College Planning Guide

Ofce of
Postsecondary Readiness
College Planning Handbook
01
Dear Students:
Whether you are just beginning to think about your goals for the future, or have
already started planning for college, we hope this handbook will help you think
about how college ts into your life after high school. While the process of
planning for college can be challenging, when you have the information you need,
we believe it can also be an exciting and rewarding experience.
There has never been a more important time for high school students to include
college in their future plans. Research shows that the fastest growing and highest
paying career elds require postsecondary education. We also know that college
degree recipients earn more, have better economic security, are healthier, and
participate more in their communities. This is true across the board, including
Associate Degrees, Bachelors Degrees, and certicates that lead to employment in
business and industry.
In this handbook, you will learn about the differences between high school and
college, the types of college options available to you, and how to search for
and select a school that matches your interests and needs. Youll learn how to
successfully navigate the application process, and how to make college affordable
through nancial aid and planning. Youll also read about the experiences of New
York City high school graduates and read their tips on how to succeed in college.
This resource is best used as a companion to an Advisory course focused on
college access, or with a guidance counselor or college advisor throughout a
semester. Be sure to talk about what you learn from this handbook with your
guidance counselor, advisor, teachers, family and friends. Ask a lot of questions,
and do your own research. While this handbook provides a lot of important
information, there is much more youll need to know. Be sure to review and
explore the many online resources listed throughout and in the back of the
handbook.
Your friends, teachers, counselors, and advisors have collaborated to make this
resource comprehensive. We hope this handbook is informative as you take the
next steps towards achieving your college and career goals.
Sincerely,

Josh Thomases Vanda Belusic-Vollor
Deputy Chief Academic Ofcer Executive Director
Division of Academics, Ofce of Postsecondary Readiness
Performance, and Support New York City Department of Education
New York City Department of Education
02
Dear Students,
My name is Orson and I graduated in 2010 from Cypress Hills Collegiate Prep in
Cypress Hills, Brooklyn. I am now a sophomore at Queens College, majoring in
Psychology and Sociology. I plan on becoming a counselor because as a young
adult, I felt I always had things I wanted to talk about. Moving forward, I would like
to listen to people talk about their lives.
I know thinking about college can seem really intense. I remember when I was
going through the process, I felt really skeptical and afraid. After all, college is
not free and its fully optional. I was worried that I would not be able to pay for
college, and that I wouldnt get into the college of my choice. Making the decision
to go to college has made me realize that I am an adult, and that I have more
responsibilities because of that.
Now that I am at Queens College, I understand more about how the college
process works. Looking back, I am really glad that I was informed about what
college would be like when I was in high school, and that I spent time on college
tours, at college fairs, and doing applications. I love that I used to attend college
fairs as a student, and now I can be part of one from the other side. All the time I
put into thinking about and applying to college seems like a small thing now, but it
was a big deal before I entered college.
There are many ways to lessen the burden of thinking about college. Talking to
your teachers or counselor would be a great rst step. I talked to my counselor
often and used the resources at my school to get more information about schools,
and for help with applications and nancial aid. College trips can also be very
helpful. I went to see SUNY and CUNY schools, as well as private colleges. This
broadened my view on colleges and pushed me to apply to a lot of schools.
Looking back now, there are some things I probably would have done differently.
I should have taken more AP and college courses so that I could be more prepared
for my college career. I wish I had spent more time thinking about what I wanted
to pursue so that I wouldnt have had to think about majors for the rst time when
I got to college. But, above all, students, take note: start thinking about college
earlyI wish I had!
College is an amazing experience, and one which everyone should take advantage
of. I have learned so much in just one year. I feel honored to be in college and
know that I wouldnt be the person that I am today had I not decided to attend.
I hope you will take the initiative and pursue higher education. I hope you will use
this book to help with the process of nding the college that is right for you. I wish
you tons of luck and hope that you take the next step and apply to college.
Sincerely,
Orson
Queens College, Class of 2014
03
04
Contents
Symbols Key
Throughout this book, you will see the following symbols indicating special information.
Discuss with your counselor or advisor
Information specic to GED recipients
01 Letter to Students
09 Acknowledgments
11 Introduction
21 Chapter 1: Why Should I Consider College?
11 Options after High School
13 College is Possible
13 You Have the Resources to Help
You Get to College
15 Student Perspectives
21 Why Consider College?
22 Career Freedom and Flexibility
22 Highlight: Education and Skills for the
21st Century: An Agenda for Action
23 Financial Security
23 Highlight: Median Annual Income by
Educational Attainment
24 Highlight: The Career Ladder: Follow
Your Favorite Subjects to a Career
25 Adventure and Challenge
25 Meeting New People and Making
New Connections
25 College Access Programs
26 The Military and College
27 Tips to Consider When Thinking
About College as an Option
27 Highlight: Career Interest Inventories
05
29 Chapter 2: Can I Handle College?
37 Chapter 3: What Types of College Options Do I Have?
53 Chapter 4: How Do I Find the Right College for Me?
29 You Can Handle College
31 Youre Not Born a College Student
You Grow into One
31 Admission to College
31 GED Scores for College
32 Academic Prole
32 Highlight: Sample Freshman
Academic Prole
33 Differences Between High School
and College
33 Highlight: Successful College Students
Use a Variety of Available Resources
34 A New Start
35 Skills You Can Use
35 Tips for Making College Manageable
53 Finding the Right College
54 What is a Good-t College?
54 How Many Schools Should I Apply to?
54 How Do I Find Colleges that Would Be
a Good Fit?
55 College Access and Transition
Programs
56 Assessing Your College Preferences
56 Self-Assessment Chart
57 College Search Process
58 Researching Colleges
59 College Research Chart
60 Narrowing Down Your List
60 Get Advice and Insight from Your
Counselors/Advisors, Family, Friends,
and Mentors
60 Highlight: Some Helpful Questions
to Ask College Students or Graduates
61 Keep an Open Mind
61 Tips for Finding a College that is a
Good Fit for You
37 Overview of College Options
38 Highlight: Legal Status
38 Types of Degrees and Certicates
38 Highlight: College Timeline
39 Two-Year or Four-Year: Whats the
Difference?
41 Transferring from Two-Year to
Four-Year Schools
43 Public and Private Colleges and
Universities: Whats the Difference?
43 New York State Public Colleges
and Universities
43 Out-of-State Public Colleges
43 Highlight: Examples of Public and
Private Colleges and Universities
44 Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (HBCU)
44 Proprietary Colleges
44 Highlight: Understanding Proprietary
Colleges
45 Types of Academic Programs
45 Highlight: Learning Outside the
Classroom: Internships and Co-ops
46 Other College Characteristics
48 New York State Opportunity Programs
48 Highlight: What are the New York State
Opportunity Programs?
48 Admissions to New York State
Opportunity Programs
49 Highlight: Select CUNY Schools with
General Admission and Opportunity
Program Average Grades and SAT Scores
50 Student Services
50 Full-time Versus Part-time
51 Tips for Learning More about
College Options
06
63 Chapter 5: What are the Steps in the Admissions Process?
83 Chapter 6: Can I Afford College?
83 Can I Afford College?
84 Where Does Financial Aid Come From?
84 What Are the Criteria to Receive
Financial Aid?
84 Highlight: Financial Aid: Student
Opinion
85 Citizenship
85 How Much Money Do I Need for
College?
86 How Do I Know How Much Financial
Aid a College Will Offer Me?
86 Highlight: Information on Household
Income
87 What is a Financial Aid Package?
88 Highlight: Comparing College Costs
89 Is it Worth Taking Out Loans for
College?
90 Important Notes to Consider with
Loans
90 When Do I Pay Back Student Loans?
90 Highlight: Investment Risk Versus Gain
91 Tips for Making College Affordable
63 Overview of College Admissions
64 Steps in the College Application Process
64 Highlight: Admissions and Financial Aid:
Two Different Processes
65 What Do I Need to Submit for
My Applications?
65 Highlight: Applying to a Program Within
a College
66 What are the Most Important Elements
of an Application?
66 Tips for Writing a Resume
66 Supplemental Materials
66 Additional Documents for HEOP/EOP
Applications
67 EssaysEven Optional Essaysare a
Great Opportunity
67 Highlight: Should I Send an Essay?
69 Who Sends the Materials to the College?
69 Highlight: Sending GED Scores to Colleges
69 Application Components Can be Sent
Separately
70 Application Fees and Fee Waivers
70 Highlight: Application Fee Waiver
Family Income Guidelines (SUNY, 2008)
71 Deadlines
71 Highlight: How Deadlines Can Help
72 Early Action and Early Decision
73 Tests
73 Highlight: How Many Times Should I
Take the SAT?
74 Highlight: Which Test is Easierthe SAT
or the ACT?
76 Recommendation Letters
77 The Common Application
77 Online Applications
78 Results of Your Application
79 Communicating with Colleges
80 Organizing Your College Applications
80 College Application Organizer
81 Tips for Staying Organized Through the
Application Process
07
150 Index
152 Notes
93 Chapter 7: How Do I Get Financial Aid?
105 Chapter 8: How Do I Make the Final Choice about
Which College to Attend?
109 Chapter 9: How Will I Succeed in College?
119 Appendix
141 Glossary
109 Student Perspectives on College
Success
111 Thinking About the Transition to
College
111 Finishing the Paperwork
112 Highlight: Dont Overload Your First
Semester
113 First Days of College
114 Long-Term Success Strategies
120 High School Graduation Requirements
127 Planning Calendars for College
Admissions and Financial Aid
129 One-Year Planning Calendar
133 Two to Three-Month Planning Calendar
134 College Access Programs in NYC
136 Helpful Web Sites
93 Overview of the Financial Aid
Application Process
94 How Do I Know What Financial Aid
I am Eligible to Receive?
94 What Financial Aid Applications Do
I Need to Complete?
95 Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA)
95 Highlight: Dont Wait for the Tax Return
96 Highlight: FAFSA PIN
97 Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
98 CSS PROFILE
99 Resources for Completing Financial
Aid Applications
99 Verication
99 Highlight: Beware of Scholarship Scams
100 Financial Aid Award Letters
100 Can I Ask for More Financial Aid?
100 Reapply Every Year
102 Organizing Your Financial Aid Applications
102 Financial Aid Application Organizer
103 Tips for Staying Organized Through
the Financial Aid Application Process
105 How Do I Decide Which College
to Attend?
106 Weighing the Options
106 Visiting Campuses
106 Final Steps
106 Highlight: The Educated Consumer
107 Tips for Making Your Final Decision
Easier
08
09
Acknowledgments
This document was orginally written in 2009 by Jane Heaphy of the OPTIONS
Center for Educational and Career Choice at Goddard Riverside Community
Center. Several other individuals, all committed to equal and open college access,
also contributed to the creation of this document, including Jennifer Charlot,
Michael J. DeFelice, Charles Edwards, Nicole Fields, Patrick Howell, Judith Lorimer,
Rafael Medina, Zachary Miller, Allison Palmer, and Stephan Russo. Critical support
came from JoEllen Lynch, formerly CEO, Partnership Support Ofce and Ofce
of Multiple Pathways to Graduation, and former Executive Directors of the Ofce
Of Multiple Pathways to Graduation, Leah Hamilton and Theresa Crotty. Wed
like to extend a special thanks to students who participated in our postsecondary
planning focus groups and students who contributed their personal stories to the
creation of this document.
This second edition was published in September 2011 by The Ofce of
Postsecondary Readiness (formerly the Ofce of Multiple Pathways to
Graduation). The Ofce of Postsecondary Readiness is led by Executive Director,
Vanda Belusic-Vollor.
This publication was developed with generous support from the Bill & Melinda
Gates Foundation.
Photography in this publication is by John Smock.
This publication was designed by Big Duck and the New York City Department
of Education.
10
11
This college handbook is for you. It addresses questions and concerns you may have
about whether or not to go to college and how to get there. The rst half helps you
think about your options and introduces college as a possible and important choice.
The second half provides concrete, detailed information to help you get through
applying to colleges, obtaining nancial aid, and making the transition from your
high school experience to college.
Dont let money, time, or employment be an excuse to keep you from pursuing
college. There are many ways to handle these challenges. And this guidebook can
help. In it you will nd
Explorations of college as an important and viable option;
Step-by-step tips on going to college and getting nancial aid;
Checklists to help you stay organized;
A glossary to explain college-related terms;
Personal stories and advice from college students.
Introduction
Never assume
you cant do
anything
because if you
really want it,
you can make it
happen. Always
think positive.
Moises,
College of Staten
Island student
12
Options after High School
After earning a high school diploma, you have several other options including
Finding a job;
Joining the military;
Developing skills and knowledge at a community college, a four-year university,
an internship or apprenticeship, a trade school, or a training program.
You can also combine several of these optionsfor example, you might work while
enrolled in a trade school, or you might attend college while enlisted in the military.
There are pros and cons to each of these options. But with information and some
self-exploration, you can nd the right mix for you. Whatever choice you make,
college is a way to build skills and nancial stability.
Please note that
the information
in this handbook
was valid as of
September 2011.
Deadlines, policies,
procedures, and
other information
change over time
your counselor
or advisor can
conrm if the
information here
is still accurate.
College Fact
Many average or
even below-average
students in high
school become
academic stars
in college when
faced with a more
stimulating learning
environment.
13
College is Possible
The bottom line is that college is a real possibility. Whether youre getting a high
school degree or a GED; whether youll enter college at 17 or older than 21;
regardless of the grades on your transcript, the number of schools youve attended,
or your nancial situation; college can be in your future. Whatever college you
choose, it is a worthwhile investment in your future. If you want to go to college,
there are many resources to help you make it a reality. This guidebook is one tool to
help you plan your future.
You Have the Resources to Help You Get to College
The focus, patience, and hard work you have shown pursuing your diploma;
Your college advisor and school staff;
Present and former college students you know;
College access programs (free or low-cost programs that help young people
decide where to apply to college, complete college applications, obtain
nancial aid, and transition to college);
This handbook and other college preparatory books and Web sites.
After having
some problems
in high school, I
wasnt sure when
I was going to
graduate. It was
discouraging,
and it felt like
I was in school
forever, so I
wasnt sure I
wanted more
school. But
college is worth
all the effort.
Louis,
Seton Hall University
student
Question for Reection
Can you think of additional resources in your school, community, family, or within yourself
that could help you get to college?
14
15
Student Perspectives
William, Sullivan County Community College
I wasnt really thinking about college when I was in high school. I gured I would go
into the militarywhich I may still do, down the road. But with a college degree,
I would go in at a higher rank. In my neighborhood, there is a place called the
College Access Center. The counselor there convinced me to go on a few college
visits. On those trips, I got a lot of insight about college. I found out theres more
than what I saw around me, on my block. The College Access Center really helped
me consider college and complete all the applications.
I earned my associate degree in two years, and next I am transferring to a four-year
college. I have already been accepted at a few. At Sullivan County, the Student
Center takes students on trips to four-year colleges to learn about transferring.
Going on those trips helped me decide that I wanted to get my bachelors
degreeand at what kind of college.
I knew I wanted to start somewhere small, where I could get to know everybody.
Before I went to Sullivan, one of my only concerns was that I wouldnt like being out
of the city. Being from the Bronx, I did have to adjust to a quieter environment with
trees and grass everywhere. Another concern was meeting new people and making
new friends. But it turned out that I found a lot of people I could relate to. Many were
from neighborhoods like mineI just never met anyone from Brooklyn before I went
away to college. I also met people who werent from the city, but we found things in
common. One thing that helped was a special event during the rst week. I met fty
people that day. And those people met fty people. So it was easy to make friends.
Being in college is about you being you. You make your own schedule, manage
your own time. You actually feel yourself growing up because nobody does things
for you. You gure out how to do them for yourself. At rst, managing time is a
challenge. It feels like you have so much time you can postpone your class work, but
you dont realize its a countdown. The deadlines are comingyour projects can
pile up. But you gure it outyou just have to be on top of your work.
16
Liana, Morgan State University
For me, high school was very stressful. I was dealing with some personal issues,
and I was not happy in my school environment. After talking to a friend, I decided
to get my GED. Before I left high school, I always felt college was necessary, and I
wanted to go. But I didnt think about it more than that. When I earned my GED, my
biggest concern about college was that I didnt know what I wanted to study. That
turned out to be ne because I learned a lot in college about my options. Now I am
majoring in TV Production with a minor in Music. In fact, it was going to college that
helped me decide what I want to do as a career.
The adjustment to college academics was not easy, but it wasnt as hard as I
thought it would be. I learned that its what you make it. You learn how to make it
manageable for yourself. Over time, I have met people who recommend the best
teachers for different subjects, which helps me do my best.
Chitara, SUNY Albany
When I was in ninth and tenth grade, I didnt have a clue about what I would do
after high school. Nobody in my family went to college. Nobody talked about college.
It wasnt until I was in the eleventh grade that I found out about different programs
that help people go to college. I was part of a Police Athletic League (PAL) program,
and people there talked to me about my future. They also referred me to a college
access program, OPTIONS. My OPTIONS counselor got me through the college
application process. There were times I was frustrated, but she kept helping me see
that things were going to work out. When the application process was confusing,
she answered my questions. We worked together the whole way through.
A lot of people say college is not for them. But you should give it a try before you
decide that. If you honestly push yourself, college can be for you. I have learned
more about life than I ever expected. If you stay open to learning new things,
college can be the greatest thing you do for yourself.
17
Frances, Polytechnic University
When I think about how I ended up in college, sometimes it amazes me. I always
thought I would go to collegeI knew it was the right path to getting a good job.
But high school was one of the most challenging times in my life: I wasnt doing well
in school, I had family problems, and I had a baby. I got discouraged, thought about
quitting. But I knew I wanted a better life for me and my daughter. During the hard
times in high school I learned a lot about myself, about what I wanted in life.
Being a young parent makes college challenging. The hardest is managing long-
term assignments, especially group projects. But I keep working at it. My mother
helps a lotI owe a lot of my success to her. The biggest challenge is time
management. Going from having a structured day in high school to having to
structure your own time in college, when there are endless ways to spend your time,
is a serious challenge. I have to remind myself to focus on schoolwork rstthen
have fun.
There are so many resources on campus that I have taken advantage ofI gure
since theyre paid for, I should use everything I need! I go to the tness center
to keep healthy. I use the Tutoring Center, which includes the Writing Center, for
help with my class work. Ive spoken with people at the Counseling Center and the
Ofce of Career Services.
But one of the most important resources I use to be successful is my friends. Ive
learned that you have to pick friends who want to be successful and who will push
you. They help me stay on top of my work and remind me when everything seems
hectic that college is a small part of my life, and it comes with a big, big payoff. The
hard work is worth it.
18
Leton, Westchester Community College
When I started at Westchester Community College, it was hard because I was in a
new environment and I didnt know anybody. I went for a semester, then took off,
then went back. I was in and out for a while. I didnt take it seriously, until I had a
professor who talked to me about my goals. She told me I was smart and a good
writer. That was the turning point. I got focused and worked hard in my classes. I
went from being a C student to an A student. Before, I procrastinated. But I cut out
a lot of the distractions. I had to tell my friends, You go do what youre doing. I
have to study.
I used the tutoring center, and then I started working there as an English tutor,
helping people write their papers. It was cool because all the tutors would help
each other in different subjects, and then wed help people who came into the
center. When people took a test, or got an A on a paper and thanked me for
helping themthat felt great.
If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to take every minute seriously. I would
say, Focus on your schoolwork. Dont let others who are doing less inuence you to
do less. Dont let others hold you up.
I recommend to other high school students that they explore all their options
before they graduate. In college you learn a lot. It teaches you organization, how
to manage your time. Try college before you say its not for you. Find some classes
that interest you. You might want to get a job right awaybut making money now
can keep you from making money later. Get some training, some education, so you
can get a better job. My advice is, Dont go for the fast way, go for the smart way.
19
Louis, Seton Hall University
I didnt know if I was prepared for college. I was out of school for a while, so it felt
like I forgot a lot from high school. In some ways, I was worried college work would
be a lot harder. But in another way, I felt prepared because people always said that
in college its on you to manage your own time and your own work. I looked forward
to that. And thats how its been in collegegetting work done on my own time.
Being successful in college is about nding a groove. Its easy to waste time if youre
not aware.
One of the things I appreciate about college is that you get to express yourself a lot
more. In classes, theres more opportunity to throw your opinion into the discussion.
I have met a lot of new people, made a lot of friends. College feels like a whole
town of my peers, people my age. So theres no way I am not going to nd friends.
Even if you feel like youre not into what everybody else is into, you can always nd
people to relate to.
Deciding about going to college is a judgment call for each person. But dont count
it out. I see college as getting a foundation for moving on in your life.
Questions for Reection
Many students described a counselor or program that helped them plan for college.
What college support services you have available at your school?
Students described a lot of things that were different in college than in high school.
What surprised you? What sounds challenging? What sounds exciting?
20
21
CHAPTER 1:
Why Should I
Consider College?
This is your
life; its your
responsibility
to make it what
you want it to be.
Remember that
college creates
doors for the
future.
David,
City College student
Main topics covered in this chapter:
Many and different reasons to choose college
Four key motivations:
1. Freedom and exibility for your career
2. Financial security in your future
3. Adventure and challenge
4. Meeting new people and making connections
Talking with people who went to college
Why Consider College?
There are many good reasons to go to college. People have different motivations
and interests that propel them to higher education. The most common reasons
are career freedom and exibility, nancial security, adventure and challenge, and
meeting new people.
In this chapter, youll learn how college can open doors to a wide range of career
options and improve your earning potential throughout your lifetime. Youll also nd
out how college can introduce you to new people, places, and experiences. At the
end of the chapter, youll nd a list of tips to help you determine whether college
might be a good option for you.
22
Career Freedom and Flexibility
People who earn college degrees have more choices and opportunities in the work
world. Without a college education, people are limited in their job options, whereas
a college degree can qualify you for a wide range of jobs. The Occupational
Outlook Handbook, which gives you information about different jobs, the job
market, expected earnings, and training and education needed, is available online:
(www.bls.gov/oco/).
Employers want college-educated workers because their knowledge and skills make
them able to do more things, and to do them well. You have probably heard the
expression, Knowledge is power. Education is all about knowledge. When you
earn a college degree you increase your power to choose the work that makes you
happy.
College Fact
All seven of the job
categories that are
predicted to grow
faster than average
during the next
decade require a
college diploma.
These careers,
which include
teaching,
healthcare, and
technology, will
account for 42% of
the nations
projected job
growth by 2013.
Source:
Princeton Review
(2009)
Education and Skills for the 21st Century: An Agenda for Action
The best-paying jobs are growing fastestbut require the most education.
Highly-Paid Professional Jobs
Earning $40,000+
Projected job growth rate: 20%
Well-Paid, Skilled Jobs
Earning $25,000$40,000
Low-Paid or Low-Skilled Jobs
Earning less than $25,000
Source: American Diploma Project, www.achieve.org (2009)
23
Financial Security
People with college degrees earn more money. Its that simple. College graduates
get jobs that pay more, provide more benets (like health insurance and paid
vacation), and offer more chances for promotion because they have developed their
skills and knowledge. Statistically, a college graduate, over a lifetime, earns nearly
double the income of someone who didnt complete high school. Although you may
know someone who makes a good living without a college degree, over time those
with college degrees earn considerably more.
Median Annual Income by Educational Attainment

Source: US Census Bureau, 2007 American Community Survey, www.census.gov
$ 70,000
$ 60,000
$ 50,000
$ 40,000
$ 30,000
$ 20,000
$ 10,000
Less than
High School
Graduate
High School
Graduate
(Includes
Equivalency)
Some
College or
Associate
Degree
Bachelors
Degree
Graduate or
Professional
Degree
$19,405
$26,894
$32,874
$46,805
$61,287
24
The Career Ladder: Follow Your Favorite Subjects to a Career
The gures below show you how your level of education and your interests, such as
computers or math, can lead to different careers with different starting salaries.

