College Connections

FAFSA

Each year, the federal government provides more than $150 billion in financial aid (grants, work-study, and loans) for college or career schools. You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible. Many colleges and career schools also use your FAFSA information to award you their aid. In some instances, schools won’t consider you for merit scholarships until you’ve submitted an application. Each October, the FAFSA is available for the next school year, and the deadline to complete the application varies in each state. To learn more about the application process, please visit the FAFSA website.

Federal Student Aid at a Glance

Myths About Financial Aid

FAFSA Myths Poster (PDF)

College Preparation Checklist

SAT & ACT

The SAT Suite uses a common score structure, providing consistent feedback across assessments to help educators and students monitor growth across grades and to identify areas in need of improvement. The SAT is an aptitude test that measures reasoning and college readiness. If a student took the PSAT exam, their College Board account can be linked to their Khan Academy account. By doing so, they will gain access to a variety of powerful resources, including free, personalized, online SAT practice, scholarship opportunities and college planning resources. All New Mexico colleges and universities accept the SAT.

The ACT is a curriculum-based test that measures academic achievement. In addition to being a college admissions exam, the ACT includes a profile and education/career planning section to help you plan for life after high school. You will receive personalized career information and develop a comprehensive profile that tells colleges about your work in high school and future plans. You can also see your strengths and weaknesses in the subject areas tested to help direct your future education. All New Mexico colleges and universities accept the ACT.

SAT vs. ACT

SAT FAQs

ACT FAQs

WorkKeys

Workkeys is an assessment system that measures real-world skills that employers consider crucial for success. These skills are valuable for any occupation – skilled or professional – and at any level of education. Once applicants complete and earn qualifying scores on the WorkKeys assessments, the skill level results can be used along with a resume, interview, company test, and other company criteria during the hiring process. The WorkKeys three core assessments qualifies for a Career Readiness Certificate, a portable credential that confirms the workplace skills of the individual.

Scholarship Opportunities

The following list is not meant to be a representation of all currently available scholarships, and the information provided for each is a general overview. For detailed information, please click on the links provided to visit each scholarship webpage. It is also important that you visit the scholarship pages of the schools that interested you.