enjamin
anneker
Academy
College Planning Handbook
Principal:
Majida Abdul-Karim
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page #
Introduction
3
Important Contact Information
4
College Planning Calendar
5
Application Options
13
Standardized Testing
15
Types of Colleges & Universities
20
Selecting a College
22
Ranking the Selectivity of Colleges
24
What Colleges Look for in an Applicants
26
Completing the Application Process
27
College Application Do’s and Don’ts
32
Student Athletes
33
Financial Aid
36
College Planning Chart
47
Many thanks to Brooklyn Technical HS, Townsend Harris HS and Eleanor Roosevelt HS for all of their
resources and information included in this handbook.
2
Namaste and welcome to the Benjamin Banneker Academy College Planning Guide!
I hope that this reference will assist you in your college search and application process,
and address many of your questions and concerns. This process can bring up a myriad
of feelings for both students and their families including fear, anxiety, stress,
excitement, disappointment, and pride, just to name a few. It is, in most cases, the first
time that the student must be accountable for making a major decision concerning
her/his future. It is also the first time a lot of parents realize that their child is growing
up, becoming an adult and moving on to another phase in their lives.
Please know that the College Office at Banneker is here to guide you through the
daunting college process by helping you and your child make informed decisions. I am
here as a reference and a source of information, but in the end the person most
responsible for successfully completing this process is the student. They must be
proactive, and follow through in meeting all deadlines and completing all required tasks.
Communication is also very important at this time. It is imperative that you speak to
your child regularly about where they are in the college process, and contact the
College Office whenever you have any questions or concerns.
Please utilize this College Planning Handbook as your first source of information. I
suggest that you read it in its entirety and refer back to it often. I also encourage you
and your child to make an appointment to meet with me so that we can discuss their
future plans.
Good luck and I look forward to working with you.
Michelle Davidson
College Advisor
3
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION
School Phone:
School Fax:
718-797-3702
718-797-3862
Michelle Davidson (College Advisor):
College Office:
718-797-3702 ext. 468
banneker@gmail.com
Room 418
Banneker’s CEEB Code:
330582
Benjamin Banneker Academy address:
77 Clinton Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205
Banneker Website: www.bbanneker.schoolwires.com
College Board
Customer Service:
609-771-7600
CSS Profile Help Center:
305-829-9793
Website: www.collegeboard.com
ACT
Customer Service: 319-337-1270
Website: www.actstudent.org
FAFSA
Help Center: 800-433-3243
Website: www.fafsa.ed.gov
CUNY Admissions Service: 212-997-CUNY / 800-CUNY-YES
Website: www.cuny.edu
SUNY Application Processing Center:
800-342-3811
Website: www.suny.edu
Common Application
Website: www.commonapp.org
Black Common Application
Website: www.eduinconline.com
4
COLLEGE PLANNING CALENDAR
Sophomore Year
o October - Take the PSAT to practice for the SAT
o Attend regional and national college fairs
o Take the SAT II exams in subjects that you are completing. Please visit
www.collegeboard.com for deadlines and registration information
o Continue career & interest exploration
o Meet with your College Advisor to discuss college plans, exams and
coursework
o Research colleges and majors. Visit college websites to gather information,
compare schools ad request information. Every school has a website.
o Continue taking college prep courses
o Apply for the CUNY College Now Program (take college classes for FREE!)
o Look into summer institutes, research programs and internships to expand
your academic background
o Set up an account on www.collegeboard.com
Junior Year
Fall
o October – Take the PSAT to qualify for the National Merit and National
Achievement Scholarships
o October – Attend the Big Apple College Fair at the Jacob Javitz Center
o Take a SAT/ACT prep course to help prepare you for the exam
o Meet with College Advisor to discuss college plans, exams and coursework
o Make sure your high school transcript is accurate and complete
5
o Complete practice exams for the SAT and/or ACT (check online)
o Begin researching scholarships and financial aid options
o Begin visiting campuses of schools that you’re interested in applying to.
Spring
o March- Review your transcript to ensure that graduation requirements
are being fulfilled on schedule
o February – Deadline to register for the March SAT (visit
www.collegeboard.com)
o March – SAT exams
o March– Deadline to register for the May SAT (visit
www.collegeboard.com). Visit the College Office for a fee waiver!
o April – Attend a college tour or visit prospective schools during your
spring break
o April – Deadline to register for the June SAT (visit
www.collegeboard.com). Visit the College Office for a fee waiver
o May – SAT exams
o May – Take AP exams if necessary
o June – SAT exams
o May & June - Ask teachers in subjects that you’ve excelled in for
recommendations.
o Remember to take the SAT II Subject Tests in subjects in which you are
strong and/or are completing (if necessary)
o Look for schools offering your program choices and find out admissions
requirements. Determine your priorities
o Begin formalizing an initial list of schools that you are interested in
applying to. Determine if chosen colleges are “dream schools”, “midrange schools” or “safety schools”. Make sure you list is balanced and
contains between 15-20 colleges
o Discuss your college options and finances with your family
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o Apply for Summer Institutes, Research programs and Internships
o Apply for senior year AP classes
Summer
o Get a summer job, internship or volunteer in the community. Community
service and extracurricular activities are VERY IMPORTANT
o Begin finalizing the list of colleges that you will be applying to. You
should narrow your list down to between 8-12 colleges.
Ongoing
o Visit college websites for information and go on “virtual tours” online
o Continue exploring career interests and college majors
o Continue doing volunteer work and community service
o Visit campuses of prospective colleges
o Attend national and regional college fairs
o Research scholarships
o Meet with College Advisor to discuss your future plans
o Make sure you keep your family informed and included in all decisions that
are made
SENIOR YEAR
SEPTEMBER
o Senior College Meeting
o Deadline to register for the October SAT exams (visit www.collegeboard.com for
info)
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o Make an appointment to meet with Ms. Davidson in Room 418 to discuss college
plans, college choices, majors, especially if you feel lost and confused!!! (Email
her at Banneker@gmail.com)
o Make sure your high school transcript is accurate and complete. See your
guidance counselor if it’s not.
o If you haven’t done so already, ask teachers, guidance counselors and employers
for letters of recommendation.
o Decide if you want to apply for “early action” or “early decision” at any college
and check the application due dates.
o Begin researching and applying for scholarships (continuously check the bulletin
board in Room 418 for new scholarships and register at www.fastweb.com)
o Admissions representatives will begin visiting Banneker. Make sure you meet
with them
o Begin working on the college essays found at www.commonapp.org. These
