students towards accredited programs to ensure transferability of credits and financial aid eligibility.
Least Expensive Accredited Online Colleges
You'll find a list of the "least expensive" Not-For-Profit universities offering online degree programs, whose graduates earn over $40,000 / year as a starting salary. These schools are dedicated to providing a low-cost education that enables their students to learn pertinent skills that meet the demands of today's global job market.
Master's in Public Health
The Master of Public Health (MPH) is a graduate degree that prepares you to work on a wide range of public health initiatives; policy advocacy, health education, institutional administration, treatment delivery and disease preventin and more. Check it out!!
Go Grad
Provides an easy online platform where aspiring graduate students of all ages, backgrounds, and specialties can get the information they need to make informed decisions about their education.
Accredited Online Degree Guidebook
Many traditional, not-for-profit colleges and universities have established undergraduate and graduate-level online programs. Renowned institutions such as the University of Oklahoma, University of Southern California, Penn State, Xavier, Stanford, and Columbia all offer online degrees and certificates. If you’re considering an online degree, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know – from application to graduation.
Online Colleges - Compare Reviews
Compare Reviews for Online Colleges and choose the one that you like the best.
Affordable Online Colleges in Texas
Texas Online Colleges & Universities: Top Schools for 2018
Most affordable Online Colleges and Universities
Find out answers for common questions about online education. It offers a helpful comparison between affordable schools across the country.
Find Affordable Online Colleges Today
Affordable Colleges Online provides community resources and tools related to higher education with an eye on affordability and accreditation.
Top online Courses and Classes on the Web
Check out free and comprehensive resource - a collection of open college course that spans videos, audio lectures, and notes given by professors at Harvard, Princeton and MIT and more.
Online MBA
The seven-part guide familiarizes individuals with their business school options while guiding them through the selection and application process. They offer state-specific resources exploring the MBA and business landscape in each state to advise individuals on local options for a quality business education.
Accredited Online MBA Programs
You will find top online MBA programs guide.
Online MBA in Texas
This is helpful to prospective MBA students who want to limit the scope of their search to universities within the State of Texas only.
Online MBA Worth it?
Online MBA courses are often not structured according to any set schedule. You can log on and read all of the materials you need at your own time! Explore the link!
The best Online MBA Programs
You will find information on every online MBA program in the US analyzed. 50 industry experts, hiring managers, current students, and alumni consulted. 50 of the best programs identified.
Financing Your MBA
Select a program that meets academic and financial needs. Begin researching programs early, and review funding options including grants, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement programs. Beginning to save money as soon as possible can also reduce student loans for MBA students.
MBA - Financial Aid Guide for Minority Students
Explore MBA minority scholarships. Students from certain backgrounds may qualify for ethnicity-based scholarships.
MBA - Financial Aid Guide for Military & Veterans
This link offers financial aid options for military personnel and veterans pursuing a college education. Common awards include private scholarships, federal loan forgiveness, grants, and tuition assistance programs. Individuals looking for military MBA scholarships should research the schools, professional organizations, and other resources.
The Best Online Colleges of 2020
Find out the right fit for your needs! This link provides the information on the best affordable, accredited online colleges. The evaluation of each school is based on factors like affordability, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduate retention rates. It also includes information on benefits of earning an online degree, the importance of accreditation, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Online Colleges Worth Attending?
The guide helps to assist students in distinguishing the difference between a traditional 4-year degree and an online degree program and explores the benefits of online learning and considerations for selecting a virtual program. Check it out!

Financial Aid

Visit the websites and links for finding information on Financial Aid, scholarships and more for funding your college education.

Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Offer free application for Federal Student Aid. The office of the U.S. Department of Education, ensures that all eligible individuals can benefit from federally funded or federally guaranteed financial assistance for education beyond high school.
Financial aid for college study
offers weblinks for more information about financial aid and specific financial information for home schoolers as well.
Cyber Security Guide Degrees in Texas
Cybersecurity is a growing field all across the country.
Explore the guide to find out icybersecurity schools in Texas. It also contains information on cybersecurity training programs and career opportunities.
Financial Aid for Online Colleges
Findout how affordable college is for you! Many online colleges offer financial aid to students enrolled in full-time programs, and distance learners may also obtain federal financial aid if they enroll in an online school holding regional accreditation from an agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
The Ultimate Guide to Financial Aid and FAFSA for College Students
The Study.com recently developed a comprehensive guide to financial aid and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for college students that can be utilized to fund a college education. The new COVID-19 stimulus bill included several notable changes to the FAFSA process. Find out!

College Scholarship Links

There are many scholarships available to attend college. Explore using these links!

College Scholarship Guide for Minorities
The purpose of this guidebook is to discuss, in detail, minority scholarships, grants and other financial aid available to African-American, Hispanic, Asian American, Native American, LGBT and female students and to help minority students look for and land scholarships through resources and expert advice.
Fastweb
Search scholarships starting from high school years.
Fire and Forestry Scholarships and Financial Aid
From scholarships to grants and loans, fire science and forestry students have many financial aid opportunities available to support their education goals.
Native American Scholarships
This guide provides an overview of the scholarships, grants and potential help available through tribal colleges for Native American students.
Sallie Mae
Using this link, find information on student loans, scholarships, and saving for college that can be beneficial to students and parents before, during, and after college.
more...less...
The website informative content include:
-free scholarship search, with over 2.9 million scholarships;
-education investment planner, compare school costs and repayment options;
- financial calculators;
-podcasts
- guides to repaying student loans and more.
Scholarship Platform
Sort through all the different scholarship platform that are available to students, especially those living with disabilities. This link offers information on what students should know before they apply, how each of these platforms work and how to find as many scholarship opportunities as possible.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Women
By taking advantage of grants, scholarships, loans and alternative means of funding, women have an easier path toward their desired education and career. Continue reading to learn about the importance of financial aid for female students, where to find funding, and how to secure it.
Scholarships for LGBTQ Students
This guide aims to reduce the stress of college for LGBTQ students by assisting with one key element: financial aid. Read on to find scholarships and other financial aid for LGBTQ students – plus learn expert tips for overcoming hurdles during the application process, such as gender identification and parental estrangement.
Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
College can be expensive for anyone, but it can be especially costly for those with disabilities. Some classroom accommodations are paid for out-of-pocket, medical bills tend to be much higher, and even transportation costs can be greater than what a typical student would have to pay to get to and from class. These are just a few of the reasons why it’s so important for students with disabilities to have ample funding options available to them. This guide focuses on those options, with the goal of helping students with disabilities find the resources they need to pay for and succeed in college.
Guide to Veteran Education Benefits
Find out about the grants, scholarships, and education resources that are available to veterans. This comprehensive user-friendly guide includes features such as GI Bill calculator, grants and scholarship directories, and interviews with the top universities that have programs designed specifically to support veteran higher education.
Clutch Prep Scholarships
Clutch Prep mission to help students succeed in their classes. Explore their scholarship they offer to students that helps to pay for school.
Scholarships and College Guide for Native American Students
A guide that provides resources for Native American students, their families, and educators. Check it out!!
Scholarship Leadership Institute
Find out if you can get help to have college debt free by clicking on this link.
2021 College Scholarships for Women
This guide offers in-depth information on topics such as why scholarships for women are important; how to find and apply for scholarships; scholarships by area of studies such as arts, STEM, business; scholarships for women in minority groups, women with disabilities and more.
Scholarship for African Americans and Black Students
Check out this guide that is geared toward African American students. This guide provides a list of notable college scholarships available for African American and Black students.