Going to College

Financial Aid
Office of Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education

Need financial aid to help pay for college? It is important to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available at www.fafsa.gov. On average, it takes less than 30 minutes to complete.

Many states and colleges use your FAFSA data to determine eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid.

College Scorecard
This US Department of Education site allows you to find (and compare) schools based on degrees, location, size, etc. It also contains a “paying for college” section with financial aid information.

College Navigator
This site provides the latest data on expenses, aid, enrollment, admission and graduation rates, majors, and more.

TOP 10 Things I wish I would've known prior to College: If I Only Knew THEN, What I Know NOW (PDF) By Maritza T. Adonis

Online Colleges: Financial Aid Resources for Hispanic Students
Several obstacles prevent Hispanic students from furthering their education. The following guide will help students prepare for college and learn about the resources and assistance that will help them realize their goals.

College Board
College Board provides SAT registration with free sample questions, study guides, and information on local courses. It also provides guidance on how to find colleges, pay for them, and make student applications stronger.

Princeton Review
The Princeton Review offers SAT, ACT, and PSAT preparation guidelines including free practice tests, free events, and paid courses. It also includes college-search advice and general guidance.

Common Application
Allows students to fill out a standard application and electronically submit it to multiple member institutions.

Lumina Foundation
Lumina's goal is to increase the proportion of Americans with high-quality college degrees, certificates and credentials to 60 percent by 2025.

Nursing Explorer
Learn more about a career in nursing including required entrance exams, scholarships, and a directory of over 6,500 nursing programs.

Parenting and Achievement

Visit the AGI Parent Leadership Network, part of the Achievement Gap Initiative (AGI) at Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Family Involvement

Connections Count: Improving Family and Community Involvement in Secondary Schools

Supporting Undocumented Youth: A resource guide from the US Department of Education

Contact us

Multicultural Student Achievement Network (MSAN)
Wisconsin Center for Education Research
1025 W. Johnson St., Suite 697
Madison, WI 53706

Phone: 608.263.1565
Email: msan@wcer.wisc.edu

Accessibility issues? Contact the WCER Webmaster.

MSAN's Impact

"[MSAN is] transforming our thinking one student at a time."
~ PD conference attendee
"This is the best conference I've ever attended of any kind. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
~ PD conference attendee
"This was a fabulous mini-conference! Every minute taught me something and made me think more deeply about work at my school and in my district."
~ PD conference attendee
"The experience that the Minority Student Achievement Network has given me is one that I will cherish for the rest of my life."
~ MSAN Scholar Jazin Rocha, HBW 10th grader, Arlington Public Schools
"I wish more teachers had the opportunity to hear and have this experience."
~ PD conference attendee
"This meeting is a place to get ideas and courage."
~ MSAN RPC Member
"Meeting with this select group of superintendents reinforces and builds commitment/capacity to address diversity as a strength, not a challenge."
~ MSAN Superintendent
"This was very informative and very rich in network and strategies from the districts."
~ PD conference attendee
"I liked how different people from different states came to contribute their ideas and find a way to close the achievement gap."
~ Student conference attendee
"I see myself as a representative of my school and a person who can provide different perspectives to others in regards to the achievement gap."
~ Student conference attendee
"Just being here [helps me know] that I'm working to better my district and strengthen my leadership skills."
~ Student conference attendee
"Thank you much! … I attend quite a bit of professional development and many conferences. This conference has by far changed my mindset and how I address my daily work. I am so grateful for the opportunity!"
~ Andrea Dinan, Ed.D. - Director of Service-Learning & Experiential Programs, Princeton Public Schools
"MSAN is AMAZING and more students should join-real life learning experience."
~ Student conference attendee
"...when we came together with our own district to put together our action plan, that made me feel like I can make a huge change in the world."
~ Student conference attendee

Donate

Interested in Supporting MSAN?
MSAN always seeks to expand its partnerships and circles of support. There are multiple ways to to support including sponsoring students and educators to attend MSAN’s annual conferences. All support provided advances the mission and work of MSAN to increase access, achievement, and opportunity for students of color.

DONATE HERE

MSAN is housed within the Wisconsin Center for Education Research at the School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Resources for Students & Families

Going to College

College Scholarships and Grants (Download as PDF)

Search Tools/Listings for College Scholarships

Information on Financial Aid, Student Loans, and Taxes

Parenting and Achievement

Family Involvement

Contact us

MSAN's Impact

Donate

College Scholarships and Grants
(Download as PDF)