Prospective College Students

Resources for United States College Admissions and Success

At Presidio Education®, we understand the complexities of applying to United States colleges. To support your journey, we’ve gathered essential resources to help you prepare for standardized tests, manage your college application process, and navigate the challenges of securing financial aid.

United States Department of Education Resources

Stay Updated on Federal Education Policies and Programs

The United States Department of Education regularly updates crucial information regarding federal student loans, grants, educational policies, and data related to American education. It is essential for both parents and students to stay informed about these changes to ensure they are aligned with new regulations and opportunities. By monitoring these updates, students can make better-informed decisions regarding their education and financial planning.

Campus Resource Awareness

Encouraging Students to Use On-Campus Academic and Support Services

Once in college, students are surrounded by valuable resources that are often underutilized. Academic support centers, writing labs, and tutoring services are designed to help students succeed — and they’re usually included in tuition. Counseling services can offer mental health support, while career centers help with internships, resumes, and job interviews.

International and first-generation students should also explore offices dedicated to their needs, including international student services, cultural centers, and diversity support offices. Learning to navigate and take advantage of these resources is a key step toward thriving in a new academic environment.

Emergency Preparedness for Students

Know What to Do Before a Crisis Happens

In an emergency, quick thinking can make all the difference — but preparation matters even more. Every student should know how to contact campus security or the local police department, as well as where the nearest hospital or urgent care center is located. These details should be memorized or written down in case a phone is lost, broken, or out of battery.

Students are encouraged to locate and save the phone numbers of campus police, residential advisors (RAs), and trusted emergency contacts. It’s also important to identify emergency exits and campus safety stations. Knowing these basics before a crisis happens helps students respond with calm and confidence if something does go wrong.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Understanding Federal Financial Aid and How to Apply

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available for both undergraduate and graduate students to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. Financial aid programs make it possible for students to attend college without having to pay the full tuition upfront. These programs include scholarships, grants, and loans. Common types of financial aid include Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, and Federal Work-Study. To qualify for financial aid, students must be United States citizens, United States nationals, or eligible non-citizens.

Basic Life and Study Skills

Helping Students Build Independence in and out of the Classroom

Strong academic performance requires more than just studying — it depends on balanced routines and life skills. Students benefit from knowing how to manage their daily responsibilities, such as doing laundry, grocery shopping, meal prep, and managing a personal budget.

Equally important is building an environment conducive to learning. This includes organizing a clean, quiet study space and setting consistent routines for reading, writing, and exam prep. Learning how to balance school, social life, and self-care lays the foundation for long-term success in college and beyond.

Sharing Key Information with Trusted Contacts

Stay Safe by Keeping Loved Ones Informed

Knowing where to find emergency services is essential, but students must also ensure that trusted family members or emergency contacts have accurate and up-to-date information. This includes sharing their current dormitory address, student identification (ID) number, and relevant campus phone numbers. In the event of an emergency, this information may help loved ones reach the student quickly. Students should also carry proper identification, such as a government-issued ID or a driver’s license.

While a passport may be required for international students, it is best kept in a safe place due to the difficulty of replacement. Students are also encouraged to keep their school-issued student ID card with them at all times for campus access and verification purposes.