College Preparation
College Preparation
While some Minuteman students may decide to begin their successful careers immediately after graduation, others may wish to continue on to a 2-year or 4-year college.
Our Guidance Department is here to partner with all students and their families to thoroughly prepare for either step -- based on student’s individual needs and goals.
Researching Colleges
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Best Colleges
Your source for best colleges and what's next in your education and career.
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FairTest
This website has information about colleges and universities who are "test optional," which means the school may not require standardized testing as part of its admissions process.
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MA Association of Community Colleges
Massachusetts has 15 Community Colleges, each with multiple campuses and satellite locations that offer unique opportunities for the local communities they are a part of. Each college provides open access to high quality and affordable academic programs.
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Princeton Review
Explore schools, prepare for standardized tests and entrance exams, research scholarships and financial aid options and more. Providing this link does not mean we endorse the product.
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College Board
Information about and register for the SAT, and SAT Subject Tests, as well as request scores be sent to colleges. Also has link to CSS Profile, a financial aid form required by some private colleges.
Resources for College Visits
College Application Forms
Standardized Testing
Many four, and some two year, colleges require standardized testing. Typically colleges accept either the SAT or the ACT. More selective colleges may also require the SAT Subject tests. Those schools may accept the ACT in place of both the SAT and SAT Subject test. The colleges will list that information on their websites.
Admissions officers and educators often describe the difference between SAT and ACT in these terms: the ACT is a content-based test, whereas the SAT tests critical thinking and problem solving. Here are some of the factors that make the SAT and ACT very different breeds:
- The ACT includes a science reasoning test; the SAT does not.
- The ACT math section includes trigonometry.
- The ACT tests English grammar; the SAT does not.
- The SAT tests vocabulary much more than the ACT.
Remember, test scores from the SAT and/or ACT are important parts of your application, but they're only one of several factors. Your courses, grades, recommendations and your personal statement are all factors that colleges consider. Although the SAT is historically the test of choice for students in New England, many students now choose to take both the SAT and the ACT. Most colleges across the country accept either ACT or SAT test scores. For information on what choice might be best for you, please speak to your counselor.
STUDENTS WHO MAY QUALIFY FOR A FEE WAIVER SHOULD SEE THEIR GUIDANCE COUNSELOR.
Financial Aid
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FastWeb
Fastweb is a free scholarship search platform that connects students to scholarships and financial aid tools. Our goal is to help you find scholarships to make school more affordable.
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Massachusetts Education Finance Authority (MEFA)
We provide free resources and training to help you, our school counselor colleagues, guide families through the college planning process and develop your skills professionally.
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Princeton Review
Explore schools, prepare for standardized tests and entrance exams, research scholarships and financial aid options and more. Providing this link does not mean we endorse the product.
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Financial Aid Guide
Financial Aid Homepage, Financial Aid information, scholarships, EFC calculator.
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FAFSA
Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to apply for financial aid for college or graduate school.
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Federal Student Aid
This site discusses key steps in preparing for college and provides resources that can help you along the way.