Useful Books and Websites

Gael's Favorite Books

Fiske Guide to Colleges, Edward Fiske

This is the best resource you can own. Fiske highlights top colleges in the US (and a few Canadian Colleges as well). His overview is a compilation of thoughtful reflection from students and administrators. Readers especially like the overlap box that points to similar colleges as well as a list of preprofessional majors and colleges that are strong in that major.

Colleges that Change Lives, Loren Pope

Pope goes beyond the name-brand colleges and introduces the reader to 40 lesser-known but outstanding colleges where collaboration replaces competition and where professors are "devoted to helping young people develop their powers, mentors who often become their valued friends." Families who really want to understand the breadth of education opportunities available to a student should read this cover to cover.

The College Solution, Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Lynn O'Shaughnessy understands the intricacies of obtaining financial and merit aid from colleges and how to assess the best value for your family.  She focuses on the issues that impact cost and offers a guide to manage the process. This is a must read for families concerned about the high cost of college.

The Best 376 Colleges, The Princeton Review

Learn about the academics, life and student culture from those who actually attend each college. Concerned about the male/female ratio? Want to know which majors are most popular? You'll find lots of solid information to guide your research. Be sure to check out the funky list in the gray pages up front. With categories like dorms like palaces, dorms like dungeons, best campus food, is it food?, etc., you are sure to have some fun.

Book of Majors, The College Board

This is a book of possibilities…195 of them! After spending four years in high school wading through English, math, science and foreign language, students can get excited about the opportunities that are soon to come their way in college. Each major cleverly addresses the typical courses required and what the study of the major is like. It even gives a list of other majors you might consider, questions to ask colleges, career options and trends, etc.

The Official SAT Study Guide with DVD, The College Board

Students serious about doing well on the SAT will appreciate the full-length practice tests that are featured in the book.

The Real ACT Prep Guide

Students serious about doing well on the ACT will appreciate the full-length practice tests that are featured in the book.

The K & W Guide for Students with Learning Disabilities, 10th Edition

Kravets and Wax have produced one of the best and most comprehensive books about colleges that offer programs and services for students with learning disabilities or AD/HD.

For more great options, visit the new HECA Amazon Bookstore!

Gael's Favorite Websites

College Admissions, Information and Testing

American College Test (ACT & PLAN)
Art Schools
Campus Tours
Catholic Colleges and Universities
College Board (PSAT, SAT Reasoning & Subject, AP)
College Visits
Colleges That Change Lives
Collegiate Choice Walking Tours & Videos
Fair Test
Uniqo (insider information from college students)
YOUniversity
Hillel
Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Peterson's
Princeton Review
Women's Colleges

College Information and Applications Types

Common Application

Focus on California

University of California (9 colleges)
UC Essays, Test Prep, Campus Info & Much More
California State University (23 colleges)
California Private/Independent Colleges
California Community College Information
California Community College Transfer Agreements
California Colleges

Financial Aid

FAFSA EFC calculator or CollegeBoard EFC Calculator
FastAid
FastWeb
FinAid

Financial Aid Forms

FAFSA (free application for student aid)
CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE

Athletics

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
NCAA Eligibility and Online Application