Embedded Files
Junior Spring Timeline
Junior Spring Timeline
Our College and Trade School Search Timeline (link) can help guide you in the Spring of your junior year. Feel free to make a copy and adapt it so it's most helpful for you.
Senior Year Timeline
Senior Year Timeline
Our College and Trade School Search Timeline (link) can help guide you month-by-month of your senior year. Feel free to make a copy and adapt it so it's most helpful for you.
Reach, Target, and Safety Schools
Reach, Target, and Safety Schools
“Reach,” “target,” and “safety” are common terms used in college applications to describe the chance a student has of getting accepted at a particular school. Read more about these terms (link). Consider identifying schools in these categories:
Dream/Reach – your GPA/test scores are in the bottom 25% of those admitted
Target – your GPA/test scores are in the top 1/3 or 1/2 of those admitted
Safety/Likely – your GPA/test scores are similar to 75% of those admitted
You can learn more about specific schools' admissions profiles at the College Board's BigFuture website (link). Use the search bar for schools of interest.
Build (or Narrow) Your List of Options
Build (or Narrow) Your List of Options
Our Building and Narrowing a College or Trade School List (link) may help you consider factors important to you.
Check out these resources:
Helpful links are embedded in this resource from the Jack Cooke Kent Foundation (link). Check out the video, too!
The Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges may help you to find a community college that's a good fit for you (link).
This list of colleges and universities that meet 100% of your family's demonstrated financial need (link) can help narrow your search. You may be surprised to find that the most expensive schools also have the most extensive/comprehensive financial aid packages. In other words, just because the ticket price is high, don't rule it out.
**PRO TIP: Organize information about schools you're interested in using this College / Trade School Search and Comparison Chart.
Tuition Break Program
Tuition Break Program
Interested in studying in another New England state but want to pay in-state tuition rates? It may be possible, depending on where and what you study. Tuition Break enables thousands of New England residents to enroll at out-of-state New England public colleges and universities at a discounted tuition rate. Learn more – link.
Visit Schools
Visit Schools
Visiting schools helps you to learn more about each campus. Schools offer both in-person and virtual tours. It's most helpful to visit in person if you can; it's important to sign up for in-person tours EARLY since slots fill quickly. Our Graduate Support office can help you arrange visits or help with transportation to regional schools. We're also happy to go on visits with you!
Some schools offer "fly-in programs," which are all-expenses paid, overnight visit experiences for students who are the first in their families to go to college, under-represented minority students, or students who may not otherwise be able to afford a trip to campus. These usually require an application, so it's important to apply early. Learn more about these programs – link.
Standardized Tests
Standardized Tests
Some colleges require the SAT and/or ACT. Some schools are test optional (link), meaning they allow all or some applicants to decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application. Please be sure to check to see if a school of interest is test-optional or not. Not sure which test you should take? This resource may help (link).
To view registration and test dates, look at this calendar (link) or register for the SAT (link) or the ACT (link).
IMPORTANT! Before you pay to register for a standardized test, check to see if you are eligible for a fee waiver. OSS' Graduate Support Office is happy to help you. Learn more about fee waivers for the SAT (link) and the ACT (link).
Preparing for Taking Tests
The College Board has free information to help students prepare for the SAT (link), including practice tests (link).
The College Board has teamed up with Khan Academy to offer free SAT prep tutorials (link). Students can access 8 full-length practice exams, take advantage of practice questions & video lessons, import their PSAT or NMSQT scores to narrow the focus of their practice to the areas that they need the most help in, and get instant feedback on progress.
The ACT (link) also offers a free Study Guide to help students prepare (link). Here are free sample test questions: English | Math | Reading | Science | Writing.
The ACT has partnered with Kaplan (link) to help students prepare for the ACT. Students can register for a 6-month course of study. Low-income students, who qualify for an ACT tests waiver, may also qualify for a test prep waiver.
Keep track of key parts of your application
Keep track of key parts of your application
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