1. Here’s what you need to know
Going to College?
Here’s what you need to know

2. Learning Target: How will you apply and pay for college?
Warm UP: What do you know about the college application process?
Have you met with your college councilor?

3. The College Application Process
The college application has become much easier with the internet
The CUNY app allows you to apply to 6 schools (This includes 4 year and 2 year schools)
The Common application allows you to apply to SUNY and Private schools

4. What do Colleges Look For???
Grades in academic courses – Academic Rigor
SAT or ACT scores
Grades in all courses
Class rank
Essay or writing sample
Teacher recommendations
Counselor recommendation*
Interview*
Work/Extracurricular activities
Student’s demonstrated interest
*Not all schools require this

5. What do Colleges consider
Most importantly, schools consider your average and SAT/ACT scores
Schools do look at your rank as well as your ILE %
Extra & Co-curricular activities and community service do carry some weight
Note: These are all factors for scholarships as well depending on the scholarship
You should have your applications by the end of December.

6. Grade/ SAT requirements for Cuny
Depending on the Colleges you want to apply to the requirements will vary. Here are a few examples: Average/SAT/ACT
Baruch College: 89.4/1264/28
Hunter College: 88.9/1205/26
Queens College: 88.3/1158/25
LaGuardia CC: 76.8
Queensborough CC: 76.7
Borough of Manhattan CC: 76.1
*Note: 2 Year colleges DO NOT require SAT/ACT

7. Naviance
Naviance is the online system used for the majority of applications including common applications.
Through Naviance you can:
Search & select the colleges in which you want to apply.
Fill out college applications.
Request letters of recommendations from teachers.
Guidance Councilors upload transcripts and necessary documents.
Note: CUNY is a separate application system!!

8. Different Types of Schools and Programs
Special Honors Programs: Macaulay, Sophie Davis and Brooklyn
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)
Special Educational Opportunity Programs
Must meet academic and financial guidelines
Available at 2yr and 4 year schools.
Academic and financial assistance
Athletes – Division Level Sports (D1, D2, D3)
GPA
SAT/ACT Scores
NCAA Eligibility Center = Must register to be eligible for academic scholarships

9. How Many Colleges Should you Apply to?
Maximum 8-10 Schools
Safety School = Very Likely to be accepted
Target School = usually accepts students with your GPA & SAT/ACT Scores
Reach School = highly selective and competitive
Note: Keep at least 2 financially safe schools on your list

10. College Application Options
Regular Decision = Notified by early April
Compare financial aid packages
Early Decision = Must Accept
Must withdraw all other applications
Due by early to mid-November
Early Action = Not obligated to attend
Top choice but still want to weigh your options
Due mid-fall
Have until spring to make your decision
Rolling Admission = Notified as colleges make decision
Decisions sent out 4-10 weeks from application

11. Who is responsible for what?
You
FHHS
Application
Sending SAT/ACT scores
Letters of recommendation
Sending other schools transcripts
Requesting mid-year reports to be sent
Sending FHHS transcript
Letter of recommendation only if required by school
Sending other documents other than SAT/ACT scores

12. Who should you go to for help?
Meet with your College Councilor
Make an appointment Room 218
Note: this person is different from your guidance councilor
Your Councilor is Mrs. McFadden or Ms. Stone
TALK to your teachers about letters of reccomendation
DO NOT just send them a Naviance request
There is a new College Office tab on the schools website.

13. Be sure to: Meet with your councilor
Obtain a copy of the college office’s application calendar
Attend college office seminars
Obtain important documents through Naviance
Have your application prepared before you send.
Fill out your application correctly
If you are apply to more than 1 program at a school, you only need to fill out 1 application

14. Learning Target: How will you pay for college?
Warm UP: How do you plan to pay for college?

15. You must talk to yo!ur parents
Be sure to sit down with your parents and discuss college.
Do they want you to stay local?
Will you be allowed to go away?
How will you pay?

16. How will you pay for college?
You must fill out a FAFSA form
You can then see if you are eligible for PELL or TAP grants. (Grants must be reapplied for each year.)
Students loans
EEOP financial programs through the college itself such as SEEK/College Discovery for CUNY
College work programs (if you qualify)
Personal Savings

17. What is FAFSA
All students are expected to contribute towards the cost of their college education. How much you and your family will be expected to contribute depends on your financial situation—and is what is referred to as your Expected Family Contribution or EFC.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form used by the U.S. Department of Education to determine your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) by conducting a “need analysis” based on financial information, such as income, assets and other household information, which you (and your parents if you are a (dependent student) will be asked to provide. The form is submitted to, and processed by, a federal processor contracted by the U.S. Department of Education (ED), and the results are electronically transmitted to the financial aid offices of the schools that you list on your application.
FAFSA is the application used by nearly all colleges and universities to determine eligibility for federal, state, and college-sponsored financial aid, including grants, educational loans, and work-study programs

18. FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid
You must be a U. S. citizen or Green Card holder to apply
Once you have applied to college, you can begin applying to FAFSA in October (Your form must be received no later than June 30, 2017)
The FAFSA is based off your parents 2015/2016 tax return. (You will need their tax return).
It is important to note that the FASA is linked to the IRS so all numbers must match.
FAFSA will tell you what grants ($ you don’t have to pay back) and what loans ($ you do have to pay back) of which you are eligible.

19. Scholarships There are numerous scholarships yours for the taking!
Go to fastweb.com, scholarships.com, collegeboard.com, wiredscholar.com etc. to see a full list.
As a College Now student, you are eligible for Myself Third Scholarship: Spirit of New York Scholarship
Creative Writing Scholarship from Random House Inc. go to randomhouse.com/creativewriting

20. Answer the following questions based on the NPR Recording
What is the average U.S. student debt after graduating college?
Explain 20/20/20
Which word is missing from the following line:
I think you really have to begin by having a truly honest with yourself about the framework for this decision.
What does Ron Lieber consider unwise?
What keeps students from getting too far into the hole?
Why were student relatives in bankruptcy court in some cases?

22. Learning Target: How will you go about applying to college?
Warm Up: Based on yesterdays class discussion, In your own words, identify the college application process as well as how you will pay for college.

23. Lets get ready for College!!
In your own words, jot down the college application process as well as how you will pay for college.