1. The Roadmap To College

2. Top things to consider when making a great college bound timeline
Target Colleges/Universities – What are the colleges looking for in an applicant? GPA? How important are your SAT/ACT scores? How much do the colleges on your list weigh test scores in their application process?

3. Top things to consider when making a great college bound timeline
2. Scores – What is your target SAT, ACT or SAT II score? How far are you from your goal? 3. Extracurricular activities – When does your schedule lighten up so you can prep for college entrance exams? Summer? 4. Which tests are you taking? - AP exams, SAT, ACT and/or Subject Tests? What does your college require? Make a timeline to organize dates and prep!

4. It is NEVER too early to start thinking about your future!

5. What do colleges look at?
Very Important
Range In Importance
Grades in academic courses – Academic Rigor
SAT or ACT scores
Essay
Work/Extracurricular activities
Teacher recommendations
Counselor recommendation*
Grades in all courses
Class rank
Interview*
Student’s demonstrated interest

6. Freshman Year Get an Early Start
Challenge yourself academically and aim for high grades!
EVERY grade (9th-12th) counts!!!

7. Freshman Year Extracurricular Activities – Start Now
Colleges would much rather see you passionate about a few worthwhile activities than marginally involved with a number of clubs
However, do try activities that help you get out of your “comfort zone”
Sports
– NCAA (Want to play a sport in college?)
Know the eligibility requirements

8. Sophomore Year PSAT and PLAN
PSAT (SAT) or the PLAN (ACT)provide practice for SAT and ACT
PSAT given for FREE by the school

9. Sophomore Year Sign up for FREE SAT and/or ACT practice exams
Princeton and Kaplan
Head start on becoming a skilled tester
Helps to reduce test-taking anxiety
Gets you on the road to success early

10. SPECIAL PSAT NOTE
PSAT is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship (11th Grade Year only)
October administration only (must sign up yourself and pay for it)
NOT given for FREE by school!

11. Think Ahead to Junior Year….
LOOK
NEW
DATE

12. Sophomore Year - May AP courses and exams
If taking AP classes take corresponding AP exam in May
It helps to build a strong application
Might get college credit

13. Sophomore Year - June Take appropriate SAT Subject Test
Many highly-selective colleges require(or highly recommend) subject tests scores
For best results, take immediately after the AP course

14. Sophomore Year - Summer
Best time to prepare for SAT or ACT
By now you will have learned the vast majority of the materials for each exam
Summer is less stressful to study
Become involved in community service
College visits, tours and research

15. Extracurricular Opportunities
Internships
Hospitals (Mount Sinai, New York Presbyterian, Columbia, etc.)
Ladders for Leaders
New York Historical Society
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship
Volunteer
Religious Affiliations
Library
Nursing Homes
Food Banks
Homeless Shelters

16. Extracurricular Opportunities
Pre-College Programs (FREE and $$$)
CUNY, SUNY, and Private
Camps/Workshops/Programs
NYPD Explorers
NYS Unified Court System’s Student Ambassador Program
Girls who Code
New York Hall of Science
American Museum of Natural History – Science Research Mentoring Program
Forest Hills Community House
YMCA(s)

17. Extracurricular Opportunities
College Bound Organizations
Bottom Line
SEO Scholars
Girls Write Now

18. College Entrance Exam Registration
SAT or SAT Subject Tests
Without Essay - $46
With Essay - $60
SAT Subject Test - $26 + $21 (each test) (can take up to 3 tests in one day)
ACT Exam
Without Writing - $46
With Writing - $62.50
TOEFL - $195

19. College Entrance Exam Prep
Khan Academy
Kaplan
Princeton Review
CollegeBoard.org
Actstudent.org

20. Junior Year (11th Grade)

21. What exams should I take to get into college?
All Schools
For students that studied outside of the United States during HS.
Highly Selective Schools

22. How do I begin the search for a college that is right for me?
Filter data by
Geographic Area
Requirements – Grades, SAT Scores
Courses of Study Offered

23. Four Year Schools vs Two Year Schools
Two Year Schools- Community College
Bachelor’s Degree
Typically costs MORE than a two-year college
Tends to have more options for majors and minors
REQUIRE college entrance exams (SAT, ACT, SAT II)
Certificate or associate’s degree
Be aware of transfer requirements
Do NOT require college entrance exams! (SAT, SAT II, ACT, TOEFL)

