What should I do?

The first step is figuring out what interests you. A great way to start is by exploring different careers — some you’ve heard of, and some you probably haven’t! Try this quick online survey from the U.S. Department of Labor. It helps you discover careers that match your interests.

When you’re done, save your results as a PDF to your Google Drive so you can look back at them later.

What should I look for in a college?

The best way to figure out what you want in a college is to visit one! Here’s a list of Massachusetts colleges and universities that are easy to get to and affordable to visit. Most schools offer campus tours, open houses, and virtual tours so you can see what life at that school is really like and what programs might be a good fit for you.

Many colleges also offer pre-college summer programs and fly-in visit opportunities where you can try classes, meet other students, and see what university life feels like — visit the Project Launch opportunities page to explore what’s out there!

How To Start A Search

What Type of School am I Looking For?

Below are the main types of post–high school educational options. Keep in mind that some programs fit into more than one category.

College (4-Year)

A college offers four-year programs leading to a bachelor’s degree. Many colleges focus on the liberal arts, meaning they help you build strong skills in thinking, writing, and problem-solving.
Examples: Emmanuel College, Merrimack College, Bowdoin College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, Centre College.

University

A university offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in many fields. They’re usually made up of several “schools” or “colleges,” like a School of Education or a College of Science. Universities tend to be larger and have more majors.
Examples: Salem State University, Lesley University, Boston University, Tufts University, UMass Amherst, University of Vermont.

Community College (2-Year)

Community colleges offer two-year programs that can help you get career training or prepare you to transfer to a four-year college or university. They often offer associate degrees, certificates, and transfer pathways.
Examples: North Shore Community College, Bunker Hill Community College, Mass Bay Community College.

Engineering or Technical College (4-Year)

These colleges focus on engineering, technology, and the physical sciences.
Examples: Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), MIT.

Technical School (1–2 Years)

Technical schools offer hands-on programs that prepare you for immediate employment in technical and scientific fields. Many offer certificates, associate degrees, or four-year degrees in certain specialties.
Examples: Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology, New England Institute of Technology, Job Corps.

Nursing School

There are three main types of nursing programs:

• Hospital-based programs → Earn an RN diploma.

• College-based programs → Earn a BS degree and an RN diploma.

• Community college programs → Earn associate degrees, certificates, or other specializations.

Military School

Federal military academies train officers for the Navy, Army, Air Force, and Marines. They are very selective and require a nomination from a U.S. senator or representative. Graduates must serve in the military after completing the program.
Examples: West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy.

Business School

Some colleges and universities allow you to major in business while also taking classes in other subjects. Other schools focus almost entirely on business-related majors.
Examples:

• Business major within a university: Salem State University, Boston University, University of Pennsylvania.

• Business-focused schools: Babson College, Bentley University, Bryant University.

Trade School

Trade schools offer focused training in specific careers like cosmetology, computer science, culinary arts, and medical and dental assisting.
Examples: North Bennett Street School, Johnson & Wales, Empire Beauty Schools, New England Institute of Technology.

Professional School

Professional schools specialize in creative fields like art, music, dance, drama, architecture, and photography.
Examples: The Juilliard School, Berklee College of Music, Boston Architectural College, Boston Conservatory.

Keep the Following Admissions Factors in Mind While Applying to Colleges

1. Grades: See your guidance counselor for your GPA (grade point average) before starting your college search. Most colleges and universities provide information on the “average” GPA range for incoming freshmen. You want to make sure that your GPA falls within this range. GPA and the rigor of courses taken (Honors, Advanced Placement, etc.) have been the most important factors in college admissions since the College Board began tracking this information in the 1980s.

2. Class Rank: See your guidance counselor to determine where you rank in your class. It is another variable to help you narrow down your search. Most students accepted to a particular school will fall within the school’s class rank range.

3. SAT, SAT Subject, ACT, and TOEFL Scores: There are some colleges that don’t consider these scores as admissions criteria.

4. Extracurricular Activities: The majority of schools are looking for students who are “well-rounded.” They seek students who have been involved in their school community (i.e., sports, clubs, activities, student government, community service, etc.).

5. Diversity

6. Geographic Location

7. Alumnus Relationship (if any)

8. Major/College within the university applied to

9. Honors and Awards

10. Recommendations and Essays

11. Interviews: Not all schools require admissions interviews. If an interview is required, be sure to prepare well and practice. 