Sources: FEGS Education and Youth Services and the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor
Statistics, Occupational Handbook 2004-2008. Data based on national averages. Specic salaries may
vary across the country. Career Ladder created by FEGS Health and Human Services System, FEGS
Education and Youth Services.
What can I do with
Computers?
What can I do with
Math?
What can I do with
Health Sciences?
Information Systems
Manager
Starting Salary: $85,240
Degree Required:
Graduate/Professional
Software Engineer
Degree Required:
Bachelors Degree
Desktop Publisher
Degree Required:
Associate Degree
Data Entry Technician
Degree Required:
High School Diploma
Financial Manager
Degree Required:
Accountant
Degree Required:
Bachelors Degree
Bookkeeper
Degree Required:
Associate Degree
Bank Teller
Degree Required:
High School Diploma
Surgeon
Degree Required:
Pharmacist
Degree Required:
Bachelors Degree
Dental Hygienist
Degree Required:
Associate Degree
Home Care Aide
Degree Required:
High School Diploma
25
Adventure and Challenge
College can be an exciting opportunity to stretch your mind. Often, students
explore many areas of study before settling on a major. Its your chance to nd out
more about the world, think about big questions, and meet new and interesting
people. College will push you to learn at levels you didnt know you could. It might
force you to try new things or empower you to accomplish even more.
The classes offered in college can be very different from those in high school.
You have the opportunity to take courses such as anthropology, Arabic, sports
management, computer science, yoga, microbiology, creative writing, and more.
In college, you will learn a lot of new facts. Even more importantly, college might
open your mind to new ways of understanding situations and approaching
problems.
Meeting New People and Making New Connections
College broadens your social network by introducing you to new people from
all over the city, country, and world. When college graduates talk about their
college experiences, many refer to their connections as having the biggest impact
on them. They developed friendships that helped them get through the challenges
of college and taught them about different cultures, and life in other places.
Professors recognized their potential, helped them consider new career ideas,
and assisted them in applying to graduate school. College students in internships
learned professional skills from supervisors who helped them nd jobs after college.
The people you meet in college, and the social skills you develop, can be as
important as the classes you take. Those people and skills will likely become a
critical part of your career success later in life.
College Access Programs
College Access Programs help students decide where to apply to college,
complete applications, obtain nancial aid, and make the transition to college.
Most or all services are free. For more information, and a list of programs, see
pages 55 and 130.
26
The Military and College
Even if youre interested in the military, college can be for you.
As a high school student, or once youve enrolled in a college with a Reserve
Ofcer Training Corps (ROTC) program, you may be eligible to receive ROTC
awards of one to four-year scholarships that include full tuition, books, fees, and a
monthly tax-free stipend. Visit Todays Military for more information about ROTC:
(www.todaysmilitary.com/before-serving-in-the-military/rotc-programs). They
provide leadership training and require you to serve in the army, or on reserve, after
graduation. There are specic qualications including GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but
keep in mind that even if you dont meet these qualications now, you may after a
year or two in college.
You can apply directly to military colleges at Todays Military:
(www.todaysmilitary.com).
Once youre in the military, credit programs let service personnel earn credits at
post-secondary schools across the US.
Some offerings include:
Military School Credits: Service personnel earn college credit for being trained
for free by military instructors;
Servicemember Opportunity Colleges: This group of over 1,800 schools
allows servicemembers and their families to study as they travel from city to
city. Coursework is done in the classroom, by mail, or through distance learning;
Community College of the Air Force: This community college offers associate
degrees for enlisted Air Force personnel.
Once youre in the military, you can also participate in tuition support programs:
Tuition Assistance: Pays for up to 100% of tuition or expenses;
Montgomery GI Bill: Offers tuition assistance for a three-year commitment to
full-time duty;
College Fund Programs: Offers tuition assistance, when combined with the
Montgomery GI Bill, upon honorable discharge;
Loan Repayment Programs for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
27
Tips to Consider When Thinking About College as an Option
Think long-term about what you want for your life (type of career, income,
exibility, etc.);
Look into what kind of education is required or recommended for what youd
like to do as a career;
Remember that people with varied high school experiences have graduated
with college degrees (straight-A students, students who dropped out, students
who struggled in high school, etc.);
Keep in mind that there are many types of college programs available (full-time
or part-time, two-year or four-year, etc.);
It is possible to attend college while working, taking care of a family, or facing
other challenges and responsibilities;
Use a variety of resources in your researching and planningtalk to people who
have been to college to get different perspectives on how college could affect
your life;
Investigate the career and salary benets possible by investing in your continued
education;
Use planning resources at your school or program to think through your next steps.
Career Interest Inventories
The career interest inventories listed below can help you determine which careers match
your personality:
www.collegeboard.com
www.princetonreview.com
www.nycareerzone.org
Ask Yourself
What are your three most important life goals?
What do you see yourself doing in ve years?
Who is on your college support team?
What friends, family, or teachers will be helping you reach your goals?
Things to Do in School
Use a career inventory tool to nd out what paths might be right for you.
28
29
CHAPTER 2:
Can I Handle College?
Deciding if youre college material
Getting accepted to colleges
Finding support for academic challenges
Starting overCollege is a blank transcript
Handling collegeThe skills you already have
You Can Handle College
Cost is not the only apprehension people have about college. There are many
misconceptions and fears that block people from considering college as a real option.
You may have concerns based on your past academic performance:
I wont get accepted to college because my high school grades arent
high enough.
Even if I get accepted, I am not prepared to handle the work.
My high school transcript is too messed upI switched schools a few times,
and I missed a year of school.
Colleges dont accept GEDs.
30
You may think that your age, immigration status, job, or family responsibilities will hold
you back:
By the time college starts, Ill be over 21! Thats too old to start college.
I cant go because I dont have a green card or a social security card.
I have to work to support my familyI wont have time to go to class.
The preparation and application processes may seem too overwhelming:
I dont know how to apply to college.
I cant go to college because I havent taken the SAT.
All of the forms are too confusing.
You may be unsure which college or subject areas would be right for you:
There are so many collegesI dont know how to choose one.
I dont even know what I want to do for a job!
Or you may just think youre not college material:
I didnt like high school, so why more school?
No one in my family has ever gone to collegeand none of my friends have
gone. I dont think Ill be able to do it either.
College is okay for other people, just not me.
None of these concerns should stop you from going to college. Each of these
concerns has an answer. College can be for you. There are people and programs to
help you with the application process. There are colleges that will accept you and
offer you the programs you want. There are supports once you get to college. It
wont always be easy, but you can handle college.
This chapter describes the basics of what it takes to become a college student.
Youll nd out how every college has different admissions standards, and how
students without perfect grades or with non-traditional transcripts or GEDs can
still become highly successful college students. Youll also learn about the major
differences between high school and college, and how college can be a great
chance for a new start.
31
Youre Not Born a College StudentYou Grow into One
One great thing about college is that it is a life experience where learning happens
every step of the way. Students grow intellectually, professionally, and personally
in many aspects of their character. As they go through college and begin to see
the world around them differently, they also begin to see themselves differently,
realizing the great potential within.
Some doctors and lawyers once thought they were not college material. If you
believe in yourself, then others will too. Instead of looking at the world as a series
of threats (I cant get anywhere because of where Im from, or I cant get a
good recommendation letter for college because my teachers dont know me),
try seeing the world as a series of opportunities (I can use my background and
struggles to help me face challenges, or Im going to set up an appointment
with two of my teachers and show them why Id be great in college). This shift in
thinking will translate into success.
Admission to College
Colleges vary in how selective their admissions are. While some colleges have a very
competitive admissions process, others do not. Some schools only accept students
with high test scores and a range of extracurricular experiences. Other schools have
open admissions, which means that their only requirement is a high school diploma
or GED.
GED Scores for College
Some colleges, especially community colleges, require only a passing grade. Other
colleges require a particular minimum score, for example 2500 or 3000. Others
consider a range of GED scores and review high school transcripts to understand
a students entire high school educational experience. You should check with each
college you consider about its GED admissions guidelines or requirements.
College Fact
A US Secretary of
State, a Supreme
Court Justice,
mayors, members
of Congress, state
legislators, an
astronaut, actors,
singers, composers,
writers, and
inventors are all
among the alumni
of CUNY.
32
Academic Prole
When considering a college, you need to know how its admissions team will
consider your application. Colleges generally look at applicants from several angles
to determine whether or not they would t in at the college. They look at academic
factors rst:
High school transcript: grade point average (GPA) and classes/program;
GED score, if applicable;
SAT scores (many, but not all schools);
ACT scores (not all schools).
You can use college research books to nd the range of academic performance
accepted by a college. Here is one example:
Statistics can be tricky to understand, so read them carefully. If you have questions,
talk to your counselor or a college admissions representative. Admission
standards for CUNY colleges are based on each students grades and scores. If,
however, your numbers fall below the averages listed for a certain college, keep in
mind that there are often other factors that go into a colleges decision about whether
or not to accept an applicantincluding individual personality, ability to achieve
academically and professionally in the future, and motivation to get into college.
Also, programs like College Discovery (CD); Search for Education, Elevation, and
Knowledge (SEEK); Macaulay Honors College; and The Teacher Academy require
more information about applicants to inform any decisions.
Sample Freshman Admission Prole
Number who applied: 2,450
Number accepted: 1,252
Number enrolled: 677
Average SAT scores: Verbal 426 / Math 422
Average GPA: 2.9
Source: Lehman College Student Admission Prole, www.collegeproles.com/lehman.html
33
Differences Between High School and College
The schoolwork is usually more advanced in college than high school. Its also
different in other ways. In college you have
More freedom and responsibility to pace yourself on your reading and writing
assignments. You will probably spend less time in class, but more time doing
homework;
More exibility to pick classes that interest you, which increases your focus and
motivation;
Many resources to help you deal with academic and social challenges;
More options for scheduling classes around other priorities in your life, such as
family and work;
A wider age range of students. In high school, there are maximum age limits,
and older students may have stood out. In college, there are no rules about how
old a student must be to apply, enroll, or remain in school, and students enter at
every age. Students are appreciated for their differencesand older students
may have unique contributions based on life experience.
I was surprised
by the diversity
on the campuses
and the
hospitality of
the college and
its students...this
[visit upstate] has
made me want
to stay in New
York for college.
Ni-Asia,
Bronx
Successful College Students Use a Variety of Available Resources
Informal student study groups
Tutoring
Meetings with professors outside of class time
Academic advisors
Library staff
Online bulletin boards and other resources
34
A New Start
College offers a great opportunity for starting over. High school is in the past, and
your transcript is blank. Once youre in college, your high school grades and test
scores dont matter anymore. Its what you do once youre there that counts. If you
do well during your rst year of college, it is even possible for you to transfer to a
prestigious school you may not have gotten into straight out of high school.
And even if you didnt like high school, you may still enjoy college. College is a
completely different experience. There may be tough moments in the transition to
college, but youll have plenty of people and resources to help you through. Like
so many things, college works best for those who keep trying, and the rewards far
outweigh the challenges.
35
Skills You Can Use
You already have skills and knowledge that can help you succeed in college. You
are committed to earning your high school diploma or GED, which means you work
hard to plan, manage your time, complete your assignments, and pass exams.
College requires the same dedication. You may be involved in school, participate
in church or community activities, or have an internship. Maybe you take on extra
responsibilities with your family or friends. Success in these areas means that,
even with bumps in the road or frustrating moments, you have diverse strengths.
Consider something you are good at. What makes you good at it? Think about how
you can use these strengths and abilities in college. You will develop new skills and
strengths in collegebut you are also starting with important assets that will help
you succeed.
Tips for Making College Manageable
Find colleges that have the resources you need.
Try new learning techniques to build on what has helped you in the past.
Keep focused on your ultimate goals.
Review Chapter 9: How Will I Succeed in College?
Ask Yourself
What are my biggest strengths as a student?
What areas do I need to work on?
Break down myths and fears with facts:
Have a discussion with your classmates about their college fears.
Ask your teachers about their college experiences.
36
37
CHAPTER 3:
What Types of College
Options Do I Have?
Different types of colleges and college programs
Associate degree, bachelors degree, and certicates
Public and private colleges
New York State and NYC Opportunity Programs:
HEOP, EOP, SEEK, and CD
College characteristics important to you
Full-time versus part-time status
Overview of College Options
We have all heard the word college used many times. But it can be hard to know
what it means because there are so many types of colleges and college programs.
Other terms for college are higher education or postsecondary education, which
refer to any education after high school. In the United States, there are thousands
of higher education institutions, with thousands of programs offering different
degrees. If you feel that college is not for you, it may be that you just havent yet
found the right option for you.
This chapter explores the types of colleges and their different characteristics. In
Chapter 4: How Do I Find the Right College for Me?, there is information about how
to identify the schools that are best for you.
38
Types of Degrees and Certicates
The rst four years of college are considered undergraduate and can lead to an
associate and/or bachelors degree. These degrees are under the more advanced
graduate degrees such as a masters degree or doctoral degree. Generally, you do
not apply for an advanced degree until after you complete a bachelors degree.
Degrees you can earn in college:
Associate degree (often called two-year degree)
Bachelors degree (often called four-year degree)
Masters degree (usually two years beyond a bachelors degree)
Doctoral degree (usually three to ve years beyond a bachelors degree)
Professional degree (advanced degrees beyond a bachelors degree in elds
such as law, medicine, or business)
Some colleges also offer certicate programs, which are short-term and focus
on specic job training, such as web development, medical billing, tness training,
and more.
College Timeline
Associate/Certicate 2 years
4 years
24 years
35 years
Bachelors
Masters/Professional
Doctoral
Legal Status
Undocumented students can apply for college. Schools vary in their policies regarding
documentation, but some applications do not require a social security number or response
for Immigration Status. You should contact the admissions ofces for private colleges in
which you have interest.
Additionally, undocumented students in New York may be eligible for in-state tuition at
state-operated colleges. More specic information can be found on the CUNY website:
(web.cuny.edu/about/citizenship/info4undocumented/tuition.html).
39
Two-Year or Four-Year: Whats the Difference?
Associate degrees are generally earned in two years. Since the program is only
two full years (or longer, if completed part-time), most of the coursework is usually
focused in one specic area. Depending on how many credits you take each
semester, and if you attend school full-time versus part-time, you can earn your
degree in more or less time.
Many associate degrees help students develop the skills and knowledge for
a specic job, for example: a dental hygienist, registered nurse, or computer
technician. This degree, for students who intend to pursue employment upon
completing their studies, is called an Associate in Applied Science (AAS).
Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Science (AS) degrees are for students who
intend to transfer to a bachelors degree program after completing their associate
degree studies. Some AA and AS degrees allow students to qualify for better-paying
jobs while continuing their studies. For example, if you pursue an Associate of
Arts in Teaching degree, you can work as a paraprofessional (teachers aide) while
pursuing your bachelors degree.
You can get an associate degree from a public institution (community college) or a
private institution (junior college). The degree can be a transfer degree (intended
for transfer to a four-year college/university), or a career/professional degree
(designed for students who intend to enter the work force upon graduation).
Different types of colleges offer associate degrees. Community colleges make up
the largest number of these colleges. Designed to provide higher education options
to a local community, and operated by the local government, community colleges
offer a wide range of academic programs. They also, usually, dont have campus
housing. A few four-year colleges also offer associate degrees.
Community college tuition is generally much lower than tuition at a public or private
four-year college. In addition to lower overall cost, many community colleges offer
evening, weekend, or online courses as an added convenience, particularly to
students who may work on weekdays. For these and other reasons, many people
choose to attend a community college for their rst two years before transferring to
a four-year college for their bachelors degree. (See page 41 for additional information
on transferring.) If you make sure that the classes you take at a community college
are transferable, once you get your associate degree you would need only two
years of study at a four-year college to obtain your bachelors degree.
College Fact
One out of three
undergraduates
attends a two-year
institution.
Source:
US Census Bureau
(2009)
40
Junior colleges are another option for obtaining an associate degree. Because they
are private, not public, they are often more expensive.
Colleges offering bachelors degrees are often called four-year colleges, and they
come in many shapes and sizes. Because bachelors degree programs take longer
to complete, they provide an opportunity to study more topics and to learn more
about a specic topic. In a four-year college, students usually choose a major,
which is an area of study that they will explore in depth (more on this in Chapter 9),
while taking classes in other areas of study as well.
One type of four-year college is a liberal arts college. Liberal arts colleges tend
to be small (1,0003,000 students or so), and the majors they offer are generally in
liberal arts areashumanities (e.g., history, English, philosophy, communications,
anthropology, and many other disciplines) and sciences (e.g., biology, physics,
chemistry, environmental science, etc.). Liberal arts colleges aim at giving students
general knowledge, while other colleges might be focused on a specic area, such
as engineering, technology, or agriculture.
Another type of bachelors degree-granting institution is a university. Universities
are often large and may have tens of thousands of students. Because of their size,
universities usually offer more academic programs and degrees than colleges. They
offer bachelors degrees as well as post-graduate studies.
Once you have a bachelors degree from a four-year college or university, you can
then apply to study for a higher degree (masters, doctorate, professional degree in
a subject such as law, business, medicine, etc.). Students pursuing these advanced
degrees are known as graduate students.
41
A college
education will
increase your
marketability
and your skill-set.
Most employers,
even for some
small jobs, want
skilled workers
to work in their
organizations,
stores, or
companies.
Rhondell,
Kingsborough
Community College
student
Transferring from Two-Year to Four-Year Schools
Many students choose to begin their college education in an associate degree
program at a two-year school such as a community college or a junior college.
After one to two full academic years of college courses, which can be accumulated
through part-time status, they can transfer to a bachelors degree program at a
different college (or occasionally within the same college).
Some students prefer to complete their associate degrees before transferring.
Others choose to transfer after one year of community college. They prefer to
spend more years at the four-year college, pursuing their bachelors degree.
Students who complete an associate degree and a bachelors degree still typically
spend a total of four years in college.
Here are a few good reasons for starting at a two-year school:
Less competitive admissions process;
Lower costs;
May be closer to your family;
Chance to get started and explore possible majors;
Increase your grade point average (and more easily transfer to a four-year program);
Build your knowledge and skills if you dont feel ready for a four-year college
or university.
Many students fear that some of their credits will be lost if they transfer from a
two-year college to a bachelors degree program. But if they plan from the
beginning with an academic advisor at the two-year college, and ensure that their
associate degree program is accredited, they can avoid losing credits when they
transfer. Dont trust just any ad you see on the subway or receive in your e-mail
inbox, as they may be promoting an unaccredited (or even fraudulent) program.
You can ask the community college or junior college, or ask your college counselor/
advisor for assistance. You can also check the Web sites of the six regional
college accreditors: Middle States Commission on Higher Education:
(www.msche.org), New England Association of Schools and Colleges:
(www.neasc.org), North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
(www.ncacasi.org), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
(www.nwccu.org), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (www.sacs.org),
and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (www.wascweb.org). Other valid
accrediting entities are listed on the US Department of Education Web site:
(www.ed.gov/admins/naid/accred).
42
Once youve ensured that the program is accredited, you may want to check the
requirements of the four-year colleges youre interested in. Use their requirements
to plan your class schedule in earning your associate degree. You may also want
to ask four-year colleges if credits from your associate degree program are
transferable.
Many schools have articulation agreements to help community college graduates
make the transition to four-year colleges. They usually either guarantee that
the associate degree satises freshman and sophomore general education
requirements at the four-year university, or they identify courses that are treated
as equivalent. The CUNY Web site shows what credits are transferable between
schools: (student.cuny.edu/cgi-bin/ArticulationAgreements/ListAgree.pl).
Also, some colleges offer dual admission, which lets you apply to the community
college and the four-year college at the same time. If admitted, you can transfer to
the four-year college as long as you earn your associate degree from the community
college rst.
43
Public and Private Colleges and Universities:
Whats the Difference?
Because state tax dollars help support public colleges, their tuition costs are lower
for residents of the state where the college or university is located. However, some
private colleges have substantial grant and scholarship opportunities for students,
so they can occasionally be less expensive to students even if they have a higher
price tag.
New York State Public Colleges and Universities
New York has a large number of public colleges and universities to choose from.
State residents are eligible for the lower tuition rates at all the colleges in both the
SUNY and CUNY systems:
The State University of New York (SUNY): 64 colleges across the state. SUNY
is the largest comprehensive state higher education system in the country.
The City University of New York (CUNY): 23 colleges across New York City.
Out-of-State Public Colleges
Even though public colleges generally have lower costs than private colleges, there
is a catch: if you are not a resident of the state (according to the state legal denition
of resident) the tuition is much higher for you at that states public colleges. The
tuition tends to be about twice the amount for non-state residents. Sometimes
students plan to get lower tuition rates once they are at the college for a year. You
should keep in mind, however, that there are strict rules about state residency that
make it nearly impossible to change your state residency to receive a lower tuition
rate. If you live in New York State, you should consider in-state colleges, like SUNY
and CUNY schools, if you want to receive the benets of in-state tuition.
Examples of Public and Private Colleges and Universities
Public Private
CUNY Brooklyn College Drew University (NJ)
CUNY Kingsborough Community College Fordham University (NY)
Lincoln University (PA) Howard University (DC)
Ramapo College (NJ) Le Moyne College (NY)
Rutgers University (NJ) Marymount Manhattan College (NY)
SUNY Albany Mercy College (NY)
SUNY Purchase New York University (NY)
SUNY Delhi Pace University (NY)
SUNY Sullivan County Community College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (NY)
Temple University (PA) Sage College of Albany (NY)
University of Delaware (DE) Seton Hall University (NJ)
44
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)
HBCUs are colleges that were developed to serve African-American students when
segregation kept them from other colleges. HBCUs maintain a mission to focus on
the higher education of black students. Some HBCUs are public colleges, and some
are private. They are located mostly in the southeastern United States, as well as
Pennsylvania and Ohio. For more information, contact UNCF: (www.uncf.org).
Proprietary Colleges
Proprietary colleges (sometimes called trade schools or career colleges) are
for-prot colleges run as private businesses. Many proprietary colleges offer short
programs focused on a specic career area.
For some proprietary colleges, the admissions and nancial aid application
processes are similar to those of public or private colleges. Many proprietary
colleges have same-day admissions, making it easy for students to get admitted
and enroll right away. Although this might be advantageous for students who want
to start studying immediately, it can also mean that students dont have enough
time to learn about other options, or to discover how much the college will really
cost. Give yourself enough time to ask all the questions you need to ask, and be
sure to ask if the college is accredited. (See page 41 for accrediting information.)
You should not feel pressured or rushed to attend any college.
Understanding Proprietary Colleges
These schools often advertise that their programs take a short time to complete. It is
important to consider how realistic it is to complete the program in as short a time as
advertised.
Many proprietary colleges are accredited, which means that students are eligible for
federal grants and loans, and credits may be transferable to other schools; but some do
not offer degrees. It is important that you nd out if the program you are enrolling in will
lead to a valid degree or just a certicate. In most cases, credits earned at a proprietary
college will not transfer to another college. In other words, the time you put in at most
proprietary colleges wont help you earn a bachelors degree. Accredited proprietary
colleges include:
Berkeley College DeVry Institute
Monroe College School of Visual Arts
Many proprietary schools are much more expensive than public colleges, and often
give less nancial aid than nonprot colleges. The large price difference is not always
immediately clear in advertisements and/or literature.
Be sure to check proprietary schools graduation rates and job placement rates.
According to Johanna Duncan-Poitier, deputy commissioner for higher education in
New York, The majority of proprietary colleges in New York provide a quality education.
However, isolated incidents of misconduct not only harm students, who often leave
college without a degree but with considerable debt, but also hurt the collective
reputation of all for-prot colleges. Read more online: (www.careercollegecentral.com).
45
Types of Academic Programs
Within a college, there are different academic departments, which offer majors
(areas of study), as well as different programs to help students learn. When
considering a college, nd out if it will have particular programs or services. Some
questions to ask:
Does the college offer majors that interest me?
Does it have the specic major I want (if I know at this point)?
How many faculty members teach in the department/area I want to major in?
Are there any programs designed to help admit students who may not have
done as well as they could have in high school (i.e., New York State Opportunity
Programs like HEOP, EOP, SEEK, CDsee descriptions on page 46)?
Are there evening classes in case I have to work during the day?
Are there programs designed for working adults?
Are there academic support services that I can use?
If I have a learning disability, are there programs to assist me?
If I have a physical disability, are there services to assist me?
Does the college offer internships or co-ops?
Can I study abroad (in another country) for a semester or year?
Does the college have career advising?
Does the college offer activities that appeal to me?
Does the college have teaching assistant (TA) and research assistant positions
available for students?
Learning Outside the Classroom: Internships and Co-ops
Most colleges offer opportunities for experiential learning in the work world. Internships
are usually unpaid work experiences for which you earn college credits. Co-ops are usually
paid work experiences that may also carry college credits. An important advantage of these
internships and co-ops is that when you graduate you have work experience you can list on
your resume. These experiences can also help you investigate different career areas, help
you make connections for nding jobs later, and give you a hands-on learning environment.
46
Other College Characteristics
Colleges vary a great deal from one another. Review the list below, and consider
what characteristics are most important to you in selecting a college. When you talk
to people about colleges, or when you visit or read about a college, think about
what matters to you most.
Size of student population: A small college may have 1,0003,000 students.
A large university may have 30,000 students or more. There are all sizes of colleges
in between. It is important to consider how the size of the college will affect class
size, access to professors, and other resources. The student population is also
referred to as the student body.
Location and campus: You might need or want to be in New York City, or perhaps
you are ready to go away to college. You may be interested in living away from
home but in another city with tall buildings, or you might enjoy a suburb with lots of
lawn and trees, or a rural area with farms and open space.
Single sex or coed: Most colleges are coed, which means they have male and
female students. If you are interested in single sex education, there are several
womens colleges in the US, and a handful of mens colleges.
Religious afliation: Some colleges are run by religious institutions; others were
formed with a religious mission. Some will require or expect you to follow specic
religious practices, but many will not. Most religiously-afliated colleges will require
you to take some credits in religion or theology as an academic subject.
Faculty: Faculty refers to all of the professors and teaching assistants. The ratio
of students to faculty members varies from college to college. This ratio affects
class size. Typically, professors teach college courses. In some colleges, most
often in large universities, classes may be taught by graduate students under the
instruction/supervision of a full-time professor.
47
Academics: Colleges offer many different majors and courses. Some colleges have
very specialized programs that you wont nd at other schools. When searching for
schools, consider your interests and the classes you want to take. See page 43 for
more information on academic programs.
Diversity: Race/ethnicity is one form of diversity. Other types of diversity may
include religion, culture, age, or gender. Still other forms of diversity might be the
range of students career interests, how many students commute, or how many live
on campus. The designation Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) is given to schools
that have at least 25% Hispanic students in their student bodies.
Activities and social life: Colleges offer a wide variety of clubs, teams, and
activities for students to engage in when they are not in class. As your college
search progresses, you may look for an activity or team you like, or something new
youd like to try.
Facilities: Libraries, computer labs, dorms, theaters, dance and art studios,
cafeterias, and gyms are facilities on a college campus worth checking out. If
youre looking at residential colleges, it is a good idea to visit and inquire about the
dormitory conditions, cafeteria and food, health center, tness center, and other
student areas, as this will be your home away from home for two to four years.
48
New York State Opportunity Programs
New York State Opportunity Programs are for students who dont meet traditional
admissions requirements but demonstrate economic need and the potential to
succeed academically. For example, if you struggled early in your high school career
but have recently shown that you can get strong grades in school, this demonstrates
the potential for academic success in college. Opportunity Programs help students
gain admittance to two and four-year colleges. And once students are enrolled,
Opportunity Programs also help them succeed through academic support (tutoring,
study skills training, etc.), nancial aid, and individual counseling.
Many private schools have their own programs run by their multicultural or diversity
ofce. These programs recruit students of color and provide intensive summer
prep courses, additional nancial support, and extra social/emotional supports to
ensure a students success. Students can, and should, reach out to the directors of
these programs to show their interest in applying and to nd out how they might be
considered for such a program.
Admissions to New York State Opportunity Programs
You can nd out if you are nancially eligible for HEOP, EOP, CD, or SEEK by
checking the income requirement charts on any participating college Web site or
in the SUNY and CUNY application guidebooks. Its important to keep in mind that
once you are admitted into an Opportunity Program, you will likely have to maintain
a certain GPA to remain in the program. You may also have the opportunity to
attend, or be required to attend, summer sessions. The majority of schools offering
Opportunity Programs have a summer component.
Please note that
this information
about New York
State Opportunity
Programs was
valid as of January
2009. Policies,
procedures and
other information
can change
overtimeyour
counselor or
advisor can
conrm if the
information here is
still accurate.
What are the New York State Opportunity Programs?
These programs go by different names at different colleges and may vary in their
requirements and offerings:
HEOP: Higher Education Opportunity Programoffered by many private colleges in
New York State.
EOP: Educational Opportunity Programoffered by most SUNY colleges.
CD: College Discoveryoffered by all two-year CUNY community colleges.
SEEK: Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledgeoffered by most senior CUNY
colleges.
You enter an Opportunity Program either during your rst semester of college (and you apply
when you originally apply to the college), or when you transfer to a new college. To join
an Opportunity Program as a transfer student, you need to have been enrolled in a similar
program at your original school; or you need to come from a school that does not have
an Opportunity Program and be able to prove that you would have been eligible if such a
program had existed.
49
Academic guidelines for Opportunity Programs vary by location, as well as for those
with high school diplomas versus those with GEDs. You may apply by simply checking a
box on the college application form, by receiving a recommendation by your school
counselor, or by lling out additional paperwork. Before you submit your application
to any public or private college in New York, you should see if they participate and
verify their application guidelines. You must also complete all of the colleges nancial
aid forms. Submit your nancial aid forms as soon as possible, since these programs
have limited capacity.
To be accepted into HEOP, EOP, CD, or SEEK, you must:
Be a New York State resident;
Apply to a college or university in New York State that has one of the
Opportunity Programs;
Meet academic guidelines as they relate to each college;
Meet family income guidelines.
Below are sample requirements for GED holders for EOP programs at various
SUNY campuses:
SUNY Cortland: no minimum
NY State College of Ceramics at Alfred University: minimum score of 2250
SUNY New Paltz: minimum score of 2750
SUNY Binghamton: minimum score of 2800
SUNY nancial requirements for EOP are based on the size of a students household.
For example, in 20082009, a household of four people with income from multiple
workers must earn no more than $36,150 for a student to qualify for EOP. There are
some exceptions. For more information and nancial requirements visit the SUNY
Web site: (www.suny.edu/student/academic_eop.cfm).
Average grades and SAT scores for CUNY SEEK/College Discovery programs are
listed below. Students who have high averages and low SAT scores, or vice versa,
are often eligible if they meet the nancial criteria. More CUNY schools are listed
online: (web.cuny.edu/admissions/undergraduate/appcenter/academicprole.html).
Select CUNY Schools with General Admission and Opportunity Program
Average Grades and SAT Scores (SATs are scored out of a total of 1600.)
General Admissions SEEK/College Discovery
Average Average Average Average
Grade SAT Score Grade SAT Score
Hunter College 86.7 1138 83.3 952
Medgar Evers College 74.6 811 71.3 759
LaGuardia Community College 73.9 70.8
College Fact
One of the top
reasons why college
students drop out of
school is that they
are not taking their
studying seriously,
relying more heavily
on having fun than
going to class.
Source:
Quintessential
Careers (2009)
50
Student Services
Many colleges offer various services to students, which may include the following:
Tutoring in all subject areas;
Learning disabilities services, such as specialized tutoring and testing
accommodations;
Physical disabilities services, such as note-takers, readers, sign-language
interpreting, and adaptive computers;
ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes and services;
Writing centers to help students with essays and term papers;
Counseling centers to help students deal with stress, depression, or other
mental health issues;
Career advising;
Childcare.
Full-time Versus Part-time
Another option to consider when making college plans is whether to attend college
full-time or part-time, especially if you have work or family responsibilities that make
college seem especially difcult. Part-time students, for example, can schedule their
classes only at night or only on certain weekdays. Full-time status is generally dened
as taking 12 or more college credits in one semester. Twelve credits usually means
four classes, but may vary by college and by class. You can enroll full-time one
semester and part-time another, depending on what works best for you.
If you are deciding between attending college part-time or attending full-time while
working more than 15 hours per week, think about your long term goalsa college
degree and a better joband how work and part-time enrollment may impact that.
Part-time enrollment and/or working more than 15 hours per week may be the right
choice for you if:
Your citizen status is undocumented, and you are not eligible for any federal
nancial aid.
You have primary reposnsibility in your household for children or family members
and need to pay rent, food, and medical expenses.
If neither apply to you, you can probably work fewer hours, and scrice some
luxuries while investing in your future earnings!
If youre considering going part-time, be sure to ask about nancial aid for part-time
students. Financial aid packages can be different for full and part-time students, so
you would need to nd out how much aid you could receive. Many schools require
full-time status to be eligible for some forms of nancial aid. Another issue is health
insurance. Depending on how you are insured (through your parents, through a job,
or potentially as a student), your student status (part- versus full-time) could make
an importance difference.
College Fact
37% of all college
students are age
25 and over and
56% of these
students attend
school part-time.
Source:
US Census Bureau
(2009)
51
Tips for Learning More About College Options
Use a variety of research tools. Dont rely only on the Internet, for example, or
only on books. Different resources offer different kinds of information.
Visit colleges. This can really help you understand the types of colleges
available. You can visit more than 25 colleges by subway alone.
Attend college fairs and informational workshops. The Big Apple College Fair
held every year usually takes place in each borough at some point in October.
Find out more and register to attend online: (www.bigapplecollegefairs.com).
Meet with your school counselor to discuss options.
Contact a College Access Program (see page 53) to see what services might be
useful to you in considering your options.
Contact the SUNY Information Center in New York City to learn more about
SUNY: (www.suny.edu/student/mrc or 212-364-5821).
Visit the CUNY Web site to learn about open houses and other events:
(www.cuny.edu).
College Fact
Many part-time
students qualify for
nancial aid and do
not know it.
Research shows those students who enroll less than full-time, and who work more than
15 hours a week are less likely to graduate.
39% of students who worked full-time left college within three years, compared with
19% of those who worked part-time, and 13% of those who did not work at all.
51% of students who enrolled part-time left college within three years, compared
to 14% of those attending full-time.
Orozco, V. and Cauthen, N. (2009). Work Less, Study More and Success: How Financial
Supports can Improve Postsecondary Success. Demos: Postsecondary Success Series.
Ask Yourself
What types of colleges most interest me?
Would a New York State Opportunity Program be a good t for me?
When will I make time to learn more about my college options?
Create a College Board account, and start saving the college searches you complete online
(http://www.collegeboard.com/student/index.html?student).
Go on visits to colleges that might interest you. When youre on campus, be sure to ask staff
and students a lot of questions. Could you picture yourself as a student there?
52
53
CHAPTER 4:
How Do I Find the Right
College for Me?
Taking a trip
to some SUNY
schools further
established the
fact that I want
to go to college
after high
school.
Angelica,
Bronx
Choosing colleges that will be a good t for you
Self assessment and research
Four key elements to a good list of colleges
Keeping a chart of your research
Finding the Right College
The good news is that, in the end, you only need one college to attend. However,
you should apply to several schools to make sure you get accepted to at least one
college thats a good t and affordable. There are steps you can take to identify
what kind of colleges would work best for you and what specic schools t your
criteria.
In this chapter, youll nd tools and information to help you assess your specic
college goals and needs. Youll also learn the steps for researching which colleges
will be a good match for those goals. (You can track these steps and information
on the College Research Chart on page 59.) Once youve identied several possible
good-t colleges, youll learn the questions and strategies that will help you narrow
down the list and settle on where youll apply.
54
What is a Good-t College?
A college, to be a good t for you, should match your interests, skills, and needs.
Sometimes we hear that a college is a great or prestigious school, but the question
to ask is, Would it be great for me? A good t will have the right environment and
classes for you to achieve your long-term career goals.
How Many Schools Should I Apply To?
To end up at a school that is a good t and affordable, it is important to apply to
several collegessomewhere between ve and ten is a good range. It takes work
to complete each college application, and some applications may be lengthier than
others. You dont want to spread yourself thin. However, it is important to apply
to enough colleges to give yourself a fair chance to be admitted to, and receive
sufcient nancial aid for, at least one college.
How Do I Find Colleges that Would be a Good Fit?
Finding colleges that would be a good t requires three basic steps. In this chapter,
there are suggestions and pointers about how to
1. Assess yourself. Ask yourself some specic questions (see page 56) that will
help you clarify what you are looking for in a college and how different colleges
may evaluate your application.
2. Do research to nd schools that meet these criteria. Use a variety of resources
and tools to identify colleges that would suit you well. As with all research, you
should look broadly at rst, nd lots of possibilities, and then narrow down your
list. (See the College Search and Application Web sites listed on page 130.)
3. Create a balanced list of schools to apply to. Narrow down your research to a
list of schools that have what you want and need. Include a range of schools
with affordable options. Review your list with a counselor/advisor.
55
College Access and Transition Programs
There are many free programs in different parts of NYC that help students with
the various steps of the college application process, including completing nancial
aid forms.
Open to anyone who wants to go to college, most college access programs work
with high school students, high school graduates, or GED recipients. The services
and activities offered include individualized college counseling, SAT prep classes,
nancial aid advising, essay assistance, tutoring, trips to visit college campuses, and
workshops on all aspects of college access. See page 130 for a list of programs with
contact information.
There are also several programs that help students gain access to college and
provide support to college students to further help them succeed in their college
career. These programs, referred to as college transition or access and success
programs, are specically designed for the students in a particular program, school,
or neighborhood. Two examples are the following:
Cypress Hills Local Community Development: City Tech & Kingsborough
Community College
Contact: Director of College STEPS, 718-484-8531
Queens Community House & LaGuardia
Contact: Director of College Access and Success, 718-592-5757
56
Assessing Your College Preferences
Ask yourself the following questions to get a better sense of what you should look
for in college.
Self-Assessment Chart
In what type of environment do I learn best?
Do I function best in small classes with more
personal attention? Can I be successful in a
large lecture class with 100 or more students?
Should I consider a two-year or four-year
degree program? Should I apply to one or
the other or both?
Do I want to stay at home, commute
to college, live on campus, or rent an
apartment near school?
How far away am I willing to go from NYC?
Do I feel most comfortable in a rural, urban,
or suburban area?
How important is diversity to me? What
kinds of diversity?
What academic support services do I need?
What majors interest me?
What is the culture on campus?
How do I feel about religiously afliated
colleges?
Would I consider a single-sex college?
What activities, clubs, or sports interest me?
Do I need any special health services? Do I
have any disabilities that require support or
accommodations?
Do I have family responsibilities that affect
my college choices?
What can I afford?
Does the school prepare me for my desired
career? Does the school give me a chance to
explore many career options?
57
College Search Process
There are surveys online that help you nd colleges, called college search engines
or college search tools. You answer a range of questions and get a list of colleges
to consider. These search engines are a great starting point in nding colleges
and can be a useful tool from which to build your college list. Make sure the online
survey is unbiased and does not recommend the same schools no matter what
criteria you ll in.
58
Researching Colleges
There are many ways to help you learn about specic colleges. It is important to
use a variety of methods to learn about schools so you can get a well-rounded and
accurate picture of a college.
College Web sites: Almost every college has its own Web site. Find information
such as the colleges mission, majors, activities, admissions process, and costs.
College research books: Look up details about many different schools,
including admission requirements and application guidelines, contact
information, majors available, and more.
College visits and open houses: Get a sense of what it feels like on campus,
check out the facilities, and experience the atmosphere. Some schools hold
events that prospective students can participate in. For example, many
out-of-state schools who recruit heavily from New York often organize overnight
visiting bus trips for prospective students. Call schools to nd out if they do this.
College fairs: Meet admissions counselors, ask questions about what the
college offers, and discuss how they would view your application.
College course catalogs or bulletins: Find specic information about a college
including details about the courses offered. These are offered increasingly
online, but some schools will still send printed copies if requested.
Alumni and current students: It can be useful to talk to college students and
graduates about their experiences in college. You can learn about why they
chose to go to college, different experiences that led them there, and the types
of colleges they attended. Try to talk to a variety of people. You may have
family members you can talk to, or friends, or employers. You also have teachers,
advisors, and counselors who went to college. Consider the experienced
people around you as resources for your research about what you want to do
after earning your high school diploma or GED.
When researching colleges, it helps to make a chart to keep track of the factors that
matter most to you. This will help you compare and contrast schools. Use the chart
on the following page or create your own.
59
College Research Chart
College Name:

Size (student body):

Location and
Setting:
Majors that
Interest Me:
Degrees Offered:
Diversity:
Special Support
Programs or
Activities:
Range of GPAs
Accepted:
Minimum GED Score
Required:
SAT I Required?

SAT II?

Range of Scores:
Other Notes:
60
Narrowing Down Your List
Make sure that your nal list of colleges includes
1. Schools that you love. Make sure you choose schools based on your own
criteria of a good t.
2. Schools you can get into. Most of your schools should be ones where your
academic prole (see page 32) is similar to the majority of students they
accepted last year. However, you may love some schools that seem like long
shotsconsider applying to one or twoyou never know. You should also
apply to one or two schools where you t the admissions criteria and are likely
to receive an offer of admission. These are called safety schools.
3. Schools that offer good nancial aid packages. As you learned in the section
on nancial aid, college can be very expensive, but you can apply for scholarships,
grants, and loans to cover the costs. Make sure to ll out all nancial aid
applications and submit them on time. Although private schools can be
affordable with nancial aid, you should include several New York schools,
public schools, and community colleges on your list if you have concerns about
paying for college.
Get Advice and Insight from Your Counselors/Advisors,
Family, Friends, and Mentors
The nal decisions are yours. No one else is going to college for you. As with any
big decision, it is important to get feedback from people you trust to help you
think it through. Make sure you include people who know a lot about the process
and people who know you well and who believe in your potential. You may want
to create a network of people for support. Before you make nal decisions about
where to apply, and eventually, where to enroll, review all your options with your
counselor/advisor at your school or program. Explain to your counselor/advisor and
family how you have come to your decisions and ask for input on your plan. Also,
talk to people who can give you a helpful perspective.
I went on the
tours to get a
realistic idea of
what colleges
are like. I was
most surprised
by how pretty
the colleges
were and how
colleges have a
lot of differences
between them.
Angelina,
Bronx
Some Helpful Questions to Ask College Students or Graduates
What impact has college had on their lives?
How did they choose where to go?
How did they deal with the challenges?
How has college prepared them for their current job or career?
61
Keep an Open Mind
At the start of the process, its important to keep an open mind. You dont want
to lose out on great opportunities because you only applied to schools you knew
about already, or because you applied only to nearby colleges. As you nd out
more about different colleges and programs, you can begin to zoom in on particular
colleges that will be right for you.
Tips for Finding a College that is a Good Fit for You
Remind yourself that a college that is good for a friend or family member may
not be good for you.
Remember, if you havent heard of a college, it doesnt mean it isnt a good
school.
Review your list of colleges and their admissions criteria with someone who
knows about college access, such as the counselor at your school or program.
Keep your options openapply to several colleges.
Apply to colleges inside and outside of the city if you are not sure where you
want to go to college. If you apply to both types, you can decide later.
Dont judge schools just by their reputation.
Check out the surrounding areas and neighborhoods of schools youre
interested in.
62
63
CHAPTER 5:
What are the Steps in
the Admissions Process?
Overview of the college admissions process
Components of a college application
Fee waivers
Tests you may need to take
Communicating with colleges
Staying organized
Overview of College Admissions
If you want to be admitted to college, you have to complete the application
process. As reviewed in Chapter 4, the rst steps are to assess what you want in
a college and research colleges that would work for you.
This chapter covers the next steps, which involve communicating with the
collegesyou need to develop your materials, submit all necessary documents
to each college, and then follow up with the colleges to be sure your application
is complete. Youll nd information about all the documents needed to complete
your college applications, and learn which are the most important parts colleges
look at. Youll also learn about the different college entrance tests and determine
which ones youll need to take. Additionally, youll nd tips to help keep track of
deadlines, keep your college materials organized, and be sure all your applications
are complete and submitted on time.
64
Steps in the College Application Process
The basic steps can be broken down into ve stages:
1. Self-Assess: Determine what you want out of a college experience; speak with
knowledgeable people; use career interest inventories.
2. Research: Look for schools that will t your needs; identify which colleges you
want to apply to; determine what documents/information each requires.
3. Develop: Write essay(s); ask teachers, counselors, and mentors for
recommendation letters; create a resume; ll out the applications. Develop a
network of people who can help you.
4. Submit: Mail or send online all the required documents, including the
application fee or fee waiver.
5. Follow up: Respond to letters, calls, or e-mails from the colleges asking for
additional information; conrm with colleges that your application is complete.
See pages 125 and 129 for detailed checklists of all the steps in the process,
depending on your timeline.
Admissions and Financial Aid: Two Different Processes
When you apply to be admitted to a college, you are not automatically considered for
nancial aid. There is an additional process for nancial aid, which is reviewed in Chapter 7.
65
What Do I Need to Submit for My Applications?
There are a few basic application requirements that are the same for all colleges,
but you will also nd some differences. Use college handbooks or the college
Web sites to nd out what each college requires. A sample chart at the end of this
chapter helps you design your own charts to track this information.
Materials All Colleges Require:
1. A completed application (you do this on paper or online);
2. Ofcial high school transcript or GED transcript;
3. Application fee or fee waiver.
Additional Materials Requested by Many Colleges:
4. SAT or ACT (community colleges and junior colleges may also accept a
college-specic achievement test in place of the ACT/SAT);
5. Personal statements or essays;
6. Teacher recommendation letters;
7. Guidance counselor recommendation letters;
8. Resume outlining your work, volunteer experience, and activities;
9. Art portfolio or audition (if you are applying to ne arts program);
10. Immunization records (proof of immunization to measles, mumps, and rubella,
for example).
Applying to a Program Within a College
There may be different application requirements for departments or programs within a
college. Check carefully with the colleges about specic requirements.
The most
difcult part
of the college
application
process is
keeping up with
the deadlines,
between
working and
going to school
full-time. The
[YABC] staff is
very adamant
in keeping me
on track with
deadlines. They
support you in
meeting your
goals through
tough love,
brutal honesty,
and constant
support.
Krystina,
Manhattan
66
What are the Most Important Elements of an Application?
Colleges have different criteria when judging a students application, but
admissions staff members consider a variety of factors so that they get a complete
picture of an applicant. High school grades and GED scores are important. SAT or
ACT scores can be important, depending on the college. Other indicators of your
potential, such as essays, resumes, and recommendation letters, can go a long way
to show a college how prepared and excited you are about starting college.
Tips for Writing a Resume
The appearance of your resume is important. Keep it neat and make sure you
use correct punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
Include contact information, a clear objective, your employment and education
history, skills, awards, clubs or organizations you belong to, and volunteer work.
Tailor the descriptions of your experience to t your objective.
Highlight your strong points. This is an opportunity to brag.
Keep your resume to the point (12 pages).
Find free resume tips at JobWeb: (www.jobweb.com), Monster: (www.monster.com)
or a college career center.
Supplemental Materials
The term supplemental materials is used two different ways in college applications:
1. Additional materials that the college requires beyond the application; or
2. Optional materials you can add to your application if you want to. It is to your
advantage to submit anything that is optional.
If a college uses the term supplemental to mean additional required materials
to complete your application, you need to make sure you send all of the items.
For example, several SUNY colleges require supplemental forms, as listed on the
SUNY Web site: (www.suny.edu/Student/apply_supp_apps.cfm). If you are not sure
whether the term supplemental means additional or optional, be sure to ask your
guidance counselor or advisor.
Additional Documents for HEOP/EOP Applications
If you are applying through a HEOP or EOP program, you will likely have additional
documents to submit. Check with the admissions ofce at the college to be sure
you understand the requirements.
67
EssaysEven Optional Essaysare a Great Opportunity
Colleges may or may not require an essay, but some may offer the option of
submitting an essay. This is a great opportunity to help a college develop a complete
picture of who you are, instead of dening you by your grades and scores alone.
You are more than numbers on a pageyou have many talents, skills, and abilities
that a college will want to know about in order to measure your potential for college
work. If your high school grades do not reect your true potential, or if you have
had interruptions in your studies, you can use the essay to explain circumstances
that impacted your school experienceillness or family issues, for example. If you
had poor grades in the past, but have recently achieved higher marks, your essay is
the place to explain that your recent grades are a demonstration of your ability to
succeed academically in college. An essay can also give you the chance to discuss
strategies you have used and attitudes you have developed to commit yourself to
graduating with a high school diplomaand how you plan to carry those on to
college.
Below are some sample essay questions:
Tell us something about yourself.
In 250 words or less, please describe one activity (extracurricular, personal, or
work-related) that has been most meaningful to you in terms of your intellectual
and leadership development and why.
Who is your role model and why?
Should I Send an Essay?
Yes. Essays are your voice in the application. Tell the college admissions staff who you are.
But give yourself plenty of time to write a thoughtful, well-constructed essay, and make sure
to get feedback from a teacher or counselor. Note: CUNY schools do not accept additional
essays.
68
Alternatively, essay instructions may simply tell you to write about a topic of your
choice. There is no right or wrong answer to the college essaybut its important
that it reects what sets you apart from other applicants, and shows that you have
qualities that will help you succeed in college and in life. The 200809 Common
Application asked for the following short answer and personal essay:
Short Answer: Please briey elaborate on one of your extracurricular or work
experiences below or on an additional sheet (150 words or fewer).
Personal Essay: Please write an essay (250 words minimum) on a topic of your
choice or on one of the options listed below.
Evaluate a signicant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical
dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.
Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its
importance to you.
Indicate a person who has had a signicant inuence on you, and describe that
inuence.
Describe a character in ction, a historical gure, or a creative work (as in art,
music, science, etc.) that has had an inuence on you, and explain that inuence.
A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds
much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an
experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college
community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity
to you.
Topic of your choice.
69
Who Sends the Materials to the College?
Talk to the counselor or advisor at your school or program to gure out how to
send out college application materials. In most cases, your school or program
counselor will send out the transcript (or secondary school report) to the college.
Since colleges require ofcial transcripts, you cannot send photocopies. An ofcial
transcript is one sent directly from your high school to the college, with a school
stamp or seal, or the counselors signature over the seal of the envelope. In the
case of GED scores, they must be sent directly from the GED ofce in Albany
(see instructions in the box below).
Although the school or program must send your transcript, high schools and
programs have their own systems for sending the other parts of an application. You
may be allowed, or required, to mail your own applications. Check with your school
or program.
Application Components Can be Sent Separately
In most cases, colleges do not require that all materials arrive together. As soon
as a college receives one piece of an application, it starts a folder for that student.
For example, you might send the actual application and fee or fee waiver in one
envelope, your counselor might send your transcript in another, and a teacher
might send a recommendation letter in yet another envelope. An application is not
complete until all required documents, forms, and fees are submitted. As long as all
materials arrive before the deadline, it does not matter that they arrive separately.
Make sure your name appears on all documents so they do not get lost.
Sending GED Scores to Colleges
Colleges generally require that your GED scores be sent directly from the New York State
Education Department GED testing ofce in Albany. For specic instructions, check online:
(www.emsc.nysed.gov/ged/) or call 518-474-5906.
70
Application Fees and Fee Waivers
Most colleges charge an application fee for reviewing student applications. Fees
range from approximately $40 to $75. Checks or money orders should be sent with
the application; credit cards can be used if applying online. In some cases, you may
not have to pay college application fees or SAT/ACT registration fees. Depending
on your familys nancial situation, your counselor/advisor may give you a printed
fee waiver for the tests and/or college applications. Many colleges will even grant
an application fee waiver if they receive a letter from your counselor explaining your
familys nancial situation. Check with your school or program counselor/advisor to
nd out if you are eligible for fee waivers.
Application Fee Waiver Family Income Guidelines (SUNY, 2008)
Household Size: 1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people
Annual Income: $20,700 $26,200 $28,950 $34,400 $39,450 $45,150 $49,500*
*Add $4,350 for each family member in excess of seven.
If your eligibility is conrmed, the Application Services Center will grant an application fee
waiver for up to four campus choices. One of the above fee waiver request forms should be
submitted with the application or School Counselor Form (for online applicants), in place
of the application fees. Appropriate processing fees for additional SUNY campus choices
should be submitted with the application.
71
Deadlines
Colleges have different deadlines for receiving your application materials. Some
colleges use rolling admissions, which means that they review applications and
accept or reject applications as they receive them, until they have no more spaces
available for the next academic year. Other colleges use strict deadlines. Financial
aid deadlines may also be different from college admissions application deadlines.
Check individual colleges for details.
Keep in mind that counselors and advisors need time to process students transcripts,
so they may set deadlines for handing in your applications or submitting a request-
to-send-transcript form. (There are comprehensive timelines at the end of this
chapter that will help you in your planning.)
In order to meet your deadlines, always start with the items on your list that require
someone elses input.
1. Request your transcript from your guidance counselor or request your GED
score from the GED ofce in Albany.
2. Request recommendations from teachers and employers at least three weeks
before the due date.
3. Write your essay(s) and give yourself time for multiple drafts.
4. Review your completed application and mail it.
5. Check with your guidance counselor and everyone you asked to write a letter
of recommendation to make sure they have completed and sent the required
material.
6. Once you get the conrmations, call the college admissions ofces to make sure
they have received everything.
How Deadlines Can Help
Deadlines help you plan. Work backwards from your different deadlines to schedule what
you need to do and when. Always plan for delays and disruptions. Give yourself extra time.
72
Early Action and Early Decision
Some colleges offer Early Action and Early Decision to give students the opportunity
to apply to their favorite college(s) before the deadline and nd out early if they are
accepted. But there are big differences between the two programs:
Early Action: If you apply by the Early Action deadline (November 1 or November
15) you can hear back from the college before the winter break in December. If you
are accepted, you may decide not to apply to many other colleges. You will have
until May to let the college know of your decision. Remember: dont decide until
you get your nancial aid package.
Early Decision: Early Decision is similar to Early Action with one major difference:
If accepted, you agree to withdraw all your other applications and attend that
school. Its a binding agreement. The potential benet is that you would have to
apply to only one school, and that you will nd out much earlier if you are accepted.
However there are signicant risks: You will not be sure of your nancial aid package
before you agree to attend the school, and you may later decide that you like
another college better. Plus, if you withdraw from your Early Decision agreement
for reasons other than inadequate nancial aid, other colleges may withdraw their
admissions if they learn that you broke your agreement.
73
Tests
You may need to take exams as part of the application process for some colleges.
Check with each college about its requirements, and note that requirements may
vary for GED applicants. The list of possible tests includes
SAT: The SAT is an exam administered by the College Board designed to help
colleges judge students potential to perform academically in college. Most
associate degree programs do not require the SAT. The test is divided into
three sections (Critical Reading, Math, and Writing) and takes several hours to
complete. Each section has a score range from 200 to 800. A perfect score is 2400.
The average scores for the class of 2010 were 501 for Critical Reading, 516 for
Mathematics, and 492 for Writing, for a total score of 1509. There is a fee to take
the exam and an additional fee to have the scores sent to more than four colleges,
but you may be eligible for a fee waiver from your guidance counselor/advisor.
The SAT is offered several times a year, so check with colleges about when you
would need to take the test to meet the college application deadlines. For more
information, check the College Board Web site: (www.collegeboard.com).
How Many Times Should I Take the SAT?
It makes sense to take it twice, if you can, at least a few months apart. You will be more
familiar with the test on the second time, and thus, likely to perform better. Some schools
may allow you to use SATs Score Choice, which allows students to submit only one set of
scores to schools. Schools that do not participate in Score Choice will see all of your scores,
but they may make a new total by taking the highest score of each sub-section. Check out
this example:
First test: 470 Math + 500 Critical Reading + 470 Writing = 1440 Total
Second test: 530 Math + 470 Critical Reading + 500 Writing = 1500 Total
Highest of each test: 530 Math + 500 Critical Reading + 500 Writing = 1530 Total
The second test total score is 60 points higher than the rst. But the highest combination
of both tests is 90 points higher than the rst test total score. So the student got 90 more
points by taking it the second time.
Some schools, such as the SUNY schools, will take the average of your scores. The writing
section of the SAT is not looked at by all schools.
74
ACT: The ACT is much like the SAT in that it is designed to help colleges judge
students potential to perform academically in college. Most colleges accept either
the SAT or ACT; you may want to take both. The ACT has one version with a Writing
section and one without. Check with the colleges you wish to apply to and see
which is needed. The ACT has four sections besides the optional Writing: English,
Math, Reading, and Science. The highest score for each section is 36, and the four
scores are averaged for a composite score. A perfect composite score on the ACT is
36. For more information, check the ACT Web site: (www.act.org).
Which Test is Easierthe SAT or the ACT?
Many people have heard that one or the other test is easier or more tester-friendly, but
both are challenging tests; their main differences are in the format. Some people who have
taken the GED report that they nd the ACT easier since the tests seem more similarbut
see which you feel more comfortable with by taking a practice test for each one. You can
nd practice questions on the test organizations Web sites or in test preparation books in a
library or book store.
SAT ACT
Test Format 10 Sections: 4 Sections (optional writing):
3 Critical Reading 1 English
3 Math 1 Math
3 Writing 1 Reading
1 Experimental 1 Science Reasoning
sometimes experimental
Math Basic Arithmetic Pre-Algebra
Algebra I and II Algebra I and II
Geometry Geometry and Trigonometry
Science None Data Representation
Research and Science Reading
Charts
Experiments
Reading Sentence Completions Four Passages:
Passage-based Reading with Prose Fiction
Long and Short Excerpts Social Science
Humanities
Natural Science
Writing One Essay Usage and Mechanics
Questions Testing Grammar, Grammar
Usage, and Word Choice Sentence Improvement
Optional Writing: Essay
Length 3 hr 45 min 2 hr 55 min + 30 min for writing
Penalty for Yes No
Wrong Answer
Cost to Take Yes Yes
75
SAT II Subject Tests: Many private schools require these one-hour tests on a
specic academic subject. Some examples of Subject Tests include US History,
Literature, Math 1, Math 2, Physics, and Spanish. Check with the colleges you are
interested in to nd out if you need to take these tests, and if so, which ones. As
with the SAT, you register for SAT Subject Tests through the College Board. As
with the SAT, fee waivers are also available for SAT Subject Tests through your
school counselor. In order to do your best on a subject test, you should take
the test right after you are done with the class on that particular subject, while the
information is still fresh in your mind.
TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language. If English is not your primary or rst
language, and you immigrated to the United States within the last four years, you
may need to take the TOEFL to demonstrate your readiness for college instruction
in English. Check with the colleges to nd out. In some cases, it could be to your
advantage to take it, even if it isnt required. For more information about the
TOEFL, including how to register, check the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Web
site: (www.ets.org).
76
Recommendation Letters
Like essays, recommendation letters give a college admissions staff a fuller picture
of who you are. When choosing who should write your letters, go with teachers,
advisors, and/or counselors who know you well, have experience working with you,
and believe in your potential.
To help your teachers, advisors, and counselors write detailed, personalized letters,
set up a meeting with them at least three weeks before the letter is due so that they
have plenty of time to write a good recommendation. During that meeting, talk
about your college hopes and plans. The more details you give them, the better,
since the best letters are specic. Give them a copy of your resume and essay, if
possible. Be proud of your accomplishments and your goals, and dont be afraid
to ask them to write a strong letter for you. It will also help them to have a list of
colleges you are applying to. Ask them to print the letters on school stationery.
Unless your school counselor plans to mail the letters, give your letter writers
stamped and addressed envelopes as a courtesy. There may also be additional
forms from the college that your counselor will have to complete and send in with
any recommendations.
In addition to teacher recommendations, feel free to ask other people in leadership
positionscoaches, employers, mentors, or othersto write you a letter. Again,
choose people who know about your college plans and have condence in you.
These supplemental letters can help to show the college your strengths from
multiple perspectives.
College Fact
Actor Tommy Lee
Jones and former
Vice President
Al Gore were
roommates at
Harvard. Actors
Robin Williams and
Christopher Reeve
were roommates at
The Julliard School
in NYC.
Source:
Wikipedia (2009)
77
The Common Application
The Common Application is an admissions application that more than 150 colleges
have agreed to accept in place of their own individual applications. You complete
it once and submit it to all of the colleges that accept the Common Application.
Using the Common Application is to your advantage because you do not have to
complete several separate applicationsjust one. For more information, or to view
the application, check online: (www.commonapp.org).
Online Applications
Many colleges post their entire admissions application on their Web sites so that
you can submit online or print paper copies. If you complete an online application,
be sure to look it over carefully before clicking submit. You should always print a
copy of the screen before you submit the application, in case there are any technical
issues. Even if you complete the entire application online, you may still need to mail
your transcript, payment, fee waiver, etc.
78
Results of Your Application
After you complete the application process, which includes following up on any
loose ends or requests for more information, you wait to hear from the colleges. It
can denitely feel like a long time. When you will get their responses depends on
when you applied; it can take some colleges a few months and others a few weeks.
Each college should send you a letter with one of four answers:
Accepted: Congratulations. You have been accepted to enroll in the college. The
letter will have instructions about deadlines for letting the college know if you plan
to attend. Sometimes the college will offer a conditional acceptance. This means
you are accepted under certain conditions, such as participating in a summer
academic preparation program or passing all of your last semester classes in high
school. CUNY has a conditional acceptance in which students must get certain
scores on math or English placement tests. Get in touch with the colleges if you
think you will need to take these tests.
Not Accepted (Rejection): The college is not able to accept you at this time. The
admissions staff had many more applications than available spaces, so they had to
make hard decisions. A rejection is disappointing, of course, but its also common.
This is why you apply to several schoolsto make sure you have at least one good
option.
Waitlisted: The college cannot offer you an acceptance right nowbut it might
accept you at a later date. You are on a list of students who may get in as more
spaces become available. Colleges accept more students than they actually expect
to enroll. Once they know how many students have accepted their offer, they will
know how many open spots are left. At that point, they will begin to send out
letters of acceptance to students from the waitlist. If your heart is set on the school,
it may be a good idea to send a letter to the admissions ofce letting them know
you are still very interested in their school. If you have any new accomplishments
since applying, mention them in the letter.
Deferred: If you applied to a college via Early Decision, deferred means they
cannot accept you at this point but will consider your application again along with
all the non-Early Decision applicants.
79
Communicating with Colleges
Try not to be nervous about calling a college. The staff gets many calls a day,
so yours will not be out of the ordinary. Your call will demonstrate to admissions
staff that you are taking responsibility for your college application process.
Thats impressive and important.
Create a professional-sounding e-mail address. Dont use an e-mail address
that could create a negative or misleading impression for the recipient. Keep
your original address for communication with friends.
professional: jon.smith@yahoo.com
not professional: totalromeo@yahoo.com
Use proper grammar and writing guidelines in your e-mail. Among friends,
it is ne to write in an informal and abbreviated manner, but with colleges, use
full sentences and avoid abbreviations
Schedule an appointment to meet with them face-to-face, if you can.
80
Organizing Your College Applications
The application process involves keeping track of many parts and adhering to
deadlines. It helps to keep track of your steps in a chart. Use this chart or create
your own.
College Application Organizer
College Name:
Application
Due Date:
Application
Requirements:
What are the
particular application
instructions for this
school?

