The College App Crash Course
Your all-in-one college application guide, brought to you by the Onward Scholars Program.
Applying to college can be confusing—especially when you don’t know where to start. That’s why we created the College App Crash Course: a clear, step-by-step guide from the Onward Scholars Program team.
These are the same trusted tools and resources we use with our own students—now available to everyone. Whether you're writing your first college essay, building your list of schools, or sorting through financial aid forms, we’ve got your back.
Designed for students, families, counselors, and educators, the College App Crash Course makes college planning more doable, more organized, and a lot less overwhelming.
Start Where You Are
How to Build Your College List
A guide to finding your best-fit schools—including private colleges, public universities, and programs that support a wide range of student needs.
How to Write College Essays
Step-by-step guidance for UC PIQs, Common App essays, and school-specific supplements, plus downloadable brainstorming templates.
How to Apply to College
Everything you need to know about the UC, CSU, and Common App platforms—and what colleges are really looking for.
Scholarships and Financial Aid Help
Top scholarship search tools, financial aid tips, and strategies to stay organized and confident throughout the process.
Test Prep for the SAT and ACT
Free, trusted resources to help you improve your scores—even if your school is test-optional.
Downloadable Tools & Templates
Every tool from the Crash Course, all in one place.
This section gives students, families, and educators easy access to every downloadable resource shared throughout the Onward Scholars Program College Application Crash Course—all in one place.Not all colleges require letters of recommendation, but when they do, it’s a powerful way to show who you are beyond your GPA or test scores.
How to Build a College List
How to Write College Essays
How to Apply to College
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Test Smarts
Director of College Access
Andrea Cova-Bernal
Andrea brings nearly two decades of experience designing and leading college access, scholarship, and alumni programs with community-based organizations across Los Angeles. Andrea has provided personalized college counseling to students accepted to top institutions, including Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, Columbia, and UCLA, among others.
A proud graduate of Occidental College, she earned a B.A. in Critical Theory and Social Justice with a minor in Psychology. She later completed a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Management from the University of La Verne. Throughout her academic and professional journey, Andrea has been a dedicated advocate for equity in education, directing a women’s empowerment program, conducting international research, and leading alumni initiatives.
Next Up: Build Your College List
The first step in your college application journey is finding schools that fit you. Learn how to create a balanced list of colleges that match your goals, interests, and future plans.