That’s why I put together this clean resource page with tools I actually use and recommend. Now you can stop Googling in circles, do your research, and start making smart, confident decisions out the gate.

Save this page and return often. Your future self will thank you

College & Career Exploration

Before choosing a college, you need clarity on who you are, what you’re interested in, and where those interests can take you. Use the following tools to start that research.

College Research Tools
Occupational Outlook Handbook (BLS) – Explore careers, salaries, job growth, and education requirements straight from the U.S. Department of Labor 

Onet Interest Profiler – A student‑friendly career exploration tool that helps connect interests to real‑world careers

College Research & Comparison

• College Navigator (NCES) – Official college data including majors, enrollment, graduation rates, and demographics 
• College Scorecard – Understand outcomes like graduation rates, earnings, and debt after college 

Ready to turn your research into a real plan?
Grab the On Track Playbook to organize your college list, track important details, and stay focused as you move through the process.

Applications & Testing

Understanding where and how to apply can remove so much stress from the process. Check each college website and see if you need to apply through their site or the app systems below.

Testing & Test‑Optional Resources

• FairTest – See which schools are test‑optional or test‑free 
• SAT Registration (College Board) – Official SAT sign‑up and prep info 
• ACT Registration – Official ACT testing site

Financial Aid & Scholarships

College planning isn’t complete without a real strategy for paying for school.

Scholarship Search Tools

• UNCF – Scholarships and programs for Black students and HBCUs 
• Thurgood Marshall College Fund – Financial support and leadership programs for HBCU students attending specific HBCU’s

Financial Aid Applications

• FAFSA Application– Go here to start your FAFSA application and learn more about financial aid
• Get Your FSA ID  – Create your FAFSA credentials when it’s your time to apply (senior year)
• CSS Profile – Learn more about this special financial aid application and apply if needed
• State Financial Aid Finder – Find additional money in your state with this website

College Transition & Beyond

Getting accepted is just the beginning. The real work starts once you commit.

• College Budget Tool – Use this to see what your financial responsibility may look like before your full financial aid package comes
• College Comparison Tool – Compare your top 3 colleges to see which has the best deal

Check out this blog post to learn how to choose the right college in 4 steps 

Check out this blog post once you’ve chosen your college and are getting ready to go

Check out my favorite books for college planning

Click on each image for book details

*Mizz P. May receive a small commission from each sale

Welp, that’s all I got for you. Let me know what you think of my list!

If this page helped you, share it with a friend, parent, or counselor who needs a clearer path to college readiness.

Go back to the On Track Hub for more info and resources.

Learn more about the author Mizz P. and her offerings here: www.mizzp.nyc

The post Best College Planning Websites for Students & Parents appeared first on On Track with Mizz P..

Most parents I know want to be involved, but they have no idea where to start. Let me help you plan smart so you know what to focus on before the deadlines pile up.

Start Here:

Step 1: Understand the Big Picture of College Costs

Before FAFSA, scholarships, or decisions, you need to understand how college pricing actually works.
Learn the difference between:

• Sticker price vs. real cost
  
• Need-based aid vs. merit aid and who gets it
  
• What the FAFSA does (and doesn’t do)

Step 2: Get Organized as the Support System

A lot of what your child needs will come from you. 

Parents often keep documents needed for completing financial aid or answering college application questions.

Find a place to keep and track:

• Schools your child is interested in
  
• Passwords and usernames in case anyone forgets
  
• Financial info (tax forms, bank statements, asset reports, etc.)
  
• Notes about next steps and supports

Get my On Track For College Parent Workbook for additional information, questions to ask, and graphic organizers to keep you and your child organized and On Track.

Step 3: Know When to Lean In (and When to Step Back)

Planning smart doesn’t mean micromanaging. It means supporting decisions at the right moments and getting help to push your child forward.

Identify:

• When your student needs structure or support
  
• When they need space (because they got it)
  
• When decisions might affect costs long-term
  

Hint: The On Track For College Parent Workbook provides guidance and question prompts inside to keep you both on track, communicating, and accountable.

Step 4: Prepare for Financial Aid Without Panic

Waiting until FAFSA opens is where stress starts. You have to plan ahead of time to get your college finances right.

Make sure you:

• Know the rules before you play
  
• Understand how financial aid works and what you get
  
• Recognize how certain types of aid will affect your child’s choices

Step 5: Use the Hub as Your Reference Point

You don’t need to memorize everything. Keep checking the On Track Hub for info when questions come up.

Start Here If You Want More Support

Schedule a pick my brain session to ask all the questions you want

Use the On Track For College Parent Workbook to stay organized

Check my website for my scholarship list

Visit the On Track Hub every so often for updates.

