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COLLEGE GUIDE
School Code: 332915
College Office – Rm. 303
The College Office is open between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Counseling and guidance
is provided in the areas of college and career selection, post-secondary trade and
technical schools, scholarships, financial aid and testing. Students may stop by Rm.
303 during their free period to speak to the advisor. Parents may call the College Office
in advance to make an appointment. The telephone number is (718) 721-5404, ext.
3030.
College Visits
During the year, some representatives from colleges, business schools and trade and
technical schools visit Bryant High School to talk with students. These meetings are
announced in advance.
Be sure to attend Bryant’s College Fair, which will be held Monday, November 3,
2014, where representatives from a variety of colleges, universities, technical schools
and armed services will be here to meet with you in our student cafeterias.
Open House
Various colleges conduct Open Houses for students and their parents. Contact the
college of your choice for dates.
Testing
SAT and ACT registration information and materials are available in the College Office.
You may register for the SAT at Collegeboard.org or the ACT at actstudent.org. Be
aware of deadlines. There is a registration fee for each test. Students in financial
need may obtain a FEE WAIVER through the College Office before registering for their
exam. Bring in your parent’s 1040 income tax form to Rm. 303 to see if you qualify.
Students are entitled to two SAT I (reasoning test) and two SAT II (subject test) fee
waivers. These tests cannot be taken the same day.
Financial Aid
Please attend the Financial Aid Workshop at Bryant on December 4. Bring your
parents or guardian. You will hear important information concerning the filing of the
FAFSA form. For June graduates, application for financial aid is done online January 1
or as soon as possible thereafter. You will log onto fafsa.ed.gov to apply. You may
get a head start by applying for pin numbers (one each for you and a parent) in
December.
Scholarships
Scholarship information is posted in the College Office and is distributed to senior
classes. The College Advisor is available to help you with scholarships and process your
applications. Deadlines must be adhered to.
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Brag Sheets
A recommendation request form/Brag Sheet is attached to this College Guide and
more are available in the College Office. Please fill one out and make copies. Be sure
to bring one to the College Office for your file. Present one to the teachers you are
requesting a recommendation from. Give your teachers enough time to write a
recommendation for you. Limit the number of recommendations to two or three.
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
College admissions are based primarily on the following: Your cumulative high school
average, College Board test scores (all four-year colleges require SAT I and many SAT
II), recommendations, extra-curricular activities and unusual talent(s) or
achievement(s), personal essay and interview. Other special factors may be considered
such as preference given to children of alumni and eligibility for educational opportunity
programs.
Class ranking is determined by your high school average. This is based on all grades in
major subjects through the sixth term, which ends in June of your junior year.
Remember, ninth year grades from a Junior High School are included. At the end of
the seventh term, which ends in January of your senior year, “Mid-Year Reports” are
sent to colleges. These grades are carefully evaluated and used for admission
purposes.
Eighth term grades and certification of graduation are reported to the college you are
planning to attend. In some cases, colleges request and evaluate your Spring Term
report card (June of your senior year) to assist in making a final decision or a placement
decision.
College Admission Deans favorably note advanced placement, honors and advanced
courses taken by seniors. It is the policy of Bryant High School to give additional
weight to the final grades of students in honors and advanced placement courses.
According to the Dean of Admission of Vassar…”The college will be looking foremost at
the applicant’s initiative in seeking out tough courses…even at the expense of getting
slightly lower grades.” Teachers recommend students for placement in these classes.
We encourage students to seek programs with academically challenging courses,
especially in the subject areas of interest to you for your senior year.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN CHOOSING A COLLEGE
In order to make an intelligent choice, you need to assess the following areas:
Personal Information
Determine your abilities including both strengths and weaknesses, subjects that most
interest you, possible career goals and personal motivation.
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College Information
Investigate the types of educational programs (liberal arts and sciences, business,
engineering, architecture, art or music, teaching, nursing, et al), size and makeup of
student body, geographic location, total cost including tuition, room and board, fees,
travel expenses and personal expenses, internships, travel abroad programs, student
support services, as well as extra-curricular activities and co-curricular activities.
Familiarize yourself with admission criteria and placement policies.