essays will work for almost ANY application.
OCTOBER
o Late registration deadline to register for the Oct. ACT exam
(www.actstudent.org)
o Deadline to submit the “early action/early decision” forms to Ms. Davidson. No
exceptions!
o Deadline to register for the Nov. SAT exams (www.collegeboard.com)
o SAT exams
o
Attend the NY Knicks College Fair and Poetry Slam
o Attend the BIG APPLE COLLEGE FAIR
o STUDENT PROFILES are due to Ms. Davidson. NO EXCEPTIONS!! If you do not
turn one in you WILL NOT receive a Counselor Recommendation!!
o SENIOR PARENT MEETING at Banneker.
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o Deadline to apply to CUNY schools if you want a good chance of getting in to
your first choices. It’s a simple application that will take 15 minutes!!
(www.cuny.edu)
o ACT exam
o Finalize your list of colleges that you plan on applying to. Narrow down you list
to no more than 10 schools including safety schools, mid-range schools and
dream schools.
o Begin filling out the Common Application (www.commonapp.org), the Black
Common Application (www.eduinconline.com) and the SUNY Application
(www.suny.edu)
o Continue working on your application essays
o Attend college fairs and informationals
o Finalize all Early Decision and Early Action applications with Ms. Davidson
o Check for scholarships!
NOVEMBER
o Most Early Action and Early Decision applications are due to schools
o Deadline to register for the Dec. SAT exams (www.collegeboard.com)
o Deadline to register for the Dec. ACT exam (www.actstudent.org)
o SAT exams
o Deadline to apply to SUNY schools if you want a good chance of getting in. It’s a
simple application (www.suny.edu)
o Begin filling out and submitting TRANSCRIPT REQUEST FORMS and
stamped/addressed envelopes to Ms. Davidson
o Begin giving Ms. Davidson your Counselor Forms and School Reports
o Make sure you have ALL of your recommendations by now!!
o Find out if your school requires you to complete the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE
in addition to the FAFSA
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o You and your parents should register for a PIN at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You need
this PIN to complete your FAFSA in January.
o Continue completing your college applications
o Apply for scholarships and other financial aid sources
o Begin the GATES MILLENNIUM SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION at www.gmsp.org.
There are eight essays that you need to write!
DECEMBER
o SAT exams
o ACT exam
o
Review and finalize all applications and essays
o Last day to submit TRANSCRIPT REQUEST FORMS, Counselor Forms and
School Reports to Ms. Davidson for applications with a January or February
deadline. Make sure they are accompanied by Stamped and Addressed
Enveloped. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!!!!
o Deadline to register for the January SAT exams (FINAL EXAM YOU CAN
TAKE BEFORE APPLICATIONS ARE DUE!)
o Attend a Financial Aid Workshop
o FAFSA (financial aid) forms will be available at www.fafsa.ed.gov, or in your
local library. For more info call 1-800-4-FED-AID
o Ask your parents to save their year-end payroll stubs to show their total
earnings for the year. Schools might request this information.
o If accepted through Early Decision, withdraw applications to other schools
o RELAX…HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY!!!!
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JANUARY
o You can begin completing the Fall Application for Federal Student Aid. Do
this ASAP at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
o Financial Aid workshop at Banneker.
o Gates Millennium Scholarship applications are due! (www.gmsp.org)
o SAT exams
o Deadline to submit TRANSCRIPT REQUEST FORMS, Counselor Forms and
School Reports to Ms. Davidson for applications with a March or April
deadline. Make sure they are accompanied by Stamped and Addressed
Enveloped. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!!!!
o January is Financial Aid Awareness Month. Take advantage of special
programs in your area.
o Complete CSS Profiles, if needed.
o Review your FAFSA results, otherwise known as your Student Aid Report
(SAR). You will receive this a few weeks after completing your application.
o All males must register for selective services upon turning 18 or they cannot
receive Federal Financial Aid.
o Call colleges and verify that all applications have been submitted and received
and no other information is needed
FEBRUARY
o Deadline to submit MIDYEAR REPORTS with stamped addressed envelopes to
Ms. Davidson
o Confirm that all documents have been received by each college
o Rank your finalized list of colleges that you would like to attend
o Relax, it’s almost over!!
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MARCH
o You will begin receiving your acceptance letters from colleges. They will
either say Accepted, Denied or Waitlisted.
o You should have received your Student Aid Report (SAR) by now. Look over
the results. It will show your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Submit
o corrections if necessary. If you have not received your report please call 319337-5665
o Begin researching and applying for internships and summer jobs.
APRIL
o Review & compare financial aid packages from the schools that you were
accepted to
o Be aware of important deadlines (tuition deposit, housing, financial aid, etc.)
MAY
o MAKE YOUR DECISION!!! You’ve done all the work and asked all the
questions…now it’s time to decide where you want to spend the next years of
your life!
o May 1st – Usually the deadline to notify colleges if you are accepting their
offer of admission and to send your first deposit
o Inform other schools that you will not be attending in the Fall
o Take AP exams if necessary
o Finalize your summer plans
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JUNE
o
Deadline to submit FINAL TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS to Ms. Davidson
with stamped, addressed envelopes.
o GRADUATION & PROM!!!!
o Send out thank you notes to individuals who helped you through the
college application process (admissions counselors, teachers, etc.)
o Continue searching for scholarship money throughout the summer.
APPLICATION OPTIONS
Regular Decision (RD): Most colleges will have specific deadlines ranging from
December 1st – February 15th. These deadlines must be honored and require that all
admissions materials be postmarked by the date specified. Be sure to check with each
school to find out their Regular Decision deadline.
Early Decision (BINDING): If you have done your research thoroughly and decided
on a first-choice college, you may want to consider an Early Decision (ED) application.
This program is desirable for students who have strong academic credentials and a very
strong preference for one college. A student may apply to only ONE school under the
Early Decision Plan. ED is a BINDING AGREEMENT between the student and the
college. If you are admitted to the school, then you are expected to attend. You, your
parent and your counselor will be required to sign a contract. Most ED deadlines are
November 1st or November 15th. It is important to plan ahead so you can complete all
of the required SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject tests (and/or ACT plus writing) by
October of your senior year.
Pros & Cons of Early Decision
Pros:
 If you are accepted, you will know by December of your senior year and you can
relax – the college process is over
 Applying ED shows a college that it is your top choice and you are committed to
attending if accepted. They often take that into consideration when making
admission decisions.
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

