Make Your List of Schools

Search tools can help you find colleges and build your list. Here are some useful tools to try:

BigFuture by The College Board®

BigFuture is a free tool that helps you explore your interests, college majors, and different schools. It offers personalized action plans that you can save and edit throughout your college search.

Naviance

Naviance is used by some high schools in New Hampshire. It helps you keep track of your school list and which application steps you’ve completed. Check with your school’s counseling office to find out if you have access.

College Navigator

College Navigator is a free tool from the U.S. Department of Education. It lets you explore schools and use filters including:

• Types of degrees and programs they offer
• Admission requirements
• Campus safety statistics
• Accreditation information
• Retention and graduation rates

College Scorecard

The College Scorecard is another free tool from the U.S. Department of Education. It lets you compare colleges by stats including cost, graduation rate, student body, average test scores, and more.

Check with your school counseling office to see what other tools they might have to help you search for the right school.

A college & career fair is an event that connects college & trade school admissions representatives with high school students. It’s an opportunity for you to learn about colleges you’re interested in and ask questions. Schools are hoping to find the right students, too. College & career fairs take place both in-person and virtually. Follow these steps to college & career fair success:

1. Find a fair and get registered. Ask your school counselor, check local high schools, and visit the NEACAC (New England Association for College Admission Counseling) website to find local and virtual fairs.
2. Make a game plan. Get the list of schools that will be there and identify a few you want to visit. These events can be overwhelming, so plan your attack!
3. Have your questions ready. Make a list of questions to ask admissions representatives. Make sure your questions are thoughtful and aren’t easily answered on the school’s website! Think about:

• What makes your school special?
• What’s your favorite thing about your school?
• What kind of financial aid does your school offer?
• What’s the best campus tradition?
• In addition to the FAFSA, do you require the CSS/Profile? If so, once or every year?

Look out for Destination College, Granite Edvance’s annual college planning event and college fair! It’s just for NH high school juniors and their families.