Stop Guessing Your College Chances.
Make Your College List Smarter
First Year helps you understand where you stand before you apply.
Get AI-powered admission predictions, actionable profile feedback, and college ROI insights in one smart dashboard.
Understand where you stand, what you can improve, and which colleges make the most sense for your future.
DOWNLOAD FIRST YEAR
Your College Planning Companion, All in One App
Take control of your college journey with First Year.
Get personalized admission predictions, identify strengths and areas to improve, compare college costs and ROI, and keep track of important application deadlines, all from one place.
Welcome to First Year
Your Journey to Finding the Right College Starts Here
One would think applying to college would be easier today, but it isn’t. Students must navigate majors, admission requirements, scholarships, financial aid, and much more. They seek advice from college admissions counselors, high school counselors, friends, family, and even influencers. Many students apply to a wide range of “safe” and “reach” schools, hoping to gain admission to the right fit. It’s no surprise that the college application process can be filled with uncertainty and anxiety.
First Year is here to help. We address one of the biggest challenges students face: finding the right college. Our application allows you to personalize your search and explore schools that align with your goals and interests.
Our mission is to support students and families while easing the stress associated with the college admissions process.
As you begin your college journey, we wish you the very best in all your academic pursuits.
Have a great First Year!
Dorian Roberts
Founder, First Year
Our Mission, Vision & Values
Guiding Students Toward Their Future with Confidence
Our Mission
To provide students and parents with an affordable, comprehensive, and easy-to-understand view of colleges and universities, empowering them to make confident, informed decisions throughout the college selection process.
Our Vision
To become the premier and most trusted resource for students and parents choosing the educational institutions that will best support their goals, ambitions, and dreams.
Our Values
We value transparency through clear and reliable information, innovation through personalized college search solutions, and community by supporting students and families in achieving their educational goals.
APP FEATURES
Everything You Need to Plan College Smarter!
AI Admissions Predictor
See personalized admission probabilities based on your GPA, class rank, coursework rigor, essays, awards, and overall profile.
Profile Diagnostics
Discover what strengthens your application and where you may need improvement before you submit.
College Explorer
Compare colleges using acceptance rates, average GPA, SAT/ACT scores, tuition, graduation rates, and other key data.
College Cost & ROI
Compare net costs, 4-year totals, projected salaries, and long-term ROI to understand the value behind each college choice.
Application Tracker
Keep your college applications organized, monitor your status, and stay ahead of important submission deadlines.
Essay Feedback
Analyze your draft for formulaic writing and identify opportunities to create a stronger, more personal story.
Why Us
Why First Year Makes College Planning Easier
- Personalized Admission Insights
See how your academic profile compares with institutional benchmarks and get a clearer picture of your Reach, Match, and Safety schools.
- Actionable Guidance
Understand what is helping your application and where you can improve, from essays to extracurricular gaps, before you submit.
- Smarter College Decisions
Compare admission chances alongside tuition, net cost, projected earnings, and long-term ROI so you can choose colleges with more confidence.
ANY QUESTIONS?
We’ve Got Answers.
First Year uses historical institutional admissions data, coursework rigor benchmarks, and multiple student profile factors to generate personalized admission insights.
First Year reviews draft essays for formulaic language and structural areas where your personal story could be stronger and more distinctive.
A free tier is available for initial admission predictions and basic college comparisons, with premium options for deeper diagnostics.
The platform considers factors such as GPA, class rank, coursework rigor, essay quality, awards, and other applicant profile strengths.
Yes. You can compare estimated net costs, 4-year totals, starting salaries, long-term earnings, and 10-year ROI across colleges.
Yes. First Year helps you organize application statuses and stay on top of important submission deadlines in one place.
First Year uses historical institutional admissions data, coursework rigor benchmarks, and multiple student profile factors to generate personalized admission insights.
First Year reviews draft essays for formulaic language and structural areas where your personal story could be stronger and more distinctive.
A free tier is available for initial admission predictions and basic college comparisons, with premium options for deeper diagnostics.
Yes. You can compare estimated net costs, 4-year totals, starting salaries, long-term earnings, and 10-year ROI across colleges.
A free tier is available for initial admission predictions and basic college comparisons, with premium options for deeper diagnostics.
Yes. First Year helps you organize application statuses and stay on top of important submission deadlines in one place.
WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING
Real Experiences from Students Using First Year to Make Smarter College Decisions
DOWNLOAD APP
Your College Journey Starts Here
Ready to make your college decisions with more clarity?
First Year brings your admission chances, application insights, college comparisons, and financial outcomes together in one place so you can plan your next step with confidence.
Plan Smarter. Apply Stronger.
See where you stand, understand what you can improve, compare the colleges on your list, and stay ahead of important deadlines throughout the application process.