If you have the admissions qualifications, ED may increase your odds of
acceptance. Colleges have recently been admitting larger percentages of
students during ED.
You are competing against a much smaller applicant pool than if you applied
Regular Decision
Cons:
 Since you are applying to more than one school, you cannot compare financial
aid packages from several institutions. ED schools say they try to meet a
student’s “financial need”. Still, financial aid officers may be less likely to
sweeten the aid package of an ED candidate, since the college knows they are
no competing for you against other colleges.
 ED is often a much more competitive pool of applicants
 An Early Decision rejection can be a devastating experience. Students who apply
in the regular admissions cycle usually receive at least a couple of acceptances at
the same time as they receive those ego-puncturing rejections, but an ED
candidate who is denied may not get good news from another school for several
months.
Early Action (NOT BINDING):
The Early Action (EA) plan follows the same application and notification timeline as
Early Decision but allows the accepted students until May 1st to accept or decline the
offer of admission. In other words, a student is not obligated to attend a school that
he/she has applied Early Action to. In general, you may apply to as many EA schools
as you want. However, some schools do not allow this (“Single-Choice Early Action”),
so please check school policies carefully.
Rolling Admissions (NO SET DEADLINE. FIRST COME-FIRST SERVE):
These programs admit students on a rolling or continuous basis until spaces in the class
fill up. This doesn’t mean that you can delay applying until the last minute, because
you could miss the boat. It is always to your advantage to apply as early as possible to
give yourself the greatest chance at acceptance and scholarships.
Opportunity Programs:
Opportunity programs for colleges in New York State support students who show
promise for mastering college-level work, but who may otherwise not be admitted
because their academic record does not reflect their full potential. You must qualify
both academically AND financially and enroll in a full-time program. Even if you meet
eligibility requirements, you are not guaranteed admission because spaces
and services are limited. Since requirements vary from campus to campus, please
check with the Admissions Office to confirm their specific criteria.
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Although these programs are essentially the same on different campuses, they have
different names and eligibility criteria depending on the type of campus:
EOP: Educational Opportunity Program is offered at SUNY schools
HEOP: Higher Educational Opportunity Program is offered at New York State private
schools (including Cornell and Columbia which are both Ivy League)
SEEK: Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge is offered at CUNY four year
schools
CD: College Discovery is offered at two-year CUNY schools
The general guidelines for program eligibility require that the student be:
 At NYS resident for 12 months prior to enrollment
 Ineligible for admission under traditional standards, but demonstrate potential
for completing their college program successfully
 In need of financial assistance within legislated income guidelines. In selecting
students for the programs, priority is given to applicants from historically
disadvantaged backgrounds.
These opportunity programs offer:
special tutoring, academic, career and personal counseling, as well as significant
financial aid to help with the cost of tuition, room board, books and personal expenses.
Be sure to complete all necessary components in a timely fashion because, in
many cases, there are additional application materials, financial aid forms
and even interviews required.
STANDARDIZED TESTING
School Code: 330582
PSAT/NMSQT
The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)
examination measures critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills and writing
skills. This test may be taken by sophomores and juniors; however only junior year
scores are submitted to the National Merit Scholarship Competition. If a student’s score
is exceptionally high, they will become a National Merit Semi-Finalist. Merit Finalists are
selected during senior year and may receive college scholarships. The PSAT/NMSQT is
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offered only ONCE each year in October. ALL juniors are advised to take this exam.
The PSAT is not used for admissions decisions
SAT I REASONING TEST
The SAT I Reasoning Test is a three hour and forty-five minute verbal and math
multiple choice assessment. There is also a writing section with an essay and multiple
choice questions. Each section is scored from 200 to 800. In general, colleges will
consider a student’s highest score on each individual section, across different testing
dates. We recommend that students take the test once in the spring of their junior year
and at least once in the fall of their senior year. Information can be found at
www.collegeboard.com
SAT II SUBJECT TESTS
The SAT II Subject Tests are subject specific tests. They are one hour multiple choice
tests offered in fifteen different subject areas such as Math, Chemistry, Biology,
Spanish, History and Literature. Many selective schools require students to submit up
to three scores. It’s a good idea to check with the schools that you’re applying to and
find out if they require SAT Subject Test scores, and if so, if they require particular tests
for specific majors. A student may take up to three tests in one day but NOT on the
same day as the SAT Reasoning Test. Student’s might want to consider taking 1-2
tests in the spring of their junior year and then any additional subject tests (if
necessary) in the fall of their senior year. Information can be found at
www.collegeboard.com
The ACT plus Writing
The ACT plus Writing exam, administered by the American College Testing is an
alternative form of assessment to the SAT Reasoning Test. The ACT exam is offered
“with Writing” or “without Writing”. If you choose to take the ACT exam you MUST
choose the ACT “with Writing”. The ACT is a three hour multiple choice test with an
essay component that measures skills in English, Math, Reading, Writing and Science
Reasoning. Each section is scored from 1 to 36. The ACT has a reputation of being
more direct (fewer trick questions) than the SAT. All colleges will accept ACT and /or
SAT scores and some schools will even allow submission of an ACT with Writing in lieu
of SAT Subject Tests. It is recommended that student’s take both the SAT Reasoning
Test AND the ACT to see which test they fare better on. Test information can be found
at www.actstudent.org
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Fee Waivers
Fee Waivers for the SAT Reasoning Test, SAT II Subject Tests and the ACT are
available in limited quantities to students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch. If
you DO NOT turn in a lunch form, then you cannot obtain a fee waiver. Eligible
students may obtain these fee waivers from the College Office in Room 418.
Sending Scores to Schools
Do NOT have standardized test scores sent to colleges during your junior
year. In your senior year, you should have the score reports sent to the colleges to
which you plan to apply. At that time, all earlier scores will also be forwarded to the
schools. College Board and ACT will send your scores to four schools for each time you
register for a test. You must pay a fee to send your scores to additional colleges. It
typically takes from 2-4 weeks for colleges to receive your scores. College Board and
the ACT will also provide “score rushing” services for an additional fee.
Sunday Testing
Some test centers offer testing on Sunday rather than Saturday for students whose
religious observance does not allow them to test on Saturday. Sunday test dates
immediately follow each Saturday test date. Only religious reasons are accepted for
requests to test on Sunday. This means that Sunday testers must provide a letter
from their clergy that explains the religious observance behind the request. . The first
time students register for Sunday testing, they must: register using the paper
Registration Form. Once a student has registered for Sunday testing, he or she can reregister online or by phone for additional test dates. For more information on Sunday
testing visit www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/reg/circum/sunday.html and /or
www.act.org/aap/disab/index.html
Students with disabilities
Students with a documented disability can obtain approval for special testing
accommodations (such as extended time, private room, large type, etc). The process
for this approval is very extensive. It is imperative that you start this process early so
there is time for all of the paperwork to be processed and for appropriate arrangements
to be made. Please visit the College Office in Room 418 for more information and /or
to begin the process.
Standby Testing
Standby testing is a possibility for students who missed the late registration deadline.
There is never actually a guarantee that you will be seated for an exam as a standby.
Test centers accept standbys on a first-come, first-serve basis only if they have
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sufficient staff, testing materials and space. Brooklyn Technical HS is recommended as
a standby test center because it is very large, so space and staff are not usually an
issue. Please avoid standby testing if at all possible!! Consult
www.collegeboard.com or actstudent.org for more information.
Changes/Cancellations in Date, Test Center or Subject Test
Changes and cancellations can be arranged for a fee. Please contact College Board
and/or ACT at least two weeks prior to the exam in which you are scheduled to take.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Benjamin Banneker Academy DOES NOT send SAT
Reasoning Test or SAT II Subject Test scores to colleges. However, we are
able to send ACT scores, if requested. It is the student’s responsibility to
have SAT and SAT Subject test results sent to all colleges in which they are
applying. Remember, there is a fee to send scores. Please visit
www.collegeboard.com to send SAT scores and visit the College Office in
Room 418 to request that ACT scores be sent.
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SAT vs. ACT: What’s the Difference?
SAT
ACT with Writing
When is it administered?
What is the test structure?
Seven times a year
Ten section exam:
Three Critical Reading, three
Math, three Writing and one
Experimental. The
Experimental section is
masked to look like a regular
section
Six times a year
Four section exam:
English, Math, Reading,
Writing and Science
Reasoning. An
Experimental section is
added to tests on certain
dates only, and is clearly
experimental
What is the test content?
Math: up to 9th grade basic
geometry and Algebra II
Science: none
Reading: sentence
completions, short and long
critical reading passages,
reading comprehension
Writing: an essay, and
questions testing grammar
usage and word choice
Math: up to trigonometry
Science: charts, graphs and
experiments
Reading: four passages,
one each of Prose Fiction,
Social Science, Humanities
and Natural Science
English: stresses grammar
Writing: one writing
prompt that will define an
issue and describe two
points of view on that issue.
You are asked to respond to
a question about your
position on the issue
described in the writing
prompt
Is there a penalty for wrong Yes
answers?
No
How is the test scored?
1-36 for each section
averaged for a composite
score. A 36 is the highest
possible composite score
At least 4 weeks before
the test date
Best time to register?
200-800 per section, added
together for a combined
score. A 2400 is the highest
possible combined score
At least 6 weeks before the
test date
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TYPES OF COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

