ES Cost-Free College Admissions Assistance
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.
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.
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 and Selection
Application Assistance
Essay Writing Support
Financial Aid & Scholarship Application Help
Financial Literacy
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Preparing for College Life
GET INVOLVED
Join College Apps Academy
Juniors can join Reality Changers to receive free college application help, financial aid guidance, and more!
DONATE
Your gift supports college knowledge lessons, 1-to-1 coaching, and healthy support systems for future first-generation graduates.
Volunteer
Join our team of volunteer college admissions advisors and help youth get into the colleges of their dreams!
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Stay up-to-date on college admissions assistance programs, student stories, events, and more.
BY THE NUMBERS
2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR
187
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 non-military participants were accepted to a 2 or 4-year post-secondary institution.
$12.8
Million
The Class of 2024 earned more than $12,800,000 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.
Participating Partners