Transcript: Requested
Sent
Requested
Sent
Requested
Sent
Recommendation
Letters:
Requested
Sent
Requested
Sent
Requested
Sent
Application: Completed
Sent
Completed
Sent
Completed
Sent
Fee or Fee Waiver
Included:
Requested
Sent
Requested
Sent
Requested
Sent
Essay: Drafted
Reviewed
Sent
Drafted
Reviewed
Sent
Drafted
Reviewed
Sent
SAT (if necessary)
ACT (if necessary)
SAT Scores Sent
ACT Scores Sent
SAT Scores Sent
ACT Scores Sent
SAT Scores Sent
ACT Scores Sent
HEOP/EOP or other
Access Program
Supplemental
Materials:
Sent Sent Sent
Other Materials:

List:

Sent
List:

Sent
List:

Sent
Follow-Up Call to
Conrm Complete
Application:

Needed:

Sent
Needed:

Sent
Needed:

Sent
81
Tips for Staying Organized Through the Application Process
Keep your college materials in one folder. If youre applying to multiple
colleges, you may want one folder per college.
Create a timeline, like the examples on pages 125 and 129.
Open all mail from colleges and keep the letters at so you can nd documents
easily. To keep the paper from overwhelming you, recycle all materials from
colleges you are not considering.
Create charts or tables for yourself, like the example on page 80, to keep track
of all the details.
Keep notes of the names of people you speak with and dates of your phone or
e-mail contacts with a college. Especially if someone is helpful, try to work with
that person consistently when you call, so that you always talk to someone
familiar with your situation.
Finally, remember that stress can cause you to lose concentration, motivation,
or clarity. Use your healthy supports and stress management techniques to
keep you on track. Eat healthy foods, drink water, and get lots of sleep. Each
step you complete will give you energy to tackle the next task.
Check your e-mail and voicemail regularly for information about your
applications.
82
83
CHAPTER 6:
Can I Afford College?
Sources of nancial aid to pay for college
Are college loans a good investment?
Financial aid packages
Comparing nancial aid packages from different colleges
What if I am undocumented?
Can I Afford College?
The short answer is yes. There are many different resources available to help pay for
college. You have probably heard of nancial aid, which is a term that describes all
forms of available assistance to help students manage college costs.
There are three basic types of nancial aid:
1. Grants and Scholarships: Funds you do not have to pay back.
2. Loans: Funds you do have to pay back over time.
3. Federal Work-Study (FWS): Jobs on campus so that you can earn money to
cover personal expenses.
In this chapter, youll learn about each of these three types of nancial aid. This
includes where nancial aid comes from, the differences between types of
nancial aid, how colleges determine how much nancial aid to offer, repayment
requirements, and information on taking out student loans.
84
Where Does Financial Aid Come From?
The term nancial aid can sound like one big lump sum of money, but there are
many sources of nancial aid. For example, a student may receive $15,000 from ve
different sources or $30,000 from eight different sources. Imagine a birthday or
graduation party during which you receive a few envelopes from family or friends
with money inside. Each amount by itself may seem small, but added all together
you suddenly have a signicant amount of money. This is how nancial aid works.
Sources of nancial aid:
Federal government Loans from banks and nancial
New York State government institutions
New York City government Scholarship foundations
Colleges (institutional grants) Civic groups and associations
Corporations
What are the Criteria to Receive Financial Aid?
Most nancial aid programs base eligibility on a familys ability to pay for college.
Some may be based completely or partially on academics.
Need-based nancial aid: Depending on your family income, you may be
eligible for one source of aid and not another.
Merit-based nancial aid: Some types of nancial aid are based on grades or
academic performance. Even some merit-based programs can have income
requirements.
Financial Aid: Student Opinion
Chitara, SUNY Albany
My biggest concern before I went to college was money. I didnt know how the nancial aid
system worked. My family wasnt there for me, and they couldnt help me nancially. When I
was a senior in high school, I had been living on my own for more than a year. I was used to
taking care of myself, but I knew I couldnt pay for college. When I talked through the whole
situation with my OPTIONS counselor, I started learning how nancial aid works. It turned
out I was eligible for a lot of nancial aid. Over my three years in college, I have worked
part-time to pay for things I need. I just see it as part of my experience. You learn how to live
on a tight budget when youre in college. Its worth it because, in the end, you will have a
college education.
85
Citizenship
In order to be eligible for federal nancial aid, you must be a US citizen, a US
national, or a US permanent resident. You may be eligible for nancial aid
regardless of whether your parents have social security numbers (see the FAFSA
application question 63 for further details).
If you are an undocumented student, you are not eligible for federal nancial aid,
but you can apply for certain private scholarships, and some private colleges have
sources of scholarship funding available.
You can nd a list of scholarships, the majority of which are accessible to
undocumented students, at the Web site for the Mexican American Legal Defense
and Education Fund: (www.maldef.org/education). The CUNY Citizenship &
Immigration Project provides free services at 14 centers located throughout
New York City. You can nd additional information online: (web.cuny.edu/about/
citizenship.html).
How Much Money Do I Need for College?
Costs for college include much more than just tuition. Your total college costs
may include student fees, room/board, books, supplies, travel, laundry, telephone,
and more. By averaging all these expenses, each college calculates a cost of
attendance, which represents the limit on the total amount of nancial aid a
student may be awarded. Make sure to factor these costs into estimates of your
total college expenses, because they will add up. For example, according to the
College Boards 2010 Trends in College Pricing report, the average estimate cost
of books and supplies per school year was $1,137 for public four-year colleges
and $1,133 for public two-year colleges: (http://trends.collegeboard.org/college_
pricing/indicator/index). You can always try to nd cheaper books online than can
be found at the campus store.
College Fact
As of 2008, more
than $130 billion
in nancial aid was
available to students
and their families
each year.
Source:
The College Board
(2009)
86
How Do I Know How Much Financial Aid a College Will Offer Me?
When you are accepted to a college, the nancial aid ofce at that college reviews
the nancial aid applications you completed and determines what types and
amounts of nancial aid you are eligible to receive. The college then sends you an
award letter with an outline of the nancial aid it is offering you. It could include
grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. This collection of resources is called
your nancial aid package.
From the award letter you should be able to determine your Expected Family
Contribution (EFC), which is the amount of money your family is expected to pay
towards your education. This step helps determine how much it will cost your family
for you to go to college.
You can estimate your EFC prior to the application process by using the College
Boards EFC calculator: (apps.collegeboard.com/ncalc/efc_status.jsp). EFC factors in
anticipated expenses, such as student fees, room/board, books, personal expenses,
transportation, and more. There are several considerations in calculating your EFC:
1. Family income and assets (for parents and/or students);
2. Family size;
3. Number of children in the family who attend college;
4. Unusual circumstances, such as medical expenses.
When you add up the sources in your nancial aid package, you can decide if that
college has offered enough nancial aid to make it affordable. Sometimes one
college wont offer enough nancial aid, and another one will. This is another reason
why its important to apply to several colleges. If you choose the colleges youll
apply to carefully (see Chapter 4: How Do I Choose a College That is Right for Me?),
you are more likely to end up with at least one optionand probably morethat is
affordable.
College Fact
Approximately two-
thirds of all full-time
undergraduate
students receive
some type of
nancial aid to pay
for their college
education.
Source
The College Board
(2009)
Information on Household Income
Many forms, including the FAFSA nancial aid form, request information about your
household income. This includes your income and that of your parents. Unless you are over
24 years old, it is unlikely that you can successfully claim nancial independence from your
parents. (In fact it is not always to your benet to do so.) However, there are several situations
in which you would not need to provide your parents income informationif, for example,
you are married, you have children who receive more than half of their support from you,
both of your parents are deceased, or you are a ward of the court. Additionally, if you have
a legal guardian or live with your grandparents or other relatives, you are only considered
a dependent if your relative has legally adopted you. Check the FAFSA Web site for more
information: (www.fafsa.ed.gov).
87
What is a Financial Aid Package?
It is the offer of nancial aid that a college makes you each year. Financial aid
packages are made up of multiple sources of nancial aid. The more sources and
the higher the grant/scholarship amounts, the better your package.
Your package is offered to you in the form of an award letter. Financial aid may
include awards that are not repaid and/or loans that must be paid back (with interest)
over time. Financial aid packages are made up of one or all of the following:
Grants: Grants are given directly to students and are not repaid. They are
typically provided by the government or nonprot organizations.
Scholarships: These are similar to grants in that they are given directly to
students and are not repaid. Scholarships, however, are usually provided by
private individuals or corporations. They may also have restrictions about how
they can be used. There are many different types of scholarships ranging from
full tuition coverage to less than a full semesters worth. Typically, scholarships
are offered for one school year at a time but may be renewable.
Student Loans: These are loans offered to students for college expenses. They
need to be repaid with interest, even if you dont complete college or nd a job
after graduation. Interest for student loans is generally lower than for other
types of loans. They can be federal loans and/or private loans. Each loan comes
with its own rules regarding limits and repayment.
Federal Work-Study: Many colleges offer Federal Work-Study (FWS) funds for
part-time jobs for students with nancial need. Work-study assignments are
either on-campus positions or off-campus assignments related to community-
service or a students area of study. Hourly rates are at least minimum wage,
and the amount you earn cant exceed your total FWS award. When assigning
work hours, your employer or nancial aid administrator will keep in mind your
award amount, your class schedule, and your academic progress.
88
Notice in the chart below that, although the tuition/annual cost of the schools is
very different, they end up costing you or your family the same amount because of
different nancial aid packages. You should apply to the schools you like no matter
what the stated tuition is, because you never know what nancial aid package you
might receive.
Comparing College Costs
College 1 College 2
Financial Aid: Grants $ 1,500 $ 3,000
Work-Study $ 1,000 $ 2,500
Scholarships $ 0 $ 9,500
Stafford Loan $ 2,625 $ 2,625
Total Aid $ 5,125 $ 17,625
College Costs: Annual Tuition $ 10,000 $ 22,000
Other Expenses $ 1,500 $ 2,000
Total Costs $ 11,500 $ 24,000
Cost to Family: Total Costs $ 11,500 $ 24,000
Total Aid - $ 5,125 - $ 17,625
Annual Cost to Family $ 6,375 $ 6,375
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Is it Worth Taking Out Loans for College?
It can be, but it depends on how much you borrow. Federal loans require that you
ll out the FAFSA. Financial aid packages from different colleges include different
total loan amounts. You will need to think about how much it is worth borrowing
to go to a specic college. It may be that another college will require no loans or
a much smaller amount in loans. See Chapter 8: How Do I Make the Final Choice
About Which College to Attend? for more information about how much of a loan is
advisable. Some common types of loans include:
Perkins loans are low-interest (5% in 2011), long-term, subsidized loans made
through school nancial aid ofces to help undergraduate and graduate
students with nancial needs pay for school.
Stafford loans are federal, xed-rate, low-interest (3.4% for subsidized and
6.8% for unsubsidized in 2011) loans available to undergraduate students
attending accredited schools at least half time. Stafford loans are the most
common source of college loan funds. Stafford loans may be subsidized or
unsubsidized. Find more information and apply online: (www.staffordloan.com).
Private loans vary based on your credit history. You might consider private loans
if nancial aid and federal loans dont cover all your costs. Some schools may
have preferred lenders, but you do not have to use them. Do you homework
and be condent with the terms of your loan.
PLUS (Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students) are loans your parents can
take out to pay for your education. They are based on your parents credit
rating and are xed (7.9% in 2011). Eligible families can borrow the total cost of
attendance at school minus any other estimated nancial assistance.
90
Important Notes to Consider with Loans
Subsidized versus Unsubsidized Loans: Loans are either subsidized or unsubsidized.
Subsidized loans are based on nancial need, and recipients generally dont have
to pay any interest until six months after they graduate from college. Unsubsidized
loans are not based on need, and recipients begin paying interest as soon as they
receive the loan.
Fixed-Rate versus Variable-Rate Loans: Be sure to verify whether your loan has
a xed rate (which doesnt vary over time) or a variable rate (which varies with the
overall market). A variable-rate loan may seem appealing, particularly if it is lower
than the current xed-rate loan, but can be risky since there is no guarantee as to
how much it will increase.
When Do I Pay Back Student Loans?
You typically start making payments six to nine months after you leave school or
graduate. Most student loans are paid back over 10 or more years. It is important
to understand the repayment terms of your loans and to make payments on time or
you will risk going into default. If you are unable to afford your loan payments, you
may be able to renegotiate with your lender. You may also be able to defer loan
repayment if you go on to graduate school.
You can nd more information about loans on Web sites like SimpleTuition:
(www.simpletuition.com)
Going to college is an investment of time and money. As we said earlier, the money
you will earn with a college degree over your lifetime will be a lot higher than
what you would earn with just a high school diploma or GED. College may seem
expensive, but if you borrow wisely, after you graduate you will be able to earn
much more money than you originally paid for college. Thats the biggest difference
between debt from student loans versus debt from credit cardsone (student
loans) is an investment in something that becomes more valuable over time (you);
the other (credit cards) pays for something (clothing, a vacation, or electronic items),
which ends up losing value over time.
Investment Risk Versus Gain
Whenever you borrow money, you have to decide if it is worth it. Borrowing a little now to
earn a lot later can be the best investment you ever make. Its an investment in you.
91
Tips for Making College Affordable
Apply for all types of nancial aid.
Apply to both public and private colleges to ensure you have a range of cost
options.
Learn about loans so you can make informed decisions about whether and how
to borrow money for college.
Consider attending part-time if you need to work full-time to support yourself
or your family.
Use the three-month summer breaks to earn and save money during college.
Ask Yourself
Whose tax documents do I need to ll out my FAFSA? Usually, even if you have little
contact with your parents, you need their information to complete the FAFSA.
Whats my plan to get the tax documents I need to complete the FAFSA?
Log on to FAFSA and complete the FAFSA 4caster (www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov). This tool will
give you an estimate of your expected contribution to college.
Most students are not independent. Ask your counselor to help you gure out your status.
92
93
CHAPTER 7:
How Do I Get
Financial Aid?
The nancial aid forms you need to complete
1. FAFSA
2. TAP
3. CSS PROFILE (if applicable)
4. College forms
Timeframe for completing forms
Asking for increased nancial aid
Reapplying for nancial aid every year
Overview of the Financial Aid Application Process
Once you know that nancial aid exists, as discussed in Chapter 6, the next
question is How do I obtain it? The answer is that you apply, completing two or
more different forms.
At some point, your applications for admission and your applications for nancial aid
will converge, but in the beginning they are separate processes that you manage at
the same time. In this chapter, youll learn about the different nancial aid forms and
determine which ones youll need to complete. Youll also nd tips and tools to help
you stay organized throughout the nancial aid application process.
Financial aid is
the toughest,
[but] one of my
advisors has
been helping
me ll out the
forms.
Passion,
Brooklyn
94
How Do I Know What Financial Aid I am Eligible to Receive?
The most certain way is to apply and nd out. Most nancial aid is based on need,
which is based on your familys nancial information. Some types of nancial aid
are based on merit (your academic performance). Different grants and scholarships
have different guidelines, so even if your income is too high for one, it may not be
for another. Dont count yourself outyou may be eligible for more than you think.
Ask your counselor/advisor to work with you to estimate how much governmental
aid youre eligible for using the FAFSA4caster: (www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/). Be
aware of the specic limitations that some forms of nancial aid have.
What Financial Aid Applications Do I Need to Complete?
You will need to complete at least two forms:
1. FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (this can be used for grants
called Pell grants);
2. TAP: Tuition Assistance Program, a grant for New York State residents to attend
an approved college in New York State.
You may also have to complete other forms, such as:
3. CSS PROFILE (see page 98);
4. Other forms from individual colleges: Some colleges require that you ll out
their own, specic forms; for example, CUNY requires a supplemental nancial
aid form for applicants.
The FAFSA is the foundation of your entire nancial aid application process. It can
be submitted online and rarely in paper form. It is used by colleges to determine
your eligibility for nancial aidfrom the federal government as well as from
other sources. You cannot get any nancial aid without the FAFSA, but New York
residents will also need to complete the TAP application and possibly other forms.
And they must be completed on time.
95
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
You can nd detailed information about the FAFSA, including the online form:
(www.fafsa.ed.gov). Do not confuse this with www.fafsa.com, which is a company
that charges money for completing this free application. With some guidance, you
have enough know how to complete the FAFSA on your own.
The FAFSA asks you for your Social Security number. If you dont know your
number, or you dont have one, talk to your parents, guardian, advisor, or counselor
to get it. If you do not have one, you will probably need to ll out an application
for a Social Security card. It may take up to several weeks to receive a Social
Security number, so plan ahead. In general, only non-citizens who have permission
to work from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can apply for a Social
Security number. If you are eligible for a Social Security number (i.e., you are a
citizen or permanent resident), you can get one at your local post ofce. If you are
asked to enter your parents social security numbers, and they dont have one,
please see the instructions for question 63 of the FAFSA form.
You can le the FAFSA any time after January 1 of the year you plan to start college.
However, even though you are allowed to le it later in the year, you will want to
le the FAFSA as early as possible. Some types of nancial aid are rst-come, rst-
served, so you need to apply before funds run out. The earlier you submit nancial
aid forms, the better your chances are of receiving aid. Most colleges have a priority
deadline, meaning that if you le your FAFSA before a certain date, you will receive
priority consideration for nancial aid. Check with each college about its deadline.
Some days or weeks after you le your FAFSA, you will receive your Student Aid
Report (SAR). This summarizes your FAFSA information and offers you a chance
to review it for any errors. Colleges that you listed on your FAFSA can download
your information in order to offer you nancial aid. However, if you do not list a
college on your FAFSA, the college cannot nd out about your eligibility. They are
therefore unable to offer you nancial aid. You can add colleges using the Web
siteremember youll need your PIN and your custodial parents PIN to make
changes online.
Dont Wait for the Tax Return
Students often delay completing their nancial aid forms because they or their parents
havent completed their tax return. Do not miss a deadline for this reason. You are allowed
to estimate your income to complete your FAFSA and TAP applications. Once the tax returns
are led, you can make corrections to the forms.
96
Below are the steps to complete the FAFSA:
1. Apply for a FAFSA PIN for yourself and one of your parents (your custodial
parent, if they are separated or unmarried) online: (www.pin.ed.gov). This is
important so that you can read or change your information online even if you
plan to le a paper copy.
2. Assemble your family income documents together, such as W-2 forms,
budget statements, bank statements, and tax return forms.
3. Fill out the FAFSA: (www.fafsa.ed.gov), preferably in January, but it depends
on when you plan to start college. You can make changes to it later if necessary.
Filling out the FAFSA can be tricky, so ask your advisor/counselor if you need
help.
4. Submit your completed FAFSA.
5. Keep a hard copy of your completed FAFSA for your records.
6. Look for your Student Aid Report (SAR) in the mail or e-mail. You can also
check your SAR online: (www.fafsa.ed.gov).
7. Review your SAR carefully; make any necessary changes online or on a paper
copy.
College Fact
A full-time college
student at a public
four-year college
pays an average
of $6,185 per year.
A full-time college
student at a public
two-year college
pays an average of
$2,361 per year.
Source:
The College Board
(2009)
FAFSA PIN
Your FAFSA PIN is a way to access your information online and to sign your FAFSA
electronically. Before you start the FAFSA, apply for a PIN for yourself and your custodial
parent (if you are a dependent) online: (www.pin.ed.gov). You both need PINs to complete
the form online or make changes later.
97
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is a grant program administered by the
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC). TAP grants are
for eligible New York State residents and can be used only at approved New York
State Colleges. You can nd detailed information about TAP on the HESC Web
site: (www.hesc.org). The application can be led online or in paper format, if you
request it.
You can le the TAP application after completing the online FAFSA. On the FAFSA
conrmation page a window will pop up asking if you want to complete the TAP
application. You can do so then or use the HESC Web site to submit it later.
Below are the steps to complete the TAP application:
1. Fill out and submit the TAP application online: (www.tapweb.org), or if you
le your FAFSA online, you can link directly to the TAP application online. If you
do not le for TAP online, you will receive a paper application some weeks after
your FAFSA is processed.
2. Keep a copy of your TAP application for your records.
3. Look for your TAP Award letter in the mail or e-mail. (This may take several
weeks.)
4. Review your TAP Award letter carefully.
5. If you need to make changes, including to the designated college, you can
make changes online, even if you led with a paper form. First apply for a
username and PIN: (www.tapweb.org). If you led a paper application, you also
have the option of making changes on the paper TAP Change Form.
98
CSS PROFILE
The CSS PROFILE is another type of nancial aid application managed by the
College Board. It is typically used to determine eligibility for institutional aid at
individual colleges or for private scholarships. Only some schools require a CSS
PROFILE, and many colleges, including CUNY and SUNY colleges, do not require
this form. There are costs to apply, but you might be eligible for a fee waiver. You
do not apply for fee waivers; they are awarded automatically when you apply online,
based on your familys nancial information. The CSS PROFILE asks for a lot of the
same information as the FAFSA but also includes many more questions. You can
nd out more about the CSS PROFILE online: (www.collegeboard.com).
Your CSS PROFILE, if required at the college youre applying to, is usually due by
the priority nancial aid deadline at that school. Some colleges may request it much
earlier than the FAFSA could be led, but this is not very common. Double-check
with the school.
Below are the steps to complete the CSS PROFILE:
1. Determine whether you need to le a CSS PROFILE by looking over the list
of colleges on the College Board Web site. Call each college to conrm if they
require this form from you. For example, some colleges do not require it of
HEOP students.
2. Register for the CSS PROFILE: (www.collegeboard.com). This requires a credit
card. Fee waivers are granted based on information provided in the family
income section. Once registered, you can immediately begin to ll out the CSS
PROFILE online.
3. Complete and submit your CSS PROFILE, and print a copy for your own
records.
4. Make any necessary changes directly with each college that requires the form.
99
Resources for Completing Financial Aid Applications
There are many helpful resources to guide you through the nancial aid application
process:
College nancial aid ofces
College access programs (see page 55 for further information and page 130 for
a complete list)
www.naid.org
www.fafsa.ed.gov (1-800-4-FED-AID)
www.hesc.org
Verication
Colleges may need you to verify the information in your FAFSA or TAP forms.
Some students are randomly selected for verication, while others may be chosen
because their information was unclear. Verication involves sending or faxing the
nancial aid ofce copies of tax returns, public assistance budget statements, social
security statements, or other proof of income.
Beware of Scholarship Scams
There are many scholarship operations that promise you scholarships for a small fee. Dont
believe it. Use free resources, such as FastWeb: (www.fastweb.com) or Scholarships.com:
(www.scholarships.com).
100
Financial Aid Award Letters
As reviewed in Chapter 4, each college that accepts you will send you an award
letter outlining your nancial aid package. Some colleges are slow to send out
award letters, so you may need to contact the nancial aid ofce to nd out when
you should expect it. Also, no news is not good news, so check with the nancial aid
ofce to make sure it has your necessary information. Until you carefully review each
award letter you will not be able to make an informed decision about which college
to accept. See page 88, Comparing College Costs, for guidance. If a college wants
your enrollment decision before you receive your nancial aid award letter, dont be
shy about letting them know that youre awaiting information about nancial aid.
Can I Ask for More Financial Aid?
You can appeal to colleges for more nancial aid. It wont always produce more aid,
but it is usually worth a try. Generally, colleges will consider you for more aid if you
give them relevant family nancial information they dont already know through the
FAFSA or other forms that indicate you have greater nancial need.
Before you ask for an appeal or reconsideration, think about the differences
between your FAFSA and your actual situation. For example, did your parent lose
a job? Did your parents get a divorce in the last year? Do you have signicant
health care or childcare costs? Colleges may ask you to put your appeal in writing.
Your counselor/advisor can help you draft an appeal letter that you will send to
the nancial aid ofcer assigned to you through the college. You can also ask
for more aid during a face-to-face visit by sitting with the nancial aid ofcer and
explaining your situation. If you have a better package from another school, you
should bring that award letter to help the nancial aid ofcer think about how the
school can better meet your needs.
Reapply Every Year
Each year you are in college, you have to reapply for nancial aid. But the process
gets much simpler after youve completed it the rst time.
101
102
Organizing Your Financial Aid Applications
The nancial aid process involves keeping track of several forms, and includes many
steps. It helps to keep track of your steps in a chart; use this chart or create your
own. Create multiple copies of this chart, if necessary.
Financial Aid Application Organizer
College Name:
FAFSA: Submitted
SAR Corrected
(if necessary)
Submitted
SAR Corrected
(if necessary)
Submitted
SAR Corrected
(if necessary)
TAP: Submitted
TAP Change
Completed
(if necessary)
Submitted
TAP Change
Completed
(if necessary)
Submitted
TAP Change
Completed
(if necessary)
CSS PROFILE: Registered
Completed
Made any changes
directly to college
Registered
Completed
Made any changes
directly to college
Registered
Completed
Made any changes
directly to college
Other Required
Financial Aid Forms:

Verication: Documents needed:

Submitted
Documents needed:

Submitted
Documents needed:

Submitted
Financial Aid
Award Letters:
Letter Received
Letter Analyzed
Letter Received
Letter Analyzed
Letter Received
Letter Analyzed
Loans: Determined Loan
Needed
Applied for Loans
Determined Loan
Needed
Applied for Loans
Determined Loan
Needed
Applied for Loans
Other Follow-Up:

103
Tips for Staying Organized Through the Financial Aid
Application Process
You might notice that this process is very similar to staying organized through the
college application process:
Keep copies of all documents you send to colleges. Sometimes items get lost in
the mail or are misled; be prepared to send them again so you dont lose time.
Make multiple copies of your custodial parents tax forms to fax or mail to
colleges if you are asked to verify information on your FAFSA.
Use the checklist on page 102 to keep track of all the steps.
If you have questions about your award package, call the nancial aid ofce at
the college and ask to speak to a nancial aid ofcer.
Keep notes of the names of the people you speak to and dates of your phone
or e-mail contacts at a college. Especially if someone is helpful, try to work with
that person consistently when you call, so that you always talk to someone
familiar with your situation.
104
105
CHAPTER 8:
How Do I Make the Final
Choice about Which
College to Attend?
The two main questions: Good t? Affordable?
Comparing nancial aid packages
Visiting campuses
Accepting one college
Deposits
How Do I Decide Which College to Attend?
Deciding which college to attend can be difcult. If you are accepted to multiple
colleges, there are two basic questions to ask yourself:
1. Which is the best t? When you were choosing schools to apply to, you
considered how well they t your needs and interests. Now, you will want to
review those questions again and identify which college that accepted you has
the most features that matter to you. You might also think about which has the
widest range of majors to choose from, to give yourself options as you explore
different subject areas.
2. Which is most affordable? You also need to think about which colleges are the
most affordable. You can tell this by analyzing the nancial aid package they
gave you. (See Chapter 7 for more information on nancial aid packages.) The
chart, Comparing College Costs, on page 88, can help make this easier.
106
Weighing the Options
Speak with teachers, advisors, counselors, or others who can be a helpful sounding
board as you consider your choices. But remember that theres no single, perfect
answer. You can succeed at many different collegesand you only need one.
Ultimately, you will balance the questions of t and affordability and pick a school
that satises both.
Visiting Campuses
If at all possible, visit the campuses you are considering. If the colleges are in NYC,
there is no reason not to visit. Walk around the campus for a few hours to help you
get a sense of what it would be like to be a student there. Many colleges offer free
bus trips, or you can make your own travel arrangements. To visit, you can call the
admissions ofce or go online and nd out about tour schedules. Open houses
also provide an opportunity to tour the college and learn about various programs
and offerings. If you happen to know any students there, ask if they can show you
around and tell you about their experience at the school.
Final Steps
Accepting the Acceptance: When a college accepts you, the admissions ofce
gives a deadline by which to tell them if you are going to attend. Take note of the
deadline. If you are late, you could lose your place. Follow any instructions the
college sends about which forms to return with your decision letter.
Deposits: Many colleges require that you pay a deposit (amounts vary between $25
and $300) to hold your place. The amount is usually non-refundable, but it will be
subtracted from your bill when you enroll.
Dont rush to pay a deposit. If you need more time to decide, ask the college if you
can have an extension on the deposit deadline. Many colleges will grant this. Also,
you may be eligible for a waiver of the deposit, based on family income. Find this
out from the admissions ofce.
The Educated Consumer
You wouldnt pick out a new pair of sneakers and say, Put it on my credit cardI dont care
what it costs. Likewise, you shouldnt accept a college until you are clear on the costs and
how much you are responsible for in loans, up-front payment, and Work-Study.
The YABC
program and
college tours
have taught me
there is more to
life than being
in New York,
and I am more
inclined to go
away.
Arielle,
Manhattan
107
Tips for Making Your Final Decision Easier
Use your head, and trust your gut. It may be a gut feeling that tells you that you
will be more comfortable and more successful at one college than another. But
you cannot judge by instinct alonecost is another reality to consider.
Make a list. Write down the pros and cons of each college. Identifying and
writing down what you like or have concerns about for each school can help you
clarify your thoughts and check your own reasoning.

