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About MEFA

Not-for-profit state authority created in 1982, helping families plan, save, and pay for college

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Webinar Topics

Current Trends
Your College List
Campus Visits
The Application Process
Financial Aid
Free Resources

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Trends in College Admissions

Students applying to a greater number of schools
Demonstrated interest a factor
Social media
Cost a bigger factor
More ways to interact with colleges virtually
More test-optional schools
More applications at test-optional schools, resulting in more selectivity
Longer waitlists

Current trends in College Admissions:

Based on the community and school you are presenting at, you may need to adjust how you are presenting slides based on the audience. Presenting to students vs. parents change the way you will address the information provided.
Students are beginning to think about college admissions now in junior year – or earlier
Students who are applying to selective majors may face earlier admissions deadlines for consideration into those programs, i.e. nursing, engineering, selective business schools, etc. (For example a student applying for the nursing program at U.Mass Lowell MUST apply early. There is no other choice.)
Students are applying to a greater number of schools, according to NACAC. Most counselors now recommend applying to between 6 and 8 schools, but more if the list is comprised of mostly ivy league or highly competitive schools or if a student is interested in a selected major.
As a result, schools are having a more difficult time making admissions decisions – this therefore makes the student’s indicated interest in a school that much more important – many schools make note of every communication with a student, whether it be an email, school visit, college fair visit, or phone call. Students should call the school, rather than the parent, to show that the student is interested. If a student can visit the campus or make it to an event put on by the college nearby, the student should go.
Colleges enrollment systems are very sophisticated and they can see every interaction with students.
Colleges are looking for students to be informed when showing their interest in a school and asking questions. For example, taking a tour of a business school and asking whether they have nursing shows the student has not done any research on the school.
Data from NACAC show that 16.9 percent of four-year colleges say they view demonstrated interest as having "considerable importance" in admissions decisions, and another 33.3 percent see it as having "moderate importance." That is far below the emphasis placed on grades, but well above such factors as an interview or work experience.
Parent-driven: Helicopter Parents step aside – the Lawnmower and Snowplow Parents have arrived. College is when students need to learn self-advocacy.
Parents should be supportive, but don’t go overboard. Enjoy the last year students will be home full time. Students need to start advocating for themselves when they get to college. Think about the skills you want your student to have when you drop him off at college and make sure he acquires these skills in the process!
Consider setting up a joint family email for the college process that both student and parents can access. This will ensure that important emails sent to the student don’t get overlooked. Make sure the email has the student’s name in it (JohnJonescollege is better than JonesFamily)
Social media - 97% of schools using social media in their online recruitment efforts, according to the National Association for College Admissions Counseling. Used to remind students of deadlines and information sessions. Though schools may not check Facebook, Twitter, etc. for every applicant, a student’s social media presence, as well as how he presents himself over the phone, through email, and in person, can be considered as part of the application. A Kaplan poll reported 29% of admissions officers check social media posts of applicants, but a much smaller percentage check them regularly (2% for public schools and 13% for private schools) (Inside Higher Ed)
It’s a good idea to have students Google themselves (do an internet search of their own names) to see what is out there representing them in the public domain. We have a blog speaking to colleges using social media when assessing students for admission: How a social media profile affects college admissions.
Lack of authentic communication: something we are hearing is students are difficult to reach and struggle during face-to-face encounters (e.g. open houses, interviews, etc.). These encounters can make a big difference, pushing a borderline student over the top!

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College Factors to Consider

Institution size & location
Academic fit
Campus culture
Activities
Learning style
Study abroad programs
Intended major
Career & internship services
Affordability
Social climate

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Informal & Formal Campus Visits

Informal Visits

Formal Visits

Size
Setting
Culture

Academics
Activities
Housing
Q&A

Remember that on formal visits, colleges are marketing their campus and selling their school to potential students.

You wouldn’t buy a car without test driving it, college is an even bigger investment so make sure you visit before depositing.

