Deciding where to go to college is supposed to be exciting and fun — yet for many families, it can feel mostly complicated and overwhelming. I can say this firsthand. My own son is in his senior year of high school as I type this, and I truly thought we were so prepared for this fall. In reality, everything we had neatly drawn up on our family whiteboard (literally) has since been crinkled up and tossed out (figuratively).
But here’s the good news — we found our way back on track. ACT’s College Comparison Tracker ended up being a late but very welcome gift, helping us get organized again and focus on what really matters.
To make that process easier for others, we’ve gathered a “greatest hits” list of high school planning resources — perfect for counselors to share with students and families as they map out their high school path and prepare for life after graduation. This collection includes tools that help with everything from course planning to college readiness, and yes, it includes the ACT College Comparison Tracker.
Now, I’ll admit — that particular worksheet wasn’t an overwhelming favorite among my amazingly talented colleagues on the ACT Counselor Outreach team. But trust me, for some parents (especially those who love lists, charts, and color-coded plans), it’s going to be exactly the right fit.
Whether you’re guiding freshmen just starting to think about the future, or seniors navigating their final college decisions, these resources are designed to make the journey clearer, more organized, and—hopefully—a little less stressful.
Stay tuned as we continue to share more tools, tips, and stories from the counseling field. Because while every student’s path is unique, no one has to walk it alone.