Learn more about the author Mizz P. and her offerings here: www.mizzp.nyc

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If college costs feel confusing, that’s not your fault. Most families don’t overpay because they’re careless; they overpay because they didn’t understand the system early enough.

Use this checklist to help you plan smart:

Step 1: Understand How College Is Actually Paid For

Before comparing schools or stressing about FAFSA, you need clarity.
Learn:

• How colleges calculate cost
  
• What financial aid letters really mean
  
• Where families get tripped up

Step 2: Get Your Numbers & Questions Organized

Understanding is step one. Organization is step two.
Write down:

• Your estimated costs (I have a tool that will help you understand your budget better)
  
• Questions you have about how to pay (use them to help you plan)
  
• What matters most to your family

My On Track For College Parent Workbook has some information for parents about paying for college and resources to help you do some research. Grab your copy to get planning!

Step 3: Prepare for FAFSA & Aid Decisions (Without Guessing)

FAFSA is a tool, a calculator if you will → not a strategy.
Understand:

• What the FAFSA provides
  
• What it doesn’t
  
• How it fits into the bigger picture (A.K.A. your budget)

If the math is not mathing, it means it’s time to get serious about your money plan or to make a different choice.

Step 4: Apply Strategy When You’re Ready

Once you understand the system, you can then apply the strategy.
Compare your options intentionally, not emotionally. Start with these questions: How much money do you have? How much can you contribute? What happens if you don’t have enough? What’s the plan B?

Step 5: Go Back To The Hub to Stay Updated

There will always be information and resources waiting for you in the On Track Hub. Go back often to stay On Track with me.

Start Here To Get Your College Money Right:

• Check out my College Budget Tool (FREE)
  
• Get the On Track For College Parent Workbook for guidance

Go back to the On Track Hub

Learn more about the author Mizz P. and her offerings here: www.mizzp.nyc

The post 💰College Money Game Plan appeared first on On Track with Mizz P..

If college is on your radar, but you’re not sure what you should actually be doing right now. Focus on your grade level, not everything all at once.

Use this as your guide:

Step 1: Get Clear on What Matters for Your Grade

9th–10th Grade: Build the Foundation

What you build now will help you long term. 

Take a moment to focus on:

• Exploring your interests (not picking a forever major)
• Getting involved in 1–2 activities you can stick with 
• Understanding how grades and habits can affect your college choices later on

Start keeping track of activities, leadership, and wins (big or small).

Try my FREE Brag Sheet Tool to help you capture achievements now so you’re not scrambling later.

11th Grade: Get Organized & Intentional

The actions you take now will make your senior year easier or harder… you decide!

Focus on:

• Creating a realistic college/trade school program list
  
• Get a better understanding of what colleges actually look for
  
• Start preparing your essays and ask for recommendations early

Start writing down what matters:

• Activities you’re involved in
  
• Awards you’ve received throughout high school
  
• Jobs you’ve worked if you have work experience
  
• Responsibilities at home or school

Get my Student Workbook on Amazon to start planning early
Try my FREE Brag Sheet Tool to get ready for recommendations and college applications

12th Grade: Execute Without Panic

This is your time to shine! Do the work and you will be rewarded!!!

Focus on:

• Staying on top of deadlines so you don’t miss an opportunity
  
• Completing applications and financial aid forms as soon as possible
  
• Making decisions you feel confident about (make sure to take visits and ask lots of questions to compare schools/programs before deciding)

Create a simple checklist of:

• applications submitted
  
• financial aid steps
  
• scholarships in progress

Try my free College Planning Bingo to track your progress
Get my Scholarship Tracker to track your scholarship apps and wins

Step 2: Stay Organized (This Is Where Most Stress Comes From)

College stress usually isn’t about “too much to do” — it’s about not having a system.

Use one place to track:

• tasks
  
• deadlines
  
• materials

Google Drive and Docs is a great option.

Get my On Track For College Student Workbook to help you stay On Track (best for rising seniors, juniors, and sophomores.

Step 3: Use the Hub When You’re Stuck

If you ever think:

• “What should I be working on right now?”
  
• “Am I missing something?”
  

That’s what the On Track Hub is for. Jump back into the hub every week for new information or access to my favorite resources.

Start Here If You’re a Student:

• Try my Brag Sheet Tool
  
• Use the On Track For College Student Workbook to stay organized

Visit the On Track Hub when you’re unsure what’s next

Learn more about the author Mizz P. and her offerings here: www.mizzp.nyc

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Talk to your school counselor. 