DEGREES
Associate Degree – A degree received for completing a college program comprised of
64 credits.
Baccalaureate Degree (B.S. or B.A.) – A degree conferred upon a student for
completing the undergraduate program at an accredited college comprised of 120
credits.
ACCELERATED AND OTHER PROGRAMS
Described below are the most commonly offered special programs. Consult college
catalogs for these as well as additional offerings.
Accelerated Medical and Dental Programs - Some colleges, affiliated with medical
and dental schools, offer six or seven year programs for a combined B.A./M.A. or
B.A./D.D.S. Upon successful completion of undergraduate requirements, you are
guaranteed admission to the affiliated medical or dental school. These programs are
highly selective. A list of schools offering such programs can be discussed with the
College Counselor.
Accelerated Law Program – A six year combined B.A./J.D. degree is offered by some
schools. Consult college catalogs. Although not part of some accelerated law program,
law schools may accept a student with a strong academic record upon completion of
three years of college.
Engineering – Four or five year programs combine Bachelors of Engineering (BE) with
Masters of Engineering (ME) or Masters of Business Administration (MBA).
Business – Accelerated Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and Masters of
Business Administration (MBA) after four years or five years of study; varies with school
attended.
Cooperative Education – Some colleges offer five-year programs involving terms of
paid employment alternating with the academic program. It is thus possible to defray
some of the student’s expense as well as gain work experience.
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Deferred Admissions – This option, offered by most colleges, allows a student who
has been accepted to postpone actual attendance for a term or a year. This guarantees
the student a place in the college without the need to reapply. Students who are
uncertain about attending college after graduation are advised to complete and file
applications to take advantage of Deferred Admissions. Consult college catalogs and
College Admissions Offices.
College Applications
City University of New York (CUNY) applications are available online at CUNY.edu.
(A CUNY packet is available in the College Office, as well as a worksheet that you may
fill out before you apply online.) When applying online, be sure to type in your
student ID (OSIS number) where requested; this will allow CUNY to access your
transcript electronically. However, if you attended another high school outside of
the New York City system, you will be required to send in a copy of this transcript as
well. See the secretary in the College Office. Please send your SAT/ACT scores to
CUNY through the College Board; use code 2950 for CUNY, UAPC. It is not necessary
to use any other code to send scores to the CUNY colleges. CUNY will also accept
copies of your scores sent from the College Office. Be sure to bring a copy of your
scores in an envelope addressed to UAPC with stamps (no return address) and your
Document Return Receipt letter. *Be sure to keep your CUNY ID # at hand
(starts with W000). You will need this number when corresponding with CUNY
about your application.
State University of New York (SUNY) applications are available online at
SUNY.edu. You may pick up a SUNY catalog in the College Office. SUNY prefers that
you apply online, but if you cannot, you may download a SUNY application from their
website. Completed paper applications are to be brought to the College Office with five
stamps affixed to the envelope. If applying online, you must still bring in the School
Counselor Form in an envelope with four stamps. We need to send in your transcript.
You may include photocopies of your SAT/ACT, although many colleges will require
tests to be sent directly from the testing agency. Be aware that many SUNY campuses
also require or recommend you to fill out a supplemental application that provides
additional information; you will find this online.
Common Application – This is available online at www.commonapp.org. A large
number of private and public colleges have streamlined the college application process
by participating in this organization; the list is available on the website. Be aware,
however, that although you will be able to send the same completed application to
several colleges/universities, each of the schools will require that a separate
supplemental form be sent.
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Private and out-of-state college applications may be done online or by paper
form depending on the college. If applying by paper, you may bring in the entire
completed application with envelope and four stamps, or bring in only the Secondary or
Counselor Form with envelope and stamps. We will send in your transcript. At the
same time, bring in a copy of your completed Brag Sheet. We will not accept an
application without one on file. This will help the counselor to write a
recommendation for you, if required. You may include photocopies of your SAT/ACT,
although most colleges will require tests to be sent directly from the testing agency.
Each SUNY school has its own code.
