Important Information & Resources

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.

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

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

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

College Majors 101 – Information about numerous majors
O’NET Online – Explore careers with this national database of occupational information

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

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 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)

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