04/01/2025

Leveraging Technology for College Prep and Career Success: 5 Tech Tips

By Julia Evans

In today’s evolving educational landscape, technology enhances students' preparedness for college and careers. Digital tools streamline applications, develop essential workforce skills, and support structured learning in computer literacy, virtual communication, and online etiquette. School counselors and career professionals can leverage these technologies to guide students through college applications, resume writing, test prep, and virtual interviews. By understanding and integrating these tools, professionals empower students to navigate digital platforms successfully in academic and professional settings.

Tip #1: Streamlining College Prep with Smart Technology Tools

College Application Management Apps

Organizing college applications can be overwhelming for students and parents. Tools like MyCoalition, Common App, or apps like CollegePlanner Pro help streamline the application process. These platforms allow students to track deadlines, manage essays, and upload recommendation letters all in one place. School counselors and career professionals can use these tools to create a structured college prep timeline, helping students stay on track with key milestones such as application deadlines, financial aid submissions, and essay completion. 

AI-Powered Writing Assistance

College essays are a vital element of the application process. Technology like Grammarly or QuillBot helps students craft polished essays by improving grammar, composition, and tone.

ChatGPT, another AI-powered tool, goes a step further by generating ideas and offering suggestions based on user prompts. However, to maintain authenticity, students should use these tools as a starting point, revising and personalizing the content to reflect their unique voice and experiences. Career professionals can encourage students to use these tools while providing personalized feedback to refine their narratives.

SAT/ACT Prep Apps

Standardized tests remain a cornerstone of college admissions. Tools like Khan Academy and Magoosh offer mobile-friendly platforms for targeted practice, quizzes, and progress tracking. Counselors and career professionals can use these tools to guide students in developing structured test prep plans, track their progress, and recommend specific practice areas to strengthen their scores, ensuring they are well-prepared for college admission.

Tip #2: Utilizing Emerging Trends in Virtual Guidance

Video Conferencing and Virtual Platforms

The shift to remote communication has made platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet essential for career and college counseling. Beyond basic video calls, these platforms now include features like breakout rooms, real-time document collaboration, and AI transcription services. By leveraging these tools, career professionals can provide more efficient, accessible, and personalized support, ensuring a seamless experience for their clients.

Interactive Career Exploration Tools

For career coaching, tools like Virtual Job Shadow and CareerExplorer offer immersive experiences where students can "shadow" professionals in various fields. These platforms integrate career assessments, job descriptions, and videos to help clients make informed decisions about their future paths.

Digital Scheduling Tools

Coordinating sessions with clients is easier with apps like Calendly or YouCanBook.Me. These platforms integrate with email and calendar apps to streamline scheduling, minimize back-and-forth communications, and help clients stay on track.

Tip #3: Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword

Building a Professional Online Presence

Students and job seekers alike must maintain a clean and professional digital footprint. Apps like Canva can help create polished resumes and LinkedIn banners, while platforms like LinkedIn itself are invaluable for networking.  

Monitoring and Cleaning Digital Footprints

Remove any social media posts that could be perceived as inappropriate. More than a third (36%) of admissions officers said they visit applicants’ social media profiles like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to learn more about them⁠, up from 25% last year, according to a poll conducted by Kaplan (Kennedy, 2020). Tools like BrandYourself allow clients to monitor their online presence and remove potentially harmful content. Coaching sessions can integrate these tools to guide clients in creating a professional and appealing online image. 

Tip #4: Financial Planning and Scholarship Searches Made Easy

FAFSA and Financial Aid Tools

The financial aid process can be daunting. Apps like FAFSA® MyStudentAid make it simpler to complete and track federal student aid applications. Platforms like Scholly and Fastweb provide personalized scholarship recommendations based on a student’s profile.  Additionally, Going Merry is like the "Common App" for scholarships- students complete one application and can apply for numerous scholarships. Career development professionals utilize these tools to help students identify funding opportunities, navigate application requirements, and stay on track with deadlines, ultimately reducing financial barriers to higher education.

Budgeting Apps for College Students

Financial literacy is key for college-bound students. Apps like Mint or YNAB (You Need a Budget) help students and families create budgets, track expenses, and make informed decisions about loans and savings. Career professionals introduce these tools to students and parents to promote responsible financial habits, assist in planning for tuition and living expenses, and ensure families make informed choices about college affordability.

Tip #5: Data-Driven Decision Making with Career Assessments

Online Career Assessment Tools

Tools like O*NET OnLine, My Next Move, Holland Code (RIASEC) tests, and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) help students and job seekers identify their strengths, interests, and potential career paths. These advancements make career exploration more interactive and tailored. Career professionals and counselors help students align academics with career goals, involve parents in discussions, and support informed college transitions.

AI-Powered Career Pathway Recommendations

Emerging platforms, such as Pymetrics or Handshake, use AI to analyze skills and preferences to match users with job opportunities, internships, and even college programs that align with their career goals.

Advancing Students with Innovation

For students, navigating the fast-moving, tech-driven world of college and career planning can feel overwhelming. The technologies mentioned in this article help counselors and coaches provide tailored support—including assisting with college essays, applications, and interview preparation. By integrating these tools, the work of the career professional and student can transform what might seem like a daunting process into an organized, engaging, and rewarding experience, ensuring students feel confident about their future.

Reference

Kennedy, K. (2020, January 21). More admissions officers checking social media. The Pie Network. https://www.thepienews.com

Julia Evans is a Certified Career Services Provider, Certified Life Coach and the founder of Guide Life Wellness. Since 2023, she has been helping individuals achieve their personal and professional goals through tailored coaching services. With over eight years of recruiting experience, Julia combines her expertise in career development with a passion for guiding clients through life’s transitions. To learn more about Julia’s services or to connect, visit Guide Life Wellness or email guidelifewellness@gmail.com.