Tell them about your plans and make sure you are on track for graduation.

Explore career options. 

Look into careers that interest you, and consider job shadowing or internships to get a better idea of the kind of work you want to do. Doing this will also help you choose colleges or training programs that will align everything.

Start thinking about your major. 

What do you want to study? Research your options and try to connect it back to your future career to see a bigger return on your investment.

Finalize your college list. 

It’s important to research the schools you are interested in and to make sure you have a good mix of safety, target, and reach schools. Also, keep track of deadlines to make sure you never miss an opportunity!

Keep your grades up. 

Colleges will see your senior year grades after your first semester is complete, so don’t let those grades slip.

Take all necessary standardized exams. 

Make sure you’re registered for the SAT, ACT, or any other tests your schools require before December to get your test scores back in time. Practice with Khanacademy.org or Schoolhouse for free 99 to ensure you get a good score.

Complete your college applications. 

Make sure you have all the necessary materials, including transcripts, test score reports, essays, and recommendations to move forward.

Apply for financial aid through the FAFSA within 45 days of it opening

The FAFSA opens on October 1st this year. Get your app in soon after it opens and make sure to fill out any other financial aid applications your schools require as well. Bonus: Look for funding in your state to see if there is additional money you qualify for and complete those applications around the same time. Check the NASFAA State Financial Aid Finder for your state’s financial aid page.

Look for scholarships. 

Look locally and nationally to apply to as many as you can find. Take it seriously and treat this like your part-time job!

Lastly, enjoy your senior year. 

You’re only a senior once, so make the most of it! Spend time with friends, participate in extracurricular activities, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Good luck out there!

Oh before you go…Don’t forget to get the On Track For College Student Workbook to get organized. Click the image below to purchase your copy on Amazon.

Learn more about the author Mizz P. here: About Mizz P.

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Check out my Summer College Prep tasks below to get started

Tips For All students 9th-12th Grade

Read as much as you can. It will help your writing skills and make reading passages during standardized exams like the PSAT/SAT/ACT a piece of cake.

Participate in a community service activity or volunteer your time. Colleges like students who give back and there are tons of scholarship programs that have this as a requirement. So be a good human and get on out there.

Practice your basic skills, folks. You cannot afford to fall behind. The work will only get harder. Practice makes perfect.

Practice for SAT/ACT or both.

Research careers…. I suggest doing this before building your college list. Why? Because knowing what you want to do can help you narrow your search and make it more likely for you to choose a college that has your career interests in mind. Thank me later!

Research colleges you may be interested in attending. Start by answering the following: What is the requirements to get in? How much will it cost? Does it have anything I would be interested in? *Remember, college visits count as research. Start with local colleges in your area and branch out so you can compare. 

Tips For Rising High School Seniors

College application season will be here before you know it. If you use this time to knock some things off your list, the fall will be way easier. Try getting these things done ASAP!

Finalize your brag sheet and resume. These documents are used to showcase your skills for recommendations and future opportunities. Think of 3 core content teachers who would write the best letter for you and give both documents to them when school starts. Need a template? Join the On Track With Mizz P. Community to get a FREE template you can use.

Finalize your college list. What schools do you envision yourself going to? Make sure to check their requirements and tuition costs before adding them to your list.

Start on your essay. The essay portion takes the longest amount of time to complete. Check each college website for instructions/prompts and get started ASAP. 

Study for the SAT/ACT. You want to get the highest score you can possibly get. Check the On Track With Mizz P. Community for free study sites and other recommendations.

Tips For High School Juniors

Think of activities you want to be a part of this year. Sports, arts, clubs, student government will be a great look for your high school resume.

Start creating your resume. Think of all the activities, jobs, and accomplishments you’ve had throughout your high school career and write them all down.

Tips For Parents

Have a conversation with your child about their future plans. What is it that they want to do? What schools are they considering? How far is too far? 

Sit down WITH your child to do some research so you don’t get blindsided by high costs or unrealistic expectations. This step is super important. (Trust me on this one).

Create a budget and start saving! College is expensive….So are applications, test fees, deposits, and other costs associated with senior year. Don’t get caught out there. Sort out your finances and put some cash aside to help you meet your family’s need.

Need help to get things right?

Join the On Track With Mizz P. Community for tips, videos, and other resources for college and career planning. Hope to see you on the inside!

Also, Check out My Amazon Storefront for my favorite College Planning Tools including my On Track For College Workbooks: https://amzn.to/3NCdxg2

Learn more about the author Mizz P. here: www.mizzp.nyc

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Understand Your Finances

College is a MAJOR financial commitment. Know how much your tuition, housing, and meal plans are gonna cost you, and pay attention to your bill due date. Make a plan to pay your balance and practice budgeting to manage your money effectively.

