Prepare for College

Choosing the right college is an important step toward your future. As you explore different schools, take the time to research what matters most to you whether its cost, location, or programs offered. The goal is to find a college that not only fits your educational goals but also provides the opportunities and experiences that will set you up for success. Here are a few key factors to consider when making your decision:

Standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT are an important part of the college admissions process. Preparing early and understanding each test can help you perform your best. Learn more about testing requirements, preparation tips, and the practice resources offered at ALA.

Learn more about Standardized Testing →

Colleges look beyond grades and test scores. Participating in clubs, athletics, student governments, or community service shows leadership, teamwork, and dedication. Check out your specific campus to learn how to get involved and strengthen your college resume. 

Taking college-level classes in high school—through AP, dual or concurrent enrollment—is a smart way to give yourself a leg up. AP classes stick to a college-style curriculum and can earn you credit if you do well on the exam, while dual enrollment lets you earn real college credits just by passing the course. Both options help build confidence and can save you time and money once you’re in college.

If you’re not sure which one fits your learning style and goals, chat with your Student Services Advisor. Some students thrive in the structured, classroom-based feel of AP, while others shine in the college-level experience that dual enrollment offers—either way, you're getting ahead.

Learn more about College Ready Courses →

Admissions officers see your grades, test scores and activities on your application, but the personal essay is often the only place where they get to hear your voice. Good essays paint a picture of who you are, rather than repeating your résumé. They should complement the rest of your application by showing something admissions officers can’t find elsewhere. 

The essay is also a space to explain why you’re drawn to a particular school and to highlight experiences, hobbies or quirks that reveal your values and strengths. Because many colleges remain test‑optional, essays can carry extra weight in showcasing your enthusiasm for learning.

Here are some tips for writing a compelling essay:

• Start early and give yourself time. Begin drafting essays the summer before senior year so you have time to refine your work before deadlines. Starting a few weeks before the due date also allows room for multiple revisions.
• Understand the prompt and word limit. Carefully read each school’s essay instructions and stay within the typical 500‑650‑word range.
• Brainstorm meaningful topics. Consider life moments, hobbies, or challenges that reveal something personal and not found elsewhere in your application. Narrow your ideas and free‑write to see which topics flow best.
• Tell a story and show what it means. Use a specific anecdote, explain why it matters to you, and connect it to your goals or the program you’re applying to. Avoid simply listing achievements; vivid details help readers draw their own conclusions.
• Use your own voice. Write in a way that sounds like you—avoid forcing big words or clichés. Read your essay aloud to ensure it feels natural and true to how you speak.
• Stay focused. Hook readers with a strong opening sentence and keep the essay on track; repurposing one essay for multiple schools often produces a generic piece.
• Edit and proofread carefully. Step away after finishing the draft, then return to catch typos or awkward phrasing. Ask someone you trust, such as a teacher or counselor, to review your essay for clarity and tone—but make sure the final version still reflects your voice.

Planning for college often comes with questions about cost. At American Leadership Academy, we help students look at the different ways to pay for school—scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans. We also guide families through the FAFSA process, since that’s the first step to unlocking most types of financial aid. Our goal is simple: make sure every student knows the options available and has support while they plan their next step.

Learn more about Scholarships & Financial Aid →

Sports can open the door to some great opportunities after high school, but they come with a few extra steps. Students who want to compete in college need to keep an eye on both their grades and their game. The NCAA and NAIA set rules about which classes you have to take and the GPA you need to maintain. There are also scholarship options and time commitments to think about. At ALA, we remind student-athletes to start early, talk with their coaches and counselors, and make sure they understand the requirements. That way, when the time comes, they’re ready for the classroom and the field.

Learn more about Collegiate Athletics and Eligibility →

The college search can feel like a lot. For some students it’s exciting, for others it’s stressful, and for most it’s a mix of both. There isn’t one “right way” to do it. What matters is starting early, asking questions, and keeping track of the steps along the way. Our staff works with students on the basics—applications, transcripts, essays, and financial aid—so they don’t have to figure it out alone.

Many of our graduates look close to home when choosing a school. Here are some of the colleges and universities in Arizona that our students often consider:

• Arizona State University (ASU)
• The University of Arizona (U of A)
• Northern Arizona University (NAU)
• Grand Canyon University (GCU)
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Maricopa Community College
• Central Arizona College
• Eastern Arizona College
• Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC)
• Mesa Community College (MCC) 

Walking onto a college campus for the first time can be a little thrilling—and a little overwhelming. It’s not just about checking things off a list; it’s about getting a real feel for the place.

Here are a few simple ideas to help make your visit matter:

• Plan ahead—but stay flexible. Register early for tours and info sessions because spots fill fast. But leave wiggle room in your schedule for those things you didn’t expect to notice. Maybe it’s a sunlit quad or a hidden study nook.
• Come with a few good questions. Skip the basics that are on the website. Ask something like: “What’s a favorite off-the-grid spot students go to between classes?” or “Where’s a quiet place when you really need to focus?”
• Try to hang out where students actually are. Eat in the cafeteria. Walk past the dorms. Get coffee at the student lounge if it’s open. That’s the best way to feel the buzz—or the peace—of campus life.
• Snap photos and jot notes. After you leave, it’s so easy to forget what made one school click—or not. Pictures and notes help you remember what stood out later.
• Turn it into something more than a trip. Think of it as a mini adventure. Maybe spend a few extra hours in town or make it a road-trip. Little moments matter, especially when college decisions start to weigh on you.

Also, reach out to your advisor for senior college tour trips. 

Resources to connect with other applicants for virtual tours:

• Campus Tours
• College Confidential