For Students
TESTING
SAT AND ACT RESOURCE
The College Board SAT and ACT information
TESTING TOOLS
Varsity Tutors offers more than 100,000 professionally-written problems and thousands of distinct practice tests across 150 subjects, including the ACT and SAT. This includes more than 1,200 ACT and more than 1,300 SAT practice tests, as well as useful flashcards, diagnostic tests, and questions of the day. Their system breaks questions apart by pinpointed concepts, thereby allowing students to focus their studies where they need the most improvement. From rational equations with binomial denominators to relative pronoun usage errors, students using Varsity Learning Tools can study the entire ACT or SAT – or just a single concept – all for free online.
FREE ACT AND SAT TEST PREP
The Parliament Scholars Program realizes that test prep is not available for all students as many cannot afford such an expense. As such, the Parliament Scholars Program offers underprivileged students with high aptitudes access to free SAT/ACT test prep. There is no cost to apply.
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TEST AND SUBJECT COURSES FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND BEYOND
Study.com aims to deliver a better way to learn – one that lets you learn what you want, the way you want, and in a way, you can afford. Their courses give specific guidance and lessons that can help you improve your grades, prepare for the SAT and ACT, and earn college credit.
ONline Education
In a recent survey conducted by BestColleges.com, online learners share their reasons for taking courses online. An overwhelming 65% of respondents cite flexibility as the top reason for pursuing a digital classroom experience and report less concern about curriculum specifics or access to on-campus activities. While traditional factors such as affordability, academic excellence, and delivery format remain major determining factors, survey results suggest a majority of students choose to take courses online because they are more convenient. Why online education? Best Colleges outlines some top benefits of it.
Is online college a good fit for me? Take this quiz provided by Money Geek to discover if online education is a good option for you. Also, learn more about what to expect from an online bachelor’s degree program.
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The College Resources and Financial Aid for Hispanic Students includes a close look at a wealth of online and on- and off-campus resources available to Hispanic students, including:
- An updated list of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options for Hispanic students
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An expanded list of ways students can save money before college
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Information specifically for first-generation college students, and students with other special circumstances
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An updated list of the most affordable Hispanic Service Institutions (HSIs) in the country
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Many Hispanic students are the first in their families to go to college, with some even being undocumented or the children of migrant workers. We created this guidebook to show these students that their special circumstances do not exclude them from a college education. Our resource strives to help Hispanic students and their families better understand some of the unique challenges they face and how to overcome them.
ONline College Courses
At Coursera we believe in connecting people to a great education so that anyone around the world can learn without limits. Coursera is an education company that partners with the top universities and organizations in the world to offer courses online for anyone to take, for free. Our technology enables our partners to teach millions of students rather than hundreds.
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We envision a future where everyone has access to a world-class education that has so far been available to a select few. We aim to empower people with education that will improve their lives, the lives of their families, and the communities they live in.
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ACCREDITED SCHOOLS ONLINE SEARCH TOOL AND GUIDE – The College Accreditation Tool helps students locate not-for-profit programs, as well as a comprehensive guidebook on accreditation. The College Accreditation Guidebook contains critical information for understanding accreditation holistically, including the benefits of accreditation, types, process, online college accreditation, outcomes, and a glossary of terms for those who are not experts in the field.
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The Guide to financial aid for minority students includes an extensive list of scholarships and financial aid resources available specifically for minority students. The guide also includes tips for finding and securing scholarships and other financial aid.
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ONLINE COLLEGES IN NORTH CAROLINA – With a focus on emerging trends and developments in online education, OnlineColleges.net provides free student guides and college search information, along with expert advice from Melissa Venable, PhD, an experienced online instructor and thought leader. www.onlinecolleges.net/north-carolina
MORE RESOURCES:
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Find Your Context – Individualized help for students trying to decide on a degree path.
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Online Colleges that Offer Free Laptops – Several schools recognize the necessity of a laptop for educational success and have taken measures to get students the latest technology at an affordable price – and occasionally even for free.
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Consumer Affairs – Compare reviews for online colleges with the Online College Guide
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CAREER-SPECIFIC GUIDES FOR ONLINE EDUCATION:
Resources for
Under-Graduate Level
AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN NC:
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RESOURCES BY DEGREE:
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OTHER RESOURCES:
Resources for
Graduate Level
One-Year & Accelerated Online MBA Programs – Features 96 accredited schools offering online accelerated MBA programs and provides information regarding program duration, available concentrations, and tuition rates. For more information, please click here.
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RESOURCES BY DEGREE:
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OTHER RESOURCES:
sCHOLARSHIP
For information on scholarships, please visit our Scholarships for Hispanic Students page where you will find a database of scholarship resources, programs, and tools.
For information on financial aid, please visit our Financial Aid for Hispanic Students page where there are resources to help you find ways to pay for higher education, navigate the FAFSA and discover answers to the questions that many students have regarding financial aid.
fINANCIAL aID
eARN cOLLEGE cREDIT
Wake County Early Colleges:
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Wake Early College of Health and Sciences
2901 Holston Lane Raleigh, NC 27610
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Wake NC State STEM Early College High School
NCSU Creative Services Building
1220 Varsity Drive Raleigh, NC 27606
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Students apply by completing an application and are selected through a randomized lottery process.
uNDOCUMENTED sTUDENTS
Each year, more than 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high schools in the U.S., but only a fraction continue on to college. For students who want to pursue college, conflicting information about eligibility, legal rights, and financial aid can be major barriers. However, higher education is open to undocumented students. Find out more information about college and post-college options.
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The Facts About Undocumented Students & College – Advocacy organizations & programs, FAQ’s, and more!
NC Justice brochure from the NC Justice Center about the Residency Determination System (RDS). For more information, click on the link below.
U.S. Citizen Students with Undocumented Parents: Navigating the Residency Determination Service. Students applying to universities and community colleges in North Carolina are now required to use the online “Residency Determination Service” to determine whether they are “residents” or “non-residents” for purposes of tuition. U.S. citizen students with undocumented parents may face special challenges in navigating this system. This flyer provides advice and guidance to students in immigrant families going through this process.
EARN COLLEGE CREDIT WITH PRIOR-LEARNING ASSESSMENTS
Prior-learning assessments (PLAs) award college credit, certification or advanced standing for a student’s non-academic experiences and training. Students that participate in PLA testing can use these credits as a shortcut to graduation. Click here for more information.
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SAVE MONEY ON COLLEGE THROUGH TESTING
Earning credits before you attend college can lower the cost of your education and improve your chances of graduating on time. This option is not restricted to high-achievers; students from all backgrounds can earn college credits and work toward their degree before officially enrolling. Testing to earn college credit is a great way to lower your education costs. Review the link below to learn more about:
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How high school students can earn credits through AP classes, IB programs, and dual enrollment programs
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Credit options for nontraditional students, including academic portfolios and DSST exams for military personnel
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Click here for more information.