Helpful Hints For Starting Your College Search

STEP 1: Explore and Compare Colleges

College Board's Big Future - Enter your academic stats and desireable college characteristics, and College Board's search feature will generate college results based on your selections. Create an account for free, and you can save colleges that spike your interest.  Great website if you have no idea where to start!

College Navigator - A federal website useful for finding reliable data for any college in the country.

STEP 2:  Talk to Admissions Reps and Visit Campus

Admission representatives from local colleges frequently visit Como Park HS.  Download the document below for a prelimnarly list of fall admission rep visits to Como:

College Rep Visits to Como

Also, check out the Como Park Counseling Dept. Calendar for scheduled admission representative visits, college fairs, and college visits.

A campus visit will usually help to determine whether a college is a good fit or not.  Try to schedule a campus visit to your top three college choices if you can.

Campus Visit Guides

STEP 3:  Apply

Help!  How do I write a Personal Statement!?!

STEP 4: Pay for College

EVERY student should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

There are scholarships for all types of students.  FastWeb is an excellent website for searching scholarships based on your strengths, interests, and skills.

WARNING: Unfortunately their are scam artists who target students looking to pay for college.  NEVER, EVER, EVER give your bank account or credit card information to someone who contacted you via phone or e-mail promising you student aid.  Also, you will NEVER have to pay to receive student aid.  If someone contacts you promising student aid if you send them money, don't do it!  It is a scam!