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MASSACHUSETTS EDUCATIONAL FINANCING AUTHORITY
APPLYING TO COLLEGE? START HERE
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Use MEFA Pathway, a new college planning
tool
Set up a free account here
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Use MEFA’s College Admissions Toolkit
Get it here
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Follow MEFA’s Admissions and
Financial Aid Timeline
Get it here
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Developing the College List
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•Think about student fit•Research thoroughly
•Balance:–Academics–Finances
–Size/Setting
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Observe:•Size/setting•Housing/facilities•Culture•Activities/academics offered•Student demeanor
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•Check the list of schools first•Make a plan of attack•Visit the info booth•Attend info sessions•NACACnet.org•NEACAC.org
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Understand Application Timing
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•Regular Decision•Early Action•Early Decision•Rolling Admission•Open Admission
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•Application form•High school transcript•Standardized test scores (SAT & ACT)•Letters of Recommendation•Activity list or resume•Essay•Interview•Audition/Portfolio (for the arts)
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•Common App•Universal College App•Coalition App•Online college website app•Paper app
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•Practice can raise scores•Register on time•900+ test-optional schools
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•Show leadership•Include part-time jobs•List family commitments•Highlight community impact
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•Start early•Make it personal•Be creative•Proofread
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Letters of Recommendation
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•Follow school guidelines•Ask early•Don’t send extras•Write thank you notes
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•Know why you’re applying•Share your positives•Be yourself•Ask good questions
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•Accept placement•Send the school updates•Must deposit elsewhere•Minimal financial aid if accepted
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•Tuition Break•MassTransfer–Gen Ed Foundation
–A2B Degree–Commonwealth Commitment
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•FAFSA®
•CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE ®
•College-specific applications
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Questions? Contact us:
(800) 449-MEFA (6332)[email protected]
mefa.org