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College Prep

Introduction

Do you need help preparing for college? The Library can help! All of your college research needs can be found at the Library or on the Library's website. The following books, databases, and web links can help in searching for scholarships, preparing for entrance exams, comparing tuition costs, and much more.

The first step in the financial aid process is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. This video lesson will take you through everything you need to know, step-by-step.

Featured Databases

Books & More

Databases

Can't find a database? Try the Databases A-Z Listing!

BrainHQ

Exercise your memory, attention, and more! As with physical exercise, brain exercise can help you test your brain and improve your performance in order to feel your best. BrainHQ has more than two dozen brain-training exercises organized into six categories: Attention, Brain Speed, Memory, People Skills, Intelligence, and Navigation. Access brain training on most internet-connected devices and at the right level for you and your busy life. Start today!
Chrome browser is recommended.

Online account is required. Children under the age of 13 should have a parent or guardian open this account.

HelpNow

from Brainfuse
On demand, anytime, anywhere live tutoring for students K-12. Included is a Writing Lab and Send Question Center, which allows users to receive assistance at any time of the day without connecting with a live tutor. Prep exams and FAFSA assistance also available.
Online account is required if you wish to save prior test results or view prior sessions. Children under the age of 13 should have a parent or guardian open this account.

JobNow

from Brainfuse
A one-of-a-kind job coaching service designed to help you land the job of your dreams! With support for every stage of the job search, you will feel ready for the interview. Starting at the beginning, try resources that will help match your interests and experiences to a career with eParachute. Get assistance with resume building with resume templates and OptimalResume, complete with video mock interviews. Best of all, LIVE Career Tutors are available every day from 2p.m. to 11p.m.
Online account is required only if you want to save your past test results or sessions.

LearningExpress

from EBSCO and OhioMeansJobs
Via the OhioMeansJobs Assessment and Training Center, Learning Express provides access to the official ACT® and SAT® tests and practice educational exams such as PSAT, GED, and career specific training.
Online account is required to save test scores. Children under the age of 13 should have a parent or guardian open this account.

LinkedIn Learning for Library

PREVIOUSLY LYNDA.COM
LinkedIn Learning has more than 6,600 courses! Learning paths are step-by-step courses, supported with quizzes, practice, and reminders. Examples of learning paths include how to become a web developer, manager, bookkeeper, project manager, small business owner, digital marketer, or digital illustrator.
Get assistance logging in via the LinkedIn Learning App.

OhioMeansJobs Assessment & Training Center

from EBSCO LearningExpress
A highly-acclaimed, comprehensive selection of interactive online tutorials, practice tests, articles, eBooks, and high-stakes test preparation all modeled after official tests. The assessment & training center is designed to help students and professionals at all levels of learning achieve their educational and career-related goals.


Oxford Research Encyclopedias

Provides collections of in-depth, up-to-date trustworthy research on an ever-growing range of topics. Within the OREs, you'll find world-class experts who give you an overview of a subject that you can understand in half an hour of reading or less.


Prenda Code Club

from EBSCOhost
For ages 8 to 18! A self-guided online software program that teaches you how to code through hundreds of coding tutorials and dozens of real-world projects. Prenda offers a gamified learning experience ― as you progress through the activities, you’ll earn clothes and accessories for your personal avatar.
Online account is required. Children under the age of 13 should have a parent or guardian open this account.

Treehouse

Treehouse is an online video and interactive learning platform. All content is focused on technology and includes content that teaches mobile, front-end and back-end web development in a variety of programming languages. To create or reactivate your Treehouse account, submit this form. Once your request is processed, Treehouse will send an invitation email to get started.
Online account is required. If you already have an active WCPL account with Treehouse, please log in here. If you are under the age of 13, a parent or guardian must create this account.

Very Short Introductions

The perfect introduction to subjects you previously knew nothing about: from Climate to Consciousness, Game Theory to Ancient Warfare, Privacy to Islamic History, Globalization to Literary Theory. Very Short Introductions Online brings together titles from this well-known and established print series, via a highly discoverable and fully cross-searchable platform.


Web Links

College Scholarship & Financial Aid
Test prep tips, searching for scholarships and links to colleges by state.

College Scorecard
U.S. Department of Education provides reliable data concerning annual costs, graduation rates, and salaries after graduation for every institution of higher education in the United States. Compare schools based on the measurements that are most important to you.

Money Geek
This guide can help you sort through the maze of options, exploring loan costs, requirements and repayment plans so that you can choose your loan wisely.

Federal Student Aid
The US Department of Education has check lists for students in all grades to help them prepare for college, tips for choosing colleges and careers, information about types of financial aid, the FAFSA form and more.

Financial Aid Info Page
Loans, scholarships, military aid and more.

Next Step Magazine
Information on college, careers, and scholarships in an online magazine format.

Princeton Review
Info on law schools, med schools, internships and more.

College Tuition Compare
Compare cost to schools across the country.

National Center for Education Statistics
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is the primary federal entity for collecting and analyzing data related to education.