Quick links for researching schools:
  • Big Future: Great way to look for a college match based on size, selectivity, activities offered, location and more! You can also search specific schools to learn more. 
  • College Navigator
  • You Can Go! - I love the videos on this website!  Many students will relate to the obstacles described here.
  • The Princeton Review 
  • Find The Best - Great visuals and quick stats. Search for a school you're interested in and keep scrolling down for helpful financial information. Or, fill out the side bar to find schools that match your preferences.
  • Kahn Academy - A comprehensive college planning and research guide.  Includes many informational videos that explain how to find the right type of school for you.
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More Helpful Websites:
  • NACAC Parent/Student Resource - includes huge college fairs that they host in DC and around the country.
  • Education Planner  - AES free college planning site
  • Cappex - "the College Search Made Easy" 
  • College Planning with ECMC Opportunities Guide
  • College Reality Check - The Chronicle of Higher Education's college comparison site that informs you of what your "debt" will really be after considering financial aid, scholarships, etc.  Also shares graduation rates.
  • CollegeMeasures.org - Check out Virginia's economic data about education level attained and correlating salaries.
  • College Results Online - Comprehensive college comparison site.
  • College Majors 101 - Research colleges by the majors they offer.
  • Going to College - an online resource to help teens with disabilities prepare for college.
  • Going2College - Can search by state for college access assistance.
  • I'm First - an online community supporting first generation college-bound students.
  • College Greenlight - Offers first generation college-bound students lots of resources for planning for, applying to and paying for college. Application fee waivers article.
  • College Answer - Guidance on preparing, selecting, applying, paying, deciding, and financing college.
  • March2Success - has SAT/ACT/SOL Prep and information about applying to and paying for college.​
  • Affordable Schools Online by Cheap Colleges.  Provides a list of affordable colleges and good financial aid information.  But as they highlight, be sure to tap into financial aid sources as part of the cost mix whether the schools you are interested in are on the list or not. 
  • Know How 2 Go -  College prep for middle and high school students
  • Mapping Your Future - Comprehensive tool from planning and paying for college to career exploration.
  • My College Options - includes test prep, summer programs, college matching, financial aid and more. Good for both parents and students.
  • MyFuture - Offers information on college, military, careers and building a resume.
  • NCAA - Eligibility information for college athlete hopefuls.
  • Peterson's College Search Tool. Includes test prep, essay-writing, paying for college, etc.  
  • State Council for Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV)  - Preparing, picking, and paying for college (click on the appropriate tabs on the left column)
  • Virginia Wizard - Career, community college, and college match (mostly Virginia)
  • If considering pursuing college online, check out Accredited Online Colleges 
  • College Visits - if you want structured tours of colleges by region (for a cost), check out this company.  Regions include New England, California, Northeast, Canada and Southeast.

Touring Schools