Online Resources for the College Search



Testing InformationTesting InformationCollege Board (SAT and AP Exams)-Learn useful info about each test-Register for the SATs and send score reports to colleges.-Gain access to information about college credits for AP coursework-Identify test-taking strategies-Utilize test-prep materialsThe SAT: AP Exam: useful info about this popular alternative to the SAT-Register for the test-Identify test-taking strategies-Utilize test-prep materials Test-Provides a list of colleges where the SAT and/or ACT are optional (verify w/schools)-Access to articles about the fair use of standardized testing and educational policy of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)-TOEFL measures a non-native speaker’s ability to use and understand English at the university level-If you are an ESL student, you will likely have to take either this or the ELPT. Talk to you ESL instructor for details. Search ToolsThe Princeton ReviewWhile the Princeton Review does provide college rankings, the website also has more objective tools to carry out your college search based on criteria which fit your individual needs. From the main page, click on the “College” menu, and look for the “Start Your Action Plan” tool. This provides a useful college-search timeline which students can follow from freshman through senior year. Look out for the “School Research Service” option, which advertises itself as a resource to connect students with schools that may be good fits. Proceed with caution, as it requires personal contact information and may be more of a marketing tool where colleges are given your information. College NavigatorNational Center for Education StatisticsThe NCES College Navigator is an objective, rankings-free search tool developed by the National Center for Education Statistics which allows students to search for schools based on a wide range of criteria. Data for each school is conveniently categorized under headings such as admissions, net price, financial aid, enrollment, programs offered, athletics, etc. Search Tools (contd.)College ConfidentialThe College Search SuperMatch option is identical to the one available in Naviance, which has all your GPA and test score info already available. If you’re going to utilize SuperMatch – access it through your Naviance account. However, College Confidential also has a Campus Vibe section which allows you to check out current and past students’ posts, photos, and videos which can give a fresh perspective about the culture and energy at each school. Keep in mind that much of this info is NOT objective –it is opinion-based and should be consumed critically. Board- Big Future Big Future, the college search available through College Board, provides general information about schools, and like other search tools, it is a convenient way to compare and contrast features of colleges. Big Future offers valuable insight into the college process surrounding college visits, majors, financial aid, and more. Given that College Board is also the home of the SAT and AP exams, it is also an opportunity for one-stop shopping. However, it is always good to get a second opinion and use other resources to supplement the info from any one site. For instance, since it is a company which provides the SAT and AP exam, if a school is test-optional, the fine print reads, “considered if submitted.” Also keep in mind that test averages reported for these schools might be slightly elevated because only students with higher than average scores are submitting them. College NicheCollege Niche provides a website and guidebooks written by current college students, parents and professionals for prospective college students, giving an insider's view. Writers use opinions and reviews, and then offer "grades" on all aspects of campus life at each school. In addition, you can read current students’ opinions and reviews on many aspects of college life. College Niche publishes these "reality guides" on nearly 300 different colleges. It is important to remember that this resource is based on opinions and reviews, and therefore, should only be used to supplement your college search. College Fair InformationNational Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC)Visit this site for information on NACAC college fairs which will be happening across the country. Education CooperativeUse this site to gain helpful info regarding special education, alternative schools, college fairs. ToolsThe Common ApplicationCommon App allows students to complete one college application which can then be used for multiple schools. With over 450 major colleges and universities participating, it is quickly becoming the most popular method of applying to school. Black College Common ApplicationUtilize this site to apply to up to 36 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for one $30 fee. Keep in mind that there are a total of 100 HBCUs in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Education, so a majority of them are not included on this site. Reference the U.S. Dept. of Ed. webpage for an exhaustive list of HBCUs: and Majors Massachusetts Career Information SystemFirst, create a student account and then make your way through the wealth of interest inventories, skills assessments and personality tests which could help give you some ideas about careers and possible courses of study which could help you get there. For each job field, there is a detailed description which includes typical work day, responsibilities, work environment and pay-scale. After you identify a potential career, MassCIS will lay out the best educational plan to get there including high school and college courses. Outlook HandbookU.