Knowledge is Power

Success in the college search and application process relies on learning about the system you are entering.
Below are some resources parents and students can use to gather the needed information to navigate and succeed
in the college process.

Click on the resource name to be guided to the information link.

College Information and Search

• College Data
• Big Future
• College Express
• Unigo

Admissions Chances

• Cappex

Testing

• ACT
• SAT

Test Optional College List

Covid turned standardized admissions testing on its head. Pre-covid 80% of students submitted test scores.
Currently, 80% of four-year colleges and universities in the US are test-optional.
Fair Test, a long-standing non-profit organization advocating for test-optional in admissions, keeps track of
the latest information and lists on the topic.

FairTest

Financial Aid

• FAFSA
• CSS Profile
• Family Contribution and Other Calculators
• Financial Aid Fundamentals

Other

• Common Application
• Guide for Support for Students with Learning Disabilities
• Ethical Standards for Admissions and Counseling
• About Using an Independent Educational Counselor
• What Colleges Look for in High School Students

What to Read

Learning About Admissions and Trends

• Journalist Jeff Selingo on Current Issues Within Admissions
• Chronicle of Higher Education

Journalist Malcolm Gladwell discusses the history and implications of the college ranking system in context of the original and ever-influential Newsweek Rankings.
Should we follow this system given how its data is formulated?
Listen to Lord of the Rankings

With admissions competition and stress at an all-time high, the Director of Admissions at Georgia Tech, Rick Clark,
and his staff offer advice and perspective that is a must-read for parents and students to stay informed and grounded
in the admissions process:
Georgia Tech Admission Blog