Each college has its own application requirements – read carefully. Usual
requirements are an application fee, recommendation letters and essay. Be sure to sign
your application. Deadlines are critical! Each college will inform you of its
application deadline in its application instructions and/or catalog. BE SURE TO BRING
YOUR SECONDARY SCHOOL REPORT TO THE COLLEGE OFFICE AT LEAST ONE
MONTH IN ADVANCE OF A DEADLINE DATE. For example, applications with a
December 1 deadline should be in by November 1. Exceptions: For schools with
early January deadlines, secondary school reports must be submitted by midNovember to allow sufficient time for processing your records before the holiday
recess.
Special Application Plans
Early Decision – Some colleges offer the opportunity for a student to apply early
(usually by November 1) and receive notification during the seventh term (midDecember). This is desirable for students with strong preference for one particular
college. If a student is accepted, he/she is obliged to enroll at that college and must
withdraw all other applications. Check the catalog to see if Early Decision is offered. It
is important to plan ahead so that you can take the required SAT I and SAT II tests by
May or June. Students who wish to apply for “Early Decision” must see the College
Counselor.
Early Action Plan - Highly qualified candidates who apply early may receive an offer
of admission by mid-December. Unlike Early Decision, however, the candidate need not
commit himself until May 1. Thus, he/she should also apply to other colleges at the
same time.
Early Evaluation – offered by “Ivy League” and some other colleges. You receive an
evaluation of your chances for acceptance (i.e., likely, possible and unlikely) between
December and February and a final decision when you receive all your notifications.
Rolling Admissions – Some colleges give an admissions decision as soon as possible
after they receive the completed application. In many cases, your chances are
improved considerably by applying early. There is no commitment on your part to
attend.
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Admission Testing Information - Most colleges require that you submit some
standardized test scores in order to be considered for admission. In addition, the
Robert C. Byrd Scholarship and the Cornell Scholarship are based on SAT or ACT scores
taken in May or June of your junior year, or the first test given in your senior year
(October/November only).
Brief Descriptions of College Board Tests
Scholastic Assessment Test I (SAT) – A three hour, 45 minute test administered in
the morning of every test date. You must register for the test and pay the required fee.
Apply online at collegeboard.org, or with a paper application. As a junior, you need
not select to send your scores to colleges. When you are ready to apply in your senior
year, you will then list the colleges to receive scores.
Scholastic Assessment Test II – One-hour tests. A maximum of three subject tests
may be taken on any one date. The more selective private colleges require a student
to take two or three tests. Consult college catalogs for specific requirements and
deadlines for these tests.
Advanced Placement Exams (AP) – Students who take advanced placement courses
at Bryant, or who feel they have competency in a subject, have the opportunity to take
the AP exam in various subject areas. These are administered in May. AP tests are
designed to determine the competency of a student in a specific subject. These exams
are graded from 1 (low) to 5 (high). Most colleges grant placement for a grade of 3 or
better and some even grant college credit. Consult individual college catalogs for more
specific information.
Test for English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Students whose native
language is not English and have received low verbal scores on the PSAT or SAT should
come to the College Office to discuss the TOEFL exam. TOEFL is designed to determine
a foreign-born student’s proficiency in English. If you are in the United States less than
five years, colleges may require you to take the TOEFL.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP) – CLEP is a national program by which
participating colleges offer credit to students based on test scores. There are two types
of CLEP: General and Subject examinations. These are usually taken early in the spring
term of the senior year. More information will be made available by the College Office.
American College Testing Program (ACT) – This testing program is independent
but similar to that of the College Board’s SAT. Some midwestern and western colleges
require ACT. More and more eastern colleges are accepting ACT in lieu of SATs.
Consult college catalogs. Apply to ACT online at actstudent.org. If you take the ACT
exam, be sure to also register for the optional writing exam.
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Fee Waivers
CUNY – A small number of fee waivers are available for CUNY and are given on a first
come, first serve basis to students who qualify. Tax returns and completed applications
are to be submitted at the same time.
SUNY – SUNY fee waivers are available to students who qualify (four schools)
Private Colleges – Students who have received an SAT fee waiver qualify for four
private school fee waivers.
