2022-2023 West School Profile
The College Search Process
Beginning the search for the right college can be an overwhelming process. Many students are not sure where to start, or how to compare their options. We have outlined a few resources provided by Sturgis to help you “chart your course”.
1. Read the “Charting Your Course” Handbook.
2. Explore Local Scholarship Opportunities.
3. Getting to know the Common Application
Things To Consider
Fair Test
Learn about SAT/ACT optional schools.
Colleges That Change Lives
An organization that emphasizes the student’s role in choosing a school that fits.
College Navigator
By the National Center for Education Statistics. Information on retention rates, net price, campus security. Objective statistics gathered by the federal government.
College Measures
Retention, debt to earnings ratio, graduation rates
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA)
Information on loans and financial aid
Campus Explorer
Information about Massachusetts scholarships and grants.
The College Board and the ACT provide fee waivers for students with demonstrated financial need. Students whose families meet certain financial guidelines are also eligible for a limited number of college application fee waivers.If the cost of college admissions testing and application fees will be an obstacle, please contact your school counselor in order to explore eligibility for these waivers.
Because policies and practices differ from school to school, applicants should thoroughly familiarize themselves with the policies of the colleges/universities to which they plan to apply. The admissions link on the college website is the best place to find this information.
If a student applies to a college that does not use the Common Application, they will need to ask their counselor to mail out transcripts and recommendations by completing an online Non-Common App Tracking Form.
Filling out the Common Application or the tracking form triggers the preparation and sending of school documents. It is each student’s responsibility to fill out this form at least TWO WEEKS before they want materials sent. Students are also asked to keep their school counselor updated as to the status of their college applications.