There are great websites and podcasts available for those who want a deeper dive into any aspect of the college journey.

I have intentionally kept the STRuCC website as a summary of key points, as so much information can be overwhelming at first. But below are some especially excellent resources I used myself where you can deep-dive for more guidance in any given area.

YouTube Peers
There are many kids out there who have made college-advice videos on their own YouTube channels. Poke around, it is totally worth it.
– All-time Fav: Pratik Vangal (PREACHING P): Not rural-specific, but gives you a quick crash course on what the metro-area high-achievers are thinking about. Whoa! But once you take a breath, you have hugely valuable knowledge. Don’t be discouraged. You can do it, too.

Reddit R/ApplyToCollege
I have launched R/RuralApplyToCollege for rural-specific college advice, but the long-established R/ApplyToCollege has tons of advice.

Coke Scholars Bios
If you want to know what the top echelon out there in college applications land is doing, check out the bios of the Coke Scholars. Great examples of people. INITIATIVE is key!

College Essay Guy Website and Podcast
CollegeEssayGuy.com is a truly excellent, up-to-date website that covers every aspect of the college process. The way I found best to access the vast knowledge there was to dip in when I needed specific help, like help asking my teachers for recommendations, or help making a college list. I would Google “College Essay Guy recommendations” or “College Essay Guy making college list.” They also have college-specific advice for the supplemental essays for selective schools, which I found invaluable. The podcast is also great. Search for the topics relevant to you and enjoy learning from the affable founder/host Ethan Sawyer!

Your College Bound Kid Podcast and Interviews
This podcast is for counselors, parents, and students, and offers very in-depth knowledge of the college admissions field. Still, the host, Mark Stucker, has an infectious energy and one can pick up tons here. Search the podcast or website’s “interviews” section for topics or colleges that interest you and give it a try. He’ll have entire podcast-length interview with one college counselor–a spectacular way to get specific information on that college. College admissions is a whole world to learn and sometimes listening while driving or whatnot is a great way to do it. True story: It was through a side mention on this podcast I learned, a week before the deadline, that you could apply to UChicago EA. Without it, I would have missed the deadline!

Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions
by Jeffrey Selingo
It’s a whole book by a journalist embedded in the admissions offices of three colleges during admissions season. Big time commitment to read, but INSIDER POV. Can also look for podcasts with him as the guest to get the highlights–lots of them out there.