Have you decided to go back to college? Maybe you have a family member that is going back to school, or just starting to think about life after high school?  Well, it is never too early, or too late, to start researching options and resources that might be available to you. The library has plenty of books, guides, and other resources that can make the decision and application process a little bit easier. Here are some great places to start the search and decision making process, but keep in mind that there are many more resources and help you available at the library and online.

After checking out the paper resources you might also want to check out an upcoming program on the subject. On January 12 2016 Jennifer Philips will be presenting a seminar on College Financial Aid at 6:30pm. Registration is required. For more information or to register take a look at all the details here.

Choosing the Right School:
The Other College Guide: a Roadmap to the Right School for You by Jane Sweetland, Paul Glastris and the staff of Washington Monthly
Profiles of American Colleges 2016 compiled and edited by the College Division of Barron’s Educational Series
The Hidden Ivies: Fifty Top Colleges from Amherst to Williams that Rival the Ivy League by Howard R. Greene and Matthew W. Greene
Bound-for-College Guidebook: a Step-by-Step Guide to Finding and Applying to Colleges by Frank Burtnett

Applying to School:
In! College Admissions and Beyond: the Experts’ Proven Strategy for Success by Lillian Luterman and Jennifer Bloom
The New Rules of College Admissions: Ten Former Admissions Officers Reveal What it Takes to Get into College Today by Stephen Kramer, Michael London
The Simple Guide to College Admission & Financial Aid: How to Select the Right College, Applying for Admission, Writing the College Essay, [and] the Financial Aid Process Made Easy by Anne M. St. Pierre & Danielle M. Printz
B+ Grades, A+ College Application: How to Present your Strongest Self, Write a Stand-Out Admissions Essay, and Get into the Perfect School For You–Even with Less-than-Perfect Grades by Joie Jager-Hyman, EdD

Paying for School:
Paying for College Without Going Broke by Kalman A. Chany with Geoff Martz
Getting Financial Aid 2016 from College Board
Peterson’s How to Get Money for College 2016
Scholarship Handbook 2016
Paying for College: the Greene’s Guide to Financing Higher Education by Howard R. Greene and Matthew W. Greene

This is just a starting point, and everyone’s path through higher education is different.  If you need further help using online resources or finding materials you need please stop by the Reference desk, we will be more that happy to help. And do not forget about our eLearning resources on the library website, which can help with the research and preparation as well. We are also holding a College Financial Aid Seminar at the library on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at 6:30pm.