How do you find out about campus visits? Check the school’s admissions section of their website. They will typically have a calendar of events and information on how to register for formal campus visits.
Informal visits are so valuable – do a drive-by, go to a basketball game, attend a play, talk to and observe the students – do students seem happy and engaged? Self-guided tours are also often an option – with a pamphlet/map/guide to follow
College campuses are open environments – you can visit anytime, at least informally
Formal tours will want to put the colleges best foot forward. Ask the tour guide or other students what they like least about the school.
Ask your son/daughter: How do you FEEL on the campus? Does it seem like a fit?
Parents: observe your son or daughter on campus and how he/she is reacting to the visit
We are fortunate in MA: within a half day’s drive, we can visit all types of institutions: public, private, CC, rural, urban, large, small, etc. – take advantage
After the formal visit, go off the beaten path – visit the student union, walk around, explore further
Take a look at bulletin boards when on campus to get a sense of typical events at that school
Pick up a copy of the school newspaper to read student articles and see what’s happening on campus
If a school on the student’s list is too far away to travel, visit a similar school nearby (if applying to a far away Jesuit school, go see BC; if applying to a large, urban school, go visit BU, etc.)
Bring a friend!
Some colleges also offer “fly-ins” – they’ll fly students in to tour the campus – often reserved for certain populations, but worth researching
If you can’t get to campus, many colleges offer great virtual tours online
Parents are always asking for ways to get involved in the process. A great role for parents is to manage/drive the college visit process!

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College Fair Tips

Sign up
Check out the college list beforehand
Have a plan of attack before you start
Take advantage of information sessions
Schedule 1-on-1 meetings with colleges if available
Check nacacfairs.org for upcoming events

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Assess Prospects for Admission

Develop a final list with colleges of each type:

Likely
Possible
Reach

The student will need probable, target, and reach schools on the list. As the student could very likely end up attending one of the probable schools (and be very happy!), the most important thing to do right now is to determine the right probable schools for the list (places the student knows he or she would like to attend). Make sure there is one probable school that’s affordable, and make sure the student would be happy to attend any school on the list.
Students can check admitted student profiles on the college websites to find out where they might fit best and to determine probably, target, and reach schools
How many schools should be on the list? This is a family decision and may differ based on your intended major/program. Anywhere from 5 to 8 schools seems to be the new norm. 9 is the national average but some school counselors recommend less. Each school should be one the student wants to attend. Students might need to apply to more if the list is filled with ivys, as ivys have a very low acceptance rate
Student should know why he or she is applying to each school - applications are expensive!
Reach category: Less than 50% chance of admission and competition is so keen that it is difficult to predict the chances for even the strongest students.
Colleges do not know where else students applied
Families can utilize common data set, college profile, “google” the school, etc.
Ivy league colleges and other “top tier” institutions are a reach for EVERY student

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College Application Types

Regular Decision: Usually an early Jan deadline
Early Action: Deadlines in Nov & Dec, non-binding agreement
Early Decision: Deadlines in Nov & Dec, binding agreement
Rolling Admission: Decisions on a rolling basis, Nov-May
Open Admission: Admits most students for most programs anytime

Describe the differences and advantages/disadvantages of Regular Decision, Early Action (restricted and unrestricted), Early Decision, Rolling Admission, and Open Admission.

Think before applying to a college because the application is free. If you wouldn’t apply and put in the work for a $50 app. fee, you probably shouldn’t apply if it’s free.

Some colleges require students to apply early if they want to be considered for merit aid or have an interview. Research each school thoroughly for this information!

Regular Decision - Apply by the college’s regular deadline; usually early winter

If a student needs his senior year grades to boost the application, Regular Decision may be a better option.

There can be advantages, both in admissions and financial aid, to applying Early Action or Early Decision -

Early Decision and Early Action often involve a earlier financial aid deadline as well. Check with the college to find out.
Early Decision is binding; Early Action is not
If you apply ED or EA to a school, you’ll either be rejected outright, deferred to the regular admission pool, or accepted. You can’t apply again through regular decision
Acceptance rates for early programs can be more than twice as high as in the regular round, and Duke advertises that advantage on its website
Admit rate is higher through early processes: Among all colleges with early decision, their regular admit rate was 50.7 percent, but the rate for early decision was 62.3 percent. For colleges with early action, the overall admit rate was 64.1 percent and the rate for early-action applicants was 73.6 percent. (Inside Higher Ed)

Early Action (I and II, will vary by institution)

Apply to the college by a specific early deadline, usually Nov or Dec. Deposit not due until May 1st
EA Restricted means you are not allowed to apply to other colleges with EA at the same time and you may not apply ED anywhere
EA Unrestricted means you are free to apply to more than one college with EA at the same time

Early Decision (I and II, will vary by institution)

