FREE College & Career Planning Resources
Provided by
The University of Maine System Early College program is excited to offer four powerful planning guides—free of charge to students, families, and educators—now through July 31, 2026.
Developed by College UnMazed, these nationally recognized resources are designed to support students in grades 8–12, homeschoolers, first-generation college-goers, and dual enrollment participants as they prepare for life after high school.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore college options or are deep into your academic planning, these tools are here to help you succeed.
UnMazing the College Process:
A Presentation with Dr. Amanda Sterk
This keynote presentation, led by Dr. Amanda Sterk, introduces students and families to College UnMazed, a research-informed approach to navigating the college process. Dr. Sterk outlines practical tools and strategies designed to help students make confident, well-informed decisions about higher education. The session highlights the six keys of college fit: academic, financial, career, personal, support, and outcomes, while also emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision making, self-assessments, and college readiness planning. Viewers will learn how to explore college options, narrow their choices, apply effectively, and develop a success plan tailored to their individual strengths and goals.
The presentation is especially helpful for high school students, parents, and educators seeking to understand better the college admissions landscape and how to align choices with both personal and academic priorities.
Student Workbook: Your Guide to Navigate the High School to College Maze
A comprehensive, hands-on tool to help students build self-awareness, explore college and career paths, and develop academic and financial readiness for higher education.
Parent Guide: Your Guide to Navigate the High School to College Maze
A supportive companion to the student workbook, guiding families through timelines, activities, and key conversations that help teens thrive in the transition from high school to college.
What’s Included:
- Chapter-by-chapter walkthrough of the Student Workbook
- Clear guidance on financial aid, admissions, and building a college list
- Discussion prompts to encourage meaningful family conversations
- Helpful checklists, definitions, and real-world examples
- Strategies to support your teen’s organization, independence, and decision-making
Your Guide to Design & Document Your Homeschool
Expert guidance from veteran homeschool consultants on how to design, document, and strengthen your homeschool program to support college admissions success.
What You’ll Learn:
- Personalize your homeschool goals and four-year high school plan
- Design engaging courses and choose curriculum intentionally
- Use AI tools to support, not replace, thoughtful planning
- Keep accurate records, grades, and transcripts
- Write clear course descriptions and a homeschool profile
- Strengthen your student’s college application with a counselor letter
Your Guide to Dual Enrollment
Everything students need to navigate dual enrollment with confidence—from choosing the right program and planning courses to understanding college policies and transitioning after graduation.
What It Covers:
- Choosing the Right Program: Expert guidance to help students select dual enrollment options aligned with their goals.
- Understanding the Benefits: Research-backed insights into how dual enrollment boosts college and career readiness.
- Academic Planning Tools: Support for selecting courses and building a personalized academic roadmap.
- College Policy Know-How: Clear explanations of college procedures, policies, and how to navigate them.
- Post-High School Transition: Guidance for a smooth shift from high school to full-time college life.