College Prep

Prepping for college can be intense, but it doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, with a free library account, (full privilege or Student Easy Access) you can find out about career and technical education, explore careers, and practice standardized tests, also for free. In our catalog you'll find test study guides, as well as how-to manuals on paying for college.

And on NC LIVE, the following resources are available to you wherever and whenever you want. Click here and enter your library account number to access:

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION DATABaSE

Vocational information on technical topics, such as computing science, healthcare, building trades, auto mechanics, sales and retail, accounting, graphic design, and photography.

FERGUSON'S CAREER GUIDANCE CENTER

Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center is a comprehensive resource that enables users to explore industries and careers, plan their education, and research best practices for résumés, cover letters, interviewing, networking, and salaries/benefits. The database includes articles, career advice blogs, and streaming video.

LEARNINGEXPRESS LIBRARY COMPLETE AND PREPSTEP ACADEMIC

Practice tests, interactive tutorials, and e-books for students adult learners. Includes practices tests such as GED, GRE, SAT, TEAS, and supports those looking to improve core academic skills, pass a high school equivalency test, prepare for college, join the military, obtain occupational certification, find a job, change careers, become a U.S. citizen and much more.

OCCUPATIONAL OUTLOOK HANDBOOK

Profiles for hundreds of occupations including sections like What They Do, Work Environment, How to Become One, Pay, and more. Each profile also includes Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections for the 2010-20 decade.

If you need help, watch our YouTube video, Getting Started with NC LIVE. You can also watch this NC LIVE video about College and Career Prep.

You can also call 919.245.2525 or email library@orangecountync.gov, for assistance.

Other Helpful Resources Online

College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success—including the SAT® and the Advanced Placement Program®.

Fastweb matches you with relevant scholarship opportunities completely free of charge. With roughly 1.5 million scholarships worth more than $3.4 billion, there are scholarships for every student’s educational goals, activities, and interests. Additionally, Fastweb members can find insider financial aid tips, advice on high school and college life, as well as job and internship matches in their area.

FAFSA (Free Application for Financial Student Aid) Federal Student Aid, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation. At the office of Federal Student Aid, more than 1,300 employees help make college education possible for every dedicated mind by providing more than $120 billion in federal grants, loans, and work-study funds each year to more than 13 million students paying for college or career school.

College Foundation of North Carolina is a free service of the State of North Carolina provided by a collaboration of Pathways (the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the North Carolina Community College System, the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, and The University of North Carolina System), the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority, and College Foundation, Inc. CFNC promotes access to North Carolina higher education and assists students with education planning, career planning, and applying to and paying for college.