It might be helpful to keep track of your thoughts on each college in a chart so
you can make comparisons:
Visit the colleges and talk to current students, if you can. This will give you a
rst-hand perspective from those who have been through this process before.
College
Name
Things I
Like About
This School
Concerns
I Have
About This
School
Financial
Aid
Package
Services
and
Programs
at This
School
Questions
I Still Have
108
109
CHAPTER 9:
How Will I Succeed
in College?
Getting ready for college
Final application and enrollment paperwork
What to pack if going away to college
Adjusting to a new situation
Long-term success strategies
Student Perspectives on College Success
Travis, LaGuardia Community College
When I was in high school, I didnt have high expectations for myself. All I wanted to
do was play basketball, and buy nice clothes and sneakers. Now that Im in college,
that has changed. Although I always planned to go to college, I did not know how
much I could achieve. I worked hard and put school above everything else that was
going on in my life.
One of the biggest challenges I have faced while in college is oral presentations. I
was never able to work the room when I was in high school. I was not able to do
PowerPoint
presentations. Now I have become comfortable presenting in front of

a group of people.
I thought college was going to be like high school, but I see that college is different.
You are treated like an adult. I feel much more motivated to wake up to go to classes
because of that and because I want to do better for myself. By getting good grades
and meeting all of my goals I am setting a good inuence for my future children.
110
Sunil, LaGuardia Community College
When I was in high school, I never wanted to go to college. I planned to go to a
trade school so that I could avoid having to take classes like English and Math. My
counselor and assistant principal spoke with me about my options and told me
about LaGuardia Community College.
The college curriculum and grading policy are different than in high school. In
high school, I could afford to play around, but in college you cannot because your
grades are based on your overall average for the course. In college, assignments are
different than what I was used to. I was used to just answering questions, but now
I have to write in complete essay form. This was somewhat difcult for me because
college professors see errors that my high school teachers did not. As a result of
the new standards and expectations, my writing has improved and I have fewer red
marks on my papers.
Now that I am in college, the extra classes I wanted to avoid have increased my skills
and broadened my perspective on life. The improvement I have seen in my work has
motivated me and helped me realize that I can actually do this. I have a lot of plans
for the future. I want to be somebody. I dont want to work a minimum wage job
and struggle to get by. My parents also motivate me to continue. They sacrice and
put off what they want so that I can have what I want. I would like to get a great job
so that I can do the same for them in the future.
111
Thinking About the Transition to College
Once you decide which college to attend, you can relax a bit. Enjoy the moment.
You have worked hard to get to this point. After you catch your breath, you can
begin to think more specically about making the transition from high school or
GED studies to college. It may feel rocky at times, but getting off to a good start
makes a difference. A combination of planning ahead and keeping an open mind
will help you get the good start you need.
Finishing the Paperwork
You may need to complete the following steps during the weeks before school
starts. There may be additional tasks, so stay tuned for letters and/or e-mails from
the college:
Loan applications: Even if you accept loans by checking them off on your award
letter, you still need to complete an application and a Master Promissory Note
(MPN), which states that you know you are responsible for the loan repayment.
The college nancial aid ofce will provide instructions about this.
Payment plan enrollment: Many colleges offer a payment plan to manage
remaining costs once nancial aid has been subtracted from your student bill. By
breaking up the balance due into four or eight smaller payments, these plans make
paying for college more manageable. There is often a one-time fee to enroll in the
program, but you will not be charged interest. The Bursars Ofce at your college
should be able to provide you with information on payment plan options.
Housing and meal plan forms: If you will be living on campus, you will have to
make arrangements for room and board. Colleges may offer you a choice of
different residences and meal plans. The Ofce of Residential Life (or a similarly
named ofce) will send the necessary forms to complete.
Health forms: You will probably have to prove that youve had certain vaccinations
before you attend college. Each college has different requirements for which
vaccinations students must have prior to enrolling. The school may provide you
with an Immunization Form for your doctor to complete. Make sure you (or your
doctor) have copies of your health records.
112
Registering for classes: Before the semester starts, you may need to register for
classes. Look for instructions from the Registrars Ofce on when and how to do
this. They should also send you a college catalog listing the available courses.
Some courses may be offered at different levels, with advanced studies requiring
more basic introductory courses as prerequisites. The school may also have core
requirements that all students are expected to complete. Consult with a college
advisor on picking the appropriate courses for you. In many schools, course
registration is on a rst-come basis, so it is important to register at the beginning
of the time indicated. If the registration period is over several days, a course you
wanted to take might be lled by the second or third day. Then you would have to
wait until the next semester to try again.
It is common for some students to take remedial (also known as refresher or non-
credit classes) to prepare them for college classes. If you are interested in applying
to any of the CUNY colleges, be sure you know the most current admissions
requirements related to Regents, SAT, ACT, and CUNY Assessment Test scores.
Visit this site for more information: http://www.cuny.edu/academics/testing/
cuny-assessment-tests/admissions-requirements.html
Of students entering CUNY community colleges in 2007-08, 83% were required
to take remedial courses in reading, writing, or math (www.nydailynews.com).
Although these remedial classes may not seem to directly relate to your major, or
your intended future job, they are a necessary step on your path to yoru future. It is
important to note that not all nancial aid will cover the cost of remedial courses.
Dont Overload Your First Semester
Do not choose many extra-challenging classes your rst semester. Balance subjects you nd
difcult with ones you are more comfortable with. Give yourself a semester or two to adjust
to college work and build up your grade point average.
College Fact
Princeton Reviews
Top 10 Majors
1. Business
Administration
and Management/
Commerce
2. Psychology
3. Nursing
4. Biology/Biological
Sciences
5. Education
6. English Language
and Literature
7. Economics
8. Communications
Studies/Speech
Communication
and Rhetoric
9. Political Science
and Government
10. Computer and
Information
Sciences
Source:
Princeton Review
(2009)
113
First Days of College
Developing your college community: Before your rst semester, most colleges
hold orientation sessionsone to three days, typically. Be sure to attend this event
because it will give you a chance to learn more about the campus, meet some
people, and register for your classes. The goal of orientation is to help you get off
on the right foot with college. Take advantage of the opportunity. Once you are on
campus, push yourself to meet a lot of new people and make connections.
What to bring if you will live in a dorm: Most dorm rooms have a bed, desk, chair,
and closet for each person. You will need to bring whatever else you need. It can
be tempting to pack too much. Then you will be stuck lugging it all home again.
Your college may send a suggested packing list (or post it on the school Web site).
Also, you can nd many packing lists on various college information Web sites. If
your college sends you contact information for your new roommate, you can discuss
who will bring bigger items you would both use, such as a rug. Ask college students
you know or meet at orientation what they brought that was useful and what they
wished theyd left at home.
Adjusting to living away from home: If you are living on campus, you may feel
homesick in the rst weeks. But college students will tell you, from experience,
that you need to give yourself a little time to adjust. Some helpful ways to deal with
homesickness are to meet new people, join activities, and avoid staying in your room
all day. Calling home too often can make it harder to adjust, so try to limit yourself
from calling every time you feel lonely or sad. Remind yourself that new experiences
can be hard at rst. Soon enough, it will be time for a weekend visit home. Resident
Advisors (RAs) are older students trained to support and supervise students in
residence halls. RAs, friends, and counselors can help you adjust. It may also feel
scary to leave your childhood friends, but take this as a wonderful opportunity to
meet people with whom you can start great, new friendships.
Know the requirements: Your college, or your particular major, may require that
you maintain a specic grade point average (GPA). You may also need a specic
GPA in order to graduate. Additionally, any nancial aid you have received may
come with requirements such as a minimum GPA, minimum number of credits
accumulated per semester, and resubmission of nancial aid forms on a periodic
basis.
College is much
different from
high school in
the fact that
the whole
environment is
different. You
get treated as
an adult and
there is way less
drama in college
than there is in
high school.
David,
City College
114
Long-Term Success Strategies
Use available resources. Take advantage of the many resources available to you.
Most successful students do not do well in their classes because they naturally know
everythingthey do well because they actively use support and tools. There are
academic resources, such as writing centers, tutoring programs, professors ofce
hours, libraries and library staff, and student advisement ofces. There are also
counseling services, health centers or clinics, clubs, and activities.
Know when you have to declare a major. A college major is the subject area
in which you will focus your studies. To have a major in a particular subject
demonstrates that you have a deep understanding of that professional eld and
have met various requirements, including taking a certain number of hours of
instruction in that subject.
You may already know what youd like to major in. You may not know, either
because you are interested in many things, or because you dont even know what
you could major in. Different schools have different requirements about when and
how to declare a major. Most four-year colleges require you to declare a major by
the end of your sophomore (second) year of college. Other four-year colleges may
have already required you to apply directly to a program with a specic major when
you originally applied to the college. Two-year schools generally require you to
select a major early in your school career.
There are many different options regarding types of majors. Most students major in
one subject; others have a double major (major in two subjects); some may have a
major and a minor; and others will create their own major.
Declaring a major early can help you ensure that all of the classes you take lead
toward your degree. However, there are some benets to waiting until you have
settled into college and taken a variety of classesspecically, that you have
greater exibility in the courses you take and have exposure to a larger variety of
potential majors. To maintain your major, you may need to meet certain GPA and
other requirements. If you do not meet these, you may be required to switch to
another major.
115
Clarify your priorities. There are many people and things that demand your
attention. As much as you may try, you cannot do everything and be everywhere.
Success in college requires that you put your studies ahead of other distractions.
Once you make this decision, you will need to remind yourself when you feel your
energy or attention fade. This is normaleveryone has bad days. Its not just about
making a commitment to succeed in college. Its about recommitting to your goals
when those discouraging or distracting moments come along.
Be a manager. Like all major projects, college requires various types of
management. You will need to use your best management skills and develop new
ones. Thinking like a manager will help you avoid problems. But it can also help you
solve problems as they arise.
Social-life Manager: Whether you live at home or on-campus, college involves
meeting a lot of new people. Sometimes youll feel like a sh out of water,
especially if you are far from home. But good and bad social situations are part
of the learning experience. If you need some help with a socially challenging
situation, take advantage of support systems, such as the Resident Advisor in your
dorm, professors, counselors, advisors, and new friends. You will occasionally feel
competing pressure between your social life and your studies. For example, you
may have an exam the morning after a party with your friends. Finding a balance
between spending time with friends and focusing on your studies will take some
negotiation, but ultimately youll nd a full social life balanced with good grades.
Time-manager: Time management is possibly the most important academic tool
you can use. Keeping up with your course assignments is a daily practice. At rst,
college may be confusing because you seem to have so much free time. This is one
of the biggest differences between high school and collegein college you have
more independent learning time to read, write, and research. If you nd yourself
falling behind in class, dont wait until the nal exam to talk to your professor.
Professors have ofce hours so that students can stop by and ask questions.
Participate in a study group with other students in your class if available.
116
You will probably need to use a planner, which is a calendar in booklet or electronic
form that will help you keep track of all your assignments. At the start of the semester,
your professors will give you a syllabus for each class. A syllabus is a document
that describes the course, lists all of the reading assignments, test dates, paper
due dates, and other pertinent information for that class. Review the syllabus and
enter all the class times and important dates in your planner. Then schedule in the
time when you will study. For most courses, you will need to factor in several hours
outside of class time to study and do schoolwork. Planning is useful, because when
the unexpected happens, youve built in the exibility to do well on any assignment.
Stress-manager: Changeeven good changeis stressful. College involves a lot
of change; it also involves high expectations. Both of these are stressors. It is not
possible to avoid stress altogether, but you can recognize when you are feeling a
lot of stress and take healthy approaches for dealing with it. Talking with friends,
exercising, eating healthy food, drinking water, getting plenty of rest, listening to
music, and meeting with a counselor can all be helpful. Think about what works for
you and practice those healthy habits to keep stress in check.
Money-manager: Being a college student, for most people, means living on a tight
budget. Not only do you have to pay for college, but you also have to account for
your personal expenses as well. This means that you have an accurate estimate of
how much money you require to meet your needs, and that you have a way to get it
(through a job, scholarships, loans, etc.).
An important tip many college students share is to avoid the credit card offers on
campus. Credit cards can be useful for emergencies. But they are also enticing for
non-urgent purchases. The interest quickly adds up, so that $50 pair of shoes can
turn into a $200 pair of shoes. To keep your nances in good shape, its important
to remind yourself of the difference between need and want. Be careful not to make
purchases on a credit card that you cannot pay back in one or two months. Another
tip is to ask experienced college students where to nd bargains for everything
from textbooks to haircuts.
117
You may need to work part-time or full-time while in school. Because going to
school is a major commitment of time and resources, you should make sure that
your employment does not interfere with your studies. For example, you may not
want to work full-time if you are in school full-time. You may also want to nd a job
that is accommodating, particularly at times during which you may need to spend a
signicant amount of time on your schoolwork (when major assignments are due or
during midterms/nals).
Your school, as part of your nancial aid package, may have given you work-study,
which means that you can apply for a variety of on-campus positions or off-campus
assignments related to community-service or your area of study. One advantage
of work-study jobs is that when assigning work hours, your class schedule and
academic progress are taken into consideration, which can be very good in helping
you succeed once you are in college.
Congratulations!
Congratulations on your new adventures. You are ready to meet your challenges. Good luck
in college.
118
119
Appendix
120 Graduation Cards: High School Graduation
Requirements
123 Planning Calendars for College Admissions and
Financial Aid
130 College Access Programs in NYC
General Education
Career and Technical Education
Students with Disabilities
120
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126
Planning Calendars for College Admissions and Financial Aid
It is best to prepare your college applications over the course of an entire school
year, and the charts on the following pages will help guide you through the all of
the necessary steps in your senior year.
Of course, its best to begin planning for college as early as possible in high school.
There are things you can do beginning as early as 9th grade to make sure that
you are on track. The following resources provide important ideas about what
you can to prepare for your future at any point in your high school career. Beyond
the information the resources provide below, you should also ask your guidance
counselor, college advisor, and teachers about other ways you can get ready to
fulll your college and career goals.
College Boardplanning for grades 9-12
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/index.html
KnowHow2Goplanning for grades 9-12
http://www.knowhow2go.org/
Montgomery County Public SchoolsSeven Keys to College Readiness
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/keys/documents/sevenkeys.pdf
New Visions for Public Schools
Good to Go college and career readiness campaign
http://www.newvisions.org/sites/default/les/publications/
G2G_Eng_CollegeBenchmarks_Web.pdf
127
128
If you have a school year to prepare: Ideally, you will be able to follow the timeframe
on the following pages. If you fall behind or start later than this timeframe outlines,
you can still go to college, but your options will be limited both for admissions and
nancial aid. If you have a lot of time to prepare you can:
1. Research colleges and plan to visit them;
2. Start assessing yourself and what you are interested in;
3. Take the PSAT;
4. Study for the SAT/ACT;
5. Take the SAT II. You can take these subject tests at any time.
Application deadlines: For a fall start date, the most competitive colleges have
deadlines on January 1 of the year of admission. Other colleges will have deadlines
in January, February, or March. So the longer you wait to apply past January 1, the
fewer options you have.
Many colleges accept students for the spring semester. But there are some that
dont. If you need or want to start college in the spring semester, be sure to check
with specic colleges about their policies. Note that most deadlines will be in
October and November, so the longer you wait past November 1, the fewer open
options you have.
Regardless of when you intend to start, schools that use rolling admissions (i.e., the
college accepts qualied candidates as they apply) may be full before their nal
deadlines. This means the earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting
accepted.
Financial Aid deadlines: For a fall start date, many colleges set a February 1,
February 15, or March 1 deadline to be considered for priority nancial aid. For
a spring start date, the deadline is typically in October or November. It is better
to submit an imperfect FAFSA than to miss the deadline. You can always make
corrections later.
The chart on the next several pages should help keep you aware of upcoming
deadlines.
129
One-Year Planning Calendar
Admissions Financial Aid
Immediately: Immediately:
Assess
1. Use the questions in Chapter 4 and/or
in interest inventories to explore your
college and career interests.
2. Research college access programs that
you may be eligible for.
3. Create a folder in which to keep your
college and nancial aid application
materials.
4. Work with your college advisor (at a
college access program, or at your school,
GED program, or YABC) to choose the
colleges to which you will apply and to
determine if you should take the PSAT or
SAT/ACT .
(Focus on your assessment during this time
period.)
September/October
(or March/April for spring start dates):
September/October
(or January/February for spring start dates):
Research
1. Determine which colleges to apply to and
when their deadlines are.
2. Collect college application materials from
all of the colleges on your list.
3. Carefully read all the college applications
to create a chart of all the required
materials.
4. Check with your college advisor to
determine if you are eligible for the
following:
College application fee waivers
SAT and/or ACT fee waivers
(see Chapter 5)
NY State Opportunity Programs: EOP,
HEOP, SEEK, or CD (see Chapter
3)
CSS PROFILE (if necessary; see
Chapter 7)
5. Check with the college advisor at your
school about the schools own process
for sending out applications. Some
questions to ask:
What are the deadlines for
requesting transcripts?
Do you mail the application materials
yourself or does the school handle
them?
How many applications can you
submit?
(Focus on your admission applications during
this time period.)
130
(continued from previous page) (continued from previous page)
Develop
6. Ask two staff members at your school
who know you best (e.g., teachers,
advisors, counselors, principals, etc.) to
write recommendation letters for you.
7. Ask an employer, coach, or group leader
(someone outside your school who knows
you well) to write you a supplemental
recommendation letter.
8. Write rst drafts of essay(s).
9. Have a teacher, advisor, or counselor edit
your essay(s); ask him/her to discuss the
feedback with you.
10. Work on a nal draft of your essay(s).
11. Develop a resume outlining your jobs,
athletics, activities, community
involvement, or special talents.
12. If applying to ne arts programs, work
with a teacher, advisor, or counselor on
your portfolio or audition.
13. Register for any college admissions exams
you will need to take, such as the SAT or
ACT.
14. Fill out the college applications (paper
and/or online) and any HEOP/EOP
applications, if necessary.
(Focus on your admission applications during
this time period.)
November/December
(or May/June for spring start dates):
November/December
(or March/April for spring start dates):
Submit
1. Request copies of your high school
transcript to be sent to each college,
even if you have a GED (if you attended
more than one high school, be sure your
grades and courses are all reected on
the current schools transcript; if not, you
will need to request transcripts from other
high schools) .
2. Include an essay.
3. Include letters of recommendation from
teachers and supplemental references,
or give them stamped and addressed
envelopes for mailing.
4. Include a check, money order, or fee
waiver (or use credit card online) for
application fee.
1. Apply for a FAFSA PIN: (www.pin.ed.gov)
for yourself and your custodial parent.
2. Start assembling nancial information
(see page 102 for more information).
3. Determine if your school(s) require an
early submission of the CSS PROFILE.
4. Determine what your schools deadlines
for submission of nancial forms are.
131
(continued from previous page) (continued from previous page)
5. Include a resume (usually optional).
6. If you have a GED, send a GED transcript
request form and money order (per
college) to the New York State Education
department ofce in Albany: (www.
emsc.nysed.gov/ged/) to have your GED
transcript sent to colleges.
7. If your colleges require SAT or ACT
scores, arrange for your scores to be
sentsome high schools include them
in the transcript; otherwise you need to
access the College Board Web site to
have original score reports sent (there is a
cost per college unless you have a waiver);
arrange to retake any tests as needed to
increase your score.
8. If applying for ne arts programs, such
as visual art, dance, theater, or music,
arrange for auditions or portfolios.
9. Keep photocopies and/or electronic
copies of all documents you send
outyou may need them later.
10. Submit all college applications: SUNY,
CUNY, private, etc.
January/February
(or July/August for spring start dates):
January/February
(or May/June for spring start dates):
Follow Up
1. Check to be sure colleges received all
your application partscall or e-mail
each admissions ofce to conrm receipt
and ask if theyre missing anything.
2. Follow up with colleges on any additional
requested materials (you may be able to
fax documents to save time).
1. Immediately after Jan. 1: Submit FAFSA
online (for the following academic year).
See page 93 for steps.
Note: The FAFSA cannot be submitted
before January 1, but you have a higher
chance of getting funds if you apply
immediately after January 1.
2. Submit TAP application. See page 97 for
steps.
3. Submit CSS PROFILE, if necessary. See
page 98 for steps.
4. Submit any other nancial forms from
individual colleges (some colleges have
their own, specic forms).
5. When you receive your SAR in the mail or
via e-mail, check it for any errors.
6. Enroll in FastWeb: (www.fastweb.com) to
get notices for different scholarships and
work-study programs. It is ideal to do this
the spring before your last year in school.
132
March/April
(or September/October for spring start
dates):
March/April
(or July/August for spring start dates):
1. Check your mail for any news from
colleges.
2. Visit colleges that have accepted you and
that you are considering.
1. Mail or fax any requested documents
from colleges (you may be asked to verify
your FAFSA information with the actual
tax or budget documents).
April/May
(or November/December for spring start
dates):
April/May
dates):
Many colleges have a May 1 deadline to let
them know you will attend.
1. If appropriate, appeal to colleges to
which you were accepted for additional
nancial aid.
2. Decide which college you will attend
(based on the t and the affordability).
3. Send in the necessary documents to hold
your place at that college.
4. Send in deposit or nd out if you can get
it waived.
1. Call colleges to request nancial aid
packages, if you havent received them.
2. Analyze all nancial aid packages.
3. Follow deadlines for letting colleges know
you accept the offered aid.
May/June
dates):
May/June
dates):
1. Find out about orientations for new
students.
2. Take any required placement tests.
1. Complete loan applications.
2. Complete Master Promissory Note
(MPN). See page 111 for further
information.
3. Sign up for payment plan, if applicable.

July/August
dates):
July/August
(or December for spring start dates):
1. Attend orientation and/or academic
advisement sessions.
2. Attend HEOP or EOP summer programs,
if applicable.
3. Attend CUNY summer program, if need
to pass CUNY Skills Assessment test.
4. Get ready to start college.
1. Respond to any requests from the
nancial aid or bursars ofce.
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August/September
(or January for spring start dates):
August/September
1. Start college.
January: January:
1. Complete the FAFSA for the next year,
which begins in the following (fall)
semester.
If you plan to start college two to three months from now: You will have limited
options, but it is possible. A local community college will be your most likely choice.
This can be a great way to start college and not lose time waiting for the next
semester, even if you eventually plan to attend a four-year college.
Two to Three-Month Planning Calendar
Do Now: Do Now:
1. Assess your interests and what type of
college would best suit you.
2. Research to nd appropriate colleges.
3. Develop your application materials:
Complete applications (If you are in a
hurry and applying to a CUNY college,
you can apply at a particular college
in person. Call the college for more
information.)
4. Take any required placement tests.
5. Register for classes.
1. Apply for a FAFSA PIN for you and an
appropriate parent/guardian (one who
legally has custody of you).*
2. Complete FAFSA.
3. Complete TAP.
4. Complete verication process, if required.
5. Enroll at FastWeb: (www.fastweb.com) to
get notices for different scholarships and
work-study programs.
6. Review nancial aid award letter.
7. Apply for loans, if necessary.
*If you do not know whether a stepparent, grandparent,
or other adult(s) with whom you live qualies as a
parent/guardian, speak with your school counselor.
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College Access Programs in NYC
Project Gateway
Chinese American Planning Council
150 Elizabeth Street, New York, NY 10012
212-941-0920
www.cpc-ny.org/youth.htm
Center for Achieving Future Education (CAF)
BronxWorks
1130 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10456
718-508-3193
www.bronxworks.org
Double Discovery Center
Columbia University
Alfred Lerner Hall, Room 306
2920 Broadway, MC 2604, New York, NY 10027
212-854-3897
www.columbia.edu/cu/college/ddc
College STEPS
Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation
2810 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11207
718-484-8531
www.cypresshills.org/youth-family-services.html
OPTIONS Center
Goddard Riverside Community Center
593 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY 10024
212-873-6600
www.goddard.org/options
Expanded Horizons College Prep Program
Henry Street Settlement
301 Henry Street, New York, NY 10002
212-254-3100 ext. 203
www.henrystreet.org
Educational Talent Search Program
John Jay College
555 West 57th Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10019
212-237-8268
johnjay.jjay.cuny.edu/talentsearch
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Liberty Partnership Program
John Jay College
555 West 57th Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10019
212-237-8054
College Directions Program
Kingsbridge Heights Community Center
3101 Kingsbridge Terrace, Bronx, NY 10463
718-884-0700 ext. 169
www.khcc-nyc.org
Educational Counseling Center
Mosholu Monteore Community Center
3512 DeKalb Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467
718-652-0470
www.mmcc.org
College Access Center
New Settlement Apartments
1563 Walton Avenue, Bronx, NY 10452
718-294-3870
Project Star
Project Reach Youth, Inc.
199 14th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215
718-768-0778
www.pry.org
Settlement College Readiness
Union Settlement Association
237 East 104th Street, New York, NY 10029
212-828-6000
www.unionsettlement.org/collegereadiness
Talent Search
University Settlement @ The Door
121 Avenue of Americas, New York, NY 10013
212-941-9090
www.door.org
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Helpful Web Sites
Career Exploration:
www.bls.gov/oco
The Occupational Outlook Handbook includes information about different jobs, the
job market, expected earnings, and training and education needed.
College Entrance Tests:
www.act.org
This Web site includes information on the ACT test.
This Web site contains information on the SAT test.
www.ets.org
This Web site contains information on the Test of English as a Foreign Language
(TOEFL), including how to register.
General Information on Colleges and Financial Aid:
www.campustours.com
This Web site provides you with virtual tours of colleges. It includes information on
campus life and college planning.
www.careersandcolleges.com
On this Web site you can conduct a college search and locate nancial aid
information.
www.collegeanswer.com
This Web site includes information on applying for college admissions and nancial
aid. It includes various calculators so that you can project how much college will cost.
This is a great resource for all types of college information including SAT
registration, nancial aid, and college searches.
www.collegedata.com
You can search for scholarships and schools at this site. Enter your personal
information to see your chances of getting accepted to schools.
www.collegeview.com
This Web site provides interesting information about student life, college campuses,
and general college facts and information regarding the college admissions process.
137
studentaid.ed.gov
This Web site provides information on how to apply for college and nancial aid.
It also has tools with which you can manage your loans and money and plan for a
career.
www.fastweb.com
This Web site provides resources for nding scholarships, colleges, jobs, and
internships.
www.skeguide.com
This Web site helps you research and apply to colleges. It includes information on
essay writing, interview preparation, and nancial aid. It also has rankings of colleges
by specic characteristics.
www.heath.gwu.edu
This Web site, developed by The George Washington University, provides an
information exchange for individuals with disabilities about educational support
services, policies, procedures, adaptations, and opportunities at American
campuses, career-technical schools, and other postsecondary training entities.
www.petersons.com/ugchannel
This Web site helps you match your ideal colleges features with a list of colleges
that t your description. You can also search colleges by subject area of interest or by
name.
www.princetonreview.com
You can learn about colleges, nd college essay tips, learn how to research schools
and apply, and explore a number of other college topics.
www.suny.edu/student/academic_eop.cfm
This Web site outlines SUNYs nancial requirements for its Equal Opportunity
Programs (EOP).
www.zinch.com
This is a free service which allows students to upload their proles, writing samples,
and videos. Students can then notify schools that subscribe to this service. Colleges
pay money to have access to this service and will view prospective students from
this site. There are also college proles and scholarship information.
138
Searching for and Applying to Colleges:
www.campustours.com
This Web site enables you to search for each college and see its facts and statistics.
It also has information on college Web sites, virtual tours, and videos to learn more.
www.collegeboard.com/student/csearch
This Web site can aid you in selecting the right college. It features a college search
engine, tips for nding the right college match, and articles to inform your important
decision.
www.commonapp.org
This Web site provides crucial information for selecting and applying to colleges.
Once you have made your college list, you can use the Common Application to
apply directly to specic colleges.
portal.cuny.edu/cms/id/cuny/documents/informationpage/Freshman.pdf
This link shows a sample completed CUNY online application.
student.cuny.edu/cgi-bin/ArticulationAgreements/ListAgree.pl
If youre thinking about attending a CUNY community college and then transferring
to a CUNY four-year university, this Web site shows which credits are transferable
between CUNY schools.
www.suny.edu/Student/apply_supp_apps.cfm
This Web site shows which SUNY colleges require supplemental application
materials.
colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/college
This Web site ranks colleges by different categories. US News is widely known for its
reports on college and university rankings.
Web sites of six regional college accreditors are below. These can show you which
schools are accredited. Other valid accrediting entities are listed at:
www.ed.gov/admins/naid/accred/accreditation_pg7.html#RegionalInstitutional
Middle States Commission on Higher Education: www.msache.org
New England Association of Schools and Colleges: www.neasc.org
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools: www.ncacasi.org
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities: www.nwccu.org
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools: www.sacs.org
Western Association of Schools and Colleges: www.wascweb.org
139
Financial Aid and Scholarships:
apps.collegeboard.com/ncalc/efc_status.jsp
This Web site calculates your estimated Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
proleonline.collegeboard.com
Use this Web site to complete your CSS PROFILE.
www.pin.ed.gov
Use this Web site to apply for a FAFSA PIN for yourself and your custodial parent.
www.fafsa.ed.gov
This is the direct Web site you use to complete your FAFSA application, as well as to
learn more about FAFSA and check your application status.
www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov
Use this Web site with your counselor/advisor to estimate how much governmental
aid youre eligible for. When youre ready to submit a FAFSA application, this Web
site will automatically transfer your information from your estimated calculation to
your application.
www.naid.org
This Web site has comprehensive resources for funding your education, including
information about nancial aid, scholarships, and student loans. It even has tools to
help you calculate and predict the costs of your future education.
www.hesc.com
This Web site is a strong resource for New York residents. It provides step-by-step
guidelines for completing the FAFSA and TAP applications, brochures outlining
various forms of nancial aid how to borrow wisely for your college education, and a
list of various nancial aid calculators.
www.maldef.org/leadership/scholarships
This Web site has a list of private scholarships, many of which are available for
undocumented students.
scholarships.salliemae.com
This is a useful resource for the nancial aid process, including information regarding
loans and how to manage your nances.
www.simpletuition.com
Learn about nancial aid, including private and federal student loans.
www.staffordloan.com
Get information on, and apply for, Federal Stafford loans.
www.tapweb.org
This is the direct Web site you use to complete your TAP application.
140
141
Glossary
ACT: Exam offered nationally, used by colleges as one tool to evaluate students
applications. The ACT is offered less often in New York than the SAT, but colleges
generally accept both. Not all colleges require the ACT or SAT. For example, SUNY
schools require either the ACT or SAT, but CUNY schools only require them for
highly competitive four-year programs. See page 74 for more information.
Application Fee: Fee colleges charge to review students applications for
admission. Typical fees range between $40 and $75. Depending on students
household income and family size they may be eligible for fee waivers, which make
them exempt from the fee requirement. (See Fee Waiver.)
Articulation Agreement: Agreement to help community college graduates make
the transition into four-year colleges. It usually either guarantees that the associate
degree will satisfy all freshman and sophomore general education requirements
at the four-year university or identies a list of courses that will be treated as
equivalent.
Associate Degree: Certication granted by a college to a student who completes
the associate degree course of study; it is also known as a two-year degree.
Often, associate degrees are focused on particular job preparation, like nursing or
computer technology. Many students use associate programs as stepping stones
to a bachelors program, transferring the credits to a four-year college. Associate
degrees are often referred to by initials, such as AS (Associate of Science) or AAS
(Associate of Applied Science). (See Associate Degree of Applied Science.)
142
Associate Degree of Applied Science (AAS): Same as an associate degree except
that an AAS generally provides specic training for a particular job. The word
applied means the coursework applies the academic theory and knowledge to very
specic job training. Some examples include AAS in Information Technology, AAS in
Radiation Therapy Technology, and AAS in Dental Hygiene. Often AAS credits are
more difcult to transfer toward a bachelors degree.
Award Letter: Letter sent to you by a college, indicating that you were awarded
nancial aid and outlining what the aid includes.
Bachelors Degree: Certication granted by a college to a student who completes
the bachelors course of study; generally known as a four-year degree. Depending
on full or part-time status, however, it can sometimes take a student longer than
four years to earn one. Bachelors degrees are divided into a few basic categories
such as liberal arts or science, and then by major. For example, a student could
earn a Bachelor of Arts in Economics or a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Bachelors
degrees are sometimes referred to by initials, such as BA (Bachelor of Arts), which
refers to the broad group of humanities-based subjects, or BS (Bachelor of Science).
Bulletin: Another name for college catalog. (See College Catalog.)
Bursar: The ofce in a college that handles all student billing, including tuition, fees,
housing, and meal plan.
CD: College Discovery program. (See Opportunity Programs.)
Certicate Program: Programs offered by colleges (usually community colleges)
for short-term job training; they do not grant college credits or build toward a
college degree.
College: A post-secondary educational institution such as a community college,
junior college, liberal arts college, or university.
College Catalog: Ofcial book or online publication of a college that contains
information about academic programs and courses, dorms, rules and regulations,
faculty and staff contact information, holidays, scholarships, and much more. It is
useful as a research tool to learn more about a college.
Community College: Typically a two-year, public post-secondary educational
institution that grants an associate degree.
Co-op: Usually a paid work experience that lasts several semesters and may also
carry college credits.
Core Requirements: Courses that a college requires all students to take, regardless
of students majors.
143
Cost of Attendance (COA): Total of all the costs of attending college for one year,
including tuition, room and board, fees, books, travel, and personal expenses. Each
college must calculate a COA for each student. Students are allowed to receive a
total combination of nancial aid sources up to the amount of their COAs.
Credit: The value unit for college classes. Each class is worth a set number of
credits, most often three. Full-time status is calculated at most schools as 12 credits
or four classes.
CSS PROFILE: A type of nancial aid application required at some schools.
CUNY: City University of New York: system of 23 public colleges, with hundreds
of different programs and majors, in New York City. For more information visit the
CUNY Web site: (www.cuny.edu).
Default: The negative status you receive if you are delinquent on your loan
repayment. Default is usually conferred after four to six months of not making
payments. There are serious consequences if you default. Possibilities include
garnishing of your wages (money is taken directly from your paycheck); negative
credit rating, which can make it difcult to buy a house or car; inability to receive
nancial aid in the future; and inability to get government jobs. It is always better to
negotiate with your loan-holder and to defer or reduce your payment amount if you
are experiencing nancial hardship. To negotiate deferrals, call the loan-holders
number on your payment invoice and they will transfer you to the correct department.
Defer: To temporarily postpone either acceptance to a college or loan repayment.
In both cases, the student needs to complete necessary paperwork and receive
approval for deferring an acceptance or loan repayment. Loan deferments are
usually granted for economic hardship reasons, such as loss of employment or
health problems.
Deposit: Payment that you must submit to a college to hold your place as a student
and/or for housing once you have been accepted. Deposits are usually non-refundable,
but will be subtracted from your bill when you enroll.
Doctoral Degree: The most advanced academic degree you can earn for graduate
study, typically completed after a bachelors and masters degree.
Dorm: Shortened term for dormitory; campus-based residential building.
Early Action: Admissions process offered at some colleges that allows students
to apply by an early deadline (usually in October or November); the college will
notify the student much earlier if they are accepted (usually in December). The
advantage is that students know, early in the process, that they are accepted to
their top-choice college.
144
Early Decision: Admissions process offered at some schools that allows students to
apply by an early deadline (usually in October or November); then the college will
notify the student much earlier than in the regular application timeline if they are
accepted (usually in December). However, if accepted via Early Decision, students
must withdraw all applications from other colleges. The program is a binding
agreement between the college and a student that, if accepted, a student will
attend that college. The advantage is that students know they are accepted to their
top-choice college, and they dont need to deal with many applications, but Early
Decision also limits their options dramatically.
EOP: Educational Opportunity Program. (See Opportunity Programs.)
Expected Family Contribution (EFC): This is the amount your family is expected to
contribute to your college education.
Facilities: At a college, these include libraries, computer labs, dorms, theaters,
dance and art studios, cafeterias, and gyms.
Faculty: This refers to all of the professors and teaching assistants at a college.
FAFSA: An acronym for Free Application for Federal Student Aid: a form, available
online, that students must complete before each year of college to be considered
for almost any kind of nancial aid. For more information, visit the FAFSA Web site:
(www.fafsa.ed.gov).
Federal Work-Study (FWS): See Work-Study.
Fee Waiver: An exemption from having to pay a fee, granted on the basis of
household income and size. Separate fee waivers are available for several college
application-related fees, such as the college application fee itself, SAT registration,
ACT registration, and CSS PROFILE. You may need to show proof of income in
order to qualify for a waiver.
Financial Aid: An umbrella term for money from various sources provided to a
student to help pay college costs; nancial aid includes loans, grants, and Federal
Work-Study.
Fixed-rate Loan: A loan whose interest rate does not change over time.
GPA: Your Grade Point Average is a calculation of your average grades. Usually an
A=4.0, a B=3.0, a C=2.0, and a D=1.0.
Graduate Student: Student pursuing an educational degree after completion of a
bachelors degree. Graduate degrees include masters degrees, doctorates, and more.
Grant: Same as a scholarship; a grant is money awarded to a student to help pay
college costs which does not have to be repaid. (See Scholarship.)
145
HBCU: Historically Black College or University; colleges whose original missions
were to educate black students when segregation in the US kept black students
from attending most colleges. Most HBCUs still serve a predominately black
student body.
HEOP: Higher Educational Opportunity Program. (See Opportunity Programs.)
Higher Education: A term used to refer to any level or type of college experience
after high school.
Internship: Paid or unpaid work experience for which you may earn college credits.
Junior College: Typically a two-year, private, postsecondary educational institution
that grants an associate degree.
Liberal Arts College: Typically a small four-year college where the majors generally
fall in the liberal arts areas such as history, literature, mathematics, and art.
Loan: Funds that you have to pay back over time, from banks, nancial institutions,
or the government.
Major: Academic subject area in which students concentrate their study. At most
colleges, students identify their majors within their rst two years of study. Certain
programs at certain colleges may require prospective students to apply directly for
a specic major as part of the application process to the school.
Master Promissory Note (MPN): Legal document students are required to sign
before receiving their rst student loan. The MPN outlines their legal obligations
regarding the loan. Many colleges set up the MPN as an online document that they
sign using a password or PIN.
Masters Degree: An advanced degree, typically two years beyond a bachelors
degree.
Minor: Academic subject area in which a student concentrates, though with fewer
credits than a major.
Ofcial Transcript: Transcript that is sent directly from the high school to the
college. To indicate the transcript has not been altered it is sometimes stamped
or sealed with a faculty or staff persons signature across the closed envelope ap.
Colleges generally require students to submit an ofcial transcript, as opposed to a
students copy of the transcript, to ensure the documents authenticity.
Open Admissions: Admissions policy at some colleges (usually community colleges)
stating that all students who have a high school diploma or GED can enroll.
146
Opportunity Programs: New York State-funded admissions programs to support
students who are under a certain income and are slightly under the regular
admissions guidelines of a college. HEOP, Higher Education Opportunity Program,
is offered in New York State private colleges. EOP, Educational Opportunity
Program, is offered in SUNY colleges. SEEK, Search for Education, Elevation, and
Knowledge, is offered in CUNY senior colleges. CD, College Discovery, is offered at
CUNY community colleges. See page 48 for more information.
Orientation: A one to three day session held on campus, before your rst semester,
to help students learn more about campus, meet others, and register for classes.
Payment Plan: A plan offered by many colleges to break up the remaining costs,
after nancial aid sources are applied to a students college bill, into four to eight
payments. Most colleges contract with a company, such as Academic Management
Services, which handles the payments. A student pays a one-time fee (usually about
$25), but no interest.
Pell Grant: Named after the late Senator Pell, this grant is awarded by the federal
government to an undergraduate student to help pay college costs. Eligibility is
based on the students family nancial situation.
Perkins Loan: Low-interest, long-term, subsidized loan made through school
nancial aid ofces to help qualifying students pay for college.
Planner: A calendar in booklet or electronic form that helps you keep track of
appointments, including homework assignments and exams.
PLUS Loans: Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students: Loans that parents take for
their childs education. They are xed-rate and are based on credit rating.
Postsecondary Education: Education after high school.
Prerequisite: A requirement, usually a course, you must take before you can take
another course; for example, Introduction to Chemistry might be a prerequisite for
Advanced Chemistry.
Private College: College that is usually run by a nonprot private organization. It
does not receive signicant government funding, so its tuition is typically higher
than at a public college. However, a private college can sometimes end up being
less expensive because it offers more in scholarships or grant money. Private
colleges are also sometimes referred to as independent colleges.
Private Loan: Funds that you pay back over time, from a private lender such as a
bank or other nancial institution.
Professional Degree: An advanced degree beyond a bachelors degree in elds
such as law, medicine, or business.
147
Proprietary College: A for-prot private college, run by an individual or company.
Most proprietary colleges focus on specic job training in either associate or
bachelors degree programs. Few, if any, proprietary colleges have student housing.
Public College: College that is funded and run by a government (usually state or
local government). Most colleges in the country are public colleges. Nearly all public
colleges charge higher tuition for out-of-state students. Tax dollars help support
public colleges to keep the tuition costs lower for students who live in-state.
Registrar: Ofce at college that handles all student records, including transcripts,
declared majors, and enrollment verication.
Rolling Admission: Admissions system in which a college reviews applications
as they are received in complete form. The college may have no deadline, or the
deadline may be during the summer before the school year starts. It accepts or
rejects applications as they are received until the college has no more spaces
available.
Room and Board: Room refers to dormitory (dorm) housing on campus; board
refers to a pre-paid meal plan to eat in a schools cafeterias.
SAR: Student Aid Report: Summarizes the information you report on your FAFSA.
SAT Reasoning Test (SAT): Exam offered nationally, used by colleges as a tool to
evaluate students applications. It is administered by the College Board. Community
colleges may not require the SAT. See page 73 for more information or visit the
College Board Web site: (www.collegeboard.org).
SAT II Subject Tests: College admissions tests, part of the College Board SAT
program (see above). Each test is an hour long with multiple-choice questions on
one academic subject area, for example Biology, Spanish, or American History. Only
a small number of colleges require students to take SAT II Subject Tests as part of
the college application. See the College Board Web site: (www.collegeboard.org)
for more information.
Scholarship: Money awarded to a student to help pay college costs. Scholarships
are not usually paid back. Depending on the scholarship, which can come from
many sources, the award could be renewable for each year you are in college. Most
scholarships require that you keep your grade point average above a certain level.
Secondary School Report: Document or set of documents requested by the
college from your high school(s). It usually consists of your high school transcript
(see below); sometimes it includes a form for the high school counselor to complete.
SEEK: Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge: An Opportunity Program
offered in CUNY senior colleges. (See Opportunity Program.)
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Stafford Loan: Federal, xed-rate, low-interest loan available to undergraduate
students attending accredited schools at least half-time. These are the most
common source of college loan funds, and may be subsidized or unsubsidized.
Student Loan: See Loan.
Subsidized Loan: Loan based on nancial need, where recipients generally dont
have to pay any interest until six months after they graduate from college.
SUNY: State University of New York, system of 64 public colleges and universities.
See the SUNY Web site: (www.suny.edu) or page 43 for more information.
Supplemental Application: Additional form(s) required of students applying to
some colleges. For example, students use the same general application for all SUNY
colleges; but some campuses require additional or supplemental applications. Some
supplemental applications include essay questions or letters of recommendation.
Supplemental Materials: Documents or other material students include with their
college applications that may, or may not, be required by a college. Some examples
are letters from coaches, extracurricular teachers, employers, or mentors; essays;
term paper written in high school.
Syllabus: Written description of a course, including an outline of all the topics to be
covered in the course, a book list, reading assignments, assignment deadlines and
exam dates, and criteria used to grade a student in the course.
TAP: Tuition Assistance Program; Administered by the Higher Education Services
Corporation (HESC) of New York State, TAP is a grant to help pay college costs for
residents of New York State who attend a college in the state. Eligibility for TAP is
based on a familys nancial situation.
TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language: This test measures your ability to
communicate in English in colleges and universities. If English is not your primary or
rst language and you immigrated to the United States within the last four years,
you may need to take this test to demonstrate your readiness for college instruction
in English.
Transcript: Document listing all of a students classes and grades at a school.
Colleges generally require copies of a high school transcript when students apply
for admission, even if they have a GED.
Transfer: Move from one college to a different one. For example, many students
choose to begin their college education in an associate degree program at a two-year
school such as a community college or a junior college. Later, they may transfer
to a bachelors degree program at a different college. Students may also transfer
between different two-year schools or between different four-year schools.
149
Tuition: Amount of money a college charges for the instructional part of your
college attendance. Tuition is one part of the total cost of attendance (See Cost of
Attendance.)
Undergraduate: A college student who hasnt yet earned a bachelors degree (if
you are an undergraduate, you are under the graduation mark, so to speak).
University: A bachelors and post-graduate degree-granting institution that is
often large.
Unsubsidized Loan: A loan that is not based on need, and for which recipients
begin paying interest as soon as they receive the loan.
Variable-rate Loan: A loan whose interest rate varies over time, with the overall
market.
Waitlist: When a college does not accept or reject you, but puts your name on a
list, waiting to see how many students choose to attend that college. If the college
has openings before the school year starts, it will accept students from the waitlist.
Withdrawal: Ofcial process of dropping a course or leaving a college. If you
need to remove yourself from school, even temporarily, you must do the required
paperwork at the college, or you will still be considered enrolled. Failure to
withdraw ofcially could cause you to fail classes you did not attend or be charged
tuition for a semester you did not complete.
Work-Study: A federal nancial aid program that provides part-time jobs on
campus to eligible students so they can earn money to help pay their college costs.
Not all jobs on campus are Federal Work-Study (FWS) jobs, but FWS jobs are found
in all parts of the college including the cafeterias, library, or nancial aid ofce.
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Index
Academic Prole 32, 60
ACT 66, 74, 128-131, 135, 144
Application Fee Waiver (see Fee
Waiver)
Articulation Agreement 42, 138, 141
Associate Degree 23, 24, 26, 38-42, 73,
141-142
Bachelors Degree 23, 24, 38, 39, 40,
41, 42, 142
CSS PROFILE 94, 98, 129-131, 139, 143
Certicate Program 38, 44, 142
Coed 46
College Access Program 13, 15-16, 25,
55, 129, 134
College Deposit 106
College Discovery Program (CD)
32, 48-49, 129, 142, 146
College Essay 66-68, 130, 137
College Self-assessment 56
Common Application 68, 77, 138
Community College 26, 31, 39, 41, 42,
65, 138, 142
Co-op 45, 142
CUNY 32, 38, 42-43, 48, 49, 51, 67, 77,
78, 85, 94, 98, 112, 131, 138, 143
Deadline 71, 78, 80, 128133
Defer 78, 143
Deposit (see College Deposit)
Doctoral Degree 38, 143
Early Action 72, 143
Early Decision 72, 144
Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
48-49, 66, 129-130, 132
Essay (see College Essay)
Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
86, 139, 144
FAFSA 85-86, 89, 94-97, 99, 103, 128,
130-132, 139, 144
FAFSA PIN 96, 130, 133, 139
Federal Work-study (FWS) 83, 87, 149
151
Fee Waiver 70, 73, 75, 98, 129, 130,
141, 144
Financial Aid 49, 50, 60, 71, 72, 83-89,
93-95, 98-100, 102-103, 105, 111-
113, 116, 128-129, 132-133, 136-137,
139, 142-144, 146, 149
Four-year Degree (see Bachelors Degree)
Full-time 39, 50
GED Score 31, 49, 69
Grant 83, 87, 94, 97, 145
Higher Educational Opportunity
Program (HEOP) 45, 48-49, 66, 98,
129, 130, 132
Historically Black College or University
(HBCU) 44, 145
Internship 45, 137, 145
Junior College 39, 40, 41, 65, 142
Legal Status 38, 85
Liberal Arts College 40, 145
Loan 44, 83, 87, 89, 90, 144-145, 148
Major, Declaring 45, 114, 145
Master Promissory Note (MPN) 111,
132, 144
Masters Degree 38, 144
Military 26
New York State Opportunity Programs
(see also College Discovery, EOP,
HEOP, and SEEK) 45, 48
Ofcial Transcript 32, 34, 69, 71, 129,
130, 144, 147
Opportunity Programs (see New York
State Opportunity Programs)
Orientation 113, 132, 146
Part-time 42, 53
Private College/University 38-40, 43,
48-49, 60, 75, 85, 130, 144-145
Professional Degree 23, 38, 39-40, 146
Proprietary College 44, 147
Public College (see also CUNY and
SUNY) 43, 147
Recommendation Letter 66, 69, 76, 130
Religious Afliation 46
Resum 66, 131
SAT 49, 73-75, 129-130, 136, 141, 144,
147
Scholarship 83, 85-87, 98, 131, 136-137,
139, 147
SEEK 32, 48-49, 129, 147
Student Aid Report (SAR) 95-96, 130, 146
Student Loan (see Loan)
SUNY 43, 48-49, 51, 66, 70, 73, 98, 131,
137, 141, 146, 148
TAP 94-95, 97, 99, 131, 139, 148
TOEFL 75, 136, 148
Transcript, Gaps in 34
Transfer, from Associate to Bachelors
39, 41-42, 44, 48, 138, 141, 148
Two-year Degree (see Associate Degree)
Undocumented (see Legal Status)
Waitlist 78, 149
Work-study (see Federal Work-study)
152
Notes
New York City Department of Education
Ofce of Postsecondary Readiness
52 Chambers Street
New York, NY 10007
OPSR@schools.nyc.gov
schools.nyc.gov
This publication was developed with generous support
from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
designed by Big Duck
and New York City Department
of Education
photography by John Smock
A LEARNING LEADERS GUIDE FOR STUDENTS
making the transition to college
College
Planning
Guide
Learning Leaders helps New York City public school children succeed by
providing them with tutoring and other support from our trained volunteers,
and by equipping parents to support their own childrens educational devel-
opment. Nearly 15,000 volunteers help 235,000 public school students in
967 of our Citys schools.
Learning Leaders wishes to thank Julieta Schiffno, Associate Director of Financial
Aid Services at the State University of New York Metropolitan Recruitment Center;
Pearlie Stricklin from ACT; Makella Brathwaite from The College Board; and the
NCAA for their contributions to this guide.
This guide is updated every two years. Learning Leaders will make every effort
to provide supplements as fnancial aid regulations and other programs change.
Additional copies of this guide may be purchased from Learning Leaders.
Copyright 2007 Learning Leaders. All rights reserved.
Learning Leaders
is a registered trademark of Learning Leaders, Inc.

