Looking for one spot where you can easily access the most important links to college applications and related resources? Here you go!
Applications
Common Application - can be used for over 900 colleges and universities. The majority of private schools and many public institutions use this application. Note that many schools have a supplemental application found on the platform that students will need to complete.
Coalition Application - can be used for 150+ colleges and universities. Only one school is “Coalition exclusive” - Univ. of Washington, Seattle. Students can store documents, artwork, and video content in their Digital Locker, beginning in freshman year.
Common Black College Application - can be used for 65 member HBCUs. Cost is $20 and students can apply to as many of the schools as they would like, ranking their top four choices.
California:
The University of California System (UC)
The Cal State University System (CSU)
New York:
Texas:
United Kingdom schools:
UCAS - (some, like St. Andrews, accept the Common Application)
Note that there are some schools that require their own application for admission. Examples include Georgetown, MIT, and many regional colleges and universities.
College Admission Testing
The National Center for Fair and Open Testing (up to date list of test-optional/blind schools)
College Board Resources for Counselors
Financial Aid
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - all students seeking aid MUST complete this form
CSS Profile - supplemental aid form required by some private and public institutions
FinAid - comprehensive financial aid website including a financial aid calculator
Financial Aid Resources from the U.S. Department of Education
Domestic Need Based and Merit Aid Offered By Institution
75 Colleges That Meet 100% of Financial Need
Colleges and Universities with Loan-Free Policies
Scholarship Websites
Financial Tools for Students
Admissions Data
Early and Regular Decision Admit Rates (updated July 2021)
Common Data Set - Google “name of school + CDS” and find a list of factors that a particular school takes into account when evaluating applicants
General College Search Resources
College Xpress: fun and simple way for students to research colleges
Colleges That Change Lives - good information about the college process as well as CTCL schools
Fiske Interactive Guide - online version of the Fiske Guide where you can research schools, create lists and track deadlines ($20)
Big Future by The College Board
National Survey of Student Engagement
College List Building Tools
ScholarMatcher - awesome search tool for low-income/first gen students
Corsava (sign up for a free counselor account) - great first step to building a college list
College Equity Index - tool to help Black students build their college lists
The Hundred-Seven - searchable database of HBCU academic programs
I’m First - guide for first-generation college students and their families
Campus Pride - resources for the LGBTQ+ community
Women’s Colleges - learn more about options for female-identified students
Men’s Colleges - learn more about options for male-identified students
American Indian College Fund - list and descriptions of tribal colleges and universities
Catholic Colleges and Universities - list of U.S. based institutions
Resources for Undocumented Students
College Advising for Undocumented Students
Virtual Campus Visits
In addition, many colleges/universities now have their own campus tours listed on their websites
Gap Year Opportunities and Summer Programs
International Gap Year Programs
Employment, Cultural Exchange and Volunteering
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