Universities

Liberal Arts Colleges

Community Colleges/2-year Colleges

Vocational/Technical and Career Colleges
Generally, universities are larger and offer more majors and degree options than
the other types of colleges. In addition to liberal arts majors, they may offer
engineering, architecture, health and other programs. At most universities, you
can earn bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees. Most universities contain
several smaller colleges; for example, colleges of agriculture, teaching, and
liberal arts. You may have to apply to a specific college within the university and
take most of your classes within that college. At a university, you can prepare for
many types of careers or for further study in graduate school.
These colleges offer a broad base of courses in the liberal arts — literature,
philosophy, history, languages, mathematics, humanities, and social and natural
sciences. Most are private and focus on undergraduate students. They typically
offer four-year programs that lead to a bachelor’s degree; students usually take
courses in a range of subjects during their first two years and then choose a
major. These colleges prepare you for a variety of careers, as well as for
graduate work in many fields, including professions such as law, medicine and
business.
Community colleges are the most common type of two-year college. These
colleges prepare you to continue your education or to enter the workforce
immediately. They offer associate degrees that get you ready to transfer to a
four-year college and earn a bachelor’s degree. Other types of associate degrees
and certificates focus on career readiness.
Community colleges are often an affordable and convenient option; they charge
relatively low tuition to in-state residents. Many students can also save money by
living at home.
A vo-tech or career college offers specialized training to students who are
interested in a particular industry or career. At these colleges, students are not
required to take general education classes in all subjects. You take classes only
in your field of study — for example, culinary arts, firefighting, dental hygiene or
medical-records technology. When you complete your program, you receive a
certificate of completion or an associate degree.
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
CUNY (City University of New York) – www.cuny.edu
CUNY is the public university system of New York City. It is the largest urban
university in the United States, consisting of 23 institutions: 11 senior colleges,
six community colleges, the, the doctorate-granting Graduate School and
University Center, the City University of New York School of Law, CUNY Graduate
School of Journalism, and the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education. More
than 260,000 degree-credit students and 273,000 continuing and professional
education students are enrolled at campuses located in all five New York City
boroughs. Some CUNY institutions include: Hunter, John Jay, City College,
Brooklyn College, Medgar Evers, Borough of Manhattan Community College and
Kingsborough Community College.

SUNY (State University of New York) – www.suny.edu

HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities)

Single Sex

Ivy league Colleges
The State University of New York is a system of public institutions of higher
education in New York State. It is the largest comprehensive system of
universities, colleges, and community colleges in the world with a total
enrollment of 465,000 students. The state of New York assists in financing a
university system that provides low-cost college level education to residents of
the state. There are a large variety of colleges in the SUNY system with some
overlap in specialties from site to site. SUNY divides its campuses into four
distinct categories: university centers/doctoral granting institutions, university
colleges, technology colleges, and community colleges. Some SUNY’s include:
Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, Stony Brook, Potsdam, Oneonta, Mohawk Valley
and Fashion Institute of Technology
Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are institutions of higher
education in the United States that were established before 1964 with the
intention of serving the black community. HBCUs usually offer programs, services
and activities relevant to black students.
All four-year public colleges, and most private colleges, are co-ed. Still, there are
dozens of colleges that are specifically for men or for women.
The Ivy League colleges are a group of eight universities based in the
northeastern United States. All eight are private institutions and all are
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considered among the country's most elite schools for academics. The league
includes Harvard, Yale, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton, Columbia, Brown,
Dartmouth and Cornell University. all of the Ivy universities regularly place near
the top of most national ratings. Each of the eight Ivy schools in the U.S.
receives great sums of money in the form of research grants as well as state and
federal subsidies.
SELECTING A COLLEGE
When considering the college that is right for you there are several factors you should
keep in mind. Use the criteria below to compare and select colleges.
Student Enrollment





School Size
Enrollment
Retention
Background
Minority
Large campus or small campus
Freshmen class size
% of Freshmen that remain to graduate
Male/Female ratio, % of commuters/residents
% of minority students
Location




Geographic region-distance from home and travel costs
How accessible to trains, planes, buses
Urban/ rural, nearest city or countryside, recreational opportunities
Facilities- Library, Labs, Study and Practice rooms, Sports, Student Center,
Computer Labs, Dorm Facilities
College Type and Philosophy





Two year or four year, private, public, same sex schools
Liberal arts, pre-professional for business and engineering, fine arts
Traditional/Progressive
Deeply scholarly/career oriented-comprehensive
Faculty credentials and reputation
22
Admissions






