Resources

1-2-3 Go! Virginia's Three Steps to College
Visit this page for more information and suggestions on preparing students and celebrating student decisions on where they will Go! after high school.

Making Decisions About College

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Congratulations! You reached the critical point of deciding what college to attend. That means you have already explored, prepared and applied to colleges. Now you get to decide! Walk through the following questions, answer honestly, use the tools and links, and let us know what you decide. Use #DecisionDayVA and tag us @SCHEVnews.

1-2-3-Go Toolkit

Toolkit for Students and Families

Map of Virginia Colleges & Universities
Factors to Consider: Choosing the Right College, page 5
Make Your Decision: Compare Award Offers, page 26
Senior Year Checklist, page 42

Download these resources and/or refer to your hard copy of the 2022-23 Virginia Opportunities guide and workbook (in English or Spanish). Guides are available through most school counseling offices and can be ordered by school staff in bulk through the ECMC website.

Where Do You Want to Go?

Map of Virginia Colleges & Universities

Explore your higher education options in Virginia. See where your schools of interest are located. See how close or far they are from home. Click on each link to visit their website. Some campuses even offer virtual tours.

Refer to pages 34-37 in your 2022-23 Virginia Opportunities guide.

What Else to Consider

Finding the Right College (English) (Spanish)

Make sure the school you choose is the right fit for your career goals, personality, academic preparation and ability to pay. There are many different types of colleges and universities, each with its own distinct advantages and drawbacks for individual students. A good fit for one student might not work well for another. Factors to consider include:

Program(s) of study
School size
Class size
Support services/programs
City/neighborhood environment
Campus culture
Distance from home
Extracurricular activities
Religious affiliation
Net price (see page 25)
Financial aid options
Outside learning options
Housing options

Refer to pages 4-5 in your 2022-23 Virginia Opportunities guide.

Cost

Make Your Decision: Compare Award Offers (English) (Spanish)

If you completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and indicated your colleges of interest, they should have received your financial information. Colleges use this information to determine your financial need and award package. Award packages may vary by college, so be sure to review your award letters carefully to help make the best decision. Contact the college financial aid office if you have questions about your award package. Use the Decision worksheet to compare awards from colleges.

Refer to pages 24-26 in your 2022-23 Virginia Opportunities guide.

What Else You Need to Do

Senior Year Checklist (English) (Spanish)

You have done a lot to reach this point, but the journey is not over. At this point in the process, the top task on your list is to remain in contact with your selected school. Be sure to sign into your college portal to read emails and texts regularly so you won’t miss a deadline or opportunity. If you are unsure about anything, call or email the contact provided in your portal, acceptance letter or other correspondence.

Refer to pages 42-43 in your 2022-23 Virginia Opportunities guide.

Additional Resources

National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) Aid Offer Comparison Worksheet
NASFAA's Aid Offer Comparison Worksheet is a useful tool that students and families can use to decipher different award letters and compare them on a level playing field. The worksheet gives students tips to follow when comparing aid offers — explaining the difference between gift aid and self-help aid, checking for eligibility requirements to maintain grants and scholarships, and calculating out-of-pocket costs for school.

The 2022-23 Virginia Opportunities Guide
Referenced above and produced by ECMC, now also provides a text reminder service for the months following high school graduation. The texts remind students about deadlines and information that will help them show up ready for college success at the end of the summer. Complete the short inquiry form to get started.

Is the Price Right
SCHEV provides a list of Virginia public institution tuition and options to make the cost more affordable.