Students often have to jump through many hoops to get out of an Early Decision commitment, including showing why cost is prohibiting the student from attending
Students should only apply Early Decision to a school if it is the student’s top choice. Early Decision does not allow a student to shop around.
Increasing number of schools offering early admissions (ED or EA): several hundred

Rolling Admission:

Applications are reviewed as they are received
Best to submit your application as soon as you decide to apply as chances for admission may be better. Also, even if admission is rolling, keep in mind that there may be deadlines for other processes such as housing.
Financial aid resources can run out toward the end of the Rolling Admission process

Open Admission:

College admits almost all applicants with a HS diploma or GED
Some colleges have open admission for some programs but not all

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College Application Forms

Application requirements may vary at each college.

College Application Forms:

Common App: CommonApp.org
Universal College App: UniversalCollegeApp.com
Coalition App: CoalitionForCollegeAccess.org
College website application
Paper application

Check each school’s website to determine:

The type of application required and how to submit the application

The Common App was established in 1975 and now has about 900 member institutions. The Common App has seven essay prompts and a word count of 650. Note that schools who use the Common App often require a Supplemental App.
The Universal College App was established in 2007 and has 9 member institutions, including Harvard and Wentworth Institute of Technology
Coalition Application- http://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/

The platform provides a single, centralized toolkit for students to organize, build, and refine their applications to numerous institutions. Coalition schools provide substantial support to lower–resourced and underrepresented students, offer responsible student financial aid support, and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.
Over 150 schools including Bates, BU, Bowdoin, Colby, Holy Cross, Harvard, Middlebury, NEU, Mt Holyoke, Smith, Tufts, UConn, UNH, Wellesley, U of VT-Burlington, Wesleyan, Yale

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College Application Components

Application requirements may vary at each college.

Your application may include:

Application form
High school transcript
Standardized test scores
Letters of recommendation
Activity list or resume
Personal essay
Interview
Audition
Portfolio

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Academic Readiness

Rigor
Good grades vs. challenging classes
Improvement over time
Exceeding minimum requirements
Relevance to college plans
Sliding scale for MA public colleges & universities

Academic readiness is still the most important component in college admissions
Discuss how important the rigor of the high school transcript is to a school, rather than just the grades
It’s better to get a B in an AP class than an A in an honors class. AP is college-level work. And will also prepare you better for college.
Check with the college to see if your AP class(es) translates into college credits.
Colleges look to see how well a student has challenged himself, based on the academics offered at his school
Subjects in high school, if possible, should match the student’s indicated intended program of study in college
Senior year grades are still very important!! Don’t let senior year grades drop – colleges do have the right to rescind admission to a student if the student’s senior year grades are not satisfactory.
Sliding scale: students must have a 3.0 min GPA to be considered for admission at MA public colleges/universities. Students with a GPA between a 2.0 and 2.99 must have a certain combined SAT/ACT score on the critical reading and math sections to be considered for admissions. Students with a GPA below a 2.0 are not admissible
Remember that there is a college for everybody, especially B students. Not everyone gets all As in high school. And students with Bs and Cs can go to college.
MassCore information can be found here: doe.mass.edu/ccte/ccr/masscore/

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Activity List & Resume

Extracurricular activities
Showcase what you do and the depth of the activity
Include family responsibilities and employment
Highlight the impact on your community

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Essays

Your application essay says a lot about you
Share something meaningful and personal
Start writing early
Try different topics and approaches
Plagiarism is taken very seriously
Leave time for careful proof-reading

The essay is not a research paper – it’s a personal story
Students should read their essay out loud to a friend to determine if it sounds genuine and personal to that student
If an essay asks why the student is applying to that specific school, talk about the specifics of that school, not just the city where it’s located or its public vs. private nature – students should show that they’ve done their research
Colleges take plagiarism VERY seriously – a student should ensure the essay is his/her own work
Concentrate on describing your CURRENT self, not a story that shows yourself in the past
Be specific to you – would the essay work if another student inserted his name? Then it’s not specific enough to you.
You want the reader to want to know more about you after reading your essay, and want you to join the student body.
Show how you will have an impact on that college campus.
The Common App has 7 essay prompts
Keep in mind that in addition to the Common App essay, many schools have a supplemental essay required
Remind students not to panic if they haven’t experienced a life-changing event – most 17 year-olds have not
Life-shaping experiences include losing a parent or dealing with a significant illness – share these with colleges
Note that some schools may require you to write more than one essay!
College admissions counselors read SO MANY ESSAYS. If yours can evoke some emotion/reaction out of them – laughter, sadness, surprise, etc. – you’ll make an impression
Johns Hopkins and CT College both post online college essays that the admissions committee liked (both titled, Essays That Worked)
Good news: if have a great essay, you can also use it for scholarships
We have a blog with great essay tips: How to Write the College Essay
Despite all of this, be aware of not over-sharing personal issues
The Common App this coming year (for students graduating in 2021) will include a dedicated space for students to explain (if they choose to) how COVID-19 has impacted their lives, so they can use the rest of the application to speak to their interests, talents, etc.