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsThis publication, put out by the U.S. Department of Labor, identifies job market trends and gives projected outlooks for specific career fields. The handbook also provides detailed descriptions about specific jobs, responsibilities, work environment, earnings potential, education/training required, as well as personal qualities which may serve people well in those positions. College Information LD OnlineResource for students with Learning Disabilities (LDs) who are considering postsecondary education options. Specialized College Information (contd.)Campus Climate IndexThis website contains a list of 324 colleges and universities nationwide which have been rated according to the level of acceptance and services for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered students. House Initiative on HBCUsHistorically Black Colleges and UniversitiesThis portion of the U.S. Department of Education’s webpage provides an exhaustive list of all 100 HBCUs, as well as other helpful information for African-American college students and applicants. Hillel Foundation is set up to support and connect Jewish students on college campuses through cultural enrichment and support Jesuit Colleges and UniversitiesProvides information and resources for students interested in attending a Jesuit college or university. Catholic College Admission Assoc.Catholic Colleges Online is a college search tool which utilizes many of the search features of other sites, but directs users to a pool of colleges all affiliated with the Catholic Church. Association of University WomenConnect to a community of women in higher education – both students and professors – as well as educational resources and other information. ’s College CoalitionAnother organization dedicated to advocating for and creating networks of women in higher education. and Design SchoolsFor students interested in pursuing art and design in college, this site is a great resource for beginning the college search, creating a portfolio, and researching potential careers. Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)For any student interested in playing college sports at either the Div I or Div II level, this site is a necessity. Visit to determine the eligibility requirements to play for a Div I or Div II school and apply through the NCAA Clearinghouse. site contains helpful information for international students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and who wish to attend college in the U.S. Student ProgramNew England Board of Higher EducationThe NEBHE Regional Student Program provides significant tuition breaks for out-of-state students at public institutions in New England if their in-state school does not offer their chosen field of study. Study in CanadaThis site provides information and links to colleges and universities in Canada. for Advanced Research on Language AcquisitionThis database offered through the University of Minnesota provides a list of schools which offer courses in Less Commonly Taught Languages (LCTLs). These languages include those other than English, German, French and Spanish. College Information (contd.)Brain TrackThis website contains listings for almost 7000 institutions of higher education, including those in the U.S. and abroad. It can be a helpful resource if considering studying outside the country. Survival TipsCollege Board- Big FutureStrategies for Succeeding in CollegeHere, College Board provides some useful advice about making the adjustment to college life, from the world of academics to making sure that you have an active and healthy social life. TipsCollege Tips is an online college survival guide for college students that contains advice, resources and tips for surviving college written by previous and current college students. and Two-year CollegesCommunity College DirectoryThis is a searchable database of over 1300 community colleges in the U.S. Massachusetts Community CollegesThis website connects prospective students to information about Massachusetts’ 15 Community Colleges and their websites. TransferThis valuable program guarantees full transfer of credit, guaranteed admission, and a tuition discount for any students in the Massachusetts community college system who have earned a qualifying GPA and are applying to a Massachusetts 4-year institution. AidMassachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA)MEFA is an incredible resource which not only offers educational loans to Massachusetts residents, but also dispenses valuable advice through workshops and their website about how to finance a college education. Student Aid/FAFSAUtilize this website to access the FAFSA (The Free Application for Federal Student Aid), the essential step in acquiring financial aid for your college education. Also, take the opportunity to learn about federally funded loan options and grants for which you may qualify. Aid (contd.CSS ProfileThe CSS Profile is a financial aid application through College Board which is required by some institutions. Refer to your institution’s financial aid guidelines for more information about whether or not you need to fill out this application. online student guide offers helpful information about navigating the financial aid process. Resources like the financial aid calculator can help you make sense of paying for your college education. is the leading student resource on the internet to find and apply for thousands of scholarship opportunities nationwide. Education Resource Institute (TERI)A federally funded resource to help students and their families understand the ins and outs of applying for student aid and repaying student loans. ................
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