Resources to start you on your college path

Below are some resources which will help you be a more knowledgeable applicant. If you’re still in need of help, let’s talk today.

Application Resources

  • Coalition Application is similar to the Common Application but used by only 150 colleges. Like the Common Application, it allows students to create an account and submit their application to their member colleges.

  • College Board is the testing organization responsible for administering the PSAT, SAT as well as AP. This is the website students access to register for their tests.

  • Common Application is the college application submission platform used by over 900 colleges. Students create an account using this site and can submit their applications and associated materials to the schools they select. One of the main aspects of the common application is the 650 word essay that students must write in response to one of seven prompts. When students initiate application to a college, they will also see the supplemental essays and options to submit their supplemental materials.

  • FairTest has lists of the testing requirements for colleges and universities.

  • Khan Academy is a FREE online resource for subject help as well as SAT test prep including many SAT and AP practice tests. If you’re self motivated and disciplined this is the site for you.

  • National Portfolio Day is a combination of college fair and portfolio review/critique for visual arts students. Fairs are held throughout the U.S. and abroad from September to January. Up to 50 colleges attend each fair giving students the opportunity to learn more about each school but more importantly allowing students a short portfolio review with an admissions representative. ARTriculate HIGHLY recommends that students attend National Portfolio Day starting in 10th grade.

  • University of California hosts its own application, the deadline is November 30 (and this is a hard deadline) with decisions announced in mid March. Students are required to respond to four of eight 300 word prompts in addition to submitting materials required for the selected major.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

  • CSS is the more detailed financial information collection site used by many colleges to collect more detailed financial information to make aid determinations. Like the FAFSA, CSS deadlines also usually coordinate with the application deadlines. CSS is associated with the College Board.

  • FAFSA is the Federal Student Aid government site used to submit information for financial aid. Every school collects information via this site to assess your financial aid requirements. Most people say it takes about 30 minutes to complete the information and it must be submitted each year. There is a wealth of information on this site pertaining to grants, loans, scholarships and other forms of aid. Most schools link their FAFSA deadlines to their application deadlines and you must verify the deadlines for each school.

  • College Board/Big Future is most known for standardized tests (SAT), but they also have information on paying for college including a page with many helpful calculators including the Net Price Calculator (NPC) and Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

  • CIEE is a nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization that transforms lives and builds bridges between individuals and nations by sponsoring a wide variety of opportunities for the exchange of ideas and experiences. This funding is provided to “lifelong learners” at all points in their educational experience. They award a Frederick Douglas Global Fellowship award each winter for POC college leaders interested in studying abroad. Applications are due in mid February.

  • Questbridge is an online site that connects high-achieving low-income students with 42 highly ranked colleges and universities in the U.S. Students apply to Questbridge and if their application is accepted they then “match” themselves to Questbridge colleges. Colleges then evaluate these students and finalists are awarded four-year scholarships. Applications are due in late summer, finalists are announced November 1 and matches are announced December 1.

There is a lot of information available to inform your college decisions but if you need 1:1 college and application guidance please call.