Join us for the 20th Annual Commerce to College Fair on Saturday, September 27th, 2025!

We’ve compiled resources to help you, whether you’re just curious about careers and college, or whether you’re ready to start your research and applications. 

Get Organized: Timelines & Planning

Staying organized is the key to a successful college application process. Utilize worksheets and timelines to track important deadlines and requirements. 

• Download the My College List worksheet to track your school requirements and deadlines. (This sample is borrowed from the CollegeEssayGuy)
• Consider the College Admissions Timeline timeline from the Khan Academy.
• Junior/Senior Year:  Consider an alternative source for a timeline of activities for the college admission process.  
• 12th Grade Timeline:  A checklist from the CollegeBoard.

Searching for Colleges and Careers

Discover resources that can help you explore your interests and find the right college or career path.

• BigFuture:  From the College Board.  Explore your interests and find a college that fits.
• CaliforniaColleges.EDU:  Provides students with an all-inclusive guide for their college & career paths.
• California Career Zone:  Take an interest assessment and research your options
• CareerOnestop:  Resources for career development and job searches.
• Colleges that Change Lives: (CTCL) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and support of a student-centered college search process.
• Niche:  Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you.

Applying to Colleges

Find application platforms to streamline your college application process and make submitting your applications easier.

• Cal State App:  Apply to Cal State campuses with one application.
• CCC Apply: Explore over 100 California Community Colleges.
• Coalition App: The Coalition is comprised of over 150 institutions in support of lower-income and under-resourced students.  "Learn about, prepare for, and apply to college." 
• CommonApp:  Apply to any of more than 800 member colleges and universities and find helpful resources.
• University of California:  Use this website to apply to one or more of the UC campuses.  (Application must be submitted October 1 - November 30.)
• U. S. Service Academies: An opportunity for a funded education in exchange for military service (Deadline: mid-October) 

Write Your Personal Statement

Crafting a compelling personal statement is crucial, and various experts are available to guide you through this important part of your application.

• Admissions Mom:  Admissions Mom started on the subreddit r/ApplyingToCollege and has grown into a newsletter, book, and an app in the works.  You can even read her book chapter on the personal essay!
• College Essay Guy:  Advice from the author of the Amazon bestsellers College Essay Essentials and College Admission Essentials.  (free and paid content on the website.)  

Pay for College with Financial Aid

Understanding financial aid options is essential for funding your education, so familiarize yourself with the resources that can help you afford college.

• California Dream Act:  Undocumented and nonresident students may qualify for a non-resident exemption under Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540) to receive certain types of financial aid.
• CSAC:  California Student Aid Commission.  Apply for a Cal Grant.
• FAFSA:  Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  (Available 10/1)
• Find more resources at Pay for College.

Virtual Tours

Experience the campuses you're interested in through virtual tours, giving you an insider's look from the comfort of your home.

• CampusReel:  Choose from 15,000 student-created videos, featuring tours and experiences from over 300 schools
• YouVisit:  Explore over 1,000 schools.  When you find somewhere you like, you can directly connect with that school from within the tour.

Looking for more help? Click here to view workshops from prior years.