24. Public vs Private Private Public
Rely on tuition, endowments and donations
These schools can often offer generous aid packages to undergrads who demonstrate financial need  
Tend to be smaller than public schools – smaller student population
Funded primarily through state taxes
Tuition cost tends to be lower
In state residents are able to attend at a lower cost
Tend to be larger than private schools – larger student population

25. CUNY vs SUNY SUNY CUNY State University of New York
Albany
Binghamton
Brockport
University of Buffalo
Buffalo State
Farmingdale
New Paltz
Old Westbury
Oneonta
Oswego
Purchase
Stony Brook
And More…Two Year Schools Available
CUNY
GPA Range: Variable
City University of New York
Baruch
Brooklyn
City College
Hunter
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Lehman
Medgar Evers
New York City College of Technology
Queens College
York College
_________________________________________________________________________
Queensborough Community College
LaGuardia CC
Kingsborough CC
Borough of Manhattan CC
Hostos CC
Guttman CC
Bronx CC
GPA Range: 80-92
SAT:
ACT: 18-28
GPA Range:
77-Below
NO SAT/ACT
Required

26. Special Honors Programs (CUNY)
Macaulay Honors
Undergraduate tuition* scholarship** (excludes fees)
Laptop computer
City College: Sophie Davis Program
B.S./M.D Program
Needs SAT AND ACT
Brooklyn College
B.A./M.D. Program

27. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)
Strong Academic Programs
Strong Social and Emotional Support
Lower tuition
Ample Scholarships
107 Colleges

28. Special Educational Opportunity Programs
Available at Private Schools (NOT all)
Available at SUNY Schools (NOT all)
Available at 4 year CUNY schools
Available at 2 year CUNY Schools (community college)
NOT all schools or majors
*Do not have to be financially eligible
Available at 2 year CUNY schools (community college)
MUST meet Academic AND financial guidelines*
Services usually include: Pre-freshman Summer Program, Academic Advisement, Holistic Counseling, Personal Mentoring, Tutorial Services, Supplemental Instruction, Financial Assistance

29. Excelsior Scholarship
ELIGIBILITY:
Be a resident of NYS and have resided in NYS for 12 continuous months prior to the beginning of the term;
Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen;
Have either graduated from high school in the United States, earned a high school equivalency diploma, or passed a federally approved "Ability to Benefit" test, as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department;
Have a combined federal adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less;
Be pursuing an undergraduate degree at a SUNY or CUNY college, including community colleges and the statutory colleges at Cornell University and Alfred University;

30. Excelsior Scholarship (continued)
Be enrolled in at least 12 credits per term and complete at least 30 credits each year (successively), applicable toward his or her degree program;
Be in a non-default status on a student loan made under any NYS or federal education loan program or on the repayment of any NYS award;
Be in compliance with the terms of the service condition(s) imposed by a NYS award that you have previously received; and
Execute a Contract agreeing to reside in NYS for the length of time the award was received, and, if employed during such time, be employed in NYS.

31. Student Athletes Playing College Division I and II Level Sports
SAT/ACT Scores
NCAA Eligibility Center
GPA
Playing College Division I and II Level Sports
You MUST register with the NCAA eligibility center to be eligible for athletic scholarships and to be an active on the roster as a freshman

32. How many colleges should I apply to?
Recommended: MAXIMUM 8 to10 school
Safety School – a school in which your chances of being accepted are VERY LIKELY.
You meet at least the minimum admission criteria – GPA & SAT/ACT scores.
It should also be financially safe.
You should have at least one to two safety schools!

33. should I apply to? (continued)
How many colleges
should I apply to? (continued)
Target School – a school that usually accepts students with your GPA and SAT/ACT scores.
Reach School – a highly selective (competitive) school that accept few students AND the admission criteria may be slightly above your GPA and/or SAT/ACT scores.
NOTE: Keep at least two financially safe schools on your list!