Deadlines- Application, notification of decision, reply date
Application Requirements- Fees, application forms, specific high school
courses, transcript, secondary school report, interview, recommendation
Required Exams- PSAT, SAT I, SAT II, Advanced Placement Exams
Selectivity- % of applicants offered admission, average required SAT scores,
freshman class profile, high school subjects required for admission
Costs- Cost of tuition, books, meals and other extras
Interview- Final phase of application (not always required)
Narrow your list to eight to twelve colleges.
Your list should include a combination of public and private colleges that are your
“dream” schools, “probable” schools, and “safety” schools. As New York State students,
you should include City University and State University schools on the list. Your list is
unique; it will not look like anyone else’s.
“Dream” colleges
Include one or two colleges whose admissions requirements are a real challenge but
that you are really hopeful about.
“Probable” colleges
Include two or three colleges whose admissions requirements you mostly satisfy and
where there is a good chance you will be accepted.
“Safety” colleges
Include two or three colleges whose admissions requirements you satisfy and where
you know you are likely to be accepted.
23
RANKING THE SELECTIVITY OF COLLEGES
It is impossible to predict with certainty whether or not a student will be admitted to a
particular college. The following ranking is only a rough guide, based on previous
acceptances. It does not include factors such as SAT II Subject Test scores (if needed),
letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities interviews, special talents, or other
situations that influence admissions. For some example some colleges may take into
account is the applicant is an athlete, or would increase diversity on campus. College
statistics vary from year to year.
Most Selective Colleges
The schools in this category prefer students with averages above 91 and SAT’s in the
mid 600’s or above (each section) in addition to a very strong academic program (AP
and other challenging courses) varied extracurricular activities, and strong
recommendations. For all schools listed below, even candidates with averages above
91 combined with high SAT scores are not GUARANTEED admission.
Amherst
Brown
Cal Tech
Columbia
Cornell
Dartmouth
Duke
Georgetown
Harvard
MIT
Princeton
Stanford
Swarthmore
U Penn
Yale
VERY SELECTIVE COLLEGES
Schools in this category prefer students with averages above 89 and SAT scores in the
high 500’s or above (each section) combined with a very strong academic program,
strong extracurriculars and recommendations
Barnard
Boston College
Brandeis
Colgate
Cooper Union
Emory
Haverford
Johns Hopkins
NYU
Rice
Tufts
U. Chicago
24
U of North Carolina Chapel Hill
U of Notre Dame
U of Virginia
Vassar
Wake Forest
Wesleyan
HIGHLY SELECTIVE SCHOOLS
Schools in this category prefer students with averages 85 and above and strong
Standardized Test scores. Strong recommendations and extracurricular activities are
very helpful in strengthening your application.
Babson
Boston Univ
Northeastern
Carnegie Mellon
Connecticut College
Davidson College
George Washington Univ
Univ of Michigan
Lehigh
Smith
RPI
Skidmore
Fordham
SELECTIVE COLLEGES
Colleges that often accept students with averages above 81, strong standardized test
scores and strong recommendations and extracurricular activities
Bard
College of NJ
Indiana Univ
Ithaca
Lafayette
Manhattanville
Marist
Michigan State
Adelphi
Drexel
RIT
NYU Polytech
Mt Holyoke
Siena
Spelman
Syracuse
Trinity
Univ of Delaware
Univ of Florida
Univ of Maryland
American
Emerson
Rutgers
NYIT
Univ of Illinois
Univ of Miami
Univ of Mass
Univ of Texas-Austin
Univ of Pittsburgh
Villanova
Polytechnic Institute
Tulane
Bennington
Hofstra
Temple
State University of New York – SUNY
The following will give you an indication of approximate averages that have indicated a
good chance for admission in the past by each of the schools listed. SAT and /or ACT
scores also influence admission to these schools. With high SAT scores, somewhat
lower averages have been accepted. EOP applicants do not follow the same
requirements.
Albany……….……………..82+
Stony Brook……………….85+
Brockport…………………..80
Binghamton………………..83+
Buffalo………………………84+
Buffalo College…………….75
25
Cortlandt……………………80
Geneseo…………………….85
Oneonta…………………….83
Plattsburgh……………….82
Purchase…………………..76
Fredonia……………………..76
New Paltz……………………83
Oswego………………….…..76
Potsdam…….……………….76
WHAT COLLEGES LOOK FOR IN APPLICANTS
There are many factors that colleges and universities look at to assess applicants. The
factors that influence the admission decision include:








Courses taken
Grades received
Class rank /percentile
Standardized test scores
Personal statements and essays
Recommendations
Extracurricular activities
Interviews (not always mandatory)
The grades a student receives in college-preparatory classes remain the most significant
factor in the college admission decision.
Highly selective colleges look for students who:




Complete core academic requirements
Take more challenging classes, even though they may receive slightly lower
grades then they would normally receive in a lower level class
Enroll is several college-prep course (AP courses) and perform well
Take four years of a foreign language, showing evidence of academic discipline
and challenge
Small selective schools pay greater attention to




Personal statements and essays
Teacher and counselor recommendations
Leadership experiences
The individual talents of applicants
26

Typically offer face-to-face interviews
Large, public state university systems


Use a mathematical formula based on students GPA and scores on the SAT or
ACT
Tend to favor in-state applicants
Class rank
Although still reviewed by many colleges, class rank has declined in significance as
many private and religious schools have eliminated student ranking. Benjamin Banneker
Academy does not release class rank to colleges, but we do release percentile.
COMPLETING THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Transcripts – Every school that you apply to needs an official copy of your
transcript. Official transcripts can only be sent by the College Advisor or
Guidance Counselor. Transcripts are NOT official, if sent by the student. Before
transcripts are sent please ensure that they are accurate and complete.
Transcript Requests are to be submitted to the College Office in Room 418.

Teacher Recommendations – Most colleges request that two academic
teachers write and send your recommendations to them. It is your responsibility
to ask two teachers if they would be willing to write recommendations in support
of your applications. Typically, a student should begin to ask teachers at the end
of their junior year. Inform your teachers of your deadlines well before the
actual due dates. The earlier the better. It is advisable to seek out
recommendations from teachers in two different subject areas. Teachers are
oftentimes flooded with recommendation requests, and have the right to say
“no” to you. In addition, only ask teachers whose class you excelled in. Please
do not ask a teacher whose class you failed or did poorly in.

Counselor Recommendations (Secondary School Report) – The Guidance
Counselor letter of recommendation is written on your behalf and sent to all
27
colleges to which you apply. In this letter, your Counselor or College Advisor
communicates to colleges your personal attributes as well as your academic and
extracurricular interests and accomplishments. Your letter will be based on
information that you include in your Student Profile and also on personal
interactions. Student Profiles will be distributed during the first week of your
senior year. If you do not turn in a Student Profile by the stated deadline, a
Guidance Counselor recommendation will not be written for you. Counselor
Recommendations are usually mailed along with transcripts.

Resume – Most colleges request a resume or a list of activities. Your resume
should be a basic profile of who you are based on your interests, activities and
accomplishments since starting high school. On a resume all information is
organized chronologically with the most recent listed first. List all employment,
extracurricular activities, internships, community service activities and awards.
Make sure that organization/company names, accurate dates and length of
service is included with each activity, as well as the position that you held.

Personal statement – Your personal statement/essay is one of the most
important parts of your application. The essay affords you an opportunity to
express your individuality; it will help to differentiate you from other applicants
with similar averages and test scores. Many schools give you specific topics to
write about, but some schools leave it up to you to tell them about yourself.
HAVE FUN! Don’t think of this as torture, it’s a unique opportunity to be
yourself. You may write about your special interests, talents, obstacles you’ve
overcome and influential experiences and people. The general rule is “the essay
should be something only you could write” –it should be as specific as possible.
Work on your essays carefully. Allow yourself enough time to write, revise and
then revise again! NEVER submit your first draft. Ask your teachers, parents,
friends and counselors to read what you have written. Your English teachers are
wonderful resources. Pay attention to word limits! Colleges will NOT read a
three page essay, if only one page was requested. Last thing: SPELL CHECK &
PROOFREAD, SPELL CHECK & PROOFREAD, SPELL CHECK &
PROOFREAD! Nothing is worse than sending an essay with spelling and
grammatical errors that could have easily been avoided.