College
Planning
Guide

Dear Students and Parents:
It is never too early to begin thinking about and planning for college. Read this guide carefully,
and start taking the steps necessary to ensure your admission to the school of your choice.
Whether you are a current high school student, a former student who has returned to school,
an adult studying for a GED, a teenage parent, or an immigrant with limited English, you can
attend col lege. Among the thousands of col leges in the U.S., there is one for you; the key is
to make the right match. Learning Leaders has prepared this guide to help you through the
col lege planning and application process.
Do not rule out college because you lack money. Financial aid is available to students who
have a high school diploma or GED and who have an economic need, regardless of age or
grades. There are federal and state grants that do not have to be repaid. If col leges want you,
they wil l f ind a way to assist with the cost of your education through institutional scholarships,
work-study programs, student loans, and/or other campus-based aid.
Do not rule out college because your test scores are not high, or because you think your
grades are not strong, or because you didnt take the SATs. During your research, you wil l f ind
that not all schools require SATs and that many have special programs for academically and
economical l y underrepresented students.
There is a college for ever yone who is qualified to attend. The typical col lege student is
no longer 17 to 21 years of age. More and more adults are entering col lege for the f irst time
or are returning to learn new skil ls. We now recognize that education is a lifelong process
and that college means dif ferent things to dif ferent people. Some of you may choose to attend
a local col lege in New York City. Some may prefer to attend col lege in a suburban area.
Others may wish to attend col lege in a foreign countr y. You can choose a four-year institution
or a two-year col lege, earning an associate degree and then either continuing at a four-year
college or entering the workforce. Trade and technical programs should be considered as well.
The choice is yours.
Be open-minded, and don't sell yourself short. Start thinking of yourself as a college student
or the parent of a college student. After reviewing this guide, if you have questions, talk with
your college advisor and/or Learning Leader College Planning Volunteer. They will guide you
through the application process.
Good luck!
Carla Shere, Ed.D. Mindy Duitz
Coordinator of Col lege Planning Volunteers President
Learning Leaders Learning Leaders
Contents
Deciding on College
1 Why College? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2 Types of Colleges and Postsecondary Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3 Questions to Ask about Colleges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4 Questions to Ask about Two-Year Community and Technical Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5 Tests and Pretests for College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Preparing to Apply and Go to College
6 Factors Leading to Success in College and Living on Campus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
7 Tips for Parents and Guardians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
8 Hints for Success in High School: 9th12th Grade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
9 College-Planning Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
10 The College Application and Scholarship Essay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Paying for Higher Education
11 Financial Aid Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
12 Things to Remember to Do or Ask for Regarding Financial Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
13 Undergraduate Financial Aid Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
14 Families Guide to Tax Reductions for Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
15 Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
16 Information for the College-Bound Athlete. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Additional Information
17 College Directories, College Guides, and Other Sources of Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
18 Community Resources Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
19 The Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
20 Glossar y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
21 Worksheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Col lege Selection Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Col lege Application Tracking Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Student Personal Data Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Average Family Income
by Educational Attainment of Householder
1
1
Why College?
Getting ready for a col lege education requires a lot of time, great ef fort, and careful planning by you
and your famil y or guardians. But col lege also provides information and skil ls that you wil l use for
the rest of your life to help you succeed in whatever you do. Staying in school and going to col lege
wil l help you:
Get a better job. More and more jobs require education beyond high school.
With a college education, youll have more jobs from which to choose.
Earn more money. A person who goes to college usually earns more than a
person who doesnt. (See salary chart below.)
On average, over a lifetime, someone who spends two years in college earns $250,000 more
than someone who doesnt. Thats right: a quarter of a million dollars more over a lifetime.
Increase your academic knowledge.
Get a good star t in life. College also trains you to express your thoughts clearly, make
informed decisions, and use technologyall useful skills on and of f the job and for life.
Have more personal options.
As a graduate of a New York City public high school,
you are guaranteed admission to the City University of New York (CUNY).
$
180,000
$
160,000
$
140,000
$
120,000
$
100,000
$
80,000
$
60,000
$
40,000
$
20,000
$
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9
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e
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e

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$34,119
$38,190
$75,496
$104,514
$121,484
$142,089
$56,810
$69,520
$171,088
Source: The Col lege Board

2
More Reasons to Attend College
It is a chance to invest in yourself. Yes there are costs associated with attending college, but it is an
investment that pays of f financially in the future.
Many careers expect a minimum of a college degree: not only is a degree required for many posi-
tions where it once was not, but career expectations are that if you have earned a college degree,
you have set a goal, completed the goal, and been trained to be successful in your area of interest.
Broaden your horizons by studying something dif ferent, living in a dif ferent part of the country,
making new friends, and expanding your social life. For instance, if you live in the Northeast, why
not try the West Coast? If you live in an urban area, why not try a rural environment? If you attend
a coed high school, why not try a single-sex college? This is a time when you can stretch yourself
in a safe environment and have the opportunity to
experience something entirely new that may af fect
you positively.
Continue your learning experience: col lege wil l pro-
vide the opportunity for you to take classes and
learn about a variety of areas not of fered during high
school; after college you can decide whether you
would like to continue your education in graduate
school, medical or law school.
Meet new people and build new relationships: you will be meeting students from all over the world
and will be meeting professors and administrators willing to assist and mentor you for four years.
Self-Analysis
Know your strengths and weaknesses both academically and socially: If you are a student who
does not test well, perhaps you should be looking at smaller schools that might require a final the-
sis and at which classes are conducted as discussions. If you are a very social person, maybe you
should request to live on a f loor that enforces quiet hours. Be certain to know your habits, and be
smart enough to make provisions for them so you are successful. Be able to think critically about
your strengths and weaknesses so you can provide yourself with specific examples of how you
have been successful in the past and select your college accordingly.
Be aware of your academic standing (rank in class, GPA, test scores). This is important because
i t i ndicates you care about yoursel f enough to real i ze you are looki ng for an academical l y
compatible match with your talents.
Have an i dea of your i nterests and/or apti tudes: I f you know you are successf ul i n smal l er
academic settings, look at schools that match that criterion. If you are very creative, look at schools
that are f lexible and will accept your creative outlet.
Be willing to do all of the work (research, completing applications, applying for scholarships) and
all of the follow-up. Making this commitment can help you to decide where to apply and can also
assist you in finding financial assistance.
If you decide on college and
if you work hard to get there,
youll find plenty of help and
financial assistance along the way.

3
2
Types of Colleges and
Postsecondary Schools
Types of Colleges in the State of New York
Public Municipal Institution: City University of New York (CUNY)
Sponsored by the City of New York
Open-admission policy for some colleges and competitive for others
Less expensive fees for New York City residents than nonresidents
17 four-year and two-year colleges featuring all areas of study
Public State Institution: State University of New York (SUNY)
The states higher education system, with 64 campuses across the state
Competitive admission for some colleges and open for other colleges
Less expensive for students who reside in New York
Includes university centers, smaller four-year institutions, and two-year institutions
Of fers a wide variety of areas of study
Private Institutions
Usually the most expensive; however, financial aid often available
Variable levels of competitiveness depending on the institution
Includes two-year and four-year schools
Some af filiated with religious groups but admit students of all faiths
Some located in New York city, New York State, throughout the United States
and in foreign countries
Categories of Institutions and Special Programs Offered
A university (private or public) is composed of undergraduate and graduate or professional schools
that include a four-year college of liberal arts and sciences as well as additional schools such as
schools of engineering, law, medicine, and education.
A four-year college of liberal ar ts and sciences (pri vate or publ ic) provides students wi th a
wide educational background. The f i rst two years of study are usual l y explorator y, whi le the
thi rd- and fourth-year programs are more special i zed. Study leads to a B. A. (bachelor of arts)
or B.S. (bachelor of sci ence) degree.
A four-year teachers college (private or public) of fers a B.S. in education degree. CUNY schools
of fer a B.A. in elementary or secondary education.
A four-year technological and engineering institute (private or public) of fers a B.S. in engineering
or science as well as courses in architecture, art and design, and liberal arts.

A two-year junior college or community college (private or public) has two education tracks:
A transfer program of fers an A.A. (associate in arts) or A.S. (associate in science) degree.
This is the same program that is available in a four-year college of liberal arts and sciences.
After successful completion of the two-year program, you can transfer to the third year of
a four-year college and continue your education toward a B.A. or B.S. degree.
A terminal (career training) program of fers an A.A.S. (associate in applied science) or
A.O.S. (associate in occupational studies) degree. Graduates seek work in vocational,
technical, preprofessional, or semiprofessional areas.
A technical school of fers two-year and four-year degree programs for students
interested in employment as technicians in a variety of careers.
An undergraduate nursing school falls into one of three types of programs:
Some hospital nursing schools are af f iliated with four-year col leges and of fer a
B.S. with a nursing major. The first two years are spent studying liberal arts and
sciences courses at college; the last two years are spent at nursing school.
The student must pass the New York State Registered Nurse Examination
to become a licensed RN.
Some nursing schools are af filiated with two-year colleges and of fer an A.A. degree
in nursing. Liberal arts and sciences courses are studied at college and are followed
by nursing education at a hospital. The student must pass the New York State
Registered Nurse Examination to become a licensed RN.
Some schools are unaffiliated and offer two-and-a-half- to three-year programs. The student
must pass the New York State Registered Nurse Examination to become a licensed RN.
Specialized schools and colleges of fer degree-granting programs for people talented in the arts.
Examples include Fashion Institute of Technology, Juilliard School of Music, and Pratt Institute.
The programs at a vocational training school, or technical school, var y from several months to
two years. Upon completion, students receive a certif icate or diploma. The schools purpose is to
train students in specialized skil ls. Many similar courses are available at community col leges and
usual l y cost less.
U.S. militar y service academies are highly competitive and of fer a superior education in science
and engineering. To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen aged 1722 years old, single, and in good
health. Additionally, you must be a high school graduate nominated by a member of Congress.
Upon graduation, students receive of ficer rank and are required to serve in the armed forces for a
specified period. The dif ferent academies, each specific to a military branch, are:
U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO
U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY
U.S. Military Academy (Army), West Point, NY
U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD
4

The Ivy League is a group of scholastically prestigious East Coast schools. To qualify, you should
be in the upper 1020% of your high school class, participate in a variety of extracurricular activ-
ities, and have an SAT score of 600800 on each section. The Ivy League schools are Brown
University, Columbia University, Cornel l University, Dartmouth Col lege, Harvard University,
Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University.
The Sisters are also scholastical l y prestigious schools with similar requi rements as Ivy League
schools and are for women only. They are Barnard College, Bryn Mawr College, Mount Holyoke
College, Smith College, and Wellesley College.
In co-op programs, students may alternate several months of study with several months of work
at a paying job. It usually takes one year longer to earn a degree and only certain colleges of fer this
program.
Hispanic-serving institutions have a ful l-time undergraduate enrol lment of which at least 25% of
the population are Hispanic, and no less than 50% of those Hispanic students are low-income
indi viduals.
Tribal colleges and universities were created in response to the higher education needs of
American Indians and general l y serve geographical l y isolated populations that have no other
means of accessing education beyond the high school level.
Historicall y black colleges and universi ties are i nsti tuti ons establ i shed pr i or to 1964 whose
pri nci pal mission was and is the education of black Americans.
5
You need to do the research
to determine the colleges that
offer the courses of study that
may appeal to your interests.

3
Questions to Ask about Colleges
Q How do I decide where to apply to college?
A Students planning to attend college should consider the following:
What kind of school environment, equipment, library, facilities, and housing do I want?
What kind of program(s) or major(s) do I want to pursue? preprofessional? technical?
liberal arts?
Which colleges of fer the program(s) where I want to enroll?
Do I want to attend a two-year or four-year college? a large or small school?
an urban, suburban, or rural school?
Do I want to attend school in New York City or out of town? How far away
from home do I want to live?
Do I want to explore special types of schools such as womens colleges,
historically black colleges, or art schools?
Do I want to live in a big city? Medium? Small?
What sort of support services are available if I have academic or personal dif ficulties?
What is the social life like? What is the availability of athletics, entertainment,
and extracurricular organizations?
Where do the other students come from? from private or public schools?
What is their geographic distribution? What are their ethnic backgrounds?
Is diversity important to me? Is faculty diversity important?
Does the school have a religious af filiation? Would I be required to take
courses in religion or attend services?
What is student life like for gay and lesbian students?
What are the colleges graduation and job placement statistics?
How strong is the academic pressure to get high grades?
How do my qualifications compare with students accepted in the past?
Who teaches the freshman classes: graduate students or professors?
How many professors are full-time? part-time? How many have a Ph.D.?
Do I learn best in a competitive or relaxed academic climate?
Does the school of fer opportunity programs such as HOEP, EOP, SEEK/CD?
6

Q Where do I find information about dif ferent colleges?
A Make an appointment to talk to your high school college counselor/advisor
or a College Planning Learning Leader who works in the college of fice.
Use the Internet to research colleges. See pages 8287 for details about the Internet and
for Web addresses. Register now on The College Board website: www.collegeboard.com
(its free). Do not pay to get any college or scholarship information on the web.
Meet with college representatives when they visit your high school.
Have a list of questions ready. (See pages 911.)
Attend college fairs, usually held in the fall and spring.
Check with your college advisor for dates.
Attend college open houses. Throughout the fall, colleges invite students and their
parents to visit campuses and meet faculty. Announcements are made in your
high schools col lege of f ice bul letin, posters appear on the bul letin board, and
you wil l be sent information from col leges in the mail and through the internet.
Look through college handbooks and guides (see pages 7476) to get an
overview of dif ferent colleges, their admission requirements, and their of ferings.
Read college catalogs and descriptive materials very carefully. Many colleges have
supplied high schools with videotapes of their facilities. Check with your college advisor.
Compare costs. Remember that the total cost includes both direct educational costs
(tuition, fees, books, supplies) and indirect costs (room and board, personal expenses, travel).
Remember that high school students can participate in some college programs during
the summer. This is an excellent way to experience campus life. See your college advisor.
Read college newspapers. They will give you an idea of social and athletic activities.
Talk to high school guidance counselors, teachers, parents, and friends about their
college experiences.
Q When should I visit colleges?
A Once you have narrowed your choices, visit the col leges you are considering. Almost al l
col leges have a regular campus tour program. Of ten, high school students are paired with a host
on campus at no cost, and students are al lowed to attend classes. You must make arrangements
in advance by fol lowing di rections on the col leges website. Here are a few suggestions
regarding your visit:
Plan your visit during the academic year.
When scheduling a campus visit, request a confirmation.
Ask for an interview with the admission of fice. If interviews are not available,
attend an information session with a small group.
Visit the student center and library.
7

8
Try to arrange to spend a night in student housing.
Eat in the cafeteria.
Talk to studentsand recent graduates, if possible.
Attend classes.
Read information found on posters and bulletin boards.
Ask about the colleges security system and arrangements for students safety.
All schools are required to keep crime statistics. Ask to review them.
Create a journal, and record information that will help you make your final decision.
Highlight the colleges outstanding features. Assess your visit and your impressions.
Compare the college with your criteria.
Ask family members, friends and recent graduates from your school if you can
visit them at their respective colleges.
Q Most colleges require teacher recommendations for admission. Which teachers do I ask?
A Recommendations are important. Choose teachers who know you and can describe your
classroom per formance in terms not represented onl y by grades. Col leges prefer
recommendations from academic-subject teachers you have had in 11th or 12th grade. If outside
people can provide the admission committee with dif ferent information about you, include their
comments, but only if that is the case. Give your references a copy of your Student Personal Data
Sheet (see page 87). Distribute recommendation forms earlyideally at least four weeks in
advanceso teachers have time to prepare thoughtful responses. Prepare a cover letter that
gives the deadline date for each recommendation.
Q I had a weak start in high school. How can I recover from a bad semester?
A First, concentrate on improving your grades through tutoring, extra work, and special ef fort. Work
with teachers to develop good study skills. On your college application, explain what went wrong,
how you have changed, and the ways youve matured. Admission of ficers look favorably on an
applicant who recognized a problem and took positive steps to improve.
Q Do colleges look for students who participate in extracurricular activities?
How many should I have?
A Colleges prefer students who are well-rounded. They want to see commitment, sustained
interest, and involvementnot a list of activities you joined to "look good." A personal passion for
a certain activity is favorable, as is a leadership position. It's equally important if you had a job or
participated in community service while attending high school.
Q What if I don't know what I want to study?
A You don't have to decide on a major when you apply to college. Most college students are unde-
cided about the career they will pursue. College helps you explore options. During your first two
years, you will take a variety of courses in several areas of specialization. You can also talk to
teachers and advisors as well as attend lectures and seminars given by experts in various fields.

9
Q What are some tips for completing my college applications?
A Many col leges ask for personal information. Start thinking about how you might answer such
questions by identifying the person you most admire and why, your favorite books and poems,
any unusual experiences youve had, your hobbies and special talents, and your work and/or
volunteer experiences.
Keep an updated list of your accomplishments, a record of memberships in school-related clubs,
and a list of leadership positions youve held. Keep activity or event programs that list your name
and credentials. Save all certificates of achievement and awards. Organize your paperwork. Use
the guide on page 101 to keep a record of your college applications.
Remember that neatness and appearance count when completing a paper application. A better
option is to use the common application or appl y online.
Q Will I be able to handle college-level work if I didn't do well in high school?
A You will probably have to work harder than ever before. The competition may be greater and the
homework tougher. College is a big change and requires many adjustments; however, once
enrolled, you wil l f ind you are not alone. Almost everyone is worried about succeeding, and if
you seek help, it is always available. Col leges provide supportive services, including tutoring,
writing centers, personal counseling, aid in obtaining a part-time job, housing, and many others.
Colleges want you to succeed and graduate.
Q What are the advantages of a two-year college?
A Two-year colleges of fer you a variety of choices for furthering your education. There are both
degree programs and certificate programs. If you wish to learn a specific skill, such as word
processing, you can enrol l in one or more individual certif icate courses. The associate in applied
science and associate in occupational studies degree programs wil l qualif y you for a job in your
chosen f ield af ter you graduate. The associate in arts and associate in science programs wil l
help you transfer to a four-year col lege. Two-year col leges located in your community are of ten
less expensive, and they of fer a quality education. Make certain the two-year school you appl y
to and attend is accredited by a reputable governing board.
Q Representatives from different colleges will be visiting my high school.
What questions should I ask when meeting with them?
A Your questions should reflect your interests and concerns in the following areas:
Academic Programs
What courses are required during the freshman year?
What is the classroom experience like?
How intense is the academic pressure on students?
When must I choose a major?
How does your college place students in their classes?
What services does the school of fer the student who is undecided about a major?
What are student and faculty relationships like?
Does your college have any opportunity programs for students
who may not meet regular admission requirements?

Financial Aid
What percentage of students receive financial aid based on financial need?
What is a typical financial aid package for a first-year student?
What percentage of those students who apply for financial aid receive financial aid?
When are financial aid applicants notified of awards?
Will my financial aid be adjusted if my need increases?
Do you guarantee to meet a students financial need?
Do you guarantee to meet a students financial need for all four years?
Do you have a per-student limit on aid you provide?
If I dont apply for institutional aid for my first year, can I apply in subsequent years?
If I have an outside scholarship, do you reduce the loan portion of my financial aid
package first?
Accreditation
Is the college accredited?
Has the college lost any Accreditation? Why?
Is (are) the program(s) Im interested in accredited?
Admission/Graduation
What percentage of applicants are accepted?
What percentage of the freshman class return for the sophomore year?
What percentage of students graduate?
How many graduates attend graduate school?
Campus
What are the local cultural and social attractions?
Are there a movie theater, a public park, free community events, and the like?
Career Center
What information is available to students in the career center?
Do recruiters visit your campus? if yes, when?
What percentage of students not going on to graduate, medical or law school
find jobs before they graduate?
Child Care
Are there facilities on campus for child care?
Faculty
What is the overall student-faculty ratio?
What is the percentage of full-time versus part-time faculty?
What percentage of faculty have doctoral degrees?
What is the average class size?
Do faculty serve as academic advisors?
Do teaching assistants teach any classes?
10

Living Accommodations
Are residence halls available?
How many students are there per room or suite?
For how many years is on-campus housing available?
Are the residence halls co-ed or single sex?
How are roommates selected?
Security
How does the college provide for student safety and security?
How safe is the neighborhood where the campus is located?
What are the campus statistics concerning crime?
Sports
Does the college of fer intercollegiate sports? intramural sports?
What are the athletic facilities on campus?
Are athletic scholarships available?
In which division is your school?
Student Body
What percentage of students live on campus? Of f campus?
What percentage are commuters?
What is the ethnic background of the students?
What is the male-female ratio of the student body?
What percentage of last years first-year students returned for the sophomore year?
What percentage of students stay on campus during weekends?
Students with Special Needs
Are there accommodations for students with learning disabilities?
Is the campus accessible for physically disabled students?
Is there an of fice for students with special needs on campus?
What services are provided for students with special needs?
Transportation
Are first-year students allowed to have cars? Where do they park?
What public transportation is available?
11

Q What factors will a college consider in evaluating my application?
A All Colleges
All colleges consider the following during the application process:
Your drive, determination, tenacity, desire to succeed, and sense of responsibility
The quality of your high school preparation, including Advanced Placement courses,
honors classes, and electives
Your high school average in the 9th, 10th, and 11th grades plus a mid-senior-year
grade report, a review of final grades, and rank in class or percentile in the class.
Weighted or non-weighted average?
Recommendations that indicate your academic ability, maturity, character, and motivation
Honors and awards you have received as well as leadership positions youve held
both in school and outside school
Ability revealed by such standardized tests as SAT, the ACT, and, in some cases,
SAT Reasoning Test (subject tests).
Personal essays (required by some colleges)
Special talents, achievements, abilities, and interests
Extracurricular activities such as teams, clubs, and community activities
Accuracy, completeness, and neatness of your college application
Work experience and summer activities
A personal interview (required by some colleges), which may help if you are a borderline student
City University of New York (CUNY)
All graduates of New York City high schools are guaranteed admission to one of the 17 CUNY
campuses. The SAT is requi red for admission to the senior (four-year) col leges and
recommended for admission to the community (two-year) colleges. Students who do not meet
the entrance requirements for the senior colleges are considered for the community colleges.
CUNY expects al l freshmen to have successful l y completed a ful l complement of academic
courses that include English, math (such as Math A, Math B, algebra, and geometr y), lab
sciences, social sciences, a foreign language, and visual and performing arts. Students who
have not taken those courses are stil l eligible for admission, although not necessaril y to the
program or school of choice. Preparator y courses not taken in high school wil l have to be
fulf il led in col lege. Depending on the col lege, students must have taken a minimum of 1215
academic Regents-Level courses. There may also be specif ic academic Regents-Level
courses required for eligibility at CUNYs senior col leges. For more information, see your high
school col lege advisor or cal l 212997CUNY (2129972869).
12

Freshman Skills Assessment Test
After admission to CUNYs senior colleges, all entering freshmen must take skills assessment
tests in reading, writing, and mathematics to determine academic placement. Entering students
are exempt from taking both the Reading and Writing assessment tests if they achieved a score
of 480 or above on the verbal section of SAT. Students are exempt from taking the Mathematics
Assessment Test if they achieved a score of 480 or more on the mathematics section of SAT.
Students who scored a 75 on the ELA or Math A or B are also exempt from the respective tests.
CUNY Special Professional Programs
CUNY also of fers the following special professional programs:
Seven-year B.S./M.D. Program at City Colleges Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education
B.A./M.D. Program at Brooklyn College
Six-year urban legal studies program: Hunter College of fers an M.U.P./J.D. in Urban Planning
and Law jointly with Brooklyn Law School.
Al l special professional programs require a special application and have earl y deadlines.
See your col lege advisor for more information.
CUNY Baccalaureate Program (www.cunyba.cuny.edu)
CUNY of fers a universitywide individualized degree program. Under the guidance of faculty
mentors, students create their own areas of concentration. Courses may be taken at dif ferent
CUNY colleges. Prerequisites are (a) completion of 15 college credits with a GPA of at least 2.5,
(b) a passing grade on the CUNY Skills Assessment Test, and (c) a valid academic reason for
applying.
CUNY Skills Immersion Program
Some students may be required to take preparatory courses before enrolling in freshman-year
programs. They can get a head start by taking those courses during the summer before their
freshman year instead of during the academic year. CUNYs tuition-free summer program is
of fered in 17 colleges during both the day and evening.
CUNY Honors Program
Admission is based on the students high school average, SAT/ACT scores, essay, and references
as well as, at the discretion of the college, an interview. The mean SAT score for the fall 2006
entering class was 1440 (Math and Verbal SAT), and the mean high school average was 95.
CUNY Honors Program requires a special online application and have early deadlines. See your
college advisor for more information.
Students recei ve an enriched curriculum, including four Honors Col lege seminars, a Cultural
Passport, and special mentoring. They also receive free tuition, an academic expense account
for such activities as study abroad or internships, and a laptop computer.
13

General Procedure for CUNY
The student may apply for admission to as many as six CUNY colleges and programs by completing
one application. Your choices should be listed in the exact order of your preference, because you will
only be admitted to three colleges at most.
Applications are available online, or you may use the paper application which can be obtained from
your college advisor/counselor. The application fee is $65. Your college advisor/counselor may have a
limited number of fee waivers for those who can prove financial need based on established CUNY
guidelines.
CUNY applicants must also submit an of ficial transcript sent directly from their high school as well
as copies of their SAT or ACT scores.
It is ver y important to make an appointment with your col lege advisor, col lege counselor or
Learning Leader for assistance with advisement in choosing the appropriate CUNY col leges and
programs as well as for assistance with financial aid applications. It is also important, to visit the
CUNY website and familiarize yourself with the information before that appointment. CUNY informa-
tion can be obtained by accessing the CUNY website at www.cuny.edu.
The criteria for admission as a freshman to a CUNY senior college (four-year) are selective and estab-
lished by the individual colleges. These criteria measure the high school record of the applicant and
include the academic average, the number of academic courses and distribution of these courses,
and SAT or ACT scores. Admission to most community college (two-year) programs requires a high
school diploma only. Some associate's degree programs may have additional academic requirements.
Once accepted by those three or fewer col leges, the others listed on the application no longer
consider the student. If accepted by more than one col lege, the student wil l be asked to choose
the one col lege she/he wishes to attend.
To recei ve f inancial aid as a CUNY student, you must complete two forms: the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) af ter Januar y 1st and, if you and (if applicable) your parents are New
York State residents, the New York State Tuition Assistance Program ( TAP) application. The FAFSA
and TAP applications are used to determine the amount and type(s) of f inancial aid for which you
may be el igi ble. Funds f rom the di f ferent maj or aid programs can be combi ned to create your
indi vidual f inancial aid package. The f inal package is based on your eligibility for particular kinds of
aid, including federal loans, and the funds available. If eligible, you wil l be notif ied by the f inancial
aid of f ice of the col lege.
Both forms can be completed onl i ne. The FAFSA is avai lable at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You wi l l be
di rected to the TAP application af ter completing the online FAFSA.
14

General Procedure for SUNY
The State Uni versity of New York (SUNY) campuses are located throughout New York State. You
have more colleges, curriculums and courses from which to choose. You have to decide if you want a
large, medium or small sized school and if you want the location to be in an urban, suburban or rural
setting. Most of the students who attend SUNY live on campus. Since SUNY costs more you could be
eligible for more financial aid.
SUNY prefers that students appl y online by going to thei r website at www.suny.edu/student and
fol lowing the prompts for completing the application. Online applications are fast, easy and
secure. Online applications can be processed faster and may result in a faster response from the
admissions of f ice.
Before a student completes the SUNY application, it is advisable to check with your college advisor,
college counselor or Learning Leader to see if there will be a SUNY information session and/or when
students can make individual appointments for assistance. It is also important to visit the SUNY
website listed above to familiarize yourself with some of the information before a group session and/or
an individual appointment. The website is a wealth of information and will answer many of the
questions you may have. There is even live help available online during specific hours.
The State Uni versity of New York's 64 campuses are di vided into four categories: University
Centers and Doctoral Degree Granting Institutions, University Colleges, Technology Colleges and
Community Colleges. These categories dif fer in educational mission, the kinds of academic
opportunities available and degrees of fered. All campuses of fer excellent academic and student life
programs, committed faculty and staf f, and rewarding career and advanced education outcomes.
You can study almost anything at the State University of New York. SUNY's 64 campuses of fer more
then 6,688 programs of studymaking SUNY the largest and most diverse comprehensive institution
of higher education in the countryand most likely the world. To research undergraduate academic
of ferings, visit the online curriculum finder on the SUNY website.
Individual campuses set their own criteria for admission, looking at SAT or ACT scores, GPA and class
rank. For a freshman class profile for SUNY's University Centers, Colleges and Technology Colleges,
visit Admission Quick Facts on the SUNY website. As you research various SUNY options, ask
admissions representatives (online) for information about these criteria and the application process.
Af ter doing your research, attend a group session and meet with your col lege advisor, col lege
counselor or Learning Leader at least once or twice. The SUNY application can be used for applying
to most of the 64 col leges in the State University system. The other col leges require their own
applications and must be contacted individually. Completing the application may not be possible in
one session, so make sure to save each page as you scroll down and complete each section.
Once you have completed the application, do not submit it until your col lege advisor, col lege
counselor or Learning Leader has reviewed it. Once it is reviewed and been approved, you may
submit it online. Students will then need to submit a Transmittal Form to be signed by their college
advisor or college counselor who will attach their of ficial transcriptsone for each college to which
you applied. You and your parent must also sign this form. Fee waivers are available but a form
needs to be completed and signed by both parent and student verifying financial hardship based on
SUNY guidelines that appear on the form. This form must also be signed by your college advisor or
college counselor and sent with your Transmittal form to the SUNY Application Processing Center.
15

Some col leges require Supplemental Applications which are available online. It is advisable that al l
students appl ying to SUNY be prepared to submit a col lege essay, two teacher recommendations
and a resume. Applicants that appl y to SUNY through the Economic Opportunity Program (EOP) wil l
be requested by each individual col lege to submit an autobiography as wel l as to complete additional
EOP forms.
Most SUNY colleges do not have application deadlines except for early admission, early action and
several specialized programs. Students are usually accepted on a rolling admission basis therefore the
sooner all SUNY and supplementary applications as well as any other requested documentation is
submitted, the sooner a student will be notified. Some other programs may be capped at the number
of admissions they take and those programs may close. The earlier a student submits all requested
documentation, the better.
Across all SUNY campuses, approximately 75% of all full-time undergraduates receive some form of
grant, loan or employment assistance. To receive financial aid as a SUNY student, you must complete
two forms: the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) af ter January 1st and, if you and (if
applicable) your parents are New York State residents, the New York State Tuition Assistance
Program ( TAP) application. The FAFSA and TAP applications are used to determine the amount and
type(s) of financial aid for which you may be eligible. Funds from major aid programs can be combined
to create your individual financial aid package. The final package is based on your eligibility for
particular kinds of aid, including federal loans, and the funds available. If eligible, you will be notified
by the financial aid of fice of the college.
Both forms can be completed online. The FAFSA is available at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You wil l be
directed to the TAP application af ter completing the online FAFSA.
General Procedure for Private Universities and Colleges
Applying to private colleges and universities can be a time consuming process because there are sev-
eral thousand private schools across the United States. Ask yourself many of the same questions pre-
viously discussed, like size and location. There is an additional factor. The cost of most private schools
can be intimidating to New York City students and their parents. It is important not to eliminate these
schools because of their price tags. Many private schools are very generous in their financial aid
packages and many private schools throughout the country are looking to diversify their student bod-
ies. How willing are you to take the challenge?
One of the most important factors in determining whether or not to apply to a private college is
similar to that of both SUNY and CUNY: doing the research. It is always important to know what a
college is looking for as they make admission decisions and to determine if you meet the requirements,
i f you are close, or i f this is a reach school for you. Pri vate schools in New York State may have
Higher Economic Opportunity Programs (HEOP) or similar programs that are looking for students who
don't meet regular admission requi rements but who present great appl ications. You may meet
or exceed admission requirements but the cost is overwhelming. Private schools of fer many more
scholarships than state or city funded schools. Also, consider that there are many private colleges
located in the New York City area for those who would rather stay close to home. Know and adhere
to college application deadlines.
16

Many private schools, especially the more selective and competitive ones, have applications that con-
sist of several pages and ask for a variety of information. They might seem intimidating, but the more
of these applications you see, the more you realize they are asking for much of the same information.
Many of these colleges use a form called the Common Application which is accepted in lieu of their
own application. Students should visit the website at www.commonapp.org to determine whether or
not to use this application. It is highly recommended to use the Common App if you are applying to at
least three or more of the private schools that
accept it. The Common App can be completed
online, saved, and printed. Teachers and college
advisors can do their recommendations for you
online. Your Learning Leader can also assist you
with this application. You will need to submit an
essay and a supplemental application. It is also
advisable to include a resume. As previously
mentioned, adhere to the deadl i nes, answer al l
col lege requests for supplementar y i nformation, feel f ree to request an interview, and contact the
admissions of fice to make certain they have received all the information required.
To receive f inancial aid from a private col lege or university you must complete the Free Application
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) af ter January 1st and, if you and (if applicable) your parents are
New Yor k State resi dents and you are appl yi ng to any pr i vates i n New Yor k State, t he
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application. The FAFSA and TAP applications are used to determine
the amount and type(s) of f inancial aid for which you may be eligible. Onl y New York State col leges
wil l provide TAP funds as a part of your f inancial aid package. Col leges outside of New York State
wil l provide f inancial aid packages from col lege grants and other funds, possibl y federal loans, to
create your individual f inancial aid package.
The FAFSA is available at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You will be directed to the TAP application after com-
pleting the online FAFSA by the schools who request it. Some private colleges may also require the
completion of the CSS/PROFILE that you can fill out by going to www.collegeboard.com. In addition,
some colleges may require the completion of institutional financial aid forms with stated deadlines.
The admission committee meets and either grants or denies admission.
The f inancial aid of f ice determines how much money is available to distribute. The f inancial aid
of f ice awards f inancial aid packages to admitted students within the limits of available resources
and notif ies candidates of its award.
17
REMEMBER Selective colleges
have more demanding admission
processes and earlier application
deadlines than the general
stated guidelines.

