College Search & Selection

Anxiety, How to Deal with College Planning Anxiety - College planning can be stressful and overwhelming. Discover resources that families can use to make the process easier.

College List; Researching Colleges and Building the College List - When deciding where to apply, it important to research thoroughly. This Webinar walks you through several tools available to help you learn about schools and build your college list (slides available)

Pathway; Register an Account in MEFA Pathway - Create and register an account in MEFA's Pathway, the free college and career planning tool

College Search with MEFA Pathway - Learn to use the College Search (college and career planning tool) to select specific criteria to search colleges and build a solid college list

Compare Colleges: Use Pathway Feature to Compare Colleges - Compare colleges and universities that match your school preferences

Compare Colleges with MEFA Pathway to Help Build a College List - Find schools that match your preferences and build a final list of probable, target and reach schools who which you apply

Can't Visit Campuses; Researching Colleges When You Can't Visit Campus - Tips including asking questions about the school, how many other students in your interested major, and the truth on college myths, such as needing to decide on a major before getting to college

Disabilities; Mass College Programs for Students with Disabilities - This webinar is focused on Massachusetts college programs designed for students with diagnosed learning disabilities and/or other learning challenges who could benefit from additional academic support in a traditional college curriculum (slides available)

Early Decision; Applying Early Decision - Learn the difference between Early Decision and Early Action

Essay; How to Conquer the College Essay - Learn what makes an essay effective, what colleges are looking for, and how to avoid sounding "contrived"

First-Generation College Students; Tips for First-Generation Students - Guidance for first-generation students and their families to navigate through the higher education process in the US

Undocumented Students; The College Process - While undocumented students face many barriers to college, it is still possible for them to get a college education. This webinar addresses up-to-date immigration policies and statuses eligible and ineligible for Federal Student Aid. The 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) application process is discussed. Learn about admissions standards at both public and private universities and how to maximize credits and time for DACA for undocumented students through dual-enrollment and concurrent enrollment opportunities across states, high schools and community colleges. Scholarship resources are shared, pointing directly to both state and national organizations (slides available)

Choosing the Right College - How DO you choose the right college? What matters most? Academic? Cost? Reputation? 4 years or 2? MEFA explains what really matters and gives guidance on how to make the right choices

Acceptance; After the College Acceptance - Guidance for seniors who received their college acceptance letters and financial aid offers and are trying to make the college decision. Topics include an overview of different types of financial aid, how to calculate the balance due at each college, and methods for paying the college bill (slides available)

Acceptance; After the College Acceptance - 90 Seconds with MEFA - Understanding financial aid offers, making the decision and paying the bill