Learn Basic Life Skills

Independence comes with responsibilities!!! Before riding off into the sunset, master essential life skills like cooking simple meals, doing your own laundry, and keeping your space clean (a cluttered room is a cluttered mind). Also, learn how to schedule your own appointments and learn to advocate for your needs.

Get Organized

Being organized is crucial for college success. Use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of important academic dates like move-in day, the first day of classes, and assignment deadlines. Good organization can help you stay on top of your studies and extracurricular activities.

Plan Your Packing

Packing for college can be overwhelming. Create a checklist of essentials you’ll need such as sheets, blankets, toiletries, electronics, and school supplies. Check what’s already provided in your dorm, plan with your new roommate to cut down on costs, and review your school’s rules about what you can and cannot bring.

Check out my Amazon Store Front for items you should totally get and take!

Register for Classes Early

If you want a good first-semester schedule, then you need to get advised and registered quickly!!! Popular classes can fill up, so plan your schedule in advance. Review course options and prerequisites to ensure a balanced workload. This will help you stay on track for graduation.

Get to Know Your Professors Beforehand 

Check out Rate My Professors to get an idea of how your professors teach and what you need to do to be successful before adding them to your schedule. This can help you make decisions about the classes you plan to take and dodge any drama before-hand.

Get Familiar With Campus Resources

Colleges offer a variety of resources to support students, like the library, academic advising, career services, a health center, disability and accessibility supports, and counseling services. Make an effort to find these resources on campus so you know where to find help during challenging times.

Practice Your Communication Skills

Communication is KEY and a life skill you will need in college and beyond. Learn how to write professional emails to professors and staff, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself when you need help or clarification.

Develop Good Study Habits

College is not like high school. You gotta study to retain information and test well. AI can’t help you with a live exam! Practice effective study techniques like reviewing your notes, time blocking, and mnemonic devices. Make sure to also create a distraction-free zone to stay focused.

Prepare Yourself Mentally and Emotionally 

Adjusting to college life can be overwhelming. Be prepared to be homesick, and possibly experience challenges with living independently and with people you don’t know. Try connecting with your new roommate or classmates before arriving to build a sense of community and support.

Take these steps and you’ll set yourself up for a successful and enjoyable college experience.

YOU GOT THIS!!!

Learn more about the author Mizz P. and her offerings here: www.mizzp.nyc

The post 10 Things Students Should Do Before Going to College appeared first on On Track with Mizz P..

1. Understand the Full Cost of Attendance

Tuition is just the beginning. The real cost of college includes:

• Room and board (even if they live at home!)
• Meal plans or groceries
• Books, supplies, and tech
• Personal expenses, travel, and emergency costs

Every college publishes a “Cost of Attendance” (COA) on their financial aid page. Use that as your budgeting foundation, not the sticker tuition price alone.

2. Build a Budget to See Your Gap
Once you know the full cost and what aid you’ll receive, subtract:

• Grants + Scholarships
• Family savings or 529 plans
• Expected work income (if any)
  

Whatever’s left? That’s your college funding gap-and what you’ll need to cover before thinking about loans.

3. Understand What a Loan Really Is

Before signing anything, you should know:

• The difference between subsidized and unsubsidized loans
• How interest works and when it starts
• What monthly repayment looks like after graduation

Remember, borrowing is sometimes necessary but blind borrowing is a trap!

4. Search for Scholarships Early and Often

Don’t wait for senior year. Many scholarships are open to juniors, and even younger students. Start local:

• Employers (yours or your child’s)
• Credit unions and banks
• Community groups and churches
• School-based scholarships

Pro tip: Set a goal to apply to at least 3 scholarships per month.

5. Complete the FAFSA Even If You’re Not Sure You’ll Qualify

The FAFSA unlocks access to:

• Pell Grants (free money)
• State aid programs
• Work-study eligibility
• Federal student loans (which are safer than private loans)
• Institutional Scholarships

Middle-income families often qualify for some aid but you won’t know how much unless you file!!!

Interested In Going Deeper?
Get my College Money Toolkit to beat the overwhelm of future college costs.

The College Money Toolkit contains videos, tips, and tools to help families:

• Understand what they are in for
• Build a real budget
• Plan smart so they don’t overborrow
• Decode financial aid offers

Get the College Money Toolkit here: https://stan.store/Ontrackwithmizzp/p/college-money-decision-toolkit

Learn more about the author Mizz P. and her offerings here: www.mizzp.nyc

The post 5 Things to Do Before You Borrow a Dime for College appeared first on On Track with Mizz P..

