Bx Compass High School
May 30, 2015
Presenter Jahaira Troche
AGENDA

Organize the college
planning process in
A few simple steps
College Planning
Process

Requirements

 Take Responsibility for your Future.
 August-December College Applications

Recognize your strengths and weaknesses
Analyze your interests and values
Set personal goals and monitor them consistently
Increase your knowledge about colleges
Participate in extracurricular activities and examine
your social life
Consider influences of family and friends
Begin to think about what sets you apart


 Majors & educational programs
 Type of school (Liberal Arts, Technical Colleges,
Community Colleges, Art School and Conservatories,
Bachelors/Undergraduate College)
 Degrees offered
 Admission policy
 College Setting: Single-sex, Co-ed, Location & size
 Costs & financial aid
 College affiliation & accreditation
 Campus activities
 Support services and Admissions program

 Compile information from several resources:
− Internet/Websites:
−
−
College Board Big Future
College Navigator
− College catalogs, viewbooks, videos, and
computer-based services
− College representatives and college fairs
− Counselors and teachers
− Parents, students, and alumni
Handouts:
*How to Build a College List
Next Slide:
*College Comparison Worksheet
*College Application List

 Prepare a college comparison checklist
 Weigh advantages & disadvantages
 Contact the office of admission, as needed
 Schedule appointments for your campus visits, view Virtual
Tours
Handouts:
*College Comparison Worksheet
*College Application List

 Narrow your choices: Find a Match/Target, Reach and a
Safety(less difficult) school
 Know application fees and deadlines ($0-100)*Later Slides Fee Waiver Eligibility
 Submit application materials (paper/electronic)
− Application for admission *Next slides
− Essay
− Counselor form, if applicable
− High school transcript
− Recommendations
− Admission test results need to be sent to schools (Pay service fee)
− Supplemental applications *Next slides
 Know scholarship requirements * Websites at the end

 Be aware of Application Options
Early Decision-Early decision plans are binding. You get
accepted around December.
Early Action-Early action plans are similar to early
decision plans, but are not binding. You get accepted
around December.
Regular Decision- Apply to multiple colleges.
 Due dates for early action or early decision differ from
regular admissions, but improve your chances of
scholarships by meeting the December deadline
Types of Schools

 CUNY
 Apply through CUNY Portal
 SUNY
 Apply through Apply SUNY Portal
 Private Colleges and Universities
 For-profit and Not for Profit
 Apply through individual schools or Common
Application
Sample Applications
(Supplements Later)
Special Programs

 Apply as needed to Special Programs
 NYS Opportunity Programs




HEOP: Offered by most Private colleges/university
EOP: Offered by most SUNY colleges/university
CD: All 2-yr Community CUNY colleges
SEEK: Offered by most senior CUNY colleges
 Academic Support Programs
 CUNY START
 Summer Intensive Classes
 Accelerated Programs
 ASAP in CUNY
 Honors programs with special deadlines
 Scholar/Leadership programs
 Bonners
Working on the Application

 Longest part of the process
 Keep copies and good records
 Get support from Counselor
 Ask for letters of Recommendations, now
 Take your time
 Proofread—get third party opinions
 Sell Yourself
 Be Original
 Consider the reader
Average Fee Waiver
Eligibility

4- College Board Waivers; 4-NACAC Waivers; 4-SUNY Campuses with Waiver
 Household Size
1
2
3
4
5
6
Annual Income
$21,590
$29,101
$36,612
$44,123
$51,634
$59,145
Other opportunities vary by College and Universities
REMEMBER!

 Admissions officers are basing their selection on 9-11th
grade progress.
 Often times the first semester of the senior year is sent
before decisions. Be mindful, your senior year grades can
determine if you keep your college acceptance offer.
 If offered, do an interview!
Supplements

 Each school will ask for different components
 Some require extended essays (Brown and Princeton)
 Some require additional short answers (NYU, Columbia,
Yale)
 Spend an equal amount of time on supplements as on the
college application
 Research the school thoroughly, if you have question seek
support from counselor
Example:
Common App Supplements
SUNY Supplements
Admission Test Requirements:
ACT and SAT….. Deadline to Register September for October Exam
FAIR TEST SCHOOLS and TEST FLEXIBLE SCHOOLS*


 Determine college costs
 Investigate ALL possible resources
− Parents
− Savings
− Summer earnings
− Financial aid: scholarships, grants, loans, and
work-study
− Other sources
 Secure necessary forms and note deadlines
 Apply for financial aid as early as possible, Starting
January 2016
COST OF
ATTENDANCE


C.O.A.

 Show initiative and be assertive
 Talk with your parents and counselor
 Select a college that meets your needs and
preferences.
 Follow up with colleges to which you have applied
Be Proactive
Free Resources

 Bronx Compass Website
 www.fastweb.com
 www.questbridge.org (need-based)
 http://www.whitepicketcollege.com/tag/collegescholarships/ **Non-need based
 www.scholarships.com
 www.collegeboard.org

Q&A
Be Proactive
Free Resources

 Bronx Compass Website
 www.fastweb.com
 www.questbridge.org (need-based)
 http://www.whitepicketcollege.com/tag/collegescholarships/ **Non-need based
 www.scholarships.com
 www.collegeboard.org