<p>EFC = Expected Family Contribution. It is a measure of how much income your family makes/has that schools can tap on. Run a FAFSA forecaster to check. It is the LEAST you can expect to pay. SAT optional schools are a good idea. [Optional</a> List | FairTest](<a href=“http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional]Optional”>ACT/SAT Optional List - Fairtest) If you have high need (a very low EFC) then also look for colleges that meet full need.</p>