What’s a Financial Aid Appeal?

A financial aid appeal is a formal request you send (by email or phone) to a college asking them to reconsider and potentially increase your aid package. Maybe your family’s financial situation changed because of a lost job, accident, or a parent passing. Maybe you got a better offer from another school but you’d prefer to go there. Or maybe the original package just doesn’t reflect what you actually need or have. Whatever the case, you have the right to ask. And yes, schools do say yes. But only when it’s done the right way and at the right time.

Common Mistakes Students Make When Asking for More Aid:

Writing a vague or emotional requests with no documentation

Colleges need you to be clear, concise, and include evidence to support your claim.

Waiting too long to submit an appeal

The longer you wait, the harder it will be to get granted anything. The sooner you can ask, the better your chances.

Assuming they won’t get more, so they never ask

A closed mouth never gets fed. The school won’t know you have a bigger need if you don’t tell them.

Any of these sound familiar? Don’t worry, you’re not alone!!! That’s why I created the following step-by-step guide to help students and families feel confident about going through this process

Introducing …….

This guide will teach you:

What to include (and what to avoid) in your request
How to frame your appeal in a way that gets attention
How to follow up, plus templates and tools to make it easier to write and submit

If you or someone you know has a college offer that’s just not cutting it, don’t walk away from the table. Ask for more. It could be the difference between financial stress or financial relief.

Ready to advocate for yourself?

Get the guide here and make those offers make cents: 

https://stan.store/Ontrackwithmizzp/p/financialaidappeal

Learn more about the author Mizz P. and her offerings here: www.mizzp.nyc

The post Yes, You Can Ask Colleges for More Money – Here’s How appeared first on On Track with Mizz P..

The summer melt is the Boogeyman of college-bound students and strikes fear into the hearts of college access professionals everywhere. You’d think that with all the tech tools and constant emails, we’d have it under control. But nope, the summer melt is still lurking, affecting about 40% of students who plan to go to college and disproportionately affecting low-income students and students of color the hardest.

So, what is causing all the chaos? It could be anything from missing information, incomplete paperwork, or just plain old procrastination. But don’t worry—I’ve got a plan to help you beat the summer melt and make sure you’re sitting in your first class this fall instead of being stuck at home wondering what went wrong.

Here’s your summer melt survival checklist to stay calm, cool, and On Track:

Check Your Email DAILY

Your chosen college might have a specific set of tasks to complete or opportunities you can take advantage of by a certain deadline. Not checking your email means you’ll miss out on a lot, so start every day by checking your email.

Secure Your Housing

Going away for school? Make sure you complete all housing forms and drop that deposit to secure your spot. Nothing melts away dreams faster than losing your home away from home because of a missed deadline.

Register for Classes

Make sure you get advised to know what classes to take and register to get your schedule locked in so you’re ready to roll.

Accept Your Financial Aid Awards ASAP

You can’t pay for school if you don’t have any money, so hit that “accept” button on your awards to secure your cash before it’s too late. (Have a conversation about what is provided with your family before you complete this step.)

Get Through Verification

If you’re selected for verification, don’t panic—it’s just the school wanting to double-check your FAFSA info. This process can drag on, so get your paperwork done and handed in like, yesterday!!! Waiting too long can delay your financial aid, and trust me, you don’t want that.

Take Your Placement Exams

No one wants to hear the word “exam” in the summer, but placement tests are a must. Schools use these to decide if you need any extra help or if you’re ready for college-level courses. If you put this off, you might get bumped to the next semester. So, make it a priority!

Submit All Paperwork

Immunization records, residency forms—you name it, they need it. These documents are standard but super important. Turn them in on time to avoid any last-minute enrollment issues.

Attend Orientation

Orientation is your chance to get familiar with campus life, meet your new friends, and learn the ropes. Plus, it’s usually required, so don’t skip it!

Settle Your Bill 

Discuss how you are going to pay your bill with your family and give up the cash by the deadline the school sets. Whether it’s a payment plan, loan, or the “bank of mom and dad,” make sure it’s all sorted out. No money, no classes—it’s that simple.

Download my app, On Track For College, to stay on track throughout your freshman year, It’s packed with weekly tips, resources, and everything you need to navigate your first semester of college like a pro. Feel free to download using this link https://mizzp.link/ontrackapp and share widely!

Ready to go off to college?
Check out my Amazon Storefront for my college must-haves: https://amzn.to/4bsooSM

Learn more about the author Mizz P. and her offerings here: www.mizzp.nyc

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