Everyone's path is different...
Recognizing that everyone is at a different stage in this process, we organized this resource page around our most frequently asked questions from students.
Break this college research into small chunks and start with whatever question applies to you!
College Visits
More information HERE!
What is important to me in a college experience?
Criteria to consider:
- 4 year university or a community college?
- Setting? (Big City, Suburb, Small town?)
- What size? (MC is about 2000 students)
- Student life? (Athletics, clubs, performing arts, etc)
- Public or Private? Private Colleges are sometimes LESS expensive
Check out this admissions expert's take on other questions to ask yourself.
How do I choose a major?
Check out this article with tips!
Explore majors connected to career industries.
Save Careers that interest you!
Click on "Education" for each career to see what majors lead to this career.
How do I start my college research?
Do at least 2 college search assessments and compare and contrast results!
Suggested College Search Engines:
- College Board's "Big Future"
- Cappex's "College Search"
- Xello "Explore Schools"
TASK: Save at least 10 colleges you are interested in into your Xello account.
How can I tell if a college is a "Good College"?
- 4 year graduation rates
- Student Satisfaction rates (Retention Rates)
- Graduate School admittance rates
- School Safety Statistics
- Percentage of students given scholarships
- Average indebtedness upon graduation
- Employment rates following graduation
- Average salary of graduates
- Net Price for your family
Tools we recommend to easily find this information:
College Scorecard
College Navigator
College Data
Read what students are saying! Niche provides student-written reviews similar to Yelp...you can search by college name or take their college quiz.
How to evaluate academic departments at colleges on your list.
Evaluating the Professors at a College
How much will college cost for my family?
TASK TWO - When researching colleges use a Net Price Calculator (available on each college's website) to get an estimate of what your family will be expected to pay.
TASK THREE - Fill out the FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid in October of your senior year. This is the first step in being eligible for scholarships!
More Info on Understanding College Financing and tips for finding a great college that is a financial fit for you!
How can I maximize scholarship offerings?
Once you know your EFC, View our tip sheet to find out if you should look for:
- Colleges that offer a lot of merit aid? OR
- Colleges that meet a great deal of financial need?
College Data's Financial Aid Tracker can help you find colleges likely to give YOU scholarships
NCAA and NAIA
Student Athletes pursuing collegiate athletics should see their counselor.
NCAA FAQs
Current MCHS NCAA Core Course list Enter CEEB Code 052862
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is an institution that promotes athletics as an integral component of academic learning. There are approximately 300 NAIA member colleges nationwide, out of which 23 are in California. PlayNAIA.org helps future student-athletes discover and connect with NAIA schools, coaches and athletic scholarships. PlayNAIA is also the official clearinghouse for NAIA eligibility. Every student-athlete must register with the NAIA Eligibility Center to play sports at an NAIA college or university.
MCHS Counseling Department
Ms. Tran (last names A-C) ktran@powayusd.com
Mr. Whitlock (last names Hp-Me) hwhitlock@powayusd.com
Ms. Ferrer (last names Mf-Sa) cferrer@powayusd.com
Mr. Baez (last names Sb-Z) vbaez@powayusd.com