Finding a College - The College Application Process - Financial Aid/Paying for 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.
Making a College List
Choosing what schools to apply to is basically a process of research. Start by thinking about what would be a good fit for you. Consider:
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 counsleor - 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, the location, size, athletics, cost, and more.
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 inlcude:
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, inlcuding 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, particulalry 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 Calculator
Estimated Family Contribution Calculator - How much tuition, fees, and other costs your family can expect to contribute after financial aid, loans, and grants. Your "EFC" is an important part of college costs.
https://www.mefa.org/expected-family-contribution-efc-calculator
Net Price Calculator (from College Board)
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.
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.