General Questions about Applying to College
Q What should I do if I am wait listed?
A Place a deposit at another school where you have been accepted to reserve your space
in case you are not removed from the wait list at your first-choice school. Send the college
where you are wait listed a detailed letter restating your interest. You may want to include your
midyear grades, if they improve your position, or other information that could improve your
chances. Follow up with a letter or call to the admission of fice to ask how you can improve your
chances of being admitted. Also ask about the length of the wait list, where you fall, and when
the of fice expects to make of fers. Colleges are expected to notify you of resolution of your
wait-list status by August 1st.
Q In addition to academic performance and personal profile,
what else do colleges want to know about a student?
A Colleges want as much relevant information as possible about a student so they can get a clear
picture of the student's abilities. They want to know whether there are family, educational, social,
emotional, heal th, f i nancial, language, or other si tuations that have put the student at a
disadvantage and what progress the student has made to overcome those obstacles.
Q Should I submit extra information to the college?
A Submit additional material on your behalf only if it is creative and says something positive and
dif ferent about you that is not already included in your application. If your learning style is
di f ferent and documented by a psychologist or physician, you must sel f-disclose such
information to the admission staf f so they will have a clear picture of your abilities.
Q I really want to attend XYZ University; however, I received a much better
financial aid package from ABC College. Is there anything I can do to
obtain additional money from my first-choice school?
A Bargaining with the college financial aid of fice at selective schools has become a reality. Call and
declare that you really want to attend that school but the aid of fer at ABC College is more
attractive. Provide valid reasons why you need a better aid package. If you are successful, send
the school a certif ied letter conf irming what was agreed.
Q I would like to visit colleges to get a firsthand picture of the campuses,
but I am financially unable to. Any suggestions?
A Some col leges have made CD ROMs available to high schools. See your col lege advisor to see
if any are available. Some col leges of fer virtual tours online at the col lege website. Many
col leges of fer plane, train, or bus tickets to students at no charge if they've been accepted,
while others sponsor bus trips for New York City students. Check with the admission of f ice for
their policy.
18

Q How do colleges treat Advanced Placement or honors classes?
A If you took Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school and did wel l on the Advanced
Placement tests, you may be eligible for col lege credit, which wil l enable you to begin col lege
with col lege credits. Each school sets its own requirements. Some col leges do not grant
Advanced Placement credit but wil l al low you to take a placement test and then assign you to
classes according to your score. For admission purposes, AP and honors classes are favored
if your high school of fers such classes.
Q I am graduating in June. What can I do during the summer to prepare for college?
A See your physician, dentist, and optometrist. If you wear glasses, get a copy
of your prescription. Have your physician complete the col leges health forms.
Prepare a list of things to bring from home to col lege.
Get a head start on col lege reading requirements.
Complete your housing contract, and send the col lege your deposits.
Contact your roommate to get to know one another and arrange who wil l bring what.
Plan a budget and the way you are going to handle the spending of money.
Possibilities are a lump sum, regular deposits into a checking account,
a credit card, or a joint checking account with your parents.
Save money for beginning col lege expenses. If you wil l be participating in a col lege
work-study program, remember that there can be a three- to four-week lag between
starting the position and receiving your paycheck.
Start gathering together the necessar y paperwork youl l need to bring with you.
This should include copies of medical and insurance records, high school transcripts,
and al l correspondence from the col lege.
Q One of the questions on the college application asks whether I waive my rights
to review the completed recommendations. Should I do so?
A Col leges gi ve much more weight to recommendations that are not reviewed by applicants.
They suspect that if you review them prior to admission, you wil l submit onl y those that show
you in the best possible light; therefore, they lose their objectivity.
19

20

4
21
Questions to Ask about Two-Year
Community and Technical Schools
Is campus housing available?
What percentage of students graduate?
What percentage of students find jobs in the field for which they were trained?
Is the equipment modern? Is such equipment currently being used professionally in the field?
Is equipment available for after-school practice? Is there any charge for this?
How many students are assigned to each piece of equipment? In a computer class,
is there one machine per student for the entire class period?
Do teachers have degrees from legitimate and accredited institutions?
Are the teachers licensed in the subjects they are teaching?
What are the admission requirements? Are they the same for all programs and courses?
Is the school nationally accredited? by the National Association of Trade and
Technical Schools or the Association of Independent Colleges and Schools?
Are the teachers teaching more than one subject or at more than one level at the
same time within the same class?
What types of support services are available?
What is the cost of attendance?
What is the school policy on refunds
to students who drop out?
Can credits be transferred to
another school?
How large are the lecture classes?
the lab classes?
What are the facilities like?
What are the graduation requirements?
What financial aid is available to qualified students?
What percentage of students default on their loans?
Does your college have articulation agreements with any four year institutions?
What percentage of students who graduate with degrees find employment before graduation?
Students will not be
ableto get federal aid
to attend a trade school
with a student loan default
rate of more than 25%
for three consecutive years.

22
5
Tests and Pretests for College
PSAT/NMSQT
(Preliminar y SAT
/National Merit Scholarship Qualif ying Test)

The PSAT/NMSQT is one of the best ways to prepare for the SAT Reasoning Test. It also allows
students to compete for National Merit Scholarships, for National Scholarship Service (NSSFNS)
scholarships, and for the National Hispanic Recognition Program. Many local scholarships are based
on PSAT scores. Students who respond to the Student Descriptive Questionnaire are automatically
registered for the Student Search Service and receive information from colleges based on their
responses. Answer as accurately as possible to receive information that will benefit you in your search
for a college. Students may receive invitations to apply to honors programs, may learn about recruit-
ment visits and open houses, may be alerted to scholarships and other financial aid opportunities, and
may become informed about summer programs.
Test Facts
The PSAT/NMSQT includes five sections:
Two 25-minute critical reading sections
Two 25-minute math sections
One 30-minute writing skil ls section
The whole test requires two hours and 10 minutes. The math section
tests basic knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, and geometr y.
Students are not expected to recal l or memorize facts for this test.
The test can be taken only by sophomores and juniors.
Junior scores are submitted to the NMSQ competition.
The PSAT/NMSQT is only of fered on two days in October. Check with
your college advisor for the exact dates and to register for the test.
Students are strongly encouraged to take a calculator to the PSAT/NMSQT, whether or not they
plan to use it. Students may use a nonprogrammable, four-function scientific or graphic calculator.
They may not use a calculator with a paper tape or printer, a handheld minicomputer, a pocket
organizer, or a laptop computer. However, all questions can be answered without a calculator.
General Skills Needed
Ef fective use of time
Familiarity with test-taking strategies
Ability to follow directions
Knowledge of how to approach the dif ferent types of questions
Familiarity with marking of answer sheets

23
SAT Reasoning Test (SAT) and ACT
Many col leges require that students submit scores from either the SAT Reasoning Test (SAT) or the
ACT (American Col lege Testing Program). Most col leges accept either one. Check with the col leges
to which you are appl ying to be sure. Col leges say one of the best predictors of freshman GPA is a
combination of SAT or ACT scores and high school record. Test scores are considered in light of the
students educational, linguistic, cultural, and socioeconomic background.
SAT Reasoning Test (SAT) Facts
The SAT Reasoning Test (SAT) measures reasoning abilities and includes a Critical Reading,
Mathematics, and Writing section, with a specific number of questions related to content.
The critical reading section, formerly known as the verbal section, includes short reading
passages along with the existing long reading passages. Analogies have been eliminated,
but sentence-completion questions and passage-based reading questions remain.
The SAT includes expanded math topics, such as exponential growth, absolute value, and
functional notation, and place greater emphasis on such other topics as linear functions,
manipulations with exponents, and properties of tangent lines.
The writing section includes both multiple-choice questions and a direct writing measure
in the form of an essay.
The best preparation is long-term, achieved by taking
challenging academic courses and doing much reading.
Students must develop their reasoning, critical-thinking, and test-taking skills.
Students are al lowed to use calculators on the math sections. Calculators should be
nonprogrammable, four-function scientif ic or graphic calculators. Students may not use
a calculator with a paper tape or printer, a handheld minicomputer, a pocket organizer,
or a laptop computer.
Students should take the test in April or May of their junior year and again in October
or November of their senior year. Registration forms can be obtained from college advisors
or students can register online at www.collegeboard.com. Check the registration deadlines
because there is an additional fee for late registration.
SAT scores are reported on a scale from 200 to 800 for each section, with additional
subscores reported for the essay (ranging from 2 to 12) and for multiple-choice writing
questions (on a 20 to 80 scale).
You can cancel your score by contacting the College Board in writing by 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time)
on the Wednesday after the test date if you think you did poorly. You wont see your scores,
but neither will colleges.
To see your SAT test questions and answers, plan to take the test when the Question-and-Answer
Service (QAS) is available. Check with your college advisor, or see the SAT registration booklet
for current QAS dates.
SAT score reports are cumulative. Each score report sent to a college includes scores of up to
six SAT exams; however, most colleges consider only your highest combined scores.
Testing accommodations are available for students with disabilities.

24
ACT Facts
The ACT (American College Testing Program) is a curriculum based achievement test consisting
of academic tests in English, mathematics, reading, and science-and an optional Writing Test.
In addition to assessing students' academic performance and college readiness in the five
academic areas, the ACT consists of three noncognitive components that students respond
to when they register for an ACT national test date. The noncognitive components include
a High School Course/Grade Information Questionnaire; an ACT Interest Inventory; and a
Student Profile Section.
Scale scores for each of the four multiple tests range from 1 (low) to 36 (high) and a
composite score range from 1 (low) to 36 (high). The composite is the average of the
four multiple-choice test scores, rounded to an integer.
Two scores are reported for the optional Writing Test: a Combined English/Writing
score on a scale of 1-36 and a Writing subscore on a scale of 2-12.
Check with your college advisor for registration and testing dates and for information
about the ACT and the optional Writing Test. For additional information, students are
also encouraged to visit the student ACT website at www.actstudent.org.
ACT recommends that students should take the ACT in April or May of their junior year.
Registration forms are available from college advisors, and students may also register
online by visiting the student ACT website www.actstudent.org.
Students may use almost any 4-function, scientific, or graphing calculator on the ACT
Mathematics Test (but not on any of the other tests in the ACT). Students are not required
to use a calculator.
Because much of the knowledge and skills that are taught in high school is being measured
on the ACT, the approach that is most likel y to increase ACT scores is long-term learning
in schoolrigorous high school coursework, rather than cramming and coaching.
Students with diagnosed and documented disabilities may apply for testing accommodations.
SAT Subject Tests
TM
SAT Subject Tests are basic skill tests in major academic areas. Some of the competitive colleges are
requiring students to take one or more Subject Tests. They review the scores in conjunction with the
students high school grades and SAT Reasoning Test score. Some schools require specific subject
tests; others leave the choice to the student. Some colleges request Mathematics Level 1 or
Mathematics Level 2. Check individual college catalogs for each colleges specific requirements.
These exams are more dif ficult than the New York State Regents Exams. If youre given a choice, pick
those areas in which you did well. It is best to take the SAT Subject Test of your choice immediately
af ter completing the course, while the material is still fresh in your mind. The Mathematics Level 1 test
should be taken af ter Sequential Math II (MQ6); Mathematics Level 2 (Calculus) should be taken after
Pre-Calculus. SAT Subject Tests are given six times a year, but not all tests are given on each test date.
Check with your college advisor for registration and test dates.

25
Advanced Placement Exams
Advanced Placement tests are given in May to students in Advanced Placement courses. The scores
range from a high of 5 to a low of 1. If you do wel l, you may be eligible for col lege credit, which wil l
enable you to graduate earlier. Each school sets its own requi rements. Some col leges do not grant
Advanced Placement credit but al low you to take placement tests and assign you to classes
according to your scores.
TOEFL ( Test of English as a Foreign Language)
The TOEFL is used by col leges to determine the level of English prof iciency of students whose
nati ve language is not English. Some colleges waive the requirement if the student has successfully
completed at least two semesters or one year of high school Regents-Level English with a grade of
75 or higher. Nonnati ve English-speaking students whose verbal scores on col lege admission tests
are low should consider taking the TOEFL.
TOEFL TEST FACTS
The test has four parts.
1. Listening Comprehension: This multiple-choice section is designed
to measure the ability to understand spoken North American English.
It contains three parts and is 60 minutes in length.
2. Structure and Written Expression: This multiple-choice section is designed
to measure the ability to recognize language that is appropriate for standard
written English. It is 20 minutes in length.
3. Reading Comprehension: This multiple-choice section is designed to measure
the ability to read and understand short passages similar in topic and style to
those found in North American universities and colleges. It is 90 minutes in length.
4. Writing Ability: Students are given 30 minutes to write an essay. A topic is assigned.
The paper exam score range is 310667. In the Educational Testing Services computer-based
exam, the score range is 40300.
There is no specified passing score; colleges set their own TOEFL score requirements.
Check with the colleges you are applying to regarding their TOEFL requirements.
The TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service in Princeton, NJ.
Applicants should request their scores be sent to the colleges they are applying to.
See your college advisor for additional information.

26
ACT at a GLANCE
The ACT
test contains four curriculum-based tests that measure academic achievement in the areas of English,
mathematics, reading, and science as well as an optional Writing Test. The specific knowledge and skills selected
for evaluation are determined through a detailed analysis of three sources of information. First, the objectives for
instruction for grades seven through twelve are examined for al l states in the United States that have published
such objectives. Second, textbooks on state-approved lists for courses in grades seven through twelve are
reviewed. Third, educators at the secondary and postsecondary levels are surveyed and consulted to determine
the knowledge and skills taught in grades seven through twelve that are prerequisite to successful performance
in postsecondary courses.
Registration, Test Dates and Fees
Check with your college advisor for registration and testing dates and for information about the ACT and the optional
Writing Test. To order ACT Registration packets, call 319/337-1270 or go to www.act.org/aap/forms/counsel.html.
For additional information, students are also encouraged to visit the student ACT website at www.actstudent.org.
ACT English Test 75 items, 45 minutes Contents/Skills Number of Items
The English Test measures the students understanding of the conven-
tions of standard written English (punctuation, grammar and usage,
and sentence structure) and of rhetorical skills (strategy, organization,
and style). Spelling, vocabulary, and rote recall of rules of grammar are
not tested. Three scores are reported: a total test score, a subscore
in Usage/Mechanics, and a subscore in Rhetorical Skil ls.
ACT Reading Test 40 items, 35 minutes Content Area Number of Items
The Reading Test measures the students reading comprehension as
a product of referring and reasoning skil ls. The test items requi re the
student to derive meaning from several texts by (1) referring to what is
explicitly stated and (2) reasoni ng to determi ne i mpl ici t meani ngs
and to draw conclusions, comparisons, and generalizations. The
test comprises four prose passages that are representative of the
level and kinds of writing commonl y encountered in col lege freshman
curricula. The passages are selected from published sources. Three
scores are reported: a total test score, a subscore in Arts/Literature
reading skil ls (based on the prose f iction and humanities sections),
and a subscore in Social Studies/Sciences reading skills (based on the
social studies and natural sciences sections).
ACT Mathematics Test 60 items, 60 minutes Content Area Number of Items
The Mathematics Test assesses the mathematical skills that students
have typically acquired in courses taken up to the beginning of grade
twelve. The test requires students to use their reasoning skil ls to solve
practical problems in mathematics. The problems assume knowledge of
basic formulas and computational skills but do not require memorization
of complex formulas or extensive computation. The use of calculators is
permitted on the Mathematics Test. Four scores are reported: a total test
score and a subscore in Pre-Algebra/Elementary Algebra, Intermediate
Algebra/Coordinate Geometry, and Plane Geometry/Trigonometry.
Usage/Mechanics 40
Punctuation 10
Basic Grammar and Usage 12
Sentence Structure 18
Rhetorical Skills 35
Strategy 12
Organization 11
Style 12
Total 75
Prose Fiction 10
Humanities 10
Social Studies 10
Natural Sciences 10
Total 40
Pre-Algebra 14
Elementar y Algebra 10
Intermediate Algebra 9
Coordinate Geometr y 9
Plane Geometr y 14
Trigonometr y 4
Total 60

27
ACT Science Test 40 items, 35 minutes Content Area Format Number of Items
The Science Test measures the students interpretation,
anal ysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving
skil ls required in the natural sciences. The test is made
up of seven sections, each of which consists of some
scientif ic information (the stimulus) and a set of test
items The scientif ic information is conveyed in one of
three dif ferent formats. One score, a total test score, is
reported for the ACT Science Test.
ACT Reading Test optional, 30 minutes
The Writing Test is an optional 30-minute essay test that measures writing skills emphasized in high school English
classes and in entr y-level col lege composition courses. The test consists of one writing prompt that describes
two points of view on an issue, and students are asked to write a response about thei r position on the issue. The
prompts are designed to be appropriate for response in a 30-minute timed test and to ref lect students interests
and experiences. Students have the option of registering for the ACT onl y or the ACT Plus Writing. The Writing
Test may not be taken alone.
Scoring the ACT Writing Test. Taking the Writing Test does not af fect students scores on the multiple-choice
tests or their Composite score. Rather, students who took both the English and Writing tests receive two additional
scores: a Combined English/Writing score on a scale of 136 and a Writing subscore on a scale of 212. Students
also receive comments on their essays, and the essays are available to their high school and the colleges to which
scores are reported from that test date.
ACT Essay View
ACT Essay View is a free Web-based service that allows high schools and colleges to look at and download images
of actual written responses for students who receive a score on the ACT Writing Test and list that school to receive
scores. One person at each high school serves as the contact for ACT Essay View for that school. The ACT contact
person for your school can provide the account login information to as many individuals at your school as they
authorize. In fact, ACT encourages the contact person to make this service known to others at the school, includ-
ing English teachers or others assisting students or those making decisions on the basis of the ACT Writing results.
The text of student essays may be used in a variety of ways. Teachers may want to read all the essays for students
in a particular class (if all or most took the Writing Test) and make their own observations about the performance of
their students. Essays may also be used in individual tutorial sessions with students. Allowing students to score their
own essays with the six-point rubric or asking them to rewrite or revise their essays can help them learn where and
how to improve their writing.
ACT Noncognitive Components
The noncognitive components of the ACT include the High School Course/Grade Information questionnaire, the
ACT Interest Inventor y, and the Student Prof ile Section. They appear in the booklet Registering for the ACT.
Students respond to them when they register for an ACT national test date.
High School Course/Grade Information To increase the usefulness of ACT results, the High School Course/
Grade Information questionnaire asks students about the courses they have completed or plan to take in high school
and the grades they have received.
ACT Interest Inventor y The ACT Interest Inventory is completed when students register for the ACT. The Unisex
Edition of the ACT Interest Inventor y (UNIACT) consists of 90 items. The six UNIACT scales were developed to
paral lel Hol lands six interest and occupational types.
Student Profile Section The Student Profile Section (SPS) collects responses about students educational and
vocational aspirations, plans, abilities, accomplishments, and needs.
Biology Data
Representation 15
Earth/Space Research
Sciences Summaries 18
Chemistr y Conf licting
Physics Viewpoints 7
Total 40

28
Comparative Features of ACT and SAT Reasoning Test
$29, or $43 with the Writing Test
Designed to measure academic achievement
in the areas of English, mathematics, reading,
and science.
ACT English Test 75 items, 45 minutes
Usage/Mechanics
Punctuation
Basic Grammar and Usage
Sentence Structure
Rhetorical Skills
Strategy
Organization
Style
ACT Mathematics Test 60 items, 60 minutes
Pre-Algebra, Elementar y Algebra,
Intermediate Algebra,
Coordinated Geometr y,
Plane Geometr y, Trigonometr y
ACT Reading Test 40 items, 35 minutes
Prose Fiction
Humanities (Art Histor y, Art, Music,
Philosophy, Theater, Architecture, Dance,
Religion/Ethics, Literar y Criticism)
Social Studies (Histor y, Political Science)
Natural Sciences (Biology, Chemistr y,
Physics, Physical Sciences)
ACT Science Test 40 items, 35 minutes
Interpretation anal ysis, evaluation,
reasoning, and problem-solving skil ls
in Biology, Earth/Space Sciences,
Chemistr y and Physics
ACT Writing Test (optional) 1 prompt, 30 min
Measures writing skil ls emphasized in
high school English classes and in
entr y-level col lege composition courses.
Consists of a 30 minute Essay.
Scores based on number of right answers.
No penalty for guessing.
$41.50
Designed to measure critical reading,
writing, and mathematical reasoning skil ls.
SAT Writing (Mandator y) 60 minutes
Multiple Choice 35 minutes
Essay 25 minutes
SAT Mathematics 70 minutes
Arithmetic
Algebra
Geometr y
SAT Critical Reading 70 minutes
Sentence Completion
Critical Reading in Humanities
Social Narrative
No Science Test
Scores adjusted for guessing.
Correct answers carr y ful l weight
while a chance-level penalty is applied
for each incorrect answer.
Test Fee
Test
Purpose
Test
Content
Method of
Scoring
ACT SAT Reasoning Test (SAT)

29
Comparative Features of ACT and SAT Reasoning Test
ACT English Test: 1-36
Usage/Mechanics: 1-18
Rhetorical Skil ls: 1-18
ACT Reading Test: 1-36
Arts and Literature: 1-18
Social Studies and Sciences: 1-18
ACT Mathematics Test: 1-36
Pre-Algebra & Elementar y Algebra: 1-18
Inter. Algebra & Coordinate Geometr y: 1-18
Plane Geometr y & Trigonometr y: 1-18
ACT Science Test: 1-36
ACT Composite: 1-36
Average of 4 test scores
does not include Writing Test
ACT Combined English/ Writing: 1-36
Essay Sub Score : 2-12
Student Profile Section
Background (Demographics)
High School courses & grades
Admission/enrol lment information
Educational plans, interests, and needs
Special Educational needs, interests, goals
Col lege extracurricular plans
High school info. and extracurricular acti vities
Out of class accomplishments
Evaluation of high school experience
Educational and Career Planning
ACT Interest Inventor y
World-of-Work Map
Col lege Majors and Programs
Admissions (accepted by most,
but not al l, col leges and uni versities)
Talent identification
Academic advising
Freshman course placement decisions
Awarding course credit
(especial l y in English and math courses)
Awarding scholarships (not sole criterion)
Class Profile Service
Prediction Research Service
Course Placement Service
Retention Research Service
SAT Writing: 200-800
Multiple Choice: 20-80
Essay: 2-12
SAT Critical Reading: 200-800
SAT Mathematics: 200-800
No Science Test
SAT Total: 600-2400
sum of SAT Critical Reading,
Math, and Writing scores
Student Descriptive Questionnaire
Background (Demographics)
Educational Background
High School & Community Activities
Sports
Student Plans for Col lege
Admissions (accepted by most,
but not al l, col leges and uni versities)
Talent identification
Academic advising
Freshman course placement decisions
Awarding Scholarships (not sole criterion)
Class Profile Service
Validity Research Service
Test
Score
Scales
Student
Information
Common
Uses
Research
Services
ACT SAT Reasoning Test (SAT)

30
6
Factors Leading to Success in College
and Living on Campus
One of every 10 col lege freshmen drops out during the f irst year, and onl y four of every 10 graduate.
You have worked too hard to wind up as a college dropout statistic. To be successful, you must:
Recognize that the first year of college is not grade 13 in high school.
Take full advantage of first-year orientation.
Make ever y attempt to attend the col lege orientation program. It is a wonderful way to meet
classmates and become acquainted with your school. This is the time to ask questions such as,
Where are the various college of fices located (see the list below for some of the most common ones)?
Where is the best place to buy books? What student acti vities/clubs exist? What services and
workshops are available? Learn the organization of your college and take advantage of the services,
most of which are free.
Put your studies before your social life. Be involved but not overcommitted.
COLLEGE OFFICES
Residential Life Of fice Room assignments, room keys, and maintenance
Deans Of fice Academic and nonacademic advisement
Health and Psychological Services Registered nurses, emergency medical
technicians 24/7, physician on call, and counseling services
Chaplains Of fice Worship opportunities and individual counseling
Police and Security Round-the-clock protection and escort services,
loanable engravers for marking valuables
Student Activities Of fice Information on clubs and activities
Writing Center One-on-one assistance with writing
Multicultural or Diversity Student Of fice Academic and social support
Bookstore Books for courses and other college-related books and merchandise
Financial Aid and Loan Of fice Questions regarding financial aid packages
Foreign Student Of fice Visas, documentation, and support services
Parking Of fice Rent parking space and obtain parking registration
Registrar Grades of fice

31
Face reality and make the necessar y adjustments.
Learn how to cope with formal lectures in large auditoriums.
Realize that college courses require more reading and thinking and less memorization
than high school courses.
Accept full responsibility for your mistakes. Do not use the teacher as a scapegoat.
Avoid procrastination. Dont delay studying or completion of assignments until the last minute.
Know the of fice hours of each of your professors.
Seek assistance from the professor immediately if you are not doing well.
Set realistic class schedules.
Many f i rst-year students do not do wel l the f i rst year because they set unrealistic class schedules.
You should not schedule more than three hours of classes in a row. Schedule a lunch hour for each
day, and dont al low your classes to overlap. If you think you wil l miss earl y morning classes, then
schedule evening or af ternoon classes. Adhere to deadlines for dropping or adding courses and
making grade changes. Be sure to schedule enough credits so you are not put on academic probation
and can continue to receive financial aid.
Understand your grading options.
Regular grades: usually A, B, C, D, and F
Pass/fail: anything above a D is a passing grade.
Audit: You can attend lectures when you want and take final exams. If you pass the final,
your transcript will show a grade of audit. If you fail, nothing appears on your transcript.
You will not receive academic credit for classes you audit.
Incomplete: Extra time is given to complete course work.
If work is not completed, your transcript will show a failing grade.
Repeat: If you receive a grade of C, D, or F, you can take the course over. In some schools,
only the second grade will appear on the transcript; in others, the final grade is the average of
the two. Check the institutions policy.
Learn how to budget your time.
You are usual l y expected to complete two hours of outside work for each class hour. Assignments
are gi ven weeks in advance and requi re careful planning. Schedule study ti me around f ixed
commitments. Remember to schedule dail y-li ving acti vities and recreation time. Schedule study
times with your roommate without telephone cal ls, TV, and other distractions.
Use your computer to do research and complete assignments.
Limit your email and IM usage!

32
Develop good study skills, and set realistic study guidelines.
Learning Styles
We all have dif ferent learning styles. Some of us learn best by reading and writing, others by listening,
and stil l others by appl ying the skil ls and knowledge to speci f ic problems. If your learning style
is visual, use tables, graphs, charts, and f lash cards to help you remember. If your learning style is
aural, read your textbooks and notes aloud, and use a tape recorder to reinforce materials.
Memorization and Retention
Following are some hints to help you increase your level of retention of materials.
Study in a cool environment. Studies show that a room temperature of 68 degrees is best.
If you go to sleep right af ter studying, you will remember more in the morning than
if you stay awake.
Study the most dif ficult subjects first.
Associate information with as many senses as possible.
Memorize facts in short periods of 20 minutes each.
Avoid distractions.
Tie in old information with new.
Reject negative attitudes. When you lack interest in or dislike a subject,
you will have dif ficulty learning it.
Use study tricks to help you remember, such as mnemonic devices and acronyms.
Review.
Test-taking Hints
Do a quick review of materials before you go to sleep and upon awakening.
Eat properly.
Wear comfortable clothes.
Bring a watch.
Arrive early.
Stay away from other students before the exam.
Read directions carefully.
When you dont know an answer and there is no penalty for incorrect answers, guess.
Write legibly.
Dont watch what others are doing. It only adds to your anxiety.

33
Develop a positive working relationship with faculty.
The most successful college students are those who have developed and nurtured a good relation-
ship with faculty. Begin by demonstrating your interest in the subject. Attend classes regularl y, be
on time, and participate in discussions. Prepare for classes by keeping up with reading assignments
and asking pertinent questions. Stay af ter class to discuss lecture material in more depth, look
thoughtful, listen intently, and maintain eye contact.
Don't fall asleep or daydream in class. Stay focused.
From time to time we all experience some form of stress or anxiety as a result of frustration,
conflict, change, and/or pressure. Here are some hints for keeping stress in check.
Build some fun into your schedule.
Take time to relax, play, and sleep.
Develop time management skills, and stay organized. Keep a calendar
of your assignments and test dates. Organize your book bag daily.
Start studying in advance of test dates. Dont plan to study every night and on weekends.
Prioritize and set time limits.
Divide large tasks into smaller ones.
Set realistic expectations.
If you cant do anything about a situation, stop worrying about it and move to something else.
If you have a problem, talk it out, escape for a while, identify the reasons for your frustrations,
and work of f the anger.
Seek professional help from college counselors. Dont turn to alcohol or drugs.
Living on Campus
Along with the academic changes that col lege brings, living on campus adds another dimension to
the col lege experience. Here are some suggestions to make the transition successful l y.
Things to Bring (or Have) with You
Computer. A laptop is a great investment and you can
take it with you around campus or when you go home.
Sturdy backpack
Personal planner/calendar
Scientific calculator
All correspondence from the college
Copies of medical and insurance records
High school transcript(s)
Walking shoes
Resident advisors campus phone number

Rolls of quarters for washing machines and vending machines
First-aid kit
Stain removal chart
Types of Residence Halls
Many colleges of fer students a choice of the type of residence hall they would like to live in. They range
from single sex to coed and from quiet to multiage, to substance free. Think careful l y about your
choice, since it is of ten dif ficult to change once residence halls have been assigned. Many students
who opt for a private room regret it and later miss not having a roommate for companionship. If there
are problems with roommates, seek help from your resident advisor.
When you arrive on campus, check out your room.
Notif y the school residential life of f ice of anything that is broken, chipped, or damaged. Otherwise,
you might be f ined for damages when you check out at the end of the year.
Living with a Roommate
Keep lines of communication open from the first moment that you discover who your roommate is.
Listen to what your roommate has to say. Discuss everything: sleeping habits, special
medications, study habits, music, entertaining, and friends.
Set ground rules for living together. Discuss the sharing of housekeeping duties and
expenses and who will bring what.
Treat your roommate as your equal by respecting each others right to privacy.
Dont try to reform or correct your roommate.
Dont buy anything jointly.
Be careful about gossiping.
Dont become Siamese twins with your roommate.
Dont eavesdrop.
Dont borrow food or clothing without asking.
In General
During your first year, limit your participation in extracurricular activities. Check out
each activity carefully. An activity may demand more time than you can af ford to give.
Prepare and live within a reasonable budget.
Dont overextend yourself by using credit cards. Avoid the free give-aways that
credit card companies use during the first weeks of school to entice students.
Learn to say no when social activities interfere with academic requirements.
Find a quiet place to study/work.
Limit all phone usage.
34

If You Commute
College is a time to expand your horizons.
Spread your classes out, and allow time to enjoy campus life.
Participate in at least one extracurricular activity; make new friends.
Use the library as much as possible.
Dont let excessive family commitments result in poor grades.
Use your campus as a place to study and get work done
especially if you are distracted at home.
Security
Never leave your keys anywhere or lend them to your friends.
Dont leave your bicycle outdoors.
Avoid desolate areas.
Try not to walk or jog alone at night; have your keys ready before you reach your door.
Never leave your laptop unattended.
Engrave your portable valuables with your name and student ID number.
Never leave your room door unlocked.
Cover any jewelry when youre walking alone.
Do not use automatic teller machines at night when you are alone.
Protection against Date Rape
Attend a self-defense class.
Choose friends and dates carefully.
Keep your date public.
Be alert to the types of ideas your actions are generating.
Be careful at fraternity parties or any other parties.
Think twice before inviting your date to your room.
Fight back physically if necessary.
Do not leave a drink unattended; always take your drink with you.
35

36
7
Tips for Parents and Guardians
Ever y high school has staf f members who of fer guidance and counseling ser vices to students.
Such staf f members are special l y trained to help students with academic and personal problems
as wel l as with col lege planning, f inancial aid, and col lege applications. Find out who they are and
where they are located. Do not hesitate to consult them when problems arise. Many schools have
peer tutors or school volunteers who are available for one-to-one tutoring and col lege assistance.
Learn the requirements for high school graduation. Keep track of your childs progress, and make
sure your child takes all the necessary courses.
Encourage your teenager to take responsibili t y for his or her future. Stress the i mpor tance of
postsecondar y education. Discuss col lege plans together, and hel p develop a plan of action.
Most col leges want more math, science, and foreign-language credits than are usual l y required for
high school graduation. Make certain your child is taking courses that will increase the chances of
acceptance into their school of choice. Col leges look favorabl y on students who have taken the
most advanced courses they are capable of.
Encourage your child to become familiar with the different tests required by colleges. Make sure your
child registers and takes them. SAT Subject Tests are tests given in various subjects. They should be
taken af ter the student completes the course, while the material is fresh in mind. PSATs should be
taken in the sophomore and junior year, while SATs and ACTs should be taken in the spring of the
junior year and again during the fal l of the senior year. Al l schools should have fee wai vers available.
Check with the col lege advisor.
Do not rule out college because of cost. If you have economic need, government and institutional
money is available in the form of grants, work-study programs, loans, and scholarships. Some fee
waivers are available to qualified students for SATs, ACTs, and college applications. To receive finan-
cial aid, parents must prepare such financial documents as IRS forms, state income tax forms, Social
Security vouchers, and so on. Many col leges have earl y f inancial aid deadlines. Plan to f ile your
tax returns as soon as possible after January 1 of your childs senior year. Attend any financial aid
meetings of fered by the school or any outside organizations.
Set an example for your child. It is never too late to continue your own education. The New York City
Department of Education Auxiliar y Services for High Schools and the City Uni versity of New York
of fer courses to improve English and prepare for the general educational development (GED) exam.
You can attend classes during the day or in the evening. Many col leges gi ve credit for work and/or
volunteer and life experiences. If you have a high school diploma or a general equi valency diploma,
you can enrol l as a regular student at the City University. Cal l for information:
Free Literacy Classes (day) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212-673-8254
Free GED Classes (day and evening) . . . . . . . . 212-673-8254
Free English Classes (day and evening). . . . . . 212-673-8254
City University of New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212-794-5555
State University of New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-342-3811

37
Senior year is a stressful time for both student and parent. Each may have a dif ferent agenda and
dif ferent priorities. Everyone must recognize the need for family discussions and careful planning.
It is the students responsibility to complete the college application, write required essays, and follow
through with the necessary documentation. Parents do not help their children by doing it for them.
Attend any Senior Parent College Night programs that are of fered. It is important to work together
in the college admissions and financial aid process.
College expenses begin in your childs senior year. Seniors need money for college applications,
SAT or ACT applications, and senior-class activities. This can add up to several hundred dollars.
Help your child become more self-suf ficient. Encourage your child to do laundry, cook simple meals,
prepare a budget and live within it, balance a checkbook, and handle medical emergencies.
Do not assume that your child is ineligible for financial aid because your family income is too high.
Many factors are considered in the determination of eligibility. They include the size of the household,
the famil ys New York State net taxable income, the famil ys adjusted gross income (used for federal
programs), the age of the older parent, the number of famil y members attending col lege, unusual
famil y circumstances, and famil y expenses. You should f ile the Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA) even if you think you are ineligible. Remember that col lege f inancial aid of f icers of ten
use this information to disburse no-need scholarships.
Remember that:
Your expected contribution toward the cost of your childs education remains
the same regardless of tuition because it is based on the FAFSA need analysis.
Financial aid must be renewed yearly and will vary from year to year.
With the exception of the family contribution, Pell grants and financial aid packages
may vary greatly from school to school.
Loans have to be repaid. Too many loans can become a financial burden.
Students should not send deposits until they have a financial aid package in hand.
College costs are an investment in your childs future.
Every high school in New York City should have a Parent Coordinator who can assist you
with any questions or problems, and who can direct you who to see for any type of assistance.
Call the school for the name and contact information.

38
8
Hints for Success
in High School: 9th12th Grade
Your future is up to you. This is the time to start thinking about where you would like to be five years
from now and what you can do to reach that goal. Your parents, teachers, and school staf f will help,
but you must do your share and take responsibility for your future.
Establish high priorities for attendance, homework, and studying.
If you are working at a part-time job that doesnt contribute to your familys support,
limit the number of hours you work so that you can devote additional time to your studies.
Make certain you are taking the necessary college-track courses.
Do not expect to handle serious problems alone.
Look to the school staf f for help.
Form good relationships with your teachers;
communicate with them on a regular basis.
Be honest and accept responsibility for mistakes or failures. Learn from them.
During your last senior term, you may have time for electives. Use this time wisely,
and select courses that will prepare you for college-level work.
REMEMBER
Your highest priority is school.

39
High School Courses Recommended for College Bound Students
English: 4 years Mathematics: 4 years
Types of classes: Types of classes:
Composition Algebra I
American literature Geometry
English literature Algebra II
World literature Trigonometry
Precalculus
Calculus
Math A and B
Histor y and Geography: 34 years Laborator y Science: 34 years
Geography Biology
U.S. history Earth Science
U.S. government Chemistry
World history Physics
World cultures
Civics
Visual and Per forming Ar ts: 1 year Challenging Electives: 13 years
Art Economics
Dance Psychology
Drama Computer Science
Music Statistics
Communications
Foreign Language: a minimum of 3 years of the same language is recommended
for col lege; 4 years is ideal.