34. Types of Admissions
REGULAR
EARLY DECISION
EARLY ACTION
ROLLING

35. College Application Options
Regular Decision
The most common option for admission
Regardless of when you submit your application, you will be notified by early April
An ideal option for students who want to compare financial aid packages

36. College Application Options
Early Decision
If you know a school is your first and only choice, you should consider Early Decision
Early Decision is binding — if you are admitted, you must withdraw all other applications and enroll at that particular college
Applications are generally due mid-fall (usually in early to mid-November)
Early Decision notifications are usually sent in December

37. College Application Options
Early Action
Ideal if you have identified a top choice, but still want to weigh your options
If you are admitted, you are not obligated to attend
Applications are generally due mid-fall
You have until the spring to make your final decision

38. College Application Options
Rolling Admission
Students are notified as colleges make decisions
Decisions are usually sent out within four to ten weeks from the time the application is submitted

39. The College Application Process: Who’s Responsible for WHAT?
The Application
SENDING SAT/ACT/SATII SCORES
Asking for Letters of Recommendation
Sending Other School and/or Foreign Transcripts
Requesting Mid-Year Reports to be sent
Sending your FHHS Transcript
Writing a Recommendation, ONLY if the college REQUIRES it
Sending supporting documents OTHER THAN SAT/ACT Scores
YOU – THE STUDENT
Your School Counselor

40. COMMUNICATION BE PROACTIVE! ASK QUESTIONS! DON’T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS!
Consistent Communication is VITAL between you, your teachers, and your school counselor!
There are 1000 seniors, a hand full of counselors and…only ONE of YOU!

41. Tuition Costs* *Per School Year
Private College
$38,000+
SUNY College
$22,000+
CUNY College
$7,000+
Example: St. John’s, Fordham University, Adelphi, Hofstra
SUNY Schools – Stony Brook, Binghamton, Albany, etc.
CUNY Schools – Baruch, Hunter, Queens, etc.
Community Colleges LaGuardia, BMCC, Queensborough, etc.
*Per School Year

42. Paying for College…FAFSA and TAP
Applications Open on October 1st!

43. What you may be eligible for?

44. I am a Junior…What should I be doing NOW??
Register for SAT/ACT/TOEFL
Searching for colleges
Searching for private scholarships
Studying for SAT/ACT/TOEFL
Making summer plans

45. I am a Junior….What should I be doing this SUMMER?
Working on college essay
Narrowing down college application list
Working on private scholarship applications
Starting applications, if available
Visiting colleges
Working
Volunteering
Internships

46. SENIORS

47. College Decision Day
May 1st

48. I have chosen my school…what do I do next?
Submit a “Statement of Intent” of Enrollment
Must pay a deposit “Send ONLY one deposit to ONE school
It is unethical (wrong) to enroll in more than one school
Most schools require it on or before May 1st

49. I have chosen my school…what do I do next?
2a. Accept your financial aid offer.
You don’t have to accept the entire financial aid package
Be aware of deadlines!
2b. Take care of loan paperwork (on-line).
If you’re accepting a loan as part of your financial aid package, you’ll probably need to fill out a loan application before fall semester

50. I have chosen my school…what do I do next?
3. Set up a school/ account, if possible
Check this new account often
Schools post and send you very important information through these accounts
You miss something – it is not the school’s fault/problem…it is yours!

51. I have chosen my school…what do I do next?
4. Residence Hall and Meal Plan Options
The school will send you information about your residence hall
Be aware of deadlines!!
Read all materials
If not “dorming”, then this does not apply to you

52. I have chosen my school…what do I do next?
5. Immunizations/Doctor’s visit
Schools will REQUIRE (need) an updated physical and vaccinations
May need to get different vaccinations if you are planning on “dorming”
You may not have to pay the health insurance fee
Ask questions!

53. I have chosen my school…what do I do next?
6. Finish your senior year with the best grades that you can!
GRADUATE!
7. Make sure your documents are sent to your enrolled school!
Final Transcript
AP Scores

54. I have chosen my school…what do I do next?
SUPER IMPORTANT!!!!!
8. Register for School/Program Orientations
Colleges have summer orientations for students to become familiar with the school/programs before they begin the upcoming semester
Discussion of courses, registration, payments, campus tours, activities, school calendar
Social events to meet new students just like you!