Academic Services
C2 Academy –Offers individualized tutoring and test preparation—ideal for students who need additional support with a more nurturing approach. https://www.c2educate.com/
Khan Academy – Offers free videos on an array of high school subjects as well as test preparation. Best of all, it is free!! www.khanacademy.org
Kaplan Preparation –A widely known and used test preparation program that offers both in-person and online seminars for students looking to improve standardized tests scores. This is a paid service; check the online website for possible special pricing or discounts. www.kaptest.com
Applications
The Common Application –An application portal offering a single point of contact for more than 700 colleges. Approximately one million students use this convenient application each year. www.commonapp.org
Standardized Tests
ACT – A standardized test that rivals the SAT. The format and scoring are different from the SAT, and many people consider ACT to be more comprehensive.
SAT – Offered by the College Board, the SAT is the most universally known standardized test in the country. Other common tests offered by the College Board:
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- AP Tests
Fair Test – For students who are not interested in taking a standardized test, this site offers a list of more than 900 colleges that are either test optional or test flexible.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Online –This site is a must for students interested in obtaining any form of financial aid to attend college. The FAFSA form has to be completed so that college financial aid offices can determine your eligibility for various forms of financial aid. Remember, this is a free site—no fee is required to complete this form.
CSS Profile – Some colleges require supplemental financial aid information from students and their families. The CSS Profile is a form that asks more in-depth questions about a family’s financial situation. This is not required by all colleges, but College Selection will inform you which colleges on your list require it and which do not.
www.profileonline.collegeboard.com
Fastweb – A site that captures more than a million scholarships each year and provides a quick and easy interface for students to find the scholarships that align with their backgrounds and interests. Best of all, Fastweb is free!!
College Locators & Reviews
Student Review Sites –Keep in mind that these sites are students’ firsthand accounts, impressions, or interactions with various colleges. Each student has different interests, motivations, and passions. What may be acceptable for one student may be incompatible for another. Use these sites as a guide and treat them as supplemental information.
College Navigator – A fantastic site offering a wealth of information about the thousands of colleges in the United States. Easy-to-use search functions are backed up with data. There is a lot of information on this site, but College Selection will distill it for you.
www.nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator
Websites That Categorize Colleges –Use these sites as a resource, but firsthand knowledge is always best. These sites, like rankings, are a guide or starting point when building a list or exploring colleges early in your high school career. Always seek primary sources when closing in on an important decision. College Selection will assist you in identifying the people you need to speak with to ascertain critical information.
Colleges That Change Lives www.ctcl.org
Colleges of Distinction www.collegesofdistinction.com
Specialized College Websites
Catholic Colleges Online
www.catholiccollegesonline.org
Hillel on Campus –Information on colleges with an active Jewish life.
Learning Disabilities Association of America
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) – Information for students planning to participate in collegiate athletics.
Historically Black Colleges
www.blackhighereducation.com/hbcu.html
Other Resources
Campus Tours
yourcollegeselection.com 