College Advising and Financial Aid (CAFA)
College can feel like a big puzzle, but you don’t have to figure it all out on your own! Use these resources to explore your options, ask questions, and learn more about what college could look like for you, including how to make it financially possible. The more you learn now, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to make those big decisions!
Our Approach
Beginning in the spring of your junior year, juniors start working with our College Advising & Financial Aid (CAFA) team to build the knowledge and resources needed for the college process, including exploring colleges, financial aid, and scholarships.
Then, senior year, we’ll dive into the application process; working through college applications, essays, financial aid options, scholarships, and all the important details along the way.
Our goal is to help you feel prepared, confident, and empowered to make the choices that are right for you.
College and Application Resources
“Depth of involvement is more impressive than breadth.” - Collegeboard
You don't need to do everything. Go deeper into the things that matter to you.
General College Resources
ED (Early Decision) is binding, meaning you must attend if admitted. EA (Early Action) is non-binding
Full Tuition Opportunities
“Don’t close the door before you know what’s behind it.”
QuestBridge is a national nonprofit that connects high-achieving, low-income students with full four-year scholarships to top colleges through its National College Match program. Matched students receive a full ride tuition, room, board, and fees with no loans required. Deadline is usually from September 30 - October 1
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Primarily A’s in the most challenging courses offered and demonstrate strong writing ability and intellectual curiosity.
Household income less than $65,000 annually (for a household of four) with minimal assets.
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Posse is a national college access and leadership program that identifies talented students and sends them in "posses" of 10 to top partner colleges on full-tuition scholarships. Posse Scholars receive pre-collegiate training and ongoing mentorship throughout college, with a strong focus on leadership development and building community on campus.
Must be nominated by a teacher, counselor or CBO during their first semester of senior year
Must show strong leadership skills
Must commit to attend a Posse partner college or university
A highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding high school seniors from low-income households. Recipients receive funding for the full cost of attendance not already covered by other aid, including tuition, fees, books, housing, and food
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A high school senior
Pell-eligible
A US citizen or permanent resident
In good academic standing with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
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An outstanding academic record in high school (in the top 10% of his/her graduating class)
Demonstrated leadership ability (e.g., as shown through participation in community service, extracurricular, or other activities)
Exceptional personal success skills (e.g., emotional maturity, motivation, perseverance, etc.)
A four-year, full-tuition scholarship awarded to approximately 15 students each year. It is designed for students with strong academics, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and community service. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and books at any accredited U.S. college or university, but does not cover room and board.
Financial Aid and Resources
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the form used to determine eligibility for federal financial aid, including grants, work-study, and federal student loans, as well as most state and college-based aid. It should be submitted every year a student plans to attend college, starting as early as possible after it opens each fall.
The CSS Profile is an application used by many colleges to determine eligibility for institutional financial aid, including grants and scholarships from the college itself. While the FAFSA is required for federal financial aid, some colleges also require the CSS Profile to determine how much financial aid they can offer you.
