MEFA Blog

Tips include start saving, look for scholarships early, earn college credits in high school, consider community college, attend college online, and apply for financial aid. …

A mother reflects on how attending a college graduation brought up college planning considerations for her children, including visiting a college campus, thinking about finances, talking about career plans, and considering school location and distance. …

Other options besides college include trade schools, community college, developing a skill, going into the military, starting a business, or going right into the workforce.…

Learn about our Journey to College video series where we interviewed high school seniors throughout the year to hear how they were building their college list, figuring out how to pay for future colleges costs, and making the ultimate decision of where to attend.…

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.…

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. …

Take advantage of the guidance that school counselors provide by attending events they host, being proactive and initiating a conversation with them, and having them write a letter of recommendation that puts personality and dimension behind the student's grades. …

Middle school students can create an account, view suggested activities by grade level, play fun games that facilitate exploration and discovery, build the foundation for a resume, and document their journey as they grow their aptitudes and accomplishments. …

If you think your child might be a good fit for trade school, you should think about your child's skills and learning style and if they enjoy a more hands-on learning environment, consider the most common jobs associated with trade school graduates and if they would be a match for one, and look at the options for trade schools nearby to see if one fits your child's interests. …

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. …