College Search and General Information
Match and Fit
Find your Match and Fit
For information on your selectivity and which colleges match you academically use this table. If you can't access the table, use the the spreadsheet at the bottom of the page.
College Search Tools
- Use your College Board/Khan Academy log in and do a search using match and fit categories
- Note that they have the % of financial need met on the first page of each school
- Save your search and revise as your interests develop
- Use the tool to directly connect with colleges
- Data-driven website
- One of the few places with 4-year graduation rates
- Find graduation rates for your specific demographic (Latino Males, for example)
- Graduate income and loan default rates (is the degree worth anything?)
Niche provides unique data points and uniquely incorporates student feedback--like YELP reviews.
- Has a matching tool similar to others
- Beware--many of the choices appear to have paid for the privilege of being on the top of the lists
- Scholarship and Test Prep info links
The Midwest Student Exchange Program has out of state colleges that provide tuition discounts to IL students
Here are two sites where students can apply to multiple colleges using one application.
Common Appplication
Information on Test-flexible colleges can be found here
Fairtest.org is the home page for test-optional colleges
Click here for a curated list of strong colleges that are test-optional to make your life easier
Colleges that sponsor free visits for students (and some families)
Top students should apply for free visits to competitive colleges
Additional College Websites
High School Counselor Week has a parent-specific section of articles every week
Chronicle of Higher Education has a student section worth reading
New York Times Education page has articles on a variety of topics
Resources for Undocumented Students