Note that your parent’s 1040 income tax form must be evaluated for all these
waivers to see if you qualify.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FINANCIAL AID
With a few exceptions, financial aid is based on need, rather than merit alone. “NEED”
is the difference between what it costs to attend a particular college (direct educational
expenses plus living expenses) and what your family can afford to contribute towards
meeting those expenses. A student and his family are expected to meet as much of the
college costs as they possibly can, based on their income, assets (i.e., savings), minus
their expenses.
What is a Financial Aid Package?
The amount of financial aid you need is determined from the FAFSA. On the form, you
list all colleges you wish to receive a report of your financial need. The financial aid
officer of each school uses this information to arrange a “FINANCIAL AID PACKAGE”
which may be a combination of (1) grant or scholarship money you do not repay (2)
College Work Study (CWS) a campus job which the college offers (3) Perkins Loan
(formerly National Direct Student Loan) current rate of interest can be obtained at
banks. It is repaid by the student over a ten-year period after graduation from college.
Items 1 – 3 are awarded by the college.
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The following chart describes the sources of Financial Aid that are available.
Each year, check current Financial Aid Chart to see updated ranges or
awards. For more information, go to www.studentaid.ed.gov.
Source of Aid
College Scholarship
Tuition Assistant Program
(TAP)
Pell Grant
Stafford Loan (formerly
Guaranteed Student Loan
(GSL)) also called New York
State Higher Education
Services Corp. (NYSHESC)
Supplemental Educational
Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
National Merit and National
Achievement Scholarship
Amount
Varies based on need (some awards
are based on merit).
The Higher Education Services Corp.
determines student’s eligibility and
mails you an award certificate
indicating the amount of the grant. It
can be used at a college in New York
State. Currently the award ranges
from $500 to $5,000 per year.
Currently amount is $5,730
depending on need and cost of
attendance. You will be notified of
your eligibility by the Federal
Government. This is a grant and
does not need to be repaid.
Students may borrow a maximum of
$8,500 in subsidized loans or $12,000
in unsubsidized loans at 4.66%
interest.
How to Apply
FAFSA (plus college forms)
Undergraduates with exceptional
need may receive up to $4,000 a
year.
Types of awards and amounts vary.
Use FAFSA to apply (you do not
apply for grant).
Various Private
Scholarships
Amounts vary; may be based on need
or merit.
Perkins Loan
Up to $5,500 a year, with a maximum
total loan of $27,500; 5% interest
rate. You have ten years to repay
starting nine months after graduation.
Low, fixed interest rate loans up to
$3,500. U.S. government pays all
interest while student is enrolled in
school.
Amounts vary. Fixed 4.66% interest
rate. Students pay interest.
Federal Direct Student Loan
(Subsidized)
Federal Direct Student Loan(Unsubsidized)
Federal PLUS Loan
Cost of attendance minus any
financial aid. Fixed interest rate of
7.21%.
Applications will automatically be
sent once the FAFSA is filed.
Use the FAFSA form to apply.
Students should obtain a loan
application from a local bank soon
after they receive their
acceptance.
Semifinalist selection is based on
high PSAT scores (Oct. exam).
Finalist selection is based on
academic and extracurricular
criteria and recommendation
presented on application.
Apply directly to community
agencies, foundations, unions,
corporations, religious
organizations.
Use FAFSA to apply (College will
inform you if you are eligible).
Maximum eligibility in subsidized
Stafford Loan must first be met.
No financial need requirement.
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Estimated College Costs
Costs vary greatly from college to college so you should prepare an estimated budget
for each college. The average cost for the State University of New York is
approximately $19,000 per year while the average cost for a private college is
approximately $28,000 or more. Higher cost colleges usually have more financial aid
available to offer applicants than do less expensive colleges. Since financial aid funds
are limited, it is best to file an early FAFSA – as soon as possible after January 1.
The five major components of a student’s budget are: Tuition and Fees, Books and
Supplies, Room and Board, Personal Expenses and Transportation.
Even if a student lives at home, room and board costs to the family should be included
in his/her budget as well as the daily costs of commuting to college. To determine
college costs, you should consult individual catalogs for exact fees.
In order to determine a family’s contribution, one should consider the following factors:
(1) income and assets (owning a home and savings) (2) minus expenses (living costs,
medical costs and taxes) and minus a portion of assets reserved for parent’s retirement.
