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College Navigator – Start your search using this tool from the National Center for Education Statistics.
College Scorecard – A US Department of Education website providing extensive data about US colleges & universities.
The Fiske Guide to Colleges – Profiles of selective colleges and universities with useful sidebars.
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FAFSA – Required of anyone who wants to be considered for federal, state and institutional financial assistance.
CSS Profile – An application used by many private, and some public colleges and universities, to award non-federal (institutional) aid.
MEFA – The Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority offers webinars, videos and planning guides on a broad range of college topics, as well as financing for families from any state. I recommend MEFA’s SAI calculator.
Paying for College – Includes a line-by-line walkthrough of the FAFSA, but don’t wait until senior year to read this guide to financial aid.
Paying for College in Four Steps – a student-friendly primer from Amanda Miller.
BigJ Educational Consulting Charts - CDS data presented in an easily searchable manner; see in particular the Domestic Undergraduate Need-Based and Merit Aid chart.
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College Match - A DIY college process workbook for your student.
Admissions Beat – Dartmouth College Dean of Admissions leads a podcast that gives parents and students behind-the-scenes insights into the college search.
College Essay Guy Podcast covers a broad range of topics - great listening for a college visit road trip.
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College Essay Essentials by Ethan Sawyer provides great exercises for uncovering and communicating students' values.
Khan Academy comprehensive, self-paced, free SAT test prep.
FairTest includes a list of test-optional and test-free colleges and universities.
Corsava offers a free card-sort experience that helps students consider which college criteria matter most- to them.