MASSACHUSETTS EDUCATIONAL FINANCING AUTHORITY

APPLYING TO COLLEGE? START HERE

Plan

Use MEFA Pathway, a new college planning

tool

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Stay organized

Use MEFA’s College Admissions Toolkit

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Stay on track

Follow MEFA’s Admissions and

Financial Aid Timeline

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Developing the College List

•Think about student fit•Research thoroughly

•Balance:–Academics–Finances

–Size/Setting

Visit Campuses

Observe:•Size/setting•Housing/facilities•Culture•Activities/academics offered•Student demeanor

Go to a College Fair

•Check the list of schools first•Make a plan of attack•Visit the info booth•Attend info sessions•NACACnet.org•NEACAC.org

Understand Application Timing

•Regular Decision•Early Action•Early Decision•Rolling Admission•Open Admission

Application Components

•Application form•High school transcript•Standardized test scores (SAT & ACT)•Letters of Recommendation•Activity list or resume•Essay•Interview•Audition/Portfolio (for the arts)

Application Types

•Common App•Universal College App•Coalition App•Online college website app•Paper app

Standardized Tests

•Practice can raise scores•Register on time•900+ test-optional schools

Activities List

•Show leadership•Include part-time jobs•List family commitments•Highlight community impact

The Essay

•Start early•Make it personal•Be creative•Proofread

Letters of Recommendation

•Follow school guidelines•Ask early•Don’t send extras•Write thank you notes

Interviews

•Know why you’re applying•Share your positives•Be yourself•Ask good questions

The Waitlist

•Accept placement•Send the school updates•Must deposit elsewhere•Minimal financial aid if accepted

Paying for College in MA

•Tuition Break•MassTransfer–Gen Ed Foundation

–A2B Degree–Commonwealth Commitment

Financial Aid

•FAFSA®

•CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE ®

•College-specific applications

Questions? Contact us:

(800) 449-MEFA (6332)info@mefa.org

mefa.org