Portfolios - Making the choice to major in the visual arts for some students can
be a tough decision. Not only do you have to go through the academic
admissions requirements, but you also have the added pressure of submitting a
portfolio of your creative work. For most university art programs and private art
28
schools, your portfolio will play a determining factor in your admission. The
portfolio needn't be scary or an obstacle to getting into the college of your choice
as long as it is approached in a thoughtful and serious manner. The first step in
developing a portfolio is to create a list of first choice and back-up colleges that
you are planning to apply to and contact each of their admissions departments to
obtain their particular portfolio and admissions requirements. Some schools only
accept original art whereas some only accept slides; some will accept a digital
portfolio and others have size limitations; some have strict application deadlines
and others are on rolling admissions. The required content of the portfolio may
also differ from college to college and each school's criteria should be followed as
closely as possible. Consulting with a college admissions counselor can give you
guidance with your portfolio in advance. The most important detail of preparing
your portfolio for college admissions is to remember to give yourself plenty of
time and have fun with it. It is almost impossible to create quality work if you are
nervous and under a time constraint. Don't wait until the last minute, and make
enough work so you can edit together the best portfolio for each school you plan
to apply to.
COMMON APPLICATION
More than 415 colleges and universities throughout the country use the Common
Application, and many colleges use ONLY the Common Application. Member colleges
encourage its use and all are obligated to give equal consideration to the Common
Application and the college's own form if applicable. The Common Application should be
completed online and can be found at http://www.commonapp.org.
TIPS FOR VIEWING AND SUBMITTING THE COMMON APPLICATION ONLINE




Save your work often.
Logout after each session.
Use a word processor to type your writing samples before cutting and
pasting or uploading them into the online forms.
Use Print Previews to view your forms before submitting. (You will need to
install Adobe Acrobat Reader. It's free.)
29
CUNY APPLICATIONS
APPLICATIONS FOR UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSION ARE COMPLETED ONLINE AT
www.cuny.edu
Students may select and complete ONE of the following:
• The General Freshman Admission Application for programs at the 17 CUNY
undergraduate campuses.
• The Macaulay Honors College Application for admission to their highly
selective program available at seven campuses: Baruch, Brooklyn, City, CSI,
Hunter, Lehman and Queens. Visit www.cuny.edu/honorscollege
• The Teacher Academy Application for admission to an innovative program
educating teachers in mathematics and science. The Teacher Academy is offered
at: Brooklyn, City, CSI, Hunter, Lehman, Queens, York, Borough of Manhattan
Community College and Hostos Community College. Visit
www.cuny.edu/teachersacademy
• Additional Application Procedures are required for:
Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education . Visit http://med.cuny.edu
Brooklyn College Articulated Medical Program . Visit
http://bamd.brooklyn.cuny.edu/bamdmain.html
Students will be required to provide the following information online:
•
Social Security Number (if not available, CUNY ID number will be provided)
•
OSIS Number (printed on your program card or school ID)
•
CEEB Code for Banneker: 330582
•
Counselor’s name and email address: Michelle Davidson, Banneker@gmail.com
•
A list of all secondary schools attended
•
Family income information, if applying for an Opportunity Program (SEEK or
College Discovery)
30
SUNY APPLICATIONS
• Common Application Online can be used for the following SUNY Schools:
Binghamton University, Stony Brook University, University at Albany, University
at Buffalo, College at Geneseo, College at Oneonta, Cortland, Fredonia, New
Paltz, and Oswego.
• SUNY Online Applications are available at www.suny.edu/student. Here you
must create an account, answer questions, choose a campus and curriculum,
print your forms, pay with a credit card, and print a “Counselor Form” to submit
to the College Office so that your transcript can be sent to each college to which
you applied. Remember, YOUR APPLICATION IS NOT COMPLETE
WITHOUT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT SENT BY THE COLLEGE OFFICE.
• Special Programs and Supplemental Materials: Information about programs
of interest and supplemental applications required may be obtained at that
particular school’s website.
Application Status: You may check your application status at
http://www.suny.edu/student/appstatus.
BLACK COLLEGE COMMON APPLICATION (EDU, Inc.)
The Black College Common Application allows students to apply to thirty-six black
colleges at once and pay a onetime fee that covers each school. The use of the Black
Common Application increases educational options by allowing students to receive
acceptance letters, financial aid packages, and scholarship offers from several colleges.
Not every HBCU uses this application, so please check the website for participating
schools.
To access the Black Common Application, visit www.eduinconline.com
31
COLLEGE APPLICATION DOs AND DON’Ts
DO:

Plan ahead and submit materials in advance of stated deadlines.

Put your legal name and social security number (if applicable) on all application
documents, including checks. The last name of a parent/guardian is sometimes
different than the student’s so always put the student’s identifying information
on checks so they can be identified in the event the check is separated from the
application.

Proofread your essay- don’t use spell check. If you name a school in the essay,
make sure that you match the correct essay to the correct application.

Wait 2-3 weeks after submitting materials and then follow up with each school to
make sure they have received all parts of your application. Do not assume they
will notify you if something is missing.

If there is anything unusual about your transcript (large drop in grades,
transferred schools, etc) be sure to mention it in some part of your application.

Give as much thought to short answer questions as you would to longer essays.

Make copies of all documents for your files.
DON’T:

Don’t RUSH…take your time with each application.

Don’t indicate interest in a major the school does not offer.

Don’t forget to send the application fee or fee waiver (if you are eligible).
32

Don’t forget to send your test scores to each school you are applying to (if they
require them) directly from the testing services.