If more than one family member is attending college at the same time, you should
divide the parents’ contribution by the number attending. Students’ summer earnings
and any special benefits that they may receive such as Social Security or child support
must be considered.
SOME HELPFUL WEBSITES FOR COLLEGE AND SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION:
FastWeb.com – a free scholarship search
CollegeBound.net – college profiles, financial aid, sports
CollegeNet.com – profiles, scholarships, online college applications
NYcareerzone.org – information about careers, colleges, training institutions located
in New York State
Collegeboard.org – information about colleges across the USA
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
OCTOBER



Early Decision and Early Action applications are due the first week of October in the College
Office.
Begin to submit Secondary School Reports to the College Office to avoid last minute rush.
ACT exam (American College Testing Program) administered October 25. Make sure you
apply for the ACT with the writing component.
NOVEMBER




Bryant High School College Night, November 3, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
SAT I and SAT II given November 8
Transmittal Forms or Secondary School Counselor Report forms are due in the College
Office by November 3 for colleges with December 1 deadline.
Financial Aid Night, December 4, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
DECEMBER





SAT I and SAT II are given on December 6
ACT exam given December 13
Prepare for FAFSA by obtaining pin numbers at fafsa.ed.gov.
Macaulay Honors College applications due by December 1.
Complete CUNY and SUNY applications by December 19 to secure early acceptance into the
school of your choice.
JANUARY



APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID by logging onto fafsa.ed.gov. Be sure that you are doing
FAFSA for the School Year 2014-2015. If you need help with FAFSA, call their information
line at (800) 433-3243.
Mid Year Transcript - If the college you applied to requests a mid year report of seventh
term grades, bring a stamped, addressed envelope to the College Office. Do not put your
return address on the envelope.
SAT I and SAT II are given on January 24
FEBRUARY – APRIL




February 1 – CUNY Applications due
ACT exam February 7 and April 18
SAT exam March 14 (no subject tests on this date)
Notification of college and scholarship acceptances
MAY – JUNE



SAT Exam May 2 and June 6
ACT Exam: June 13
Seniors are instructed to bring to the College Office a stamped, addressed envelope to the
college they will be attending so a final transcript may be sent. Exception: the CUNY
schools do not require an envelope, as they will be able to access transcripts electronically.
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
Seniors will also be asked to fill out a Post Secondary Form whereby they indicate which
college they will be attending or what other plans they may have upon graduating from high
school.
2014/2015 SAT TEST DATES
(Scholastic Assessment Test) New York State
October 11, 2014
November 8, 2014
December 6, 2014
January 24, 2015
March 14, 2015*
May 2, 2015
June 6, 2015
-
SAT
SAT
SAT
SAT
SAT
SAT
SAT
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
and SAT
and SAT
and SAT
and SAT
ONLY
and SAT
and SAT
II
II
II
II
II
II
TIME: 8:00 A.M.
*SAT Subject Tests (SAT II) are not administered in March.
2014/2015 ACT TEST DATES
(American College Testing Program) New York State
October 25, 2014
December 13, 2014
February 7, 2015
April 18, 2015
June 13, 2015
TIME: 8:00 A.M.
The ACT is not administered at Bryant High School. Check registration booklet for test
sites within New York City.
BRYANT H.S. CEEB CODE 332915
If you have any questions concerning any information contained in this College Guide,
please come to the College Office.
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William Cullen Bryant High School
College Office, Rm. 303
BRAG SHEET
Name
Official Class
Career Goal
(Circle one)
U.S. Citizen
Present Program
1
2
3
4
Date of Birth
OSIS No.
Country Born
Years in U.S.
Language(s) Spoken
Green Card
Other (explain)
5
6
7
8
Colleges to which you are applying:
List any special honors you have earned:
List and describe extra-curricular activities at Bryant in which you have been involved:
List service experience at Bryant:
List community service/activities in which you have been involved:
List any special talents you possess:
Explain any special family circumstances that may impact upon your ability to
attend/finance college:
Please utilize the reverse side of this form for additional information.
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