12. Behavior and Discipline Record

13. Admissions requirements? What does the college look for? If you don’t meet the requirements, have you checked to see if they have alternative admissions, bridge, or summer programs? 

Criteria to Consider When Choosing a College

This list is not exhaustive. There may be factors not on this list that will be important criteria for you as you consider colleges. Remember that the college search is individual and personal. 

One size does not fit all!

1. Type of school (refer to previous descriptions)

2. School size (small, medium, or large)

3. Distance from home

4. School setting (i.e., rural or urban, hot or cold climate, region)

5. School culture (i.e., liberal, conservative, Greek system, athletic, alternative, religious)

6. Graduation rates 

7. Programs (What majors are offered? Is the college accredited? How many/what courses are required for your planned major? Are there study abroad opportunities?)

8. Cost of the education

9. Availability of financial aid

10. Extracurricular programs and activities

11. Class sizes; the student-to-faculty ratio

12. Amenities: dining halls, sports & fitness facilities, library, campus centers

13. Student body (i.e., all-male, all-female, co-ed, diverse)

14. Off-campus life (i.e., entertainment, museums, professional sports, employment opportunities, clubs, natural environment, arts & cultural opportunities)

15. School’s reputation; campus appearance; friendliness of student body; campus safety

Admission TIMELINE + College Policies

Below are the most common application options you’ll see during the admissions process. Since each college or career training program will have slightly different guidelines, always double-check the application requirements on each school’s website.

Regular Application Deadline

Most colleges set a specific deadline for all applications. You submit by that date, and the college sends decisions on or before April 1.

If you’re accepted, you usually have until May 1 — also called National Decision Day or College Signing Day — to choose your school. This gives you time to compare all your acceptances and financial aid offers before making a final enrollment decision. Each spring, Project Launch offers expert guidance and one-on-one support to help RAW Seniors and their families navigate this important choice.

Rolling Admission

With rolling admission, colleges review applications as they come in and send decisions throughout the year — typically 4–6 weeks after you apply. Because spots fill up as the year goes on, it’s a good idea to submit your application as early as possible, especially for specialized programs that may fill by early winter.

Early Decision (ED)

Early Decision is for students who have a clear first-choice college and are ready to commit.

Here’s what to know:

• Early Decision is binding.
  If you’re accepted, you must attend and withdraw all other applications.

• It’s not a good choice if you’re still comparing colleges or want to review financial aid offers.

• Some colleges offer ED I (early fall) and ED II (January/February), giving students more time to decide.

• Colleges sometimes share lists of ED admits to make sure students follow the rules.

Only choose Early Decision if you’re 100% sure the school is the right fit for you, and it’s likely to be an affordable option for you.

Early Action (EA) / Early Admission

Early Action is similar to Early Decision, but not binding. Early Action is a great option if you’re very interested in a school but not ready to commit.

• You apply early and get a decision earlier.

• You still have until May 1 to choose your college.

• You don’t have to withdraw other applications.

• Some colleges offer extra scholarships to early applicants — for example, many Massachusetts state universities give priority scholarships to students who apply before December 1.

Deferred or Delayed Admission

Some colleges allow accepted students to delay starting college for one semester or one full year. This can be great if you’re planning a gap year, travel, work experience, or other opportunities before starting classes. Project Launch will work closely with you to design a comprehensive plan for this year, to ensure an enriching experience tailored to your personal needs.

Open Admissions

Colleges with open admissions accept all high school graduates, regardless of GPA or test scores. Many community colleges and some four-year colleges use this policy, making higher education more accessible.

What Are My Chances of getting in?

When building your college list, it helps to think about schools in four categories based on your chances of admission:

Safety School (70–100% chance)

You’re very likely to get in. Your grades and test scores (if required) are above the school’s average.
These are strong backup options that still feel like a good fit.

Target or Match School (30–70% chance)

This school is a solid fit for you. Your academic profile is close to the average accepted student.
With a strong application, you have a real shot.

Reach School (10–30% chance)

Your chances aren’t high, but it’s still possible — especially with strong essays, recommendations, or special talents.
These schools are worth trying if you’re excited about them.

Far Reach School (0–10% chance)

These schools are extremely selective, even for top students.
It’s still okay to apply, but don’t build your entire list around them.