Don’t try to impress. Be yourself throughout this process.
FOR THE STUDENT ATHLETE
For college-bound athletes who want to play intercollegiate sports, it is important to
learn about the rules governing academic eligibility. Depending on which level of
competition you are considering, your relationship with a college recruiter must abide
by the rules established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), or the National Junior College
Athletic Association (NJCAA). Violating any of the rules might result in your loss of
eligibility to compete.
All potential Division I or Division II athletes must be certified by the NCAA
Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse.
To be certified by the Clearinghouse, you must:
1.
Graduate from high school.
2. Apply for certification after your junior year in high school if you are sure you wish
to participate in intercollegiate athletics as a freshman at a Division I or II institution.
The Clearinghouse will issue a preliminary certification report after you have submitted
all your materials (official six-semester transcript, ACT or SAT scores, student release
form and fee). After you graduate, IF your eligibility status is requested by a member
institution, the Clearinghouse will review your final transcript and proof of graduation to
make a final certification decision according to NCAA schools.
3. Earn a grade-point average of at least 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in a core curriculum
of at least 16 academic courses that were successfully completed during grades 9
through 12. Only courses listed as approved on your high school’s “List of NCAA
Approved Core Courses” (formerly 48-H) can be used to calculate your NCAA GPA. No
special values are allowed for “+” or “ -” grades.
33
Plan to start the certification process in the spring of your junior year in high
school. The eligibility forms must be obtained online at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net.
When you take the SAT Reasoning Test, be sure to enter 9999 in the score report
box so that your scores will go to the NCAA Clearinghouse. You can also obtain
information from the following places:
National Collegiate Athletic Association
www.ncaa.org 6201 College Boulevard Overland Park, KS 66211-2422
National Junior College Athletic Association
www.njcaa.org
P.O. Box 1586 Hutchinson, KS 67504
National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics
www.naia.org 1221 Baltimore Avenue Kansas City, MO 641052
NCAA Fact Sheet
Points to Remember:
• The requirements for eligibility to participate at Division I differ from those
required at Division II.
• Students normally should register after completion of their junior year in high
school and only after an informed judgment has been made as to the prospect’s
potential at the Division I or II level.
• NCAA academic committees are vested with the authority to grant waivers of the
initial-eligibility requirements based on objective evidence that demonstrates
circumstances in which a student’s overall academic record warrants the waiver
of the normal application of the legislation.
• Initial eligibility waivers must be filed by an NCAA institution on behalf of the
student (students with approved diagnosed disabilities may file a waiver on their
34
own behalf).
• Correspondence or independent study classes may not be used to meet the 16
core-course requirements.
• Courses taken in the eighth grade may not be used to satisfy the core curriculum
requirements, regardless of the course content or level.
• Students enrolling in a Division I institution may not use courses taken after high
school graduation to meet core-curriculum requirements. (Note: students with
approved diagnosed disabilities may use courses taken after graduation but prior
to full-time college enrollment.)
• Students with disabilities may receive additional information regarding
accommodations by checking Part III on the student release form or by calling
the NCAA (913-339-1906).
Key Questions to Ask a College Coach
1.
What division is the college/university in (I, II, IA, III, etc.)?
2.
Are there any division changes anticipated in the next four years?
3.
What conference is the college in and what were the final standings last season?
4.
How many team members will return next year?
5.
What are the long-range goals of the athletic program?
6.
What is the graduation rate of players?
7.
How often are practices scheduled?
8.
What are the living accommodations?
9.
How many classes may be missed due to team travel? Can they be made up?
10. Does the school provide study support for athletes?
11. What financial aid is available and what are the rules for maintaining this aid?
12. How many players are you recruiting for my position?
35
FINANCIAL AID
Help is available in the form of financial aid and scholarships. The total cost of college
to you and your family may not be as high as it seems at first glance. You must be
aggressive in researching aid packages. While all colleges offer financial aid packages
based on need, some colleges and organizations offer money based on academic
performance or merit.
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is required by all college financial
aid offices, and the CSS Profile (put out by the College Board) is required by some
colleges. Many colleges issue their own financial aid forms, which are part of the
application. Always check with the financial aid office of each college to which you apply
to learn what it requires in this regard!!
All student aid packages are primarily Need-Based – determined by your ability to pay
tuition, room and board expenses. Most colleges give out financial aid packages that
are a combination of Grants or Scholarships (money that does not need to be paid
back), Loans (usually paid back after graduation) and Work-Study (arrangement which
requires the student to earn money by working on campus).
Need-Based Aid
Prior to giving you a financial aid package, all colleges require that you and your
parents/legal guardian fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form
and often, the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile. The forms ask for a complete
financial statement based on the previous tax year. Filing for the FAFSA and indicating
residence in New York State will automatically register you for The New York State
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) which, if awarded, can be used at any college or
university in New York State.
Several weeks after you file the FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that
states your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This is then forwarded to the colleges
and represents the amount you are expected to pay toward the cost of college. All
need-based aid is in addition to the expected family contribution.
It is important to file for financial aid prior to admission to a college. Check your college
materials for deadlines. File in January of your senior year if possible. Some colleges
have their own financial aid forms, so check with them early on in the process. The rule
is “first come, first served.”
36
Once you have been admitted, a college will send you a financial aid package, usually
by April 15, indicating the amount of aid available in the form of loans,
grants/scholarships and work-study. Often, the college will want to know if you qualify
for a federal grant (Federal Pell Grant) or any grants from New York State (TAP, for
example). Any local scholarship money you receive will reduce the amount of your
financial aid package from the college.
FINANCIAL AID BASIC FORMULA
Cost of Education – Expected Family Contribution = Financial Need
(CALCULATOR IS AVAILABLE AT WWW.FINAID.ORG)
Cost of Education (CE)
•
Tuition and fees
•
Books and supplies
•
Room and board
•
Personal (e.g., clothing, laundry, recreation, medical)
•
Transportation
-
Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
•
Parents’ annual income and age
•
Family assets (e.g., savings)
•
Family expenses
•
Number of dependent children attending college
•
Money from summer or part-time employment and personal savings
(standard contribution is $1,000 for first year of college)
=
37
Financial Need (FN)
There are three types of financial aid (Grants, Scholarships and Loans). Aid must be
applied for every year you attend college.
• GRANTS are generally awarded on the basis of need alone. • Federal grant
programs (Pell, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Program-SEOG) vary
with the federal budget and are awarded based on need.
• SCHOLARSHIPS may be awarded on the basis of need and/or on the basis of
academic achievement or other criteria.
BOTH GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS DO NOT HAVE TO BE REPAID!
• LOANS
Federal Loans
 Perkins Loans - for students with exceptional need, must begin paying back
nine (9) months after cessation of at least half-time enrollment.

Stafford Loan – subsidized and unsubsidized
Subsidized – start paying back principal and interest six (6) months after
cessation of at least half-time enrollment.
Unsubsidized – pay back interest while in college, the principal after college


Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS) – start paying back principal
plus interest within sixty (60) days of receipt of loan. This is not based on the
“EFC Formula”.
Parent Loan (PLUS) – must start paying back principal and interest (60)
days after receiving the loan – deferment possible; not based on “EFC
Formula”.
College Programs sometimes available
o Loan programs
o Interest-free monthly plans
38
o Work-study (Federal Work Study Program is not necessarily based on need)
COMPLETING THE FAFSA – TIPS FOR STUDENTS
How will I pay for college?
College is often quite expensive, but don’t let financial concerns stop you from applying
to those colleges you most wish to attend. With the help of federal and state financial
aid, every student can afford to attend college. The amount of financial aid you will be
eligible for depends largely upon your income and the income of your parents. First,
you need to apply to college. Next, apply for financial aid by completing the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Based on the information you provide on
the FAFSA, each college you are accepted to will notify you of the amount of financial
aid you are eligible to receive if you attend that college. This amount is often referred
to as a “financial aid package.”
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The FAFSA can be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov, or you can submit a
hardcopy print version available from the College Counselor in your school or by calling
1-800-4-FED-AID. Paper copies are extremely limited. High school students should
complete the FAFSA on or after January 1st and before February 15th prior to fall
enrollment to determine their eligibility for financial aid. Remember, some financial aid
is given on a first-come-first-served basis, so submit the application as soon as possible.
It’s Free!
Remember, the FAFSA is a free application and there should be no costs associated
with completing it. The website (www.fafsa.ed.gov) and helpline (1-800-4-FED-AID)
provide applications and assistance free of charge. If money is requested for any
portion of the application process, ask your college counselor for help. You may have
the incorrect website.
What do I need to complete the FAFSA?
Before you begin to complete the FAFSA, gather the following documents:
39
Personal Information:
• Driver License Number
• Social Security Number
• Date(s) of birth of your parent(s)/guardian
• Alien Registration Number (if not a U.S.Citizen)
• Know the legal marital status of your parents
Financial Information:
•
Tax returns and W-2 (previous year)
•
Tax returns and W-2(s) of your parent(s) (previous year)
•
An explanation of all untaxed income received (e.g. social security income,
welfare)
•
An explanation of all untaxed income your parent(s) received
•
Records of all assets (e.g. real estate holdings, bank statements, stock certificates)
•
FAFSA Personal Identification number (PIN) for student
•
FAFSA Personal Identification number (PIN) for your parent(s)
How do I get a FAFSA Personal Identification Number (PIN)?
Both you and your parents will need to create a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to
complete the FAFSA. Request a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov. It usually takes about three
days for your PIN to arrive via email. This is a permanent PIN that can be used
whenever filing for any type of financial aid.
Use your PIN for the following functions:
•
Electronically “sign” the FAFSA before submitting
40
•
Make corrections to your application
•
Check the status of your application
•
Renew your application in future years
What happens after I submit the FAFSA?
After you have completed the FAFSA, you will receive an electronic notification from the
United States Department of Education. This notice usually arrives within three days
(three weeks for hardcopy FAFSA) and will have a link to your Student Aid Report (SAR)
and Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
The Student Aid Report (SAR) is a summary of the information you provided on the
FAFSA. It determines how much financial aid you are eligible to receive and your
Expected Family Contribution (EFC) – the amount you and your family are expected to
contribute to your college expenses. The SAR also notifies you if you are eligible for a
Pell Grant.
If you do not receive a SAR within 4 weeks call 1-800-4-FED-AID. If there are
mistakes on the SAR, visit www.fafsa.ed.gov, go to FAFSA Follow Up, and click on
Make Corrections to a Processed FAFSA. Also, notify the colleges you have applied
to so they can adjust your financial aid package.
The colleges you indicated on the FAFSA will receive your SAR at the same time that
you do. Each college you are accepted to will then calculate a financial aid package and
notify you of the amount of aid you will be awarded if you do attend that school. Make
photocopies of the SAR and forward them to the colleges you did not list on the FAFSA.
If there is an asterisk next to your EFC, you will need to provide documentation of the
information provided on your FAFSA. The documentation is submitted to the colleges
you have applied to for financial aid.
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Tuition Assistance Plan (TAP)
If you indicate on the FAFSA that you live in New York State and are applying to a New
York State college or university you will be able to file for the Tuition Assistance Plan
(TAP) at the end of the FAFSA process (hardcopy applicants will receive the TAP
application in the mail). For more information about TAP, visit New York State Higher
Education Services Corp. (NYS HESC) at www.hesc.org or call 1-888-NYS-HESC.
Important Reminders
•
•
Follow all directions when submitting the FAFSA
Enter your email contact information on the FAFSA for a faster response
•
Submit all information as soon as possible prior to deadlines
•
Keep copies of all personal and financial documentation
•
Make copies of all FAFSA submissions (online or print applications) and the SAR
•
Correct mistakes on your SAR immediately
•
Respond to all queries about financial aid immediately
•
After completing the FAFSA, remember to complete any additional applications
Helpful Hints for Scholarship Searches
** ALL FINANCIAL AID IS ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS!
Probably the most asked question on the minds of students and their families is,
“Where can we find the money to pay for college?” With the cost of a college education
escalating wildly, it’s no wonder that financial concerns top our parents’ lists as their
children engage in the college admission process. For many students, scholarships hold
the key to the financial aid dilemma.
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Finding Scholarships
Scholarships are available throughout your college education. Eligibility requirements
vary greatly, including: academic performance, academic promise, ethnicity, talent,
athletics, community service, leadership, career interests, etc. The search for
scholarship money is tiring; there are many forms to fill out and essays to write. Keep in
mind that many students are applying for the same scholarships. Your best strategy is
to apply for as many as you are eligible for, assuming that the more you apply to, the
better your chances for getting at least one. A number of privately operated scholarship
search services charge fees ranging from $50 to over $500 to aid you in locating
scholarships, often with varying degrees of success. It is best to take this search into
your own hands.
Benjamin Banneker College Office
The College Office in Room 418 receives information on many scholarships available to
graduating seniors.
Individual Colleges
Each college differs in the amount and types of scholarships they can offer to incoming
students. It is up to you to find out what types of opportunities are available at the
schools you are applying to, and what steps you have to take to be considered for
them.
Employers/Unions
Many large companies and membership organizations make scholarships available to
their employees and to immediate family of their employees. Parents, check with your
employers to see if they have such programs available.
Hit the Books
Doing research can help you find scholarships you may not have otherwise known
about. Most public and campus libraries carry scholarship guides. Ask your librarian or
college counselor for help.
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Search the Net
Searching on keywords like “financial aid,” “student aid” and “scholarships” can lead
you to a wealth of free scholarship information on the World Wide Web. Some sites
even allow you to apply online for scholarships.
Don’t Get Scammed!
Unfortunately, in their efforts to pay the bills, many students and their families are
falling prey to scholarship scams.
Award Packages
•
In addition to your admission letter, usually sent in April of your senior year, you
receive a financial aid award letter. It explains how much and which forms of
aid you've qualified for. Most likely, it combines gift aid (money that you don't
have to repay), loans, and the offer of a work-study position. The letters are
suggestions: the colleges are providing information on how they think you can
afford to pay for attending. Even if loans are a part of your package, you are not
obligated to borrow the full amount offered. They are included to help you close
the gap between the costs of the college and what your family can afford to
contribute based on the information provided.
The college that gives you the most aid may not have the best overall offer. Your aid
amount may be higher because the costs are higher, because some costs are not
included (such as room and board) or because the award is mostly loan-based.
Remember also that the college with the best financial aid offer may not be the best
one for you. Choosing a college involves selecting a college that’s a good fit, based on
your goals.
•
Once you’ve reviewed all your award letters, sit down with your parents and
evaluate the numbers. Select a financial aid package that works for your family.
Once you choose one, all you have to do is sign a promissory note (a contract
that specifies terms and conditions) to get that aid package. The financial aid
office guides you through the paperwork. If you are considering more than one
college, wait until you have received a letter from each one before you make a
decision. Each award letter will include the deadline for accepting your financial
aid packages. Pay close attention to the deadline for each award package
because it can be different for each school.
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
If you miss a deadline, your financial aid package could be offered to another
student. On the other hand, don’t let yourself be pressured into making an
immediate decision. If necessary, ask the financial aid administrator to extend
the deadline for each award package because it can be different for each school.

If you have questions about your financial aid award or the financial aid package
does not meet your needs, call the college and ask to speak with a financial aid
administrator. Review any special circumstances you feel may have been
overlooked. It is possible that the financial aid administrator can adjust your
award based on new information. Most colleges do not negotiate or match
offers from other schools. Each institution has different priorities and policies
that govern how its financial aid is distributed.

For awards that involve federal aid programs, financial aid administrators must
adhere closely to guidelines established by the government for determining
eligibility and financial need. Very few schools have enough federal or private
funds available to meet every applicant’s full need. Although you may have a
legitimate and demonstrated need for aid, there may be other students who
have even greater needs, and they may receive aid first.
•
If your family's share of college costs is more than you can afford, you may want
to consider an unsubsidized student loan or a Parent PLUS loan, which requires a
credit check.
•
If your share of costs is still more than you can afford, and your family can
afford to borrow more, you might consider a private loan, also known as an
alternative loan. These are less desirable than federal loans and should be taken
out only as a last resort. Private loans usually require a good or excellent credit
rating and a cosigner, generally have higher interest rates than do federal loans,
and have repayment options that differ from those of federal loans.
Make an informed decision about loans, by comparing the terms and conditions of each
offer carefully. These include everything from interest rates and borrower benefits to
fees and repayment plans. To figure out how much a loan really costs you in the long
run, use the College Board’s Student Loan Comparison Calculator, which guides you
through this process.
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COLLEGE PLANNING CHART
College
Cost
Size
Major
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RD/EA/ED
Application
Due Date
GPA
SAT