Apply, Afford, and Prepare for College

College Apps Academy provides cost-free support for high school seniors through the college application process and beyond. We help students get into the 2 and 4-year institutions that are the best fit for them, with an emphasis on maximizing financial aid options and preparing for college life.

Cost-Free College Admissions Assistance

We_Provide

College Knowledge

College Apps Academy learning sessions include tips for researching and choosing schools, filling out applications, writing essays, paying for college, taking advantage of on-campus resources, and more.

We_Respond

Individualized Guidance

Coaches provide 1-on-1 college admissions help to students. They review application forms, give feedback on essays, identify scholarship opportunities, and talk through commitment decisions.

We_Promote

Support System

We prioritize student mental health throughout the college application process. College Apps Academy is a positive environment where peers support each other and we all celebrate each others’ successes.

  • school-research

    School Research and Selection

  • application-assistance

    Application Assistance

  • writing-support

    Essay Writing Support

  • financial-aid

    Financial Aid & Scholarship Application Help

  • Financial Literacy

  • college-readiness

    Preparing for College Life

GET INVOLVED

BY THE NUMBERS

2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR

270

Students Served

Youth attended weekly College Apps Academy programs and received free college admissions assistance.

3+

HOURS PER WEEK

Students attend weekly programs, with opportunites to join field trips, workshops, community service outings, and more.

100%

Acceptance Rate

All program participants were accepted to a 2 or 4-year post-secondary institution.

$10.4

Million

The Class of 2023 earned more than $10,400,000 in scholarships and grants for 4 years of college.

College Apps Academy FAQs

College Apps Academy serves 12th graders who are future first-generation college graduates. This means that our students will be the first in their families to graduate from college.

Incoming 12th graders can fill out our online application the spring before their senior year.

To participate in any of our programs, students must:

  • Attend school in San Diego County 
  • Be entering 12th grade
  • Be first-generation
  • Be eligible for a Free/Reduced Lunch program and/or considered low income
  • Complete our application process & be selected to join
  • Have a GPA of 3.0 or above.

No, high school seniors who will be going to a 2-year school are welcome in College Apps Academy. For students who plan to attend a 2-year school, our programs focus on applying to college, preparing for success in college, career planning, balancing work and school, and more!

Get so much more than mere college admissions help in San Diego. College Apps Academy provides comprehensive support to prepare participants for college. Each session will include a lesson on a relevant topic and time to work independently on paperwork, college applications, and scholarship applications. Coaches are available to answer questions and provide feedback in real time.

Our college admissions advisors in San Diego can assist students as they navigate the college application process. We provide participants with the support and resources necessary to prepare for college applications. This includes workshops on financial aid, essay writing, and standardized tests. Students receive target support from tutors to help them identify their strengths and create a customized plan for success. Students learn how to create a strong application that showcases their accomplishments, interests, and unique qualities, increasing their chances of getting accepted into their top-choice schools.

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