Build Your College List
When compiling your college list, you should focus on three factors simultaneously:
Appeal
Include colleges that you genuinely like, seem to be a good fit for you socially, and offer what you want in terms of academics and extracurricular activities.
Affordability
Look for schools that are financially feasible for you and your family, and use each college's Net Price Calculator to estimate the payment amount.
Selectivity
Choose various levels of competitiveness including "reach" schools that are more challenging, "target" schools where your chances are roughly even, and "probable" schools where your chances are high.
Explore the Colleges You Like
Once you create a list of colleges you are interested in, start exploring them on a deeper level.
Campus Visits
The campus visit is an important part of the college admissions process, and allows prospective students and their families to tour a college, hear from current students and admissions staff, and get a feel for the campus. Your high school junior year is a great time to start visiting colleges that interest you.
College Fairs
College fairs bring together representatives from hundreds of colleges and universities across the country. You can ask questions, collect brochures on different schools, and learn about the different opportunities at each institution.
Understand Admission Timing Options
The colleges on your list may offer any or all of the following admission timing options, each of which has specific deadlines:
Early Action
This is a "non-binding" early admission process, which means you do not have to attend the school if you are accepted. Application deadlines are in the fall.
Early Decision
This is a "binding" early admission process, which means you are obligated to enroll if accepted. Application deadlines are in the fall.
Regular Decision
Used by the majority of applicants, this process usually has a deadline in January or February.
Rolling Admission
The rolling admissions process permits applications to be submitted over a longer period of time, sometimes with no set deadline.
Open Admission
The school accepts all applicants who have a high school diploma, a GED certificate, or a complete homeschooled high school education approved under state law.
MA Admissions Standards
Massachusetts public colleges and universities have minimum standards of admission for high school coursework, GPA, and standardized test score. Learn more about those requirements and how to apply to college.
Application Components
Your college application will include several different pieces, each of which we've highlighted below. Learn the details of each required component and stay organized as you pull together your applications. Your School Counselor can provide guidance and assistance through this process.
Application Form
Depending on the college, you may be required to fill out one of several types of applications. Note that not all, but many, schools require an application fee.
- Common Application: Used by more than 1,000 colleges and universities, this general application allows you to apply to multiple schools with one form.
- Universal College Application: Similar to the Common Application, this general application is now used by one one school.
- Coalition Application: Not just an application but an entire platform for students in grades 9-12, created to improve the college application process. Used by over 170 colleges and universities.
- College Website Online Application: This is an online application that's created and maintained by the school itself.
- Paper Application: This is a paper version of the school's specific application.
High School Transcript
Colleges will want an official copy of your high school transcript to review your courses and grades. Most colleges attest that this is the most important piece of your college application.
Standardized Tests
Each school on your list may require you to complete one or more of these standardized college entrance exams:
- SAT® and ACT — measure college readiness
- AP® Exam — demonstrates subject knowledge
- ACCUPLACER® — determines placement in college courses
While standardized test scores are mandatory at many colleges and universities, more than 2,000 schools in the U.S. do not require them. For a complete list, go to FairTest.org.
Activity List
When you list activities on your school applications, you should include extracurricular clubs, teams, employment, and other initiatives. And be sure to describe:
- The depth of your involvement in the activity
- Leadership roles and responsibilities, if any
- The impact of the activity on your community
College Essays
Many colleges and universities require an essay as part of the admissions application. The essay allows a student to write about something important to him or her and it gives the admissions office more insight into the student's personality and passions. Learn More
Letters of Recommendation
An important part of the college application process, letters of recommendation are short statements written by teachers or counselors on behalf of student applicants. They provide insight into a student's academic work and character, and help admissions committees learn more about a student as an individual, beyond the grades and test scores. Learn More
College Interviews
Another way that colleges learn about your personality is through the college interview. While an interview is not typically required, some colleges do offer it, and it can provide you with a great opportunity to show the admissions office what they may not see on paper. Learn More
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