College Planning

Discover What Fits You Early

As you start exploring college, think about what matters most to you and what might make a school feel like the right fit. Maybe you’re looking for suite‑style housing, smaller class sizes, NCAA athletics, a strong visual and performing arts scene, hands‑on academic programs, or a campus close to home.

At Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, you can choose the college experience that fits you best. With three unique campuses, Commonwealth U offers different environments, opportunities, and campus communities so you can find the place where you’ll feel comfortable, supported, and ready to succeed.

Plan Ahead for Costs

Affordability matters when comparing colleges, so it’s important to look at scholarships, financial aid opportunities, and overall cost. As you start narrowing your options, creating a list of your "must-haves" can help make the college search feel more manageable and less overwhelming.

Get a Head Start on Your Future

Your high school experiences are already shaping your future career path. Starting your college search early gives you the opportunity to see how Commonwealth University can help you build on that journey with hands‑on learning, internships, research, and career‑ready preparation from day one.

Your GPA and Transcript

Your GPA and transcript play an important role in college admissions and scholarship opportunities, so continue challenging yourself and finishing each school year strong. If your school offers AP, honors, or dual enrollment courses, consider taking advantage of those opportunities to experience college-level coursework and potentially earn credits before graduating from high school.

Position Yourself for Scholarships

Scholarships aren’t just for seniors. Start paying attention to opportunities through local organizations, community groups, employers, and volunteer programs. Community service projects, leadership experiences, and involvement in school activities can all help strengthen scholarship applications. Your school counselor can also help you discover local and regional scholarships you may qualify for.

Applying to college can feel overwhelming, but here’s the good news: we’re not looking for “perfect” students. We’re looking for students who are ready to grow, explore new opportunities, and take the next step toward their future.

Strong Academic Effort

Your grades matter because they help tell the story of your work ethic and progress throughout high school. We want to see that you’re challenging yourself and continuing to improve over time.

That doesn’t mean you need straight A’s. Taking classes seriously, staying consistent, and finishing strong all make a difference.

Courses That Challenge You

Honors, AP, dual enrollment, and career-focused classes can help show colleges that you’re willing to push yourself academically.

Take the classes that make sense for your goals and interests — not just the ones you think “look impressive.”

Involvement Outside the Classroom

Colleges love to see students involved in activities they care about. This could include:

• Sports
• Music or theatre
• Clubs and organizations
• Volunteer work
• Jobs or internships
• Leadership opportunities
• Family responsibilities

You don’t need to do everything. Depth and commitment matter more than a long list.

Your Interests and Goals

Not everyone knows exactly what they want to study — and that’s okay. We’re looking for students who are curious, motivated, and open to exploring possibilities.

Major

Your “major” is the main subject you study in college.

Example: If you want to become a teacher, your major might be Elementary Education.

Minor

A secondary area of study that you take alongside your major, usually consisting of 18 credits (6 courses). You can add this to your major after your first semester. 

Example: A Business major could add a minor in Marketing or Sports Management.

FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form helps colleges determine what financial aid you may qualify for like grants, scholarships, and aid from the state and federal government. 

Financial Aid

Money that helps you pay for college. This can include scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.

Merit Scholarships

Money awarded to help pay for college that usually does not need to be repaid based on academic performance.

Test-Optional

A college where submitting SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission.

Admissions Counselor

The person who helps guide students through the college application process and answers questions along the way. Meet your CU Admissions Counselor! 

Residence Hall

Another name for a dorm where college students live on campus.

First-Year Student

Another term for a freshman in college.

Dual Enrollment

College-level classes taken during high school that may count for both high school and college credit. If you are currently enrolled in Commonwealth University's Early College Program, your scores are already in the system. 

Internship

A hands-on work experience connected to your major or career interests. You will complete an internship experience during your undergraduate degree.

Syllabus

A guide provided by your professor that explains class expectations, assignments, schedules, and grading.

Registrar

The office responsible for student records, schedules, transcripts, and registration.

Academic Advisor

A person who helps students choose classes, stay on track for graduation, and navigate college life. At CU, your academic advisor is a faculty member within your major.

Commuter Student

A student who lives off campus and travels to class each day.