Consider attributes you want in a school, majors you are interested in, and current GPA and test scores when building your college list. …

Steps include finalizing your list, getting your letters of recommendation, finishing your essay, making sure you've sent official test scores, meeting with your school counselor, and hitting submit. …

Tools include the College Navigator, the College Scorecard, and Net Price Calculators.…

Factors to consider include money, time, financial aid, if you apply early decision, if you want a specific program, if you have specific needs, and if you apply to selective colleges. …

Learn how to use the MEFA Pathway College Compare tool to compare schools on features such as size, setting, graduation rate, in-state vs. out-of-state tuition, total cost of attendance, and GPA of incoming freshmen. …

Learn the difference between financial need-based and merit aid and how to optimize your chances at receiving them, and consider schools with a low sticker price.…

Place college costs in the context of your other important financial life decisions, determine your parameters of college affordability by compiling key financial information, and understand how financial aid works differently at various colleges. …

Get tips on evaluating schools, details on each component of the college application, and resources to help you through the next several months.…

Learn how to create a balanced college list by focusing on likability, affordability and admissibility. …