Topics include share your cause, think about who you admire, reflect on how you've grown, talk about a challenge, describe something you love, brag a bit, and share something new. …

Three MEFA employees who have helped their own children through the college planning process provide advice on looking at schools, staying organized, keeping calm and staying balanced, applying, and paying. …

Use this tool to keep track of school names, admissions deadlines, required standardized tests (if any), required financial aid applications, financial aid deadlines, and notes.…

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. …

Take the PSAT, visit college campuses, determine your high school course plan, know what AP & IB classes and extracurricular activties to take, find out GPA requirements, take to family members about their college experiences, and talk with your family about college payment expectations.…

In honor of College Decision Day, MEFA staff members shared how they made their final decision of where to attend college and the factors that contributed to that decision, including cost, location, programs offered, and campus size. …

Tips include getting a letter of recommendation from a shop teacher, including any certifications and licensing, looking into programs that have a technical focus, and exploring MassTransfer. …

A parent of a high school junior discusses making a list of schools, planning campus visits, attending college fairs, and considering post-graduation possibilities such as a gap year or a community college. …

Learn how interviews can help students assert their voice and share their passions, and what the two biggest obstacles to interviews are - schools' varying policies and urban legends about trick questions. …

A College Applicant Portal contains key, personal information for every applicant at a college and allows you to update contact information, monitor application status, upload and track documents, and view the decision on the application. …