Find a detailed overview of the entire college admissions process, including current trends in admissions, how to build a college list, the various components of the college application, and basics about financial aid.

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MEFA’s Guide to
College Admissions

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• Current trends
• Your college list
• Campus visits
• The application process
• Financial aid
• Free resources
Topics

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• Students are beginning to search for colleges earlier
• Students are applying to a greater number of schools
• Colleges are monitoring students’ demonstrated interest
• More parents are involved and/or driving the process
• Increased use of social media by students and colleges
• Globalization: more international students in the U.S.
Trends in College Admissions

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• Do your research
• Think about “fit” and match your needs
• Factors to consider:
− Academics
− Affordability
− Size/Setting
− Admissibility
Developing Your College List
Try the Interactive College Interview at
YourPlanForTheFuture.org

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Develop final list with colleges of each type:
• Probable: Chances for admission are strong
(Make sure at least one is affordable)
• Target: Chances for admission are 50/50
• Reach: Chances for admission are less than 50%
Assess Your Prospects for Admission

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FREE college and career planning tool
Resources include:
– Skills and interests assessments
– Career exploration
– College search
– SAT® and ACT ® test prep tutorials
– Financial aid and scholarship information
Available in English and Spanish
YourPlanForTheFuture.org

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Informal visits
– Touring the college on your own
– Pay attention to size, setting, culture
– Pick up a college newspaper or read posted flyers
Formal visits
– Signing up with admissions for a campus tour
– May be able to view a class, room, or dining hall
– Ask questions of your tour guide
Informal & Formal Campus Visits
Look beyond the brochures and websites

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• Check out the college list beforehand
• Have a plan of action before you arrive
• Head to the information booth first
• Take advantage of information sessions
• Fall schedule: neacac.org/cf_fall.cfm
National & Regional College Fairs

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Whichever option you choose, don’t leave things to
the last minute!
• Regular Decision
• Early Action
• Early Decision
• Rolling Admission
• Open Admission
Deadlines are important! Make sure to keep track.
College Application Options

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• Common App
• Universal College App
• College website online app
• Paper
College Application Types & Components
Application requirements may vary at each college
•Application form
•High school transcript
•Standardized test scores
•Recommendations
•Activity list or resume
•Personal essay
•Interview
Your application may include:
College application types:

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Your transcript is more than just a list of grades
• Rigor of classes is the most important factor evaluated
• Showing improvement over time is a plus
• Exceeding minimum requirements is often expected
• Relevance to college plans is helpful
• Review the standards for MA public colleges/universities
Academic Readiness

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• PSAT for practice and assessment
• SAT and ACT measure college readiness
– Check with your school counselor for registration
deadlines and test dates
• SAT Subject Tests & AP Tests show subject knowledge
• Accuplacer & Compass determine placement in college
courses
• There are over 800 test-optional schools in the U.S.
(Check FairTest.org)
Standardized Tests
Find free test prep tools at
YourPlanForTheFuture.org

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• Includes extracurricular talents and interests
• Showcases what you do and the depth of the activity/job
• Always include family responsibilities and employment
• Highlight the impact on your community
Activity List/Resume

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Your application essay says a lot about you
• Share something meaningful and personal
• Start writing early
• Try different topics and approaches
• Include life-shaping/challenging experiences
• Leave time for careful proof-reading
Essays

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Adults who know you well can offer a helpful
perspective on your abilities and strengths
• Know your school guidelines
• Ask teachers in classes where you have performed well
• Ask early to give your teachers plenty of time
• Write a thank you note
Letters of Recommendation

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A face-to-face conversation lets colleges see
the person behind the numbers
•Be prepared to answer open-ended questions
•Know your reasons for applying to the college
•Ask thoughtful questions
•Cover the basics
•Relax and be yourself
Interviews

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• Increasing in popularity
• Some schools have a very long list
• Must submit enrollment deposit at an accepted school
– This is usually non-refundable
• Accepted off the waitlist = minimal financial aid
• Steps to take when on the waitlist:
– Write a short note to the admissions counselor
– Update the school with recent grades and awards
A Word About the Wait List

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Research costs and financial aid now
•Use Net Price Calculators to get a financial aid estimate
•Find out financial aid requirements and deadlines
•Research merit scholarship opportunities
•Apply for private scholarships
Understanding College Affordability
Financial aid deadlines are so important!

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Staying on Track Through Senior Year
Spring/Summer Junior Year
• Attend college fairs
• Visit campuses
• Identify teachers for letters of
recommendation
• Brainstorm essay topics
• Take the SAT/ACT
• Research private scholarships
Fall Senior Year
• Finalize the college list
• Re-take the SAT/ACT
• Secure letters of recommendation
• Attend MEFA’s College Financing
Seminar
• Apply for private scholarships
Winter Senior Year
• Submit financial aid applications
• Send in mid-year grade reports
Spring Senior Year
• Receive admission and financial
aid offers
• Attend MEFA’s Paying the
College Bill seminar or webinar
• Choose your college by May 1
Use YourPlanForTheFuture
to stay organized.

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• Net Price Calculators on college websites
– Provides a personal net price at each college
• College Navigator (U.S. Department of Education)
– College search with admissions, academic, & cost info
– CollegeNavigator.gov
• College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education)
– College search with average net price, loan default rates,
and median loan debt
– CollegeScorecard.ed.gov
Free College Planning Resources

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