BigFuture: Search Colleges, Match Interests, and Get Ready for SAT/AP

BigFuture: Your Free Guide to College Planning and Career Exploration

BigFuture is the free online college planning platform created and managed by the College Board, the organization behind the SAT and AP exams. Designed to demystify the often-complex college admissions process, BigFuture offers students and families all the necessary tools to explore their options, plan their path, and find the financial aid needed to realize their academic ambitions.

1. What is BigFuture For? Simplifying the Admissions Process 

BigFuture's primary mission is to act as a digital guidance counselor. The college search process can be daunting. The platform structures this process into clear, manageable steps, ranging from self-discovery to applying for admission.

BigFuture helps you answer fundamental questions:

• Where to study? Find colleges that match the student’s academic profile and personal preferences.

• What to do? Connect personal interests to future careers and corresponding study programs.

• How to pay? Estimate costs and find scholarships to alleviate the financial burden.

2. Key Features of the BigFuture Tool 

The platform's strength lies in its interactive tools that guide the user through every phase of college planning.

College Search 

The BigFuture search tool is extremely detailed. Students can filter institutions based on specific criteria, such as:

• Acceptance rates and SAT/AP score requirements.

• Institution size and geographic location.

• Specific degree programs offered.

Scholarships and Financial Aid 

This is one of the platform's most valuable features. BigFuture provides a scholarship search engine that connects students with thousands of funding opportunities, including those from the College Board and other organizations. The tool also provides a net price calculator to estimate the true cost of a college after deducting aid and grants.

Guidance and Career Exploration 

Even before choosing a program, BigFuture offers career quizzes and exploration tools. This helps young people understand the direct links between their interests, potential university majors, and future employment prospects.

3. The College Board Advantage: Data Integration 

The use of BigFuture is optimized for students who are already using other College Board services.

By linking their College Board account to BigFuture, students can directly import their SAT or AP scores. The platform then uses this academic data to suggest more relevant colleges, thus refining the search and increasing the chances of admission success.

In conclusion, BigFuture is a free, comprehensive, and reliable tool, essential for any student embarking on post-secondary planning. It simplifies information and empowers users to make informed decisions about their academic and financial future.