https://www.commonapp.org/blog/COVID-19-question-common-app

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Common App Essay Prompts

for Fall 2023 Admission

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

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Letters of Recommendation

Adults who know you well can offer a helpful perspective on your strengths

What are your high school guidelines?
Whom to ask?
When to ask?
Say thank you!

Colleges don’t want to receive more than 3 letters of recommendation, even if a student has 9 strong ones. Send only the number of letters required – not more.
Ask teachers in May of junior year for a recommendation so they may think about it over the summer
Helpful to seek out teachers that taught you in core subjects – not club advisers – and especially ask teachers of your Honors & AP courses
Also helpful to seek out teachers who taught you in a subject you plan to major in
Seek out teachers who know you WELL
Best to ask junior year teachers as they have just had you for an entire academic year
Also, think about teachers who write well and are likely to get the recommendation done on time. Sometimes the most popular teacher gets very busy!
Write thank you notes after the fact
Might be a good idea on this slide to let the guidance counselor jump in with any specifics
The Common App can set a limit of how many letters of recommendation a school will accept.
MEFA has tips for letters of recommendation at mefa.org/letters-of-recommendation/

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Interviews

A face-to-face conversation lets colleges see the person behind the numbers

Only offered at a small number of schools
Two types: Informational and Evaluative
Be prepared to answer open-ended questions
Know your reasons for applying to the college
Ask thoughtful questions
Cover the basics
Relax and be yourself

Interviews are not offered at many schools
Two types of interviews:

1. Informational: For students to ask questions to learn more about a school.
2. Evaluative: Admissions asks questions as part of the decision process.

If a school strongly encourages an interview, DO IT
Respond immediately to interview requests
The importance of the interview varies widely from school to school. Determine the importance at each school.
You could be interviewed by the admissions staff, a current student, or an alum.
An alum who has been assigned to interview a student might contact the student before the student hears from the school, so a student should be prepared to hear from an alum not directly affiliated with the school
Be prepared to tell your story.
Dress appropriately!
Send a thank you note after, especially if the interview didn’t go as well as you had hoped – acknowledge that, and let the interviewer know what you wish you would have said
Some colleges are doing interviews over email so students should make sure to use good grammar, punctuation, mature language, etc. in these emails
MEFA has college interview tips at mefa.org/college-interviews/

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The Admissions Decision

Most colleges send decisions over email or post to their online portal

Deposit by deadline (usually May 1^st) to secure your spot at a school

Admitted

Student is accepted
Student may also be accepted to begin at a later semester

Deferred

Student is not accepted Early Action/Decision but will be considered in the regular applicant pool

Denied

Student is not accepted

Waitlisted

Student is not yet accepted and may not get accepted off the waitlist

Some students are accepted but must start after the fall semester

A Word About the Waitlist

Increasing popularity
Some schools have a very long list
Must submit enrollment deposit at an accepted school - This is usually non-refundable
Accepted off the waitlist = minimal financial aid
Steps to take when on the waitlist:

Write a short note to the admissions counselor
Update the school with recent grades and awards

More and more students are being waitlisted
Hundreds of schools use them
Some schools have more students on the waitlist than accepted
Students usually have to accept their place on the waitlist
According to Inside Higher Ed’s 2019 Survey of College and University Admissions Officers, 23 percent of admissions officers agree or strongly agree that they use college waiting lists in part to avoid rejecting strong applicants. 18 percent strongly agree or agree that they use them to avoid rejecting applicants who have connections to the college.

