College Information
Finding a College - Paying for College - The College Application Process
Finding the Right College
There are so many colleges and universities to choose from - how do you know which ones might be right for you? Keep in mind you should apply to more than one college, particularly if the colleges you are interested in are hard to get into.
Make a College List.
Choosing what schools to apply to is a process of research. Start by thinking about what would be a good fit for you. Consider:
- Areas of Study: What are you interested in learning?
- School size: small, medium, large?
- School Location: Close to home, farther away? Near the Beach? Near or in a big city? A more remote college campus?
- Residential Life: Will you live on campus? Is that important to you?
- Athletics: Would you like to play sports? What athletics are available?
- Tuition/Cost: How important is the overall cost?
- Financial Aid/Loans: will you have to borrow money? How much college debt makes sense for you?
- Admissions rate: How many applicants are accepted?
Some college research can be done by simply searching the internet based on majors you are interested in, or where you'd like to be located. You can also ask your teachers - and guidance counselor - for advice about schools that might be a good fit.
Another great way to learn about colleges is to use a college search tool. These allow you to sort colleges into categories based on your interests, location, size, athletics, cost, and more.
MEFA Pathway helps students successfully identify postsecondary options and meet academic and career goals. All student at FCTS has their own Pathways account. Here students can:
- Research careers and career paths
- Find colleges that are a good fit for their interests and needs
- Create and maintain their college list
- Track their college applications and due dates
- Find and apply for scholarships
This is available to any Massachusetts resident. Click on "Massachusetts Resident" to log in. Then, under the Education tab, choose "School Sort". You will be able to sort colleges based on location, degrees offered, size, Admissions difficulty, sports and clubs, and more.
US Department of Education College Scorecard
Enter the name of a college you are interested in, and find out interesting facts such as average cost, graduation rates, and outcomes after graduation such as averages for salary rates and student loan debt.
Community Colleges Should be Considered
Community colleges are a great way for students to reach their higher education goals. Some of the benefits of Community Colleges include:
- Affordable: Lower Tuition, Fees, and overall cost
- Fast Track to Careers: Many 2 and 3-year degree programs lead directly to careers in high-demand industries
- Flexible: Easier to work while in school
- Supportive: Community colleges are typically smaller and more supportive of students, particularly those who struggled in high school
- Transferable Credits: Most credits (if not all) credits are transferable to many 4-year colleges
Paying for College
How to manage the cost of higher education can be confusing and overwhelming. Use reputable sources to get information about how college costs and financial aid works.
A good place to start is this short and easy guide from the Department of Education: How Financial Aid Works
For more detailed information about determining college costs and understanding financial aid, including how to apply for it, check out these resources below. As always, if you need help - contact your guidance counselor.
Massachusetts Educational Finance Authority
MEFA, created by the Massachusetts state legislature in 1982, helps students and their families access and pay for college. A great source of information, particularly for First Generation College students, visit their site to learn about education programs, tax-advantaged savings plans, low-cost loans, and guidance.
Estimated Family Contribution - your Student Aid Index Calculator
Get an estimate on how much your family can expect to contribute after financial aid, loans, and grants. Your "SAI" is an important part of college costs.
https://www.mefa.org/expected-family-contribution-efc-calculator
Net Price Calculator (from College Board)
Focus on Net Price - not Sticker Price. Net Price is closer to what you will actually be asked to pay after other contributions are considered, such as grants and financial aid.
Articles about Paying for College from College Board
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/paying-your-share
FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid
All students should file for financial aid. Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) allows students to access grants, federal student loans, and college work-study programs. Regardless of your financial situation, filing the FAFSA is an important step in the application process.
FAFSA Application - Get Started
If you need help with FAFSA, check out our Financial Aid page, or check with your guidance counselor.
Scholarships
For information on Scholarships, please go to our Scholarship page.
Applying for College
Finding the right college for you is an important decision. Applying to several schools is usually a good idea, particularly if your first choice is highly selective (that is, difficult to get into). Here is some general information about how the college application process works.
How to Apply
Many schools across the country - over 500 colleges and universities - use the "Common Application". This is an online application that allows you to apply to many different schools with one online form. Click on 'Create an account' to get started. You can start this at any time, even if you are not sure what schools you want to apply to.
Most schools have online applications that are easily accessed from their website (usually under Admissions).
Apply for Financial Aid using the FAFSA
All students should file for financial aid. Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) allows students to access grants, federal student loans, and college work-study programs. Regardless of your financial situation, filing the FAFSA is an important step in the application process.FAFSA Application - Get Started
If you need help with FAFSA, check out our Financial Aid page, or check with your guidance counselor.
Determine if you need to take Standardized College Entrance Exams
Many colleges and universities require students to submit their SAT or ACT scores as part of the application process. Other schools do not require these tests at all, or may require it only for certain programs of study. To determine if you need to take the SAT or ACT, look at the Admissions page of each school you would like to apply to and find their Admissions Requirements. If you need help deciding which test you should take, contact your guidance counselor.
SAT - https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat
ACT - https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act.html
Community Colleges usually ask new students to take a 'placement' exam to determine if a student is ready for college-level courses. Students can take these exams in the testing offices, usually by appointment, and usually at no cost.
Testing Center at Greenfield Community College
Testing Center at Mt. Wachusett Community College
Course Placement at Holyoke Community College
Testing Center at Springfield Community College
Understand the College Payment and Financial Aid Process
Use this simple guide from the Department of Education to understand what to do, and when to do it, when applying and paying for school.