40
9
College-Planning Calendar
9th Grade Checklist
Inform (or remind) your school guidance counselor that you plan to attend col lege,
and make sure your class schedule includes al l of the appropriate courses.
Discuss AP and Honors class requirements with your advisor.
Make sure you take an algebra or geometry class or math A or B,
as wel l as a foreign-language class during both semesters.
Register on www.col legeboard.com and other FREE col lege information websites.
Maintain as strong a grade point average as possible; 85 or higher is ideal.
Form a study group with a few friends who also plan to attend col lege.
Study together as of ten as possible.
Create a personal high school f ile with such items as:
A copy of your report cards
Diplomas and certif icates presented to you
Awards and honors you receive, including the dates awarded
Lists of al l school and community clubs and organizations
in which you participate, including length of service
A list of jobs you hold (paid or volunteer)
Update your personal f ile at the end of each semester.
Visit a local community col lege, public four-year universities (both big and smal l ), and private
col leges or universities with your famil y or friends. Prior to your visit, cal l the admission of f ice
for information about free campus tours and to obtain printed materials.
Participate in academic enrichment programs.
Attend col lege fairs.
Explore summer col lege prep programs.
Explore Your Interests
Consider your abilities. Think about all the things at which you excel. You might be good at academic
subjects like math or English. But there are probabl y many more areas in which you have special
talents. You may be especially good at working with people, say, young children or older adults. You
may have a musical talent or an artistic f lare. You may have a knack for mechanical things and may be
a real whiz at fixing things. Consider all of these areas when you assess your abilities.
Think about your interests. What are you interested in? Do you enjoy working inside or outdoors?
Do you like to work alone or with a lot of people? Do you spend a great deal of time on the computer?
Perhaps youve al ways enj oyed studyi ng sci ence. Do you of ten f i nd yoursel f readi ng books on a
certain topic? Start a list of all the things that interest you.

41
Talk to people about their careers. Ask adults questions about their jobs. Dont be shy; theyl l be
happy you asked. Have them tel l you what they enjoy most about their jobsand what they enjoy
least! Ask them what skil ls someone must possess to be successful in that occupation. Find out
what high school and/or col lege classes are important to their f ield. Ask how much education is
required for their career. Sign up for career programs and conferences.
Describe the lifestyle you want. In thinking about your future, you must consider whats important
to you in your dail y li fe. What would you think about a career that requi red a great deal of travel?
Is the amount of money you make important to you? How would you feel about a job that required
you to move on a regular basis? What hours of the dayor nightwil l you be working? Choose three
or four aspects of your future lifestyle that are most important.
Read books about different careers. Ask your school librarian to help you f ind books about careers
that might match your interests and abilities. Many publications can provide you with information
about careers you may never have considered.
Talk to your school counselor. Visit with your counselor to talk about your interests and abilities. Find
out whether your school of fers tests or interest inventories that can assess your skills and interests.
Some schools also have computer sof tware programs that assist with career exploration. In addition,
some Internet sites provide career information.
10th Grade Checklist
Review your 9th and 10th grade class schedules with your school guidance counselor
to make sure you have taken, and are taking, al l of the col lege-preparator y courses
required for admission to a university.
Discuss AP and Honors classes with your advisor.
Maintain a strong grade point average.
Continue to research and study col lege admission requirements.
Check into the possibility of honors or Advanced Placement courses that may be of fered.
Take the PSAT this year rather than waiting until the 11th grade. Speak with your school
guidance counselor about test dates, descripti ve questionnaires, registration fees, and
registration fee wai vers.
Update your personal f ile with materials and information at the end of each semester.
Participate in academic enrichment programs.
Review al l items on the 9th grade checklist.
Take an SAT prep course at school or in the community.
Explore possible summer col lege prep programs and register for one.

42
Get Involved
High school isnt just about the classes you take. Look around and discover other ways to make
school meaningful.
Follow your interests. Do you like to take pictures? Try the photojournalism club. Are you interested
in sports but not very athletic? Think about of fering to help in some other way.
If your school doesnt have a club that f its what youre interested in, either f ind a faculty member
whol l sponsor a group or start one yourself. Good memories of high school include activities as wel l
as academics. Look for activities both in school and outside school that you can enjoy participating in.
Contribute to your community by volunteering. Grab a friend and look for your favorite cause. Many
organizations need extra pairs of hands. Your assistance will help others and make you feel good.
Organizations constantly in need of volunteers include area food banks, childrens shelters, churches,
your community librar y, hospitals, museums, nursing and reti rement homes, and synagogues.
Have fun sharing your talents.
Extracurricular activities are important to your future. How you use your so-called free timethe
time when youre not in classis important to col leges, universities, and even employers. Choose
activities that you enjoy and that match your interests.
The key is to choose something. Your goal is to show that your interests extend beyond sitting on the
couch and watching television or playing video games when the school day ends. Couch potato
doesnt look good on a rsumes, so get up and get moving. Discover what your school and your
neighborhood have to of fer.
Keep track of all of your activities throughout high school. Organize them and put all of them down on
paper to create your extracurricular activities resumes. You can submit your resumes when you apply
to college and/or for scholarships. Show them what youre made of. In todays world, participation and
community involvement are valuable because they say a lot about who you are. Make these activities
part of your regular schedule.
All Year
Continue to research and study col lege admission requirements.
Choose appropriate courses to meet col lege entrance requirements.
Discuss your plans with your parents/guardians, relati ves, friends
and especial l y the col lege advisor and the Learning Leader volunteer.
Use the Internet for instant, accurate data for col lege research.
Read col lege materials at your high school or the public librar y.
Obtain a Social Security number if you dont have one.
Discuss Advanced Placement or honors courses with your guidance counselor.
Attend col lege fairs.

43
October
Take the PSAT/NMSQT.
Attend the Big Apple Col lege Fair.
Februar y
Register for the May SAT.
Januar y graduates should begin preparation for admission tests and complete them by June.
Visit col leges during Februar y break.
Ask your counselor for advice and registration information for Advanced Placement exams.
Take SAT prep courses.
Look into col lege summer programs for high school students that
al low you to experience campus life. Financial aid is of ten available.
March and April
Register for SAT Subject Tests.
Attend spring col lege fairs.
Ask teachers for recommendations you can include in your col lege applications.
Your high school col lege of f ice should have a form you can use.
Visit col leges during spring break.
May
Take SAT or ACT.
Take Advanced Placement exams.
June
Take SAT or ACT if you did not take them in May.
Take SAT Reasoning Test.
Summer
Write, e-mail, or cal l col leges for catalogs, admission and f inancial aid forms,
and other information. Then create a f ile folder for each school.
Start col lege visits.
Fees for col lege applications and entrance exams can be expensi ve,
so start saving money to pay for these expenses.
Create a resume of high school accomplishments including activities, awards, jobs etc.
Select a calendar to use senior year for key dates and deadlines.

44
Fall
Meet with your high school col lege advisor and review your transcript.
Obtain a copy for your records.
Attend col lege and f inancial aid fairs.
Schedule col lege visits and interviews.
Keep up with al l schoolwork.
September
If you havent done so already, request col lege applications, catalogs,
and institutional f inancial aid applications if you are not appl ying online.
Register for October or November SAT, ACT and the SAT Subject Tests.
Prepare a checklist of test registration deadlines,
fees, test dates, and col lege application deadlines.
October
Begin preparation of essays needed for col lege applications and scholarships.
Request recommendations from teachers.
Your col lege advisor should have a form you can use.
Obtain and read the current version of The Student Guide to Financial Aid
by the U.S. Department of Education, and other f inancial aid publications.
Pick up free f inancial aid literature from your high schools col lege of f ice.
Complete and mail earl y-decision col lege applications.
Register for al l tests required by the col leges you are appl ying to.
November
Meet the November 1 earl y-decision application deadline.
Take SAT Subject Tests.
Investigate scholarships with your col lege advisor or Learning Leader.
Take SAT or the ACT.
Ask your col lege advisor to mail a transcript of your grades to chosen col leges.
Give col lege recommendation forms to your col lege advisor and teachers.

December
Double-check deadlines: al l applications for regular admission should be
sent to col leges no later than Januar y 1 and preferabl y by December 15.
Review al l directions. Is a supplemental application required?
Obtain institutional f inancial aid forms from the col leges youre appl ying to.
Check with those col leges regarding additional forms they might require.
Mid-December: Await decisions made by col leges about earl y-decision applications.
Januar y
Complete and mail f inancial aid applications and/or Prof ile.
Return completed institutional f inancial aid applications.
Complete al l HEOP/EOP/SEEK paperwork.
Februar y and March
Maintain grades through the spring grading period.
Check with the admission of f ices of the col leges you have
applied to and make certain your admission f ile is complete.
April
Col lege acceptance/denial letters are mailed.
Explore alternative options if needed.
Compare f inancial awards received.
May
May 1: If you applied to col lege under the Candidates Repl y Date Agreement,
you must notif y the col lege(s) of the of fer you have accepted.
Review f inancial aid package; review alternatives.
Take Advanced Placement exams.
Pay housing deposit that is due.
Resolve al l f inancial aid issues.
Keep up with schoolwork, take al l examinations.
45
Dont let your grades slip
during your senior year.

46
10
The College Application
and Scholarship Essay
Many col leges and scholarships require applicants to submit an essay. This should never be lef t for
the last minute. It takes advance planning, thoughtful writing, and careful editing. The essay of ten
makes the dif ference between acceptance and denial. It is your chance to personalize your appli-
cation by providing information about yourself that does not appear elsewhere on the application:
information about your sense of humor, your writing ability, and your logical and creati ve thinking.
Use the essay to tel l admission of f icers who you are and whats i mportant to you and why. A good
essay leaves readers wi th a strong i mpression. Essays are general l y evaluated on the fol lowi ng
elements: (a) creati vity; (b) contentmeaning, the logic of your argument and your ability to state
it clearl y and concisel y; and (c) how wel l you write.
Writing the essay is not dif ficult if you know how to go about it. If you have the choice of a topic,
write about something that is important to you. Ask yourself the following questions:
Wil l the topic of fer insights about me?
Do I know enough about the subject?
Is the subject interesting to others or onl y to me?
Is the subject already covered elsewhere in the application?
How many other applicants wil l write about the same subject?
Do I sound like Im whining or complaining?
Many essays focus on the students interests, goals, experiences, or activities. Others focus on
education as a means of economic improvement. Some of the things evaluators look for are:
Specif ic, clearl y def ined goals
Indications of steps the student has already taken toward a goal
Indications of how the student has earned distinction in some unique or creative way
The students ability to benef it from experiences
Many successful essays have been written by students about daily events such as the following:
One student explained how he turned rejection into a positi ve experience. Af ter three
years playing soccer, he was cut from the team. Instead of complaining, he joined the school
newspaper, made new friends, and was accepted for his brains rather than his brawn.
One students extracurricular activity consisted of directing the school play.
She explained that she learned to organize, gi ve directions, handle other people,
and bring a project to a successful conclusion.
Another student wrote about her summer job, at which she was the only teenager in an adult
workforce. She described her initial shyness and how she learned to get along with older people.

47
Writing Procedure: Brainstorming and Fine-Tuning
Find your focus. What makes you unique? What experiences have you had, and
how have they inf luenced you? List the personal qualities you want to emphasize.
Have something to say. Choose a writing style thats natural for you. Tr y to balance
facts with their inf luence on you. Anything goes, as long as it addresses the question.
Start by brainstorming. Do this by writing about your topic for 30 minutes.
Write as if you were writing to a friend.
Then prepare an outline and, f inal l y, a draf t.
Read the draf t aloud to someone else and ask the person:
Are you bored?
Does it sound enthusiasticor forced?
What stands out?
What would you like to hear more about?
Is it too wordy?
Does the f irst sentence grab your attention?
Is there variety in style and length of sentences?
Is the conclusion clear and meaningful?
Tr y to Avoid:
Repeating information that appears elsewhere on your application.
Poor grammar, misspel lings, and incorrect punctuation and capitalization.
Confused thinking and lack of direction.
Stereotyping and phoniness: Do not write what you think admission of f icers want to hear.
Pompous language like your f ine organization.
Sloppiness: Al l essays should be completed on the computer. Have a teacher or your col lege
advisor edit for errors and misspel lings. You wil l need to complete several draf ts.
REMEMBER When writing your
essay, back everything up with
examples, and be very descriptive
in your writing.

48
11
Financial Aid Questions
Q I want to attend college but can't afford it. Can I receive aid?
A There are mil lions of col lege students who quali f y for f inancial aid that wil l cover the di f ference
between what a college costs and what they can afford to pay. Don't rule out any college because
of cost until you f ind out whether you are eligible for f inancial aid. Remember: you must appl y
for financial aid by completing the FAFSA application and filing it in January. Don't limit your choices
to CUNY and SUNY; private colleges often offer excellent financial aid packages to qualified students.
Financial aid packages are created from four sources: grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.
Q What happens to my financial aid if I drop out?
A As long as you have a financial obligation to the school, the school is entitled to payment. Be sure
you understand the school's refund and withdrawal policies before enrolling. In many instances,
you are liable for the cost of a term or even a full year if you drop out af ter a few weeks. All school
refund policies must be made available to students and are usually either in the schools catalog,
on the schools website, or in another school publication.
Q What happens if I am unable to make payments on a loan?
A Banks will work with you. If you are unable to make the scheduled payments, you can apply for
forbearance. The bank may agree to delay payments of principal as long as you pay the interest
due. Authorized deferments for students who borrow under the Staf ford Loan program include
full-time enrollment, active duty in the armed forces, economic hardship, unemployment, service
in the Peace Corps, and temporary total disability certif ied by a physician. The bank may also
reduce your monthly payments and extend them over a longer period of time. The important thing
is that you communicate with your lender.
Q How do I pay back my direct loan?
A You may choose one of four repayment plans.
1. Income Contingent Repayment Plan
Monthl y payment is based on your annual income and the total amount of your loan.
Youre given a maximum of 25 years to repay your loans. Af ter 25 years, any remaining
balance wil l be forgiven, but you wil l have to pay income tax on the forgiven amount.
2. Extended Repayment Plan
You can extend repayments over a period of 1230 years depending on the amount
of your loan. You wil l be paying more interest because the repayment period is longer.
Minimum monthl y payment is $50.
3. Graduated Repayment Plan
This plan of fers lower payments at f irst, fol lowed by an increase every two years over
a period of time ranging from 12 to 30 years. The total amount of interest paid is higher
because the repayment period is longer.
4. Standard Repayment Plan
You pay a f ixed amount each month for up to 10 years. Minimum monthl y payment is $50.

49
Q What is the difference between a subsidized and an unsubsidized student loan?
A A subsidized student loan is awarded on the basis of f inancial need. No interest is due either
while the student is attending col lege or during authorized deferment periods. The student must
begin repayment of interest and principal six months af ter graduation or dropping out of school.
An unsubsidized student loan is not awarded on the basis of need. Interest is charged when the
loan is disbursed and continues until it is paid in full. You may choose either to pay the interest or
to allow it to be added to the principal amount of your loan. If you choose to capitalize your interest,
you will end up paying back much more money because you will be paying interest on the interest.
Q What aid is available to an international undocumented or permanent resident?
A In neither case are you eligible for federal or state f inancial aid. You may, however, be eligible for
i nsti tutional aid. Discuss your si tuation wi th your col lege advisor. Col lege advisors have
experience in this area and wil l be able to guide you.
Q What aid is available to a holder of a green card ?
A You are eligible for the same f inancial aid as U.S. citizens, provided you meet the other eligibility
requirements. (With the exclusion of the Academic Competitiveness Grant and SMART grants.)
Q I did not receive as much financial aid as I expected. Is there anything I can do?
A You can and should appeal the amount of a schools of fer of need-based f inancial aid i f your
income or your famil ys income on last years tax return was higher than usual due to any of
the fol lowing factors:
you converted a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA;
you recei ved a onetime cash windfal l such as a bonus, insurance settlement,
inheritance, or commission;
the student who was younger than age 18 received Social Security benefits that will now end;
you incurred unusual expenses such as elder care, unreimbursed medical expenses,
maintenance of two homes due to employment by one parent in another state, or parents
are paying tuition for a child in school from K to 12.
REMEMBER There is money
available for students
who have an economic need.

50
Q Why is the family contribution listed on the Student Aid Report
different from the family contribution expected by the college?
A The federal formula for computing the expected famil y contribution is di f ferent f rom formulas
used by many col leges. In particular, the federal formula does not consider home equity as
part of the fami l ys assets.
Q What is a GATE loan?
A GATE (Guaranteed Access to Education) loans are provided by a nonprof it pri vate loan program
of fered through participating schools in conjunction with Bank of America, Bank of Boston,
and the National Col legiate Trust. Schools can recommend whatever loan amount theyd like
the student to recei ve.There is a mini mal credit check, and loans carr y a low interest rate.
There are no federal guidelines or regulations governing this loan program, and two-year
col leges are not permitted to participate.
Q Are work-study earnings taxable?
A The money you earn from Federal Work-Study is general l y subject to federal and state income
tax but exempt from FICA taxes, provided you are enrol led ful l-time and work less than half-time.
Q If I request financial aid, will it reduce my chances of acceptance?
A Al l col leges using federal funds under the Title IV program have a policy of need-blind evalua-
tions. This means that your f inancial situation is not a factor in determining your admissibility.
Q What is the Academic Competitiveness Grant?
A This grant provides $750 for first year undergraduate students and up to
$1300 for second year undergraduates. To be eligible, students must be:
Pell recipients
US citizens
Enrolled fulltime as a first or second year student in an undergraduate degree program
Graduated from high school af ter January 1, 2005
Completed a rigorous high school curriculum and second year students must have
maintained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0

51
Q What is recognized as a rigorous high school curriculum?
A For New York State students:
The New York Regents Diploma with Honors or Advanced Designation
A set of courses similar to the State Scholars Initiative.
This program of study requires passing grades in the fol lowing:
Four years of English
Three years of Math (including Algebra I and a higher level course such as Algebra II,
Geometry, or Data Anal ysis and Statistics)
Three years of science (including at least two courses from biology, chemistry, or physics)
Three years of social studies
One year of a foreign language.
Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses and test scores.
Q What is the National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) grant?
A This grant provides up to $4000 a year to third and fourth year undergraduates.
To be eligible students must be:
Pel l recipients
US citizens
Enrol led in a four year granting institution
Majoring in the physical, life or computer sciences, mathematics technology
or engineering or in a foreign language that is critical to US national security.
Have a minimum 3.0 GPA

52
12
Things to Remember to Do or
Ask for Regarding Financial Aid
Ask for information about financial aid opportunities and about application procedures when you
contact the admission of fice of each college on your list.
Search for special sources of aid. Your high school col lege counselor, your high school librar y, and
public libraries wil l of ten have this type of information. You may qualif y for a private scholarship,
grant, or loan program based on academic achievement, religious af filiation ethnic or racial heritage,
community acti vities, hobbies or special interests, organizational membership, artistic talents,
athletic abilities, other special skil ls, career plans, or proposed f ield of study. Ask your parents to
check with their employer. Many unions of fer scholarships. Your parents should check with the
human resources department.
Ask for information on federal student aid programs from your high school college advisor.
Ask about student aid available to residents of New York City and New York State and how to apply.
Obtain copies of federal and state income tax returns that both your parents and you have f iled.
If no tax forms were filed, you will need proof of support, such as Social Security payments, Aid to
Depend-ent Children, workers compensation, pensions, unemployment compensation, or alimony. In
some cases, additional documentation may be needed such as death certificates or welfare budgets.
Make a financial aid calendar for yourself. Include the name of each program you may be eligible for,
the deadline for applying to the program, and an earlier deadline for yourself. By this date, you should
have received and completed the application form and addressed any other requirements in order to
file them by the program deadline.
Make certain you file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form establishes
your eligibility for Federal Pel l Grants, Federal Staf ford Loans, and the Federal Campus-Based
Programs (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Col lege Work-Study, and Perkins Loans).
If you indicate you want information sent to a college in New York State, information will automatically
be forwarded to NYSHESC so that you wil l be considered for a TAP grant. The FAFSA should be
completed online at fafsa.edu.gov. You should f ile the FAFSA online soon af ter Januar y 1 of your
senior year.
Plan to spend several hours on your application. If you are a dependent of your parents, you should
plan the time when they can work with you. They should have available a copy of their most recent
income tax returns.
Carefully follow the instructions for completing your need anal ysis form. Make sure your answers
are complete and correct.
Mail or email your completed need analysis form as soon as possible af ter Januar y 1. Submit the
form at least four weeks before the earliest financial aid deadline set by the colleges or other grant
programs you may be eligible forbut not before January 1.

53
Review the College Scholarship Service acknowledgment and the Student Aid Report you receive
af ter submitting your need anal ysis form. Make certain that al l col leges and programs you indicated
are listed correctly in the acknowledgment. Respond promptly to any request for additional information.
Verif y that al l of the information is correct.
Check to see whether other financial aid forms are required by the colleges you are applying to.
Complete the forms as early as possible, and return them before the deadlines.
Look for ways to reduce the cost of your college education by taking col lege courses while stil l in
high school, by earning advanced placement credit, and by looking for three-year degree programs.
Check on your eligibility for special educational opportunity programs. Students who are academi-
cal l y and economical l y disadvantaged may appl y for admission as special students to col leges in
New York State. These programs have many dif ferent names. At private col leges theyre cal led
Higher Education Opportunity Programs (HEOP). At state universities theyre cal led Educational
Opportunity Programs (EOP). At two-year CUNY colleges they are called College Discovery (CD). And
at CUNY four-year colleges theyre cal led Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge (SEEK).
Income guidelines change from year to year, so check with your college advisor to see whether you
meet economic eligibility requirements. Students are considered academical l y disadvantaged if they
would not be accepted by the col lege under regular admission standards. Since each school sets
its own guidelines, you should check with your col lege advisor.
Check on your eligibilit y for aid through the Veterans Admi nistration, the Social Securi ty
Administration, and a vocational rehabilitation or other social service agency by contacting the nearest
office for information.
Determine how payments from each aid source will be made to you. Generally, payment of financial
aid is made at the time you enroll. Find out whether there are additional procedures or forms to file in
order to receive the aid.
Pay close attention to award letters. Notify the college whose of fer you are accepting. Then inform
the other colleges of your decision so that financial aid reserved for you can be freed for other appli-
cants. If you also receive aid notices from state or federal programs, read them carefully and be sure
to follow any directions they contain so that you can be certain of receiving your aid.
Explore alternatives. If the college of your choice cannot provide you with enough aid to meet your
full financial need or if your family cannot contribute what is expected, you may want to consider bor-
rowing. Learn about loansthe interest rates, repayment schedules, and other terms and condi-
tionsbefore you apply. Government-sponsored loans such as the Federal Staf ford Loan program
usually have the lowest interest rates and the most f lexible repayment arrangements. If you do apply
for a student loan, give yourself enough timeat least six weeksto have the loan papers processed.
See your college counselor if you have questions or need help completing your f inancial aid applications.
DO NOT PAY ANY MONEY FOR FINANCIAL AID/SCHOLARSHIP ASSISTANCE.
Beware of companies that charge fees and promise students money for college. The New York City
Better Business Bureau has issued a consumer alert on fraudulent scholarship companies that guar-
antee students funding. Few, if any, students actually receive funds. Most of the information is readily
available at no cost from government agencies and through websites.

13
Undergraduate Financial Aid Programs
54
Program Name Application Filing Deadline 200607 Annual Awards Based on Financial Need
Grant Programs
Federal Pell Grant Free Application for See col lege f inancial aid of f icer Minimum: $400 Yes
tuition and living expenses Federal Student Aid Maximum: $4,050
(May not be more than 60% of the cost of attendance)
FSEOG (Federal Supplemental Free Application for See col lege f inancial aid of f icer Minimum: $100 Yes
Educational Oppor tunity Grant) Federal Student Aid Maximum: $4,000
tuition and living expenses
TAP (New York State Tuition Free Application for See col lege f inancial aid of f icer Minimum: $500 Yes (and tuition charged
Assistance Program) Federal Student Aid Maximum: 90% of tuition or whichever is less: and type of institution)
tuition onl y 5,000 for a dependent student
$3,025 for an independent student
APTS (New York State See col lege f inancial See col lege f inancial aid of f icer Maximum: $2,000 Yes
Aid for Par t-Time Study) aid of f icer
tuition onl y
Federal Family Education Loan Programs / Direct Loan Programs
Direct Staf ford Loan/ Free Application for Before end of academic year
Federal Staf ford Loan Federal Student Aid
a. Subsidized: variable interest;
cap: 6.8% f ixed
b. Unsubsidized: variable interest
Federal Perkins Loan See col lege f inancial See col lege f inancial aid of f icer Maximum: $4,000 per year for undergraduate students No
5% interest aid of f icer Cap: $20,000
Federal Parental Loan Applications available Before end of academic year Dif ference between cost of education No
for dependent undergraduate students; from bank and students f inancial aid
variable interest: 7.94% for Direct Plus
8.5% for FFEL Plus
Work
Federal Work-Study Program Free Application for See col lege f inancial aid of f icer Hourl y rate, varies according to workload Yes
Federal Student Aid Minimum: current federal minimum wage

55
200607 Annual Awards Based on Financial Need
Minimum: $400 Yes
Maximum: $4,050
(May not be more than 60% of the cost of attendance)
Minimum: $100 Yes
Maximum: $4,000
Minimum: $500 Yes (and tuition charged
Maximum: 90% of tuition or whichever is less: and type of institution)
5,000 for a dependent student
$3,025 for an independent student
Maximum: $2,000 Yes
Maximum: $4,000 per year for undergraduate students No
Cap: $20,000
Dif ference between cost of education No
and students f inancial aid
Hourl y rate, varies according to workload Yes
Minimum: current federal minimum wage
Maximum
Subsidizedf irst year: $2,625 SubsidizedYes
Unsubsidizedf irst year: $4,000 UnsubsidizedNo
Cap: First year: $6,625
Total cap for both: $23,000 for dependent undergraduate students;
$46,000 for independent undergraduate students

14
Families Guide to Tax
Reductions for Education
Educational tax reductions ef fectively make the first two years of college universally available, and
they will give many more working Americans the financial means to go back to school if they want to
study for a new career or upgrade their skills.
Up to a $1,500 HOPE Scholarship tax credit for students starting college or vocational school
Students receive a 100% tax credit for the first $1,000 of tuition and required fees and a 50% tax credit
on the second $1,000. This tax credit is available for tuition and required fees less the amount of
grants, scholarships, and other tax-free educational assistance.
The credit is phased out for joint f ilers who have $80,000$100,000 of adjusted gross income and for
single f ilers who have $40,000$50,000 of adjusted gross income. The credit can be claimed in two
years for students who are in their f irst two years of col lege or vocational school and who are
enrolled at least half-time in a degree or certi f icate program for any portion of the year. The tax-
payer can claim a credit for a personal tuition expense or for the tuition expenses of a spouse and
dependent children.
For example, a married couple with an adjusted gross income of $60,000 that has two children in
col lege at least half-timeone at a community college with an annual tuition of $2,000 and the other
a sophomore at a private college with a tuition of $11,000 would have their taxes reduced by as much
as $3,000, by using the HOPE Scholarship tax credit.
Lifetime Learning tax credit
This tax credit is aimed at adults who want to go back to school, change careers, or take a course
or two to upgrade their skil ls and at col lege juniors, seniors, graduate students, and professional
degree students. A famil y wil l receive a 20% tax credit for the f irst $10,000 of tuition and required
fees paid each year. Just like the HOPE Scholarship tax credit, the Lifetime Learning tax credit is
available for tuition and required fees less the amount of grants, scholarships, and other tax-free
education assistance. Families may claim the credit for amounts paid for col lege or vocational
school enrol lment. The maximum credit is determined on a per-taxpayer (famil y) basis regardless of
the number of postsecondar y students in the famil y and is phased out at the same income levels
as the HOPE Scholarship tax credit. Families wil l be able to claim the Lifetime Learning tax credit
for some members of their famil y and the HOPE Scholarship tax credit for others who qualif y in the
same year.
Funds may be used at any accredited school: public, private, or out of state. New York State residents
recei ve a $5,000-per-person or a $10,000-per-married-couple deduction against thei r state taxes.
For more information, cal l 877-697-2837.
For example, a homemaker whose famil y has an adjusted gross income of $70,000 wants to attend
a graduate teacher training program at a public uni versity that costs $3,500 in tuition. The home-
maker has been out of col lege for 20 years. Under the Li fetime Learning credit, the familys income
taxes would be reduced by as much as $700.
56

57
As another example, say a married couple has an adjusted gross income of $32,000. The husband,
who works as an automobile mechanic, decides to attend a local technical col lege to take some
computer classes in the hope of getting a better job. He will pay a tuition of $1,200. Using the Lifetime
Learning credit, this familys taxes would be reduced by as much as $240.
Parents and grandparents can create education IRAs
and make penalty-free withdrawals from other IRAs.
Taxpayers may withdraw funds from an IRA, without penalty, for their own higher education expenses
or those of their spouse, child, or even grandchild. In addition, for each child younger than age 18,
families may deposit $500 per year into an Education IRA in the childs name. Earnings in the
Education IRA wil l accumulate tax free, and no taxes wil l be due upon withdrawal if the money is used
to pay for postsecondary tuition and required fees less the amount of grants, scholarships, and other
tax-free educational assistance; for books; for equipment; and for eligible room and board expenses.
Once the child reaches age 30, his or her Education IRA must be closed or transferred to a younger
member of the famil y.
A taxpayers ability to contribute to an Education IRA is phased out when the taxpayer is a joint
f iler with an adjusted gross income of $150,000$160,000 or a single filer with an adjusted gross
income of $95,000$110,000. There are a few restrictions. For example, a student who recei ves
the tax-free distributions from an Education IRA may not, in the same year, benef it from the HOPE
Scholarship or from Lifetime Learning tax credits.
New York State College Choice Tuition Savings Plan
It can be used to save for tuition and room and board expenses
for students who attend col lege on at least a half-time basis.
There are no income eligibility requirements.
There is no annual contribution limit.
Over the accounts lifetime, contributions cant exceed $100,000
Several people can contribute to an account for one benef iciary,
with one person acting as the account owner.
Contributions are not federal l y tax deductible, but you can deduct up to
$5,000 a year ($10,000 for a married couple) from your New York State income taxes.
If used for educational expenses, earnings are total l y free of
both state taxes and federal taxesincluding withdrawals.
The money is not insured. It goes into a trust that is managed by TIAA-CREF.
Should the benef iciary decide not to attend col lege, the money
can be used by another famil y member.
For more information, either cal l 877-NYSAVES (877-697-2837) or consult www.nysaves.org.

Paying back student loans at a lower cost
For many college graduates, one of their first financial obligations is the repayment of their student
loans. The new student loan interest deduction will reduce the burden of the repayment obligation by
allowing students or their families to take a tax deduction for interest paid in the first 60 months of
repayment on student loans. The deduction is available even if an individual does not itemize other
deductions.
Up to $2,500 in student loan interest can be tax deductible for the first five years of the loan. It is
phased out for joint filers with adjusted gross income of $60,000$75,000 and single filers with adjust-
ed gross income of $40,000$55,000. The deduction is available for all educational loans, including
loans made to students and parents, guaranteed student loans, and loans from private lenders.
For example, a senior graduates from college and finds a job paying $25,000 a year. The graduate has
no other income, has a total student debt of $12,000, and is in the 15% federal income tax bracket.
The monthl y payment for this students loans is $148. The total amount of payments for the f irst year
is $1,776, more than half of which is interest $960that can be deducted under the new law. The
students maximum tax benefit can be calculated by multiplying $960 by 15%, for a tax savings of $144.
Going to school while you work
The new tax law extends Section 127 of the tax code for three years. Section 127 allows workers to
exclude up to $5,250 of employer-provided education benefits from their income. The assistance must
be for undergraduate courses beginning prior to June 2000. This provision wil l enable many
Americans to pursue their goals of lifelong learning.
Community service loan forgiveness
This provision excludes from income the student loan amounts forgiven by nonprofit, tax-exempt,
charitable, or educational institutions for borrowers who take community service jobs that address
unmet community needs. For example, a recent graduate who takes a low-paying job in a rural school
will not owe any additional income tax if in recognition of this service the students college or another
charity forgives a loan it made to help pay college costs. This provision applies to loans forgiven af ter
August 5, 1997.
For information on additional student aid programs that wil l help you meet the costs of col lege and
lifelong learning for yourself, your children, and your grandchildren, call 800-4FED-AID (800-433-3243).
For information on the importance of getting ready for col lege earl y, especial l y for middle school
students, cal l 800-USA-LEARN (800-872-5327).
58

59
15
Scholarships and Financial Aid
for International Students
For international students several types of scholarships are available, including academic, athletic,
fraternal, governmental, corporate, union, employer, religious, ethnic and racial, institutional and
military scholarships. Such scholarships may be available based on a students geographic location,
gender, interests, and achievements. They may also be given in the form of contest prizes and awards.
Check wi th your parents/guardians to see whether thei r employers or unions of fer awards to
employees children and whether scholarships are available to dependents of military personnel who
are on active duty, who are retired, or who are deceased.
Students are advised to research the many dif ferent scholarships available and their application
procedures. The New York Public Library and the Internet provide current scholarship information.
Almost every college has institutional scholarships available to qualified students both with and with-
out financial need. High school seniors should check the col lege catalog for a description of awards
and ask the col lege f inancial aid of f ice to consider them for such awards. Institutional awards take
many dif ferent forms, such as corporate and foundation scholarships administered by the col lege,
short- and long-term col lege loans, and endowed scholarships, both restricted and unrestricted.
Scholarship Scams
While there are many wonderful and legitimate
scholarships available to qualified students,
there are also many scams and fraudulent
search services that prey on students need for
financial assistance to attend college.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has issued warnings to students and their parents to be alert for
businesses that charge fees for information that is available free of charge from government agencies,
through the Internet, and in legitimate guidebooks.
WARNING SIGNS OF A SCAM
This scholarship is guaranteed or your money back.
We wil l do al l the work.
This information is not available elsewhere.
You must pay money to get money.
Legitimate scholarship foundations do not charge application fees
and wil l not ask for credit card numbers or bank account numbers.
Do not be fooled by a name that sounds of f icial looking.
No street address is gi ven, onl y a box number.
Certain 900 area code telephone numbers charge several
dol lars a minute for a cal l that gives onl y a list of addresses or names.
A promise you wil l be notif ied by telephonelegitimate scholarship of fers arri ve by mail.
Avoid those who guarantee free
scholarship money if the student
pays an up-front fee. DO NOT PAY
for any of these services.

60
Schools with Financial Aid for International Undergraduate Students
Some U.S. schools are more likel y than others to of fer f inancial aid for international undergraduate
students. The lists below indicate which schools offer aid (including grants, loans, and jobs) to the largest
numbers of international students. The lists are based on a list compiled by Douglas C. Thompson.
To be included in the fol lowing lists, a school must of fer an average award that amounts to more than
20% of the cost of attendance. The f inancial aid may include grants, loans, and jobs, and it of ten
includes both merit and need-based awards. Within each group, the schools are listed in alphabetical
order. Remember that a much greater number of schools provide financial aid for international graduate
students in the form of teaching and research assistantships. For information about f inancial aid for
graduate study in the U.S., you should contact the schools that interest you even if they arent included
in the lists below.
If a school is not listed here, it probabl y does not have much f inancial aid for international students.
However, its worth noting that some schools may have athletic scholarships that are open to both
international students and U.S. students. The lists below do not count the number of athletic schol-
arships awarded to international students. Make certain to check with the indi vidual col leges you
are appl ying to. If a student is undocumented, each school should be contacted indi vidual l y about
eligibility for these scholarships.

