College Research & Application Resources by Kelly Meads

College Researching Websites

kellymeads — 2026-05-08 16:43:03 UTC

This organization "reviewed each college search website based on factors students commonly use during the college search process, including usability, search filters, cost information, comparison tools, student reviews, and access to admissions or outcomes data.

No single website is perfect for every student. Some tools are better for comparing data, while others are stronger for reviews, scholarships, or admissions guidance. Students should use multiple resources as they build and refine their college list."

Behind the Scenes: Reading Your Application (Webinar Recording)

kellymeads — 2026-05-08 16:44:56 UTC

In this video, representatives from The College Essay Guy review how admissions officers evaluate your transcript in context by considering course rigor, your school profile, testing choices, and how you explain academic challenges to understand the full story behind your grades.

It's about an hour long, but could be worth it to really get some context for how this process works.

Timeline: College Research, Application and Financial Aid

kellymeads — 2026-05-08 16:46:22 UTC

"From identifying potential schools to paying your first college bill, planning for college requires you to be motivated, organized, and thorough. Follow [MEFA's] checklist linked above for college admissions and financial aid to stay on track."

College 101 Slideshow & Checklist

kellymeads — 2026-05-08 17:02:39 UTC

Juniors planning to apply for 4 year college options!

You have likely been hearing from your School Counselor about first steps in the college research and application process. Linked is the College 101 Slideshow for you to reference as well as a checklist that you may find useful in the coming months.

Best Colleges: US News & World Report

kellymeads — 2026-05-11 12:49:50 UTC

.S. News & World Report provides more than 100 different types of numerical rankings and lists to help students narrow their college search. From National Universities and Liberal Arts Colleges to A-Plus Schools for B Students, find the right one for you. Above is a link to their most recent findings. You can also click through to the link on their methodology so you can understand HOW they rank. We highly encourage personal research and when possible, in person visits to colleges of interest. These rankings are a starting point for some, but also may not enter the equation for others.

The rankings are worth checking out, but make sure you don't put all your stock in them and do your own research for you and what college may suit YOU best.

Campus Visits

kellymeads — 2026-05-11 12:53:14 UTC

Visits are a key way to get to know the feel of the campus community which is hard to do in any other way. While there are often campus tours year round, often there are events specifically for high school juniors starting in the spring. Try to visit different types of colleges to get a sense of the differences between campuses and the unique attributes of each institution. It’s best to sign up for an official tour, but if that’s not possible, many colleges offer brochures to take a self-guided tour around campus. See the link to read what you can expect in a typical college visit, and some tips for the experience.

If you can't get to a desired campus, sometimes there are online information sessions, and online virtual tours that are better than not doing any kind of experience at all. Those are worth looking into if you cannot physically get to campuses.

The College Tour TV Show

kellymeads — 2026-05-11 13:51:12 UTC

The College Tour is a TV series which tells the story of colleges and universities around the world. Each episode of The College Tour focuses on a single college or university. From campus life, academics, housing, sports, activities, and much more… each student-driven segment gives the audience an inside look at what it’s truly like being a student at the featured college or university. Join in for a one-of-a-kind series featuring colleges and universities in a way they have never been seen before!

The College Tour has an app, and all episodes are now also available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

Their website has additional resources, such as the "Ask Admissions" series of videos and the "Find Your College Fit" survey.

Admissions 101 from Bentley U.

kellymeads — 2026-05-12 17:11:26 UTC

The college admission process can be confusing at times. To help students and families stay on top of the college search process, Bentley U. asked the experts in their Office of Admission for their best tips and advice. It’s all here, in easy downloadable PDFs.

Summer Tasks for Rising HS Seniors

kellymeads — 2026-05-14 16:08:09 UTC

MEFA offers a list of summer tasks including deciding on an organizational tool, finalizing the college list, pulling together the activities list, cleaning up social media profiles, and more. Check it out.

College Essay Tips

kellymeads — 2026-05-14 16:14:00 UTC

Check out the recording of MEFA's Webinar "How to Write Your Best College Essay".

If your high school junior is planning to attend college, this summer should be dedicated to writing the college application essay. And we have an admissions expert who provided key guidance on the task. Drew Carter, Deputy Director of Admission at Holy Cross, gave us his insider perspective on what colleges look for in an essay, topics to focus on (and which ones to avoid), and how to get help if needed in a recent webinar. Watch the recording anytime.

Family Handbook to College Admissions (by The College Essay Guy)

kellymeads — 2026-05-15 17:40:33 UTC

College admissions can be confusing. So the team at College Essay Guy built this handbook to help.
In it, you’ll find resources that answer your biggest questions about what you should be doing and when and why you should be doing it.
We’re hoping it can bring a little more ease, a clearer sense of purpose, and at least a touch more joy to your family’s application process.

There is a link here to the online version and you can enter your email there if you would like a PDF version you can print and hold/highlight.

College Essay Guide

kellymeads — 2026-06-02 14:20:48 UTC

This link brings you to a comprehensive guide walking you through your college admissions essay/personal statement. From brainstorming ideas to editing... it's all in here. BOOKMARK this page as you'll come back to it over and over if you follow the guide's advice.

College Readiness - 31 Essential Skills

kellymeads — 2026-06-08 14:02:43 UTC

Is Your Student Ready for College? 31 Must-Have Skills

A practical guide and checklist to help families, educators, and students identify and build the real-world skills that support college success. Updated for 2026.

SAT vs. ACT: What Every College-Bound Family Needs to Know About Test Scores

kellymeads — 2026-06-12 11:27:15 UTC

Check out this article with videos from CollegeAidPro breaking down the latest from SAT and ACT, college admissions testing organizations.

WHS Student Specific SAT Deadline Information

kellymeads — 2026-06-12 16:30:59 UTC

SAT Registration Information

Incoming juniors and seniors who are planning to take the SATs can register at www.collegeboard.org. New this year, the College Board reserves 40% of testing seats exclusively for WHS students for the October and May exams. These reserved seats will remain available until six weeks before the registration deadline. Afterwards, any open seats will be released to the general public. If you would like to take your test here at the high school, we recommend that you register soon. The SAT registration fee is $68, but some students are eligible for a fee waiver. Typically, seniors take the exam in the fall and juniors take the exam in the spring.

Weymouth High School Testing Dates and Deadlines:

Saturday Test Date: October 3, 2026

Reserved Spot Deadline: August 6, 2026

Regular Registration: September 18, 2026

Late Registration: September 22, 2026

Saturday Test Date: May 1, 2027*

Reserved Spot Deadline: March 4, 2027

Regular Registration: April 16, 2027

Late Registration: April 20, 2027

*Registration for spring 2027 is expected to open in October.

Click here for all testing dates offered by the College Board.

Note: For incoming sophomores and juniors, registration for the PSATs will take place in the fall of 2026 at Weymouth High School. The exam will be on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Look for more information from your dean and counseling in early September.