Frequently-Asked Questions
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- How is My College Advisor different from other programs?
- When should My College Advisor be used?
- Why is it critical for applicants to find the schools that fit them best?
- How does My College Advisor recommend schools?
- How does My College Advisor customize my college list?
- What types of schools will be included on my list?
- How does My College Advisor categorize schools?
- How does MCA help students get through the college application process?
- Can families with different approaches to the admissions process use MCA?
- How does MCA help students develop strategies for college admissions?
- What is the My College Advisor Out-of-Pocket Cost Calculator?
- What other assistance does My College Advisor provide in paying for college?
- What other features does My College Advisor offer?
- What if I need more information?
- How is My College Advisor different from other programs?
- While other programs focus on only one or two areas of the college admissions process, MCA offers a comprehensive integrated solution encompassing college selection, application and financial aid.
- When should My College Advisor be used?
- The MCA Program is essential for juniors and seniors, but can be used as early as the end of the 8th grade.
- Why is it critical for applicants to find the schools that fit them best?
- The United States Department of Education notes that graduation rates for four-year colleges are roughly 50%. MCA helps students find best-fit schools that have a strong record of supporting students' success, greatly improving the likelihood of graduating.
- How does My College Advisor recommend schools?
- MCA analyzes performance of freshman retention and graduation rates, and only recommends schools that have the best track records of helping students succeed. Our recommended schools are highlighted with a Gold Star in your college selection lists.
- How does My College Advisor customize my college list?
- Based on your personal information, MCA uses three critically-important college selection factors: location, type and size, and competitive level.
- What types of schools will be included on my list?
- Based on grades and test scores, MCA generates a student-specific list of schools that include those classified as reach (most difficult to get in), level (likely to get in), and safety (most likely to get in). This gives you a wide range of options and the confidence that you will be admitted to a recommended school.
- How does My College Advisor categorize schools?
- Using our proprietary criteria, MCA has categorized colleges into 11 competitive levels to identify the most appropriate schools for students based on their GPA and standardized test scores.
- How does My College Advisor help students get through the college application process?
- MCA provides comprehensive advice about writing effective college essays, getting letters of recommendation, and excelling at college interviews.
- Can families with different approaches to the college admissions process use My College Advisor?
- Yes. Whether student and parents are working independently or cooperatively, MCA facilitates the admissions process enabling each family to achieve the best results.
- How does My College Advisor help students develop strategies for college admissions?
- We provide strategies for taking standardized college admission tests, soliciting the best teacher recommendations, deciding on whether to participate in optional college interviews, developing supplemental materials for your application, and many other relevant tips.
- What is the My College Advisor Out-of-Pocket Cost Calculator?
- For many families there will be a big difference between the "sticker price" and the amount they will actually pay. (For example, private schools with a high "sticker price" may cost some students less than lower-priced public schools.) Our calculator estimates your family's real out-of-pocket cost for all of the colleges you are considering to allow for better decision making and planning.
- What other assistance does My College Advisor provide in paying for college?
- MCA identifies several cost savings techniques, as well as helpful hints for filling out financial aid forms. MCA also provides sample financial aid forms filled out by families just like yours.
- What other features does My College Advisor offer?
- Other MCA features include an online guidebook containing detailed information on thousands of colleges, and utilities that provide admissions deadlines and test requirements for each school on your list.
- What if I need more information?
- Please contact us with any additional questions.