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Understanding College Affordability

What is the Cost of Attendance and Net Price?
What financial aid applications are required and when?
Need-based aid vs. merit-based aid: potentially different deadlines
Start looking for private scholarships now

Educate families that most will not pay the full Cost of Attendance, due to substantial financial aid offered from many sources
Remind families of the importance of financial aid deadlines and requirements – SO IMPORTANT
Let parents know that this is a good time to begin the conversation with their students about what the family can afford in regards to college costs and student loan debt
Mention the MEFA Financial Aid 101 webinars
Be aware of lower cost options, like NEBHE’s Tuition Break, which offers lower out-of-state tuition to New England residents if studying in a program not offered in their home state
Some private colleges in the country offer tuition rates to match their in-state rivals. U of Maine in Orono matches rates of in-state tuition at neighboring states
As an FYI, required no-credit remedial courses drain college funds and delay graduation

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Net Price Calculators

Online tool found on each college’s website
Asks questions about family finances & student academics
Provides personal, estimated net college price
Displays federal & institutional financial aid
Merit-based aid may also be calculated

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Umass Amherst

5-Member Household

2 in college

$90.000-99,000 (after taxes)

On-Campus housing

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Bentley University

5-Member Household

2 in college

$99,000 (after taxes)

On-Campus housing

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Bentley University

Total Cost

$78,470

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Applying for Financial Aid

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®):

Required by every college and university
2024-25 FAFSA available Oct 1, 2023
Will ask about 2022 income

CSS Profile^TM:

Required by 250+ colleges and scholarship agencies
2024-25 Profile available Oct 1, 2023
Will ask about 2022 income

College-specific financial aid applications

Posted on each college’s financial aid website

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Paying for College in MA:

You Have Options

MassTransfer

Makes transfer from community college to a 4-year MA public college more affordable
Benefits include guaranteed credit transfer, tuition credit, & freeze on tuition

mass.edu/masstransfer

Tuition Break

Reduction on out-of-state tuition costs at New England schools for certain programs

nebhe.org/tuitionbreak

Different programs in MA offer affordable options for paying for college
Tuition Break is offered by NEBHE
NEBHE’s website also has a list of New England colleges & universities
MassTransfer info can be found at: mass.edu/masstransfer
Commonwealth Commitment:

Student must

Begin at one of Massachusetts’ Community Colleges
Complete associate degree within 2.5 years
Transfer to one of Massachusetts’ state universities or UMass campuses
Complete bachelor’s degree within 2 more years
Maintain full-time, continuous enrollment and a cumulative 3.0 GPA throughout the program

Commonwealth Commitment to Students

A freeze on tuition & mandatory fees for all four years upon entry into the Commonwealth Commitment program, until student graduates or leaves program
A reduction in tuition & mandatory fees by an average of $5,090 over four years through:

A 10% rebate off tuition & mandatory fees, payable via check or bookstore voucher at the end of every successfully completed semester
An additional MassTransfer tuition credit once student enrolls in bachelor’s program eligible majors

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What You Can Do Now

Sign up for MEFA webinars at mefa.org/events

Research colleges

Start creating your college list

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Researching Colleges

Research Thoroughly

College Navigator: CollegeNavigator.gov

College search with admissions, academic, & cost info

College Scorecard: CollegeScorecard.ed.gov

College info including average net price, student debt, grad rate, & alumni salary

Big Future: bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search

College search with info on academics, applying, & paying

MEFA Pathway: mefapathway.org

College search and matching tool based on preferences

Focus on finding colleges that will be the best match for the student’s needs.

Tips on developing the college list:

Do your research – applying to college is expensive – make sure every college on the list is a good fit for the student
How do parents and students know if it’s a good fit? The following data points should all be listed on a college’s website and most college search tools. Compare them against the students profile to see where they fall:

Average GPA
Average SAT and/or ACT test score
Acceptance Rates
Last admitted class profile

The student should develop a relationship with each college on the list – be in touch with the admissions office, attend a college visit at the high school, and visit the college if possible. Colleges track the interest each student shows in their institution.
It’s helpful to find a college with extracurriculars that seem interesting or match a student’s high school activities – this can ease the transition to college
Information about MA public colleges & universities: mass.edu/gohigher
Families can utilize common data set, college profile, “google” the school, etc.

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Connect with MEFA on Social Media

facebook.com/mefaMA

@mefa_ma

@MEFAtweets

linkedin.com/company/mefa

youtube.com/MEFAcounselor

mefa.org/mefa-podcast

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Thank You

Call (800) 449-MEFA (6332)

or email collegeplanning@mefa.org

QUESTIONS?