MASSACHUSETTS EDUCATIONAL FINANCING AUTHORITY

THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

BASICS

Developing The College List

• What is the student looking for?

• Do your research and find your fit

• Consider:

− Student’s academics

−How your family will pay for it

−What type/size of campus setting

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Pay attention to:

• Culture

• Size

• Setting

• Academics

• Student activities

• Housing

Informal & Formal Campus Visits

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College Fairs

•View the college list beforehand

•Have a plan of attack

•Start with the info booth

•Attend info sessions

•Spring fairs: NACACnet.org & NEACAC.org

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College Application Options

•Regular Decision

•Early Action

•Early Decision

•Rolling Admission

•Open Admission

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College Application Types

•Common App

•Universal College App

•Coalition App

•College website online app

•Paper

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Standardized Tests

•PSAT for practice

•Most schools take SAT or ACT

•Are SAT Subject Tests needed?

•Consider AP Exams

•900+ test-optional schools in the U.S.

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Activity List Components

•Extracurriculars

•Family responsibilities

•Employment

•Title & position

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Essay Guidance

•Be Meaningful

•Be Personal

•Start early

•Include life-shaping experiences

•Proofread

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Letters of Recommendation

•Follow school guidelines

•Ask early

•Ask 11th grade teachers

•Write thank you notes

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Interviews

•Be prepared for open-ended questions

•Know your reasons for applying

•Ask thoughtful questions

•Cover the basics

•Be yourself

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Stay Organized with Our College Admissions Toolkit

Download it now

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YourPlanForTheFuture.org Benefits

•FREE online college & career planning

•Interests assessments

•Career exploration

•College search

•Scholarships

•Personalized portfolio

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Paying for College in MA: You Have Options

•Tuition Break

•MassTransfer: Gen Ed Foundation

•MassTransfer: A2B Degree

•MassTransfer: A2B & Commonwealth Commitment

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Applications for Financial Aid

•Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

•CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE

•College-specific financial aid applications

*Check college websites for requirements

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•Net Price Calculators

•College Navigator

•College Scorecard

•College Board

Free College Planning Resources

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(800) 449-MEFA (6332)

info@mefa.org

MEFA

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