There's a lot for the average college-bound student to think about before setting foot on campus. What major should I choose? Should I stay in-state or attend the faraway school of my dreams? What are my options in terms of financial aid?

Many college-bound students turn to their guidance counselors for help. For additional help, you can find the answers you need right on the Web.

EducationPlanner.org, an online resource provided by American Education Services, guides families through all of the tough decisions - from choosing a career path to completing the application to repaying student loans.

The site breaks down the entire process into five manageable sections: preparing, selecting, applying, deciding and paying. Here is an overview.

* Preparing: This section has information and advice on getting ready for the college search process and entrance exams, including assessing career options and developing study skills.

* Selecting: Includes advice on what to look for in a school, how to plan campus visits and choosing a major. This section also includes a comprehensive database of accredited colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada.

* Applying: Contains application dos and don'ts, tips on essay writing, applying online and how to ace the college interview.

* Deciding: Includes tips on how to sort through the acceptance letters and determine which college is best for you.

* Paying: Contains an abundance of information on financial aid, work-study programs, education loans and more. This section also has a database listing scholarships - worth about $8 billion in total - for students who need assistance.

Armed with this valuable resource, future college students can rest assured that they've chosen the right school, submitted the best application possible and developed a sound strategy to pay for it all. - NU