Important Information, Resources & Student Worksheets
This page contains additional resources that might be helpful in your college search and application process.
General Questions about Common App
- Use the Need Help? box on the right side of each page of Common App for general questions.
- Common App also has a chat box you can use to get answers to specific questions. Learn about the chat box in the “Need Help?” box on each page of Common App.
- Common App Student Solutions Center has information and FAQs for applicants, counselors, and recommenders.
- UStrive is an organization partnered with Common App to connect U.S. resident students with free virtual mentoring in the application process.
Student Worksheets
Student Worksheets
- If you wish to adapt any of the AXS Toolbox worksheets:
- Go to the menu bar and click File
- Select Make a copy and a Copy document window will open
- Click Make a copy
- Now you are ready to title and adapt your own worksheet
Financial Aid Resources
- College Board Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Calculator
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- CSS Profile – An additional financial aid application used by some colleges and universities
- Find colleges that:
- Meet 90% of financial need or more
- Are generous with merit aid or that have lower sticker prices
Big J Educational Consulting’s Domestic Financial Aid Chart
Collegedata.com
Standardized Testing
- FairTest (National Center for Fair & Open Testing) – Maintains a list of test optional/flexible/blind schools
- ACT – Company that administers the ACT
- College Board – Company that administers the SAT & AP tests
- Khan Academy – Provides free SAT test prep
- ACT Academy – Provides free ACT test prep
College Search/Create a College List
- Big Future – A college search site where you can search according to numerous characteristics of interest (part of College Board)
- CollegeXpress – A college and scholarship search site (must create a free account). This site has lists of colleges that meet various characteristics
- Collegedata.com – A college search site (must create free account)
- College Navigator – A database produced by the National Center for Education Statistics with data on admissions, cost, outcomes, enrollment, and more
- Public University Honors – A website where you can learn more about honors colleges at public universities
- Colleges that Change Lives – A list of 40 or so smaller liberal arts colleges and universities selected for their commitment to an outstanding undergraduate education
- Colleges of Distinction – A list of institutions that strive for excellence
Explore Majors or Careers
- College Majors 101 – Information about numerous majors
- O’NET Online – Explore careers with this national database of occupational information
Resources for Writing Application Essays
Videos
- Harvard Undergraduate Admissions Council – Great tips straight from a college student
- Khan Academy – Admission officers give great advice on the essay
- Boston University – Short, quick pointers from two wonderful admissions officers
Tips
- National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC) – Advice on the personal essay
- How to Write the “Why Us?” Essay
- How to Write Supplemental Essays
- How to Write About Academic Challenges
Examples
- Essays That Worked – On Johns Hopkins website
- Essays That Worked – On Connecticut College website
Other application resources
- Tips for helpful information to provide to recommenders in a brag sheet
Resources for Specific Populations
- Big Future – A resource for undocumented students applying to college
- Campus Pride Index – A resource for LGBTQ students
- Hillel College Guide – A resource for Jewish students
- College Equity Index – An index that grades over 300 colleges and universities on accessibility & affordability, diversity, campus culture, and outcomes for Black students
- HBCU Connect – Information about and listing of Historically Black Colleges and Universities
- NCAA Eligibility Center – Information for student athletes
Learning Differences
- Learning Disabilities Association of America – Information for people with learning disabilities and those who work with them. This organization also does advocacy
- LD Online – Information and advice about learning differences and ADHD
- Seven Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities, 3rd Ed., Elizabeth Hamblet (Book)