How to Look for and Apply for Schools

Exploring Your Future

Whether graduation is just around the corner or a few years away, now is the perfect time to start thinking about your next steps. This decision doesn’t have to be stressful—you don’t need to have everything figured out yet! 

Start by getting to know yourself: What are your interests? What are your strengths? What excites you? From there, explore potential career paths, keeping in mind that your plans may evolve over time. 

Once you’re ready, take the next step by researching schools that best fit your goals. And don’t forget to see if you have the $500 Alfond Grant—it can be used for public universities, private colleges, graduate schools, vocational schools, and some certificate programs.

What Degree or Training Will You Pursue?

After high school, there are many different paths you can take to further your education. With so many options, it might feel overwhelming—don’t worry, we’re here to break it down. 

Start by reflecting on your interests to identify a career path that excites you. From there, you can determine the best education or training option to help you achieve your goals.

Would an apprenticeship or certificate program be the right fit? Are you aiming for an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or even a doctoral degree? Do you need to attend a trade school, community college, or university? Whether you dream of teaching, practicing medicine, or working in the trades,  your choice will determine the type of degree or training you’ll need. 

Let’s explore the different types of educational options available:

Types of Degrees and Credentials
  • Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS) – A four-year degree typically earned at a college or university.
  • Associate Degree (AA/AS) – A two-year degree offered by community colleges and some trade schools.
  • Apprenticeship – A structured career path where you gain hands-on training while earning a paycheck. Many industries, such as construction, healthcare, and manufacturing, offer apprenticeship programs. Explore apprenticeships here.
  • Training & Certificate Programs – Short-term programs designed to provide specialized skills in fields like healthcare, IT, and skilled trades. These credentials can be a direct path into the workforce. Learn more about training programs here and certificate programs at the Maine Community College System here or at the University of Maine System here.
  • Advanced Degrees (Master’s & Doctorate) – Additional education beyond a bachelor’s degree, typically required for specialized careers like law, medicine, or research.
Getting a Head Start

If you’ve taken Early College courses or AP classes in high school, you may already have a jumpstart on college credits—yay! These credits can reduce the number of classes you need to take, shorten the time required to earn your degree, and help lower overall costs.

To learn more about the Early College options in Maine you can visit the Maine Community College System and the University of Maine System’s websites.

Where to Find These Programs
Schools In Maine
Schools Outside of Maine

There are thousands of colleges and training programs across the U.S. available to you. Use this College Search Tool from College Board to find the right fit!

How to Pick a School That’s Right for You

Once you’ve determined the type of degree or training you want to pursue, the next step is finding the right school. If choosing a career path felt like a big decision, picking a school can feel just as daunting—but breaking it down into key factors can make the process much easier.

What Matters Most to You?

Think about the kind of experience you want for the next stage of your life:

  • Campus Size & Environment – Do you prefer a small, close-knit community with 2,000 students or a large university with 20,000 students and endless opportunities to meet new people? Would you rather study in a bustling city or a quieter, rural setting?
  • Extracurriculars & Social Life – What kind of campus life are you looking for? Are you drawn to academic clubs and societies, looking for a sorority or fraternity, or do you want to be leading the student section at every football game?
  • Living Arrangements – Will you live on campus and eat at the dining hall, or would you rather live off-campus with roommates?
  • Degree & Career Path – While you don’t need to have your career locked in, think in broad fields. Instead of choosing between “Doctor or Nurse,” consider Healthcare—a field with countless opportunities you might not have explored.
  • Affordability – Factor in tuition, housing, meal plans, and other expenses.

Once you have a clearer picture of what’s important to you, you’ll be better equipped to find a school that aligns with your needs.

Narrowing Down Your Options

Start by creating a list of potential schools that fit your needs and priorities. Then, refine it:

  • Which schools check most of your boxes?
  • Which ones no longer feel like a good fit after more research?

Once you’ve narrowed it down to a handful of options, dig deeper:

  • Explore their websites and social media to get a feel for campus life.
  • If possible, visit in person to see if it feels like home.
  • Use this College Board tool to explore different schools and chart your path forward.

Start Your Path Today: Resume Builders, Testing & Applying to Schools

Your journey to higher education starts with small, actionable steps. Whether you’re preparing for standardized tests, building a resume, or completing college applications, here’s what you can do today to set yourself up for success.

Make Sure You’re on Track to Graduate

Take a close look at your high school courses:

  • Are you on track to graduate? If not, talk to your guidance counselor about what you need to do.
  • Do you meet the entry requirements for the schools and programs you’re most interested in?
  • Have you taken any Early College, Advanced Placement (AP), or Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses that could earn you college credit?
Build Your Resume

Colleges look beyond grades—they want to see who you are inside and outside the classroom. Start by listing your experiences, including:

  • Extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, student government)
  • Volunteer work (food pantry, community events, tutoring)
  • Part-time jobs or responsibilities (babysitting, helping neighbors, coaching Little League)

Not everything needs a formal title—what matters is how your experiences show responsibility, leadership, and commitment. Since most applications are submitted online, having a resume ready to upload is helpful. Need help? Your guidance counselor can assist, or check out this resume resource for high school students.

Prepare for Standardized Testing

Some schools require entrance exams like the SAT, ACT, or Accuplacer. If your program requires testing:

  • Check with your high school for test dates, registration details, and study resources
  • Plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to prepare.
Get Ready to Apply

Applying to college involves several steps, so staying organized is key:

  • Complete your application forms – Your guidance counselor may have a checklist.
  • Prepare your resume and request letters of recommendation early.
  • Check deadlines carefully – Unlike high school homework, colleges don’t accept late applications!
  • Watch for application fees – Some schools charge a fee, but you may qualify for a waiver if you have a financial hardship.

The College Board’s Big Future checklist is a great tool to help you stay on track.

Plan for College Costs

Higher education comes with expenses, so it’s important to understand both the costs and the funding resources available to help you pay for them.

Key steps to get started:

  • Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): This is the first step in accessing financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. You’ll need to complete it with a parent or guardian at studentaid.gov. If you need help, FAME is a great resource. You can even schedule a one-to-one appointment with a FAFSA expert. 
  • Explore scholarships and grants: Many organizations, colleges, and businesses offer funding based on academics, athletics, community service, and other achievements.
  • Consider work-study programs: Some colleges offer jobs that allow you to earn money while attending school.
  • Talk with your family about college costs: Understanding financial expectations early can help you plan more effectively.
  • Check the value of your Alfond Grant: If you have one, it has grown beyond the original $500 investment made at birth. You can check the estimated value for someone your age here, or have your parent/guardian confirm that you have the grant here. Just be sure to confirm that your chosen school accepts the grant (hint: if they receive federal funding, they do!).

Plan for College Costs

Higher education comes with expenses, so it’s important to understand both the costs and the funding resources available to help you pay for them.

Key steps to get started:

  • Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): This is the first step in accessing financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. You’ll need to complete it with a parent or guardian at studentaid.gov. If you need help, FAME is a great resource. You can even schedule a one-to-one appointment with a FAFSA expert. 
  • Explore scholarships and grants: Many organizations, colleges, and businesses offer funding based on academics, athletics, community service, and other achievements.
  • Consider work-study programs: Some colleges offer jobs that allow you to earn money while attending school.
  • Talk with your family about college costs: Understanding financial expectations early can help you plan more effectively.
  • Check the value of your Alfond Grant: If you have one, it has grown beyond the original $500 investment made at birth. You can check the estimated value for someone your age here, or have your parent/guardian confirm that you have the grant here. Just be sure to confirm that your chosen school accepts the grant (hint: if they receive federal funding, they do!).

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