61
College Name ST Total Cost to Number Average Total Aid
Enrolled Attend Aided Award Awarded
Abilene Christian University TX 171 $24,345 158 $6,535 $1,032,570
Adelphi University NY 127 32,210 112 11,437 1,281,020
American University DC 374 41,919 107 15,793 1,689,851
Amherst College MA 101 43,320 69 31,398 2,166,435
Arizona State University AZ 1,099 22,601 527 7,349 3,873,386
Bard College NY 88 44,850 80 28,889 2,311,098
Barr y University FL 256 30,489 161 11,022 1,774,585
Bates College ME 98 44,200 78 34,870 2,719,865
Beloit College WI 70 34,608 61 19,229 1,172,992
Berea College KY 110 27,796 110 26,836 2,952,000
Boston University MA 1,060 45,992 90 26,382 2,374,405
Bowdoin College ME 52 41,780 36 34,191 1,230,895
Brandei University MA 218 43,564 103 26,232 2,701,998
Brigham Young University: Hawaii HI 1,061 10,140 600 5,000 3,000,000
Brown University RI 355 44,076 106 30,163 3,197,300
Br yn Mawr College PA 105 42,420 77 30,079 2,316,122
California Institute of Technology CA 62 41,019 43 32,976 1,417,968
Calvin College MI 330 27,960 327 11,967 3,913,345
Canisius College NY 92 32,032 92 14,672 1,349,847
Carleton College MN 97 41,567 84 25,245 2,120,547
Clark University MA 150 35,165 93 15,349 1,427,500
Coastal Carolina University SC 141 23,690 126 10,829 1,364,512
Colby College ME 136 41,700 129 37,062 4,781,112
Colgate University NY 152 42,935 131 33,628 4,405,382
College of Wooster OH 116 35,000 106 19,031 2,017,286
Columbia University: Columbia College NY 229 42,598 102 30,987 3,160,761
Concordia College: Moorhead MN 136 27,940 136 8,264 1,123,904
Connecticut College CT 85 40,775 67 36,917 2,510,376
Cornell University NY 943 45,057 226 24,336 5,500,000
Dartmouth College NH 209 44,580 147 31,134 4,576,777
Denison University OH 103 37,180 97 17,630 1,710,166
Dickinson College PA 71 42,370 50 32,649 1,632,490
Drake University IA 146 32,497 126 9,745 1,227,984
Drexel University PA 663 36,340 467 9,910 4,628,310
Duke University NC 301 44,294 71 30,224 2,145,904
Duquesne University PA 126 31,284 79 13,846 1,093,861
Eastern Michigan University MI 272 24,131 143 11,918 1,704,412
Elmira College NY 64 39,200 61 22,318 1,361,420
Florida Institute of Technology FL 396 31,950 216 9,861 2,130,097
Franklin & Marshall College PA 155 42,190 124 23,038 2,856,780

62
George Washington University DC 443 $49,750 110 $18,393 $2,023,252
Gettysburg College PA 46 40,364 37 28,432 1,052,018
Goshen College IN 66 27,710 61 18,193 1,109,814
Grinnell College IA 165 34,110 157 22,527 3,536,882
Hamilton College NY 85 41,660 82 32,463 2,662,041
Harding University AR 148 18,012 175 8,691 1,520,930
Harvard College MA 585 44,245 437 36,705 16,040,000
Illinois Institute of Technology IL 325 34,802 298 8,944 2,665,493
Ithaca College NY 197 37,336 182 19,914 3,624,524
Juilliard School NY 115 36,795 90 17,411 1,567,007
Kenyon College OH 43 41,480 43 32,671 1,404,872
Knox College IL 89 33,480 83 15,860 1,316,420
Lafayette College PA 118 41,292 109 32,705 3,564,871
Lake Forest College IL 123 35,610 123 17,903 2,202,903
Lawrence University WI 124 36,929 121 18,886 2,285,290
Lehigh University PA 122 42,190 40 31,389 1,255,597
Liberty University VA 336 24,506 324 4,228 1,369,955
Louisiana State University LA 517 20,247 316 5,501 1,738,615
Lynn University FL 424 38,300 113 15,185 1,715,997
Macalester College MN 258 38,670 242 23,380 5,658,194
Massachusetts Institute of Technology MA 305 44,600 261 33,057 8,628,074
Mercer University GA 112 32,888 65 18,839 1,224,589
Michigan Technological University MI 252 28,023 112 9,676 1,083,745
Middlebur y College VT 192 43,870 177 37,432 6,625,464
Mount Holyoke College MA 303 43,648 293 34,012 9,965,568
Northeastern University MA 686 42,202 117 16,144 1,888,872
Northwood University MI 152 25,014 135 7,885 1,064,472
Northwood University: Florida Campus FL 154 25,950 110 9,424 1,036,713
Oberlin College OH 176 40,549 153 32,070 4,906,710
Occidental College CA 46 43,512 32 36,136 1,156,352
Ohio State University: Columbus OH 1,188 29,367 156 13,473 2,101,939
Ohio Wesleyan University OH 182 38,190 180 17,095 3,077,227
Parsons School of Design NY 761 46,945 429 3,077 1,320,314
Polytechnic University NY 118 38,884 118 14,961 1,765,469
Princeton University NJ 391 43,772 213 32,870 7,001,400
Quinnipiac University CT 64 37,240 47 25,646 1,205,370
Randolph-Macon Woman's College VA 59 34,540 59 18,574 1,095,900
Reed College OR 50 44,406 36 36,726 1,305,960
Smith College MA 180 45,704 110 34,629 3,809,214
Southern Methodist University TX 269 38,490 121 15,304 1,851,832

63
St. John's University NY 400 $39,680 247 $14,353 $3,545,431
St. Lawrence University NY 96 42,130 68 37,450 2,546,600
St. Mar y's University TX 118 29,439 104 13,847 1,440,183
Stanford University CA 384 45,177 203 26,190 5,316,768
State University of New York: Plattsburgh NY 316 23,022 253 4,272 1,080,816
Swarthmore College PA 83 43,221 47 35,562 1,671,456
Temple University PA 764 30,982 89 11,660 1,037,743
Texas A&M University TX 490 25,614 189 10,357 1,957,585
Texas Christian University TX 268 31,540 204 14,942 3,048,184
Trinity College CT 37 44,104 32 35,235 1,127,540
Union College NY 39 44,100 33 30,504 1,006,664
University of Arkansas AR 274 21,592 166 9,087 1,508,471
University of California: Los Angeles CA 968 40,520 206 13,870 2,857,310
University of Chicago IL 360 46,855 70 26,272 1,839,071
University of Denver CO 179 37,780 118 15,877 1,873,586
University of Houston TX 1,286 23,833 479 3,240 1,552,307
University of Illinois: Urbana-Champaign IL 1,087 31,044 301 4,777 1,438,175
University of Miami FL 580 41,558 198 17,756 3,515,834
University of New Hampshire NH 85 32,492 59 19,739 1,164,637
University of New Orleans LA 330 18,165 158 6,787 1,072,420
University of Notre Dame IN 313 41,972 94 20,008 1,880,775
University of Pennsylvania PA 874 44,732 223 31,493 7,023,134
University of Richmond VA 185 41,410 69 28,690 1,979,400
University of Southern California CA 1,391 42,374 238 18,433 4,387,277
University of Texas at Austin TX 1,226 25,136 700 5,800 4,060,000
University of Texas: Arlington TX 966 23,894 700 5,800 1,016,274
University of Texas: El Paso TX 1,630 18,237 361 4,367 1,576,549
University of Texas:Pan American TX 389 20,453 217 7,55 51,639,435
University of the Ozarks AR 110 23,069 110 13,921 1,531,310
University of Wisconsin: Superior WI 147 21,976 140 7,500 1,050,000
Vassar College NY 123 41,120 116 33,853 3,926,963
Virginia Commonwealth University VA 272 24,425 110 16,805 1,848,571
Washington & Lee University VA 68 35,840 64 25,880 1,656,299
Wellesley College MA 176 44,030 115 36,470 4,194,070
Wesleyan University CT 169 42,122 53 38,431 2,036,854
Whittier College CA 57 38,626 49 27,348 1,340,096
Williams College MA 108 42,810 89 37,416 3,330,089
Yale University CT 452 43,520 237 29,843 7,072,947

64
16
Information for the College-Bound Athlete
This guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete will lead you through a number of important topics,
including your academic eligibility, registration with the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse, and
f inancial aid. ( This information was taken from www.ncaaclearinghouse.net.)
We addressed issues for two impor tant groups of readers:
High school students who hope to participate in college athletics at an NCAA college or university
Parents and legal guardians
The NCAA
The NCAA, or National Col legiate Athletic Association, was established in 1906 and serves as the
athletics governing body for more than 1,280 col leges, universities, conferences and organizations.
The national of f ice is in Indianapolis, but the member col leges and universities develop the rules and
guidelines for athletics eligibility and athletics competition for each of the three NCAA divisions. The
NCAA is committed to the student-athlete and to governing competition in a fair, safe, inclusive and
sportsmanlike manner.
The NCAA's membership includes:
326 active Division I members;
281 active Division II members; and
421 active Division III members.
One of the dif ferences among the three divisions is that colleges and universities in Divisions I and II
may of fer athletics scholarships, while Division III colleges and universities may not.
When to call the NCAA
Please contact the NCAA when you have questions like these:
What are the rules and regulations related to initial eligibility?
What are the rules and regulations related to amateurism?
What are the regulations about transferring from one college to another?
What are the rules about athletics scholarships and how can they be reduced or canceled?
I have a learning disability. Are there any other requirements for me?
NCAA
P.O. Box 6222
Indianapolis, IN 46206-6222
tel 317-917-6222
(customer service Monday - Friday, noon - 4 p.m. Eastern time)

65
The NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse
The NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse (the Clearinghouse) is an organization that works with the
NCAA to determine a student's eligibility for athletics participation in his or her f irst year of col lege
enrol lment. Students who want to participate in col lege sports during their f irst year of enrol lment
in col lege must register with the Clearinghouse. Located in Iowa City, Iowa, the Clearinghouse staf f
follows NCAA bylaws and regulations in analyzing and processing a student's high school academic
records, ACT or SAT scores, and key information about amateurism participation, to determine the
student's initial eligibility.
Clearinghouse Registration
Complete the Student Release Form
To register with the Clearinghouse, you must complete the Student Release Form (SRF), af ter your
junior year, online, and send the Clearinghouse the registration fee ($50 for domestic and $75 for
international students, but fee waivers are available). This SRF does two things:
It authorizes each high school you have attended to send the Clearinghouse your transcript,
test scores, proof of graduation and other necessary academic information.
It authorizes the Clearinghouse to send your academic information to all colleges
that request your eligibility status.
Online registration
The onl y method is to register onl i ne. Go onl i ne to www.ncaaCleari nghouse.net. Select
Prospecti ve Student-Athletes and click on Domestic Student Release Form or Foreign Student
Release Form. Complete the SRF form online, and include your credit or debit card information to
pay the fee. Then fol low instructions to complete the transaction.
Print a copy of your completed registration form and both Copy 1 and Copy 2 of the transcript
release form. Sign the transcript release forms, and gi ve both to your high school counselor.
When to call the Clearinghouse
Please contact the Clearinghouse when you have questions like these:
How do I register?
I have forgotten my PIN. Can I get a new one?
Some of my classes are not on my high school's list. How can I get a class added?
My Clearinghouse report shows I am missing some material. What is missing?
Where do I send my transcripts?
What do the codes on my Clearinghouse report mean?
I have been home schooled. What do I have to do to register?
I am a high school counselor and I do not know my high school's PIN. Can I find out what it is?
I am a high school administrator and want to add some core courses to our high school list.
How do I do that?
NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse
301 ACT Dri ve, P.O. Box 4043, Iowa City, IA 52243-4043
www.ncaaClearinghouse.net
tel 877-262-1492 (customer service Monday Friday, 8 am5 pm Central time)
international cal lers 319-337-1492 fax 319/337-1556

66
Academic Eligibility Requirements
Division I: 2006 2007
If you enroll in a Division I college between 2006 and 2007 and want to participate
in athletics or receive an athletics scholarship during your first year, you must:
Graduate from high school
Complete these 14 core courses:
4 years of English
2 years of math (algebra 1 or higher)
2 years of natural or physical science
(including one year of lab science if of fered by your high school )
1 extra year of English, math or natural or physical science
2 years of social science
3 years of extra core courses
(from any categor y above, or foreign language, nondoctrinal religion or philosophy)
Earn a minimum required grade-point average in your core courses
Earn a combined SAT or ACT sum score that matches your core-course grade-point average
and test score sliding scale on this page (for example, a 2.400 core-course grade-point average
needs a 860 SAT).
Note: Computer science courses can be used as core courses onl y if your high school grants
graduation credit in math or natural or physical science for them, and if the courses appear on
your high school's core-course list as a math or science courses.
You will be a qualifier if you meet the academic requirements listed above. As a qualifier, you:
Can practice or compete for your col lege or university during your f irst year of col lege
Can receive an athletics scholarship during your f irst year of col lege
Can play four seasons in your sport if you maintain your eligibility from year to year
You will be a nonqualifier if you do not meet the academic requirements listed above.
As a nonqualifier, you:
Cannot practice or compete for your col lege or uni versity during your f irst year of col lege;
Cannot recei ve an athletics scholarship during your f irst year of col lege,
although you may recei ve need-based f inancial aid; and
Can play onl y three seasons in your sport if you maintain your eligibility from year to year
(to earn a fourth season you must complete at least 80 percent of your degree before
beginning your f if th year of col lege).

67
Division I: 2008 and Later
If you enroll in a Division I college in 2008 or later and want to participate
Graduate from high school;
4 years of English
1 extra year of English, math or natural or physical science
(from any categor y above, or foreign language, nondoctrinal religion or philosophy)
Earn a minimum required grade-point average in your core courses; and
Earn a combined SAT or ACT sum score that matches your core-course grade-point average
and test score sliding scale on page 9 (for example, a 2.400 core-course grade-point average
needs a 860 SAT).
Division II: 2005 and Later
If you enroll in a Division II college in 2005 or later and want to participate
Graduate from high school;
3 years of English
2 extra years of English, math or natural or physical science
(from any categor y above, or foreign language, nondoctrinal religion or philosophy);
Earn a 2.000 grade-point average or better in your core courses; and
Earn a combined SAT score of 820 or an ACT sum score of 68.
There is no sliding scale in Di vision II.

68
You will be a qualifier if you meet the academic requirements listed above. As a qualifier, you:
Can practice or compete for your col lege or university during your f irst year of col lege;
Can receive an athletics scholarship during your f irst year of col lege; and
Can play four seasons in your sport if you maintain your eligibility from year to year.
You will be a partial qualifier if you do not meet all of the academic requirements listed above,
but you have graduated from high school and meet one of the following:
The combined SAT score of 820 or ACT sum score of 68; OR
Completion of the 14 core courses with a 2.000 core-course grade-point average.
As a partial qualifier, you:
Can practice with your team at its home facility during your f irst year of col lege;
Can receive an athletics scholarship during your f irst year of col lege;
Cannot compete during your f irst year of col lege; and
Remember: Meeting the NCAA academic rules does not guarantee your admissions into a col lege.
You must appl y for admission.
You will be a nonqualifier if you did not graduate from high school, or, if you graduated and are
missing both the core-course grade-point average or minimum number of core courses and the
required ACT or SAT scores. As a nonqualifier, you:
Cannot practice or compete for your col lege or university during your f irst year of col lege;
Cannot recei ve an athletics scholarship during your f irst year of col lege, although you may
recei ve need-based f inancial aid; and
Division III
Division III does not use the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. Contact your Di vision III col lege
regarding its policies on f inancial aid, practice and competition.

69
Division I Core GPA and Test Score Sliding Scale
Core GPA SAT ACT Core GPA SAT ACT
3.550 and higher 400 37
3.525 410 38
3.500 420 39
3.475 430 40
3.450 440 41
3.425 450 41
3.400 460 42
3.375 470 42
3.350 480 43
3.325 490 44
3.300 500 44
3.275 510 45
3.250 520 46
3.225 530 46
3.200 540 47
3.175 550 47
3.150 560 48
3.125 570 49
3.100 580 49
3.075 590 50
3.050 600 50
3.025 610 51
3.000 620 52
2.975 630 52
2.950 640 53
2.925 650 53
2.900 660 54
2.875 670 55
2.850 680 56
2.825 690 56
2.800 700 57
2.775 710 58
2.750 720 59
2.725 730 59
2.700 730 60
2.675 740750 61
2.650 760 62
2.625 770 63
2.600 780 64
2.575 790 65
2.550 800 66
2.525 810 67
2.500 820 68
2.475 830 69
2.450 840850 70
2.425 860 70
2.400 860 71
2.375 870 72
2.350 880 73
2.325 890 74
2.300 900 75
2.275 910 76
2.250 920 77
2.225 930 78
2.200 940 79
2.175 950 80
2.150 960 80
2.125 960 81
2.100 970 82
2.075 980 83
2.050 990 84
2.025 1000 85
2.000 1010 86

70
Questions to Ask as You Consider Colleges
You may want to ask your prospecti ve col lege coaches the fol lowing questions as you consider
col leges.
Athletics
What positions will I play on your team? It is not always obvious.
Most coaches want to be f lexible, so you might not recei ve a def inite answer.
What other players may be competing at the same position?
The response could gi ve you an idea of when you can expect to be a starter.
Will I be redshirted my first year?
The school's policy on redshirting may impact you both athletical l y and academical l y.
What expectations do you have for training and conditioning?
This wil l reveal the institution's commitment to a training and conditioning program.
How would you best describe your coaching style?
Ever y coach has a particular style that involves dif ferent motivational techniques and discipline.
You need to know if a coach's teaching style matches your learning style.
When does the head coach's contract end? How long does the coach intend to stay?
The answer could be helpful. Do not make any assumptions about how long a coach wil l be
at a school. If the coach leaves, does this change your mind about the school/program?
What are preferred, invited and uninvited walk-on situations? How many do you expect
to compete? How many earn a scholarship? Situations var y from school to school.
Who else are you recruiting for my position?
Coaches may consider other student-athletes for ever y position.
Is medical insurance required for my participation? Is it provided by the college?
You may be required to provide proof of insurance.
If I am seriously injured while competing, who is responsible for my medical expenses?
Dif ferent col leges have dif ferent policies.
What happens if I want to transfer to another school?
You may not transfer without the permission of your current school's athletics administration.
Ask how of ten coaches grant this pri vilege and ask for an example of a situation in which
permission was not granted.
What other factors should I consider when choosing a college?
Be realistic about your athletics ability and the type of athletics experience you would enjoy.
Some student-athletes want to be part of a particular athletics program, even if that means
little or no playing time. Other considerations include coaching staf f and style. Of course,
the ideal is to choose a col lege or university that wil l provide you with both the educational
and athletics opportunities you want.

71
Academics
How good is the depar tment in my major? How many students are in the depar tment? What
credentials do faculty members hold? What are graduates of the program doing after school?
What percentage of players on scholarship graduate?
The response will suggest the school's commitment to academics.
You might want to ask two follow-up questions:
What percentage of incoming students eventually graduate?
What is the current team's grade-point average?
What academic suppor t programs are available to student-athletes?
Look for a college that will help you become a better student.
If I have a diagnosed and documented disability, what kind of academic services are available?
Special academic services may help you achieve your academic goals.
How many credit hours should I take in season and out of season?
It is important to determine how many credit hours are required for your degree
and what pace you will follow to obtain that degree.
Are there restrictions in scheduling classes around practice?
NCAA rules prevent you from missing class for practice.
Is summer school available? If I need to take summer school, will it be paid for by the college?
You may need to take summer school to meet academic and/or graduation requirements.
College Life
What is a typical day for a student-athlete?
The answer will give you a good idea of how much time is spent in class,
practice, study and travel. It also will give you a good indication of what coaches expect.
What are the residence halls like?
The response should give you a hint of how comfortable you would be in your room,
in study areas, in community bathrooms and at the laundry facilities. Also ask about the
number of students in a room, co-ed dorms and the rules governing life in the residence halls.
Must student-athletes live on campus? If yes, ask about exceptions.
Financial Aid
How much financial aid is available for both the academic year and summer school?
What does your scholarship cover?
How long does my scholarship last? Most people think a full ride is good for four years,
but athletics f inancial aid is available on a one-year, renewable basis.
What are my oppor tunities for employment while I am a student?
Find out if you can be employed in season, out of season or during vacation periods.

72
Exactly how much will the athletics scholarship be? What will and will not be covered?
It is important to understand what col lege expenses your famil y is responsible for so you can
arrange to pay those. Educational expenses can be paid with student loans and government
grants, but it takes time to appl y for these. Find out earl y so you can get something lined up.
Am I eligible for additional financial aid? Are there any restrictions?
Sometimes a student-athlete cannot accept a certain type of scholarship because of
NCAA limitations. If you wil l be receiving other scholarships, let the coach and f inancial
aid of f icer know so they can determine if you may accept additional dol lars.
Who is financially responsible if I am injured while competing?
You need to understand your f inancial obligations if you suf fer an injur y
while participating in athletics.
Under what circumstances would my scholarship be reduced or canceled?
Coaches should be able to gi ve you some idea of how players are evaluated from year
to year and how these decisions are made. The institution may have a policy governing
renewal of athletics aid. Ask if such a policy exists and read it.
Are there academic criteria tied to maintaining the scholarship? Some institutions
add academic requirements to scholarships (e.g., minimum grade-point average).
What scholarship money is available after eligibility
is exhausted to help me complete my degree?
It may take longer than four years to complete a col lege degree program.
Some col leges assist student-athletes f inancial l y as they complete their degrees.
Ask how such aid is awarded. You may have to work with the team or in the
athletics department to qualif y for this aid.
What scholarship money is available if I suf fer an athletics career-ending injur y?
Not ever y institution continues to provide an athletics scholarship to a student-athlete
who can no longer compete because of a career-ending injur y.
Will my scholarship be maintained if there is a change in coaches?
A coach may not be able to answer this, but the athletics director may.

Information for Parents and Guardians
If you are the parent or legal guardian of a potential student-athlete, please pay special attention to
the amateurism and academic eligibility and Clearinghouse sections.
Amateurism and Academic Eligibility
If your child plans to compete, practice or receive an athletics scholarship at a Division I or II col lege,
he or she must meet the eligibility requirements on pages 66-68 of this guide.
Clearinghouse Registration: Transcript and Test-Score Submissions
It is best for your son or daughter to register with the Clearinghouse af ter completion of his or her
junior year. Once registered, your son or daughter must ask the high school counselor or registrar
to send his or her academic transcripts to the Clearinghouse. ACT or SAT test score(s) also must
be submitted to the Clearinghouse. Your son or daughter must list the Clearinghouse as a separate
recipient of his or her ACT or SAT scores when he or she takes the test. The test scores must come
di rectl y f rom SAT or ACT. The Clearinghouse wi l l not accept test scores reported on the high
school transcript.
The Clearinghouse will typically review your son's or daughter's high school record and send a pre-
liminary report to him or her, with notif ication of any missing requirements. A f inal report may be
issued once your son's or daughter's high school submits a f inal transcript showing high school
graduation. Please cal l the Clearinghouse at 877- 262-1492 if you have any questions.
How to Monitor Your Son's or Daughter's Eligibility
You may check the Clearinghouse website at www.ncaaClearinghouse.net to make sure your son or
daughter is taking approved courses. A list of core courses should have been submitted to the
Clearinghouse by your son's or daughter's high school. Check your son's or daughter's schedule
before each year in high school to make certain that he or she is taking the required courses.
NCAA colleges may obtain information from the Clearinghouse about your son's or daughter's status
and progress onl y if his or her information is specif ical l y requested by that col lege.
Financial Aid
If your son or daughter is academical l y eligible to participate in intercol legiate athletics and is
accepted as a ful l-time student at a Di vision I or II school, he or she may receive athletics-based
f inancial aid from the school. Division I or II f inancial aid may include tuition and fees, room and
board, and books.
73

74
17
College Directories, College Guides,
and Other Sources of Information
Affording College. CICUCommission on Independent Colleges and Universities,
16-page brochure on the financial aid process and programs. Includes a contact directory
for 100+ private colleges and universities in New York.
Antonof f, Steven R., and Marie A. Friedemann, Ph.D.
College Matcha Blueprint for Choosing the Best School for You!
20052006. 6th edition. Antonof f, Alexandria, VA: Octameron Associates.
As and Bs of Academic Scholarships. Octameron Associates.
Lists 1,200 colleges and universities that of fer no-need scholarships to students
with B or better averages, SAT scores of 900+, and ACT scores of 21+.
Barrons Profiles of American Colleges. Comprehensive and easy to use.
Beckham, Barry, editor. Black Students Guide to Colleges. Contains evaluations of colleges.
Black Students Guide to College Success. Edited by Ruby D. Higgins, Clidie B. Cook,
William J. Ekerler, R. McLaran Sawyer, and Keith Prichard. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.
Book lists predominantl y black col leges and uni versities. Topics covered include
should I choose a black col l ege or an integrated col l ege, getting along wi th
non-blacks on campus, how I did i t: summaries f rom wel l-known black professionals,
and si tuati ons regarding ethnici ty.
Cass & Birnbaums Guide to American Colleges. Provides an index of religious colleges.
The College Board, The College Cost & Financial Aid Handbook.
New York: College Entrance Examination Board.
The College Board College Handbook.
The College Board, 8 Real SATs. Real, complete SATs.
Test-taking tips from the test makers themselves plus two real PSAT/NMSQTs.
The College Board, Book of Majors. New York: College Entrance Examination Board.
Degree levels of fered at each schoolfrom certificate to Ph.D.
The College Board, The Official Study Guide for all SAT Subject Tests.
New York: College Entrance Examination Board. Full-length practice subject tests, answer keys,
and scoring instructions, plus minitests in foreign languages and samples of the new writing test.
The College Catalog. Kaplan Educational Center. Very easy format.
DiSalvo, Jack, and Theresa Foy Digeronimo.
College Admissions for the High School Athlete. New York: Facts-on-File.
Gelband, Scott, Catherine Kubale, and Eric Schorr.
Your College Application. New York: College Board Publications.

75
Grubers Complete Preparation for the New SAT. Emphasis is on critical-thinking skills.
Guernsey, Lisa. College.EDU. Alexandra, VA: Octameron Associates.
Hartman, Kenneth. Internet Guide for College-Bound Students.
New York: College Board Publications.
Hayden, Thomas B. Handbook for College Admissionsa Family Guide.
Princeton, NJ: Petersons Guides.
Insiders Guide to the Colleges.
Written by students, compiled and edited by the staf f of the Yale Daily News.
Kaplan Get into College Tool Kit. Student tours of over 300 campuses, information on
applying to college electronically, information on financial aid, and a CD-ROM.
Killpatrick, Frances, and James Killpatrick.
The Winning Edge: The Student Athletes Guide to College Sports
Alexandria, VA: Octameron Associates.
Leider, Anna. I Am SomebodyCollege Knowledge for the First-Generation Campus Bound
Leider, Anna, and Robert Leider.
Don't Miss Out:The Ambitious Student's Guide to Financial Aid.
Lovejoys College Guide. Provides racial and ethnic composition of student body at each school.
Meinger, Steven. A Guide to the College Admissions Process.
Alexandria, VA: National Association of College Admissions Counselors.
McKee, Cynthia Ruiz, and Phillip C. McKee.
Cash for Collegethe Ultimate Guide to College Scholarships. New York: Hearst Books.
Mitchell, Robert. The Multicultural Student's Guide to College.
New York: Noonday Press.
National Commission for Cooperative Education, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115.
Free director y of colleges of fering cooperative education.
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (NYSHESC),
99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12255. The following publications are available free of charge:
Paying for College, Aid for Part-Time Study, Need Help? Guaranteed Student Loans,
You Can Afford College, Stepping into Your Future.
Paige, Michele Anna. After the SATsan Insiders Guide to Freshman Year.
Hauppauge, NY: Barrons.
Petersons Guide to Four-Year Colleges. Princeton, NJ: Petersons Guides.
Petersons Scholarships, Grants and Prizes. Princeton, NJ: Petersons Guides.
Petersons SAT Success. Includes SAT test preparation diagnostic test and study plan sof tware
(Windows version).
Petersons Sports Scholarships and College Athletic Programs. Full details on sports
scholarships and freshman financial aid at over 1,700 four-year and two-year colleges.

76
Princeton ReviewThe Best 361 Colleges. Edward Custard with Tom Meltzer, Eric Owens, and
Christine Chung. New York: Random House. A unique feature of this book is its ranking of colleges
by category-based student input. Categories include their students never stop studying,
professors bring materi als to l i fe, teaching assistants teach col d sober schools,
things run smoothl y vs. l ong l ines and red tape, and happy students vs. unhappy students.
Also available online at www.princetonreview.com/college/research/rankings/rankingsBest.asp
Princeton ReviewCracking the ACT. Four full-length timed and scored tests on CD-ROM.
Princeton ReviewCracking the SAT & PSAT. Four complete sample tests on CD-ROM.
Shields, Charles J. The College Guide for Parents.
State University of New York. The following publications are available free of charge:
Financial Aid for Undergraduate Studies, Educational Opportunity Program
Whats It All About?
State University of New York. Profiles 02. Everyone/Everywhere Dreams.
Albany, NY: State University of New York.
State University of New York. SUNY Application Guidebook and Application.
Albany, NY: State University of New York.
U.S. Department of Education. The Student Guide, Financial Aid. Funding Your Education.
See your college advisor or Learning Leader to obtain a copy.

77
18
Community Resources Directory
The fol lowing community resources are members of the Col lege Access Consortium of New York
(CACNY). They of fer a variety of col lege-related services such as test preparation, col lege and
f inancial aid advising, and tutoring. Most of these services are FREE and open to al l. Contact one
that is close to your home or school.
ACT, Inc.
Albany Of fice
Pine West Plaza, Suite 403
Albany, NY 12205
tel 518-869-7378
fax 518-869-7392
www.act.org
Aspira of New York
College and Career Advisement Program
470 7th Avenue, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10018
tel 212-564-6880 ext. 114
fax 212-564-7152
www.aspira.org
Bank Street College of Education
Liberty Partnerships Program
610 West 112th Street
New York, NY 10025
tel 212-875-4512
fax 212-875-4547
Barnard College Liberty Partnerships Program
3009 Broadway
New York, NY 10027
tel 212-854-7520
fax 212-854-7491
www.barnard.edu/liberty
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Upward Bound Program
199 Chambers Street, Room N628
New York, NY 10007
tel 212-346-8526
fax 212-346-8086
www.bmcc.cuny.edu
Boys Club of New York
Education Program
287 East 10th Street
New York, NY 10009
tel 212-677-1108 ext. 156
fax 212-253-1940
Boys Harbor
Talent Search Program
One East 104th Street
New York, NY 10029
tel 212-677-1479
fax 212-505-6631
www.boysharbor.org
Brooklyn Childrens Museum
Adolescent Program
145 Brooklyn Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11213
tel 718-735-4407
fax 718-604-7442
www.brooklynkids.org
Brooklyn College
2900 Bedford Ave., Room 2438,
N Ingersoll Hall
Brooklyn, NY 11210
tel 718-951-5593
fax 718-951-5680
www.brooklyn.cuny.edu
Catholic Guardian Society
Education Programs
1990 Westchester Avenue, 2nd Floor
Bronx, NY 10462
tel 718-828-0300 ext. 256
fax 718-430-9705
Catholic Youth Organization
1011 First Avenue
New York, NY 10022
tel 212-371-1000
fax 212-826-3347
www.cyony.org
Center for Urban Education at Pace University
41 Park Row, Room 409
New York, NY 10038
tel 212-346-1105
fax 212-346-1078
www.pace.edu

78
Chinese-American Planning Council
Project Gateway
150 Elizabeth Street
New York, NY 10012
tel 212-941-0920 ext. 145
fax 917-237-0274
City College of New York
Urban Scholars Program
138th St. and Convent Ave., Room 5/204
New York, NY 10031
tel 212-650-6219
Cypress Hills LDC
College STEPS
619 Glenmore Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11207
tel 718-235-8837
fax 718-235-8840
The Dome Project
College Prep Program
486 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10024
tel 212-724-1780
fax 212-724-6982
www.domeproject .org
The Door
Education Services
121 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10013
tel 212-941-9090 ext. 3261
fax 212-941-0714
www.door.org
Double Discover y Center
at Columbia University
Columbia University
2920 Broadway, MC 2604 W306 Lerner Hall
New York, NY 10027
tel 212-854-3897
fax 212-854-7457
www.columbia.edu/cu/college/ddc
East Harlem Tutorial Program
Tutorial Internship Program
2050 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10029
tel 212-831-0650
fax 212-289-7967
www.EHTP.org
Forest Hills Community House
OPTIONS Program
108-25 62nd Drive
Forest Hills, NY 11375
tel 718-592-5757
fax 718-592-2933
bkqnclus.unhny.org
Gateway Institute for Pre-College Education
City College
Harris Hall H-06
138th Street and Convent Avenue
New York, NY 10031
tel 212-650-6088 ext. 6118
fax 212-650-6484
www.gateway.cuny.edu
Goddard Riverside Community Center
OPTIONS Program
593 Columbus Avenue
New York, NY 10024
tel 212-873-6600
fax 212-595-6498
www.goddard.org
Grand Street Settlement
College Discovery Program
J.H.S. 22
111 Columbia Street, Room 257
New York, NY 10002
tel 212-505-6338
fax 212-505-5660
Harlem Center for Education
Talent Search Program
One East 104th Street, Room 382
New York, NY 10029
tel 212-348-9200
fax 212-831-8202
www.harlemctred.com

79
Harlem Educational Activities Fund
After School College Prep Program
2090 Seventh Avenue, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10027
tel 212-663-9732 ext. 11
fax 212-663-9736
www.heaf.org
Henr y Street Settlement
Education Services
301 Henry Street
New York, NY 10002
tel 212-254-3100
fax 212-777-1445
Inroads
120 Wall Street, 31st Floor
New York, NY 10005
tel 212-425-8300
fax 212-425-5742
www.Inroads.org
Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning
After School Program
161-04 Jamaica Avenue
Jamaica, NY 11432
tel 718-658-7400
fax 718-658-7922
www.jcal.org
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
555 West 57th Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10019
tel 212-237-8275
fax 212-237-8906
http://johnjay.j jay.cuny.edu/talentsearch
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Liberty Partnerships Program
555 West 57th Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10019
tel 212-237-8054
fax 212-237-8906
www.j j ay.cuny.edu
Kingsbridge Heights Community Center
College Directions Program
3101 Kingsbridge Terrace
Bronx, NY 10463
tel 718-884-0700 ext. 169
fax 718-884-0858
www.khcc-nyc.org
La Guardia Community College
Liberty Partnership & Upward Bound Program
31-10 Thomson Avenue, Room M-417
Long Island City, NY 11101
tel 718-482-5410
fax 718-482-5148
www.lagcc.cuny.edu
Learning Leaders
80 Maiden Lane, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10010
tel 212-213-3370
fax 212-213-0787
www.learningleaders.org
Mosholu Montefiore Community Center
Educational Counseling Center
3085 Bainbridge Avenue
Bronx, NY 10467
tel 718-652-0470 ext. 109
fax 718-652-8976
Nativity Mission Center
Graduate Support Program
204 Forsythe Street
New York, NY 10002
tel 212-477-2472
fax 212-473-0538
www.nativitymission.org
New Settlement Apartments
College Access Center
1512 Townsend Avenue
Bronx, NY 10452
tel 718-716-8000 ext. 249
fax 718-294-4085
New Visions for Public Schools
College Bound Program
96 Morton Street
New York, NY 10014
tel 212-645-5110
fax 212-645-7409
www.newvisions.org
New York City Job and Career Center
28 West 44th Street, #300
New York, NY 10036
tel 212-247-5650
fax 212-302-0088
www.nycjcc.org

80
New York Junior Tennis League
Educational Services
58-12 Queens Boulevard, Suite 1
Long Island City, NY 11101
tel 718-786-7110 ext. 377
fax 718-786-7635
www.nyjtl.com
New York University Metro Center
726 Broadway, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10003
tel 212-998-5111
fax 212-995-4199
www.education.nyu.edu/metrocenter
New York Urban League
New York, NY 10030
tel 212-926-8000
fax 718-442-4464
www.nyul.org
Outreach High School Program
High School Division
832 Marcy Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11216
tel 718-638-4235
fax 718-638-0051
www.alternativeschools.org/schools/outreach
Police Athletic League
Department of Youth Employment
34
1
/2 East 12th Street
New York, NY 10003
tel 800-725-4543
fax 212-477-4792
www.palnyc.org
Project Reach Youth
College Program
JHS 265
101 Park Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
tel 718-694-0601
fax 718-222-4544
www.pry.org
Harlem Childrens Zone
TRUCE
147 St. Nicholas Avenue
New York, NY 10026
tel 212-663-0555
fax 212-663-0560
www.hcz.org
St. Raymond Community Outreach
College Counseling Program
1720 Metropolitan Avenue
Bronx, NY 10462
tel 718-824-0353
fax 718-824-0532
SAYA! South Asian Youth Action
College Counseling
54-05 Seabury Street
Elmhurst, NY 11373
tel 718-651-3484
fax 718-651-3480
www.saya.org
Settlement College Readiness Program
1775-1777 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10029
tel 212-828-6136
fax 212-828-6140
www.unionsettlement.org
Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO)
College Prep Program
55 Exchange Place
New York, NY 10005
tel 212-979-2040
fax 212-532-2664
www.seo-ny.org
Staten Island Children's Museum
Museum Internship Program
1000 Richmond Terrace, Building M
Staten Island, NY 10301
tel 718-273-2060 ext. 262
fax 718-273-2836
www.statenislandkids.org
State University of New York
Metropolitan Recruitment Center
420 Lexington Avenue, Room 1640
New York, NY 10017
tel 212-818-1204
fax 212-818-9079
www.suny.edu
Sunnyside Community Services
OPTIONS Program
43-31 39th Street
Sunnyside, NY 11104
tel 718-784-6173 ext. 146
fax 718-784-7266
www.scsny.org

81
United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
120 Wall Street, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10005
tel 212-820-0140
fax 212-820-0157
www.uncf.org
University Settlement/The Door
Talent Search
184 Eldridge Street
New York, NY 10002
tel 212-941-9090 ext. 3295
fax 212-254-5334
www.universitysettlement.org
The Valley
Education Programs
1047 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10025
tel 917-441-5784
Ventures in Education, Inc.
Ventures Scholars Program
15 Maiden Lane, Suite 200
New York, NY 10038
tel 566-2522 ext. 103
www.venturescholar.org
Vocational and Educational Services
for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID)
A unit of the New York State
Department of Education
Locations:
116 West 32nd Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10001
tel 212-630-2300
New York, NY 10027
tel 212-961-4420
1215 Zerega Avenue
Bronx, NY 10462
tel 718-931-3500
55 Hanson Place, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11219
tel 718-722-6700
1 Lefrak City Plaza
59-17 Junction Boulevard, 20th Floor
Corona, NY 11368
tel 718-271-9346
1139 Hylan Boulevard
Staten Island, NY 10305
tel 718-816-4800

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19
The Internet
Al l col leges and universities have websites. You should familiarize yourself with what is available and
how you can use the internet in the col lege decision-making process. If you don't have a computer
with internet access, you can use the computers at the New York Public Library or at your high school.
The internet provides information on colleges, financial aid, careers, and campus life. Use the internet
to apply for admission and financial aid because it will make the process much smoother. Below you
will find websites that will be helpful as you go through the college process.
Resources for Students
with Special Needs
American Association of
University Affiliated Programs for
Persons with Developmental Disabilities
www.aauap.org
American Council of the Blind
www.acb.org
Association on Higher Education and Disability
www.ahead.org
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit
Disorder
www.chadd.org
Council for Exceptional Children
www.cec.sped.org
Disabilities Studies and Services Center
www.dssc.org
ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted
Education
ericec.org
Exceptional Nurse
www.ExceptionalNurse.com
Federation for Children with Special Needs
www.fcsn.org
Gifted and Talented Resources
www.tntech.edu/www/acad/sped/gif ted.html
Gifted Resources Home Page
www.eskimo.com/~user/kids.html
Heath Resource Center
www.acenet.edu/programs/HEATH/home.cfm
Internet Resources for Special Children
www.irsc.org
Learning Disabilities Online
www.ldonline.org
Learning Disabilities Association of America
www.ldanatl.org
National Adult Literacy &
Learning Disabilities Center
novel.nif l.gov/nalldtop.htm
National Attention Deficit Disorder Association
www.add.org
National Center for Learning Disabilities
www.ncld.org
National Information Center for Children
and Youth with Disabilities
www.nichcy.org
National Parent Network on Disabilities
www.npnd.org
National Research Center on the Gifted
and Talented
www.ucc.uconn.edu/~wwwgt/nrcgt.html
National Transition Alliance
for Youth with Disabilities
www.dssc.org/nta
North Rockland Special Education
Parent Teacher Association
www.geocities.com/Athens/4611

83
Options in Education
www.optionsined.com
School Psychology Resources
www.schoolpsychology.net
Special Education: British Columbia
Ministr y of Education
www.bced.gov.bc.ca/specialed
U.S. Dept. of Justice
Americans with Disabilities Act
www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm
Career Resources
America's Job Bank
www.ajb.dni.us
Cal Career Center
career.berkeley.edu
Campus Career Center Worldwide
www.campuscareercenter.com
Career Choices
www.umanitoba.ca/counselling/careers.html
Career Guidance Foundation
www.cgf.org
Career Intelligence Solutions
www.obik.com
Career View
www.collegeview.com
Career Web
www.careerweb.com
Careers&Education.com
www.careersandeducation.com
ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult, Career and
Vocational Education
www.cete.org/acve
Experience Network
www.experiencenetwork.com
JobBank USA
www.jobbankusa.com
Jobtrak Corporation
www.jobtrak.com
Kiersey Temperament Sorter
www.advisorteam.com/user/ktsintro.asp
Mapping Your Future
www.mapping-your-future.org
Monster.com
www.monster.com
My Future
www.myfuture.com
National Clearinghouse for
Professions in Special Education
www.specialedcareers.org
Occupational Outlook Handbook
www.bls.gov/oco
Overview of College,
Vocational Schools and Careers
www.overview.com/colleges
Planning a Career
www.adventuresineducation.org
UK/ International Careers
www.hobsons.co.uk
What to Do With Majors
www.uncw.edu/stuaf f/career/Majors
Financial Aid Resources
Air Force ROTC Scholarship
www.afrotc.com
American Student Assistance
www.amsa.com
ARTS Program - Scholarships for Performing,
Visual and Literar y Artists
www.artsawards.org
Association for Financial Counseling and
Planning Education
www.afcpe.org/pages/index.cfm
Chase Manhattan Bank
www.chase.com/educationfirst
Citibank Student Loan Corporation
www.studentloan.com
College Answer
www.CollegeAnswer.com

84
College Board
www.collegeboard.com/paying
College Connection Scholarships
www.collegescholarships.com
College Savings Plan Network
www.collegesavings.org
College Scholarship Search
www.college-scholarships.com
Discover Card Tribute Award Scholarships
www.aasa.org/discover.htm
Educaid
www.wachovia.com/personal/
page/0,,325_496,00.html
The Education Resources Institute
www.teri.org
eStudent Loan
www.estudentloan.com
FastAid
www.fastaid.com
FastWeb
www.fastweb.com
Federal Trade Commission: Scholarship Scams
www.f tc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/scholarship
FinAid
www.finaid.org
Financial Aid Supersite
www.financialaidsupersite.com
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA)
www.fafsa.ed.gov
www.studentaid.ed.gov/completefafsa
Free Search
www.freschinfo.com
Fundsnet Online Services
www.fundsnetservices.com
Gates Millennium Scholars Program
www.gmsp.org
Indiana Career and Postsecondar y
Advancement Center Financial Aid Page
icpac.indiana.edu/finaid.html
International Education Finance Corporation
www.iefc.com
International Education Financial Aid
www.iefa.org
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
www.jackkentcookefoundation.org
Key Education Resources
www.Key.com/educate
LoanStar Lenders
www.loanstar.com
Massachusetts Educational Financing
Authority
www.mefa.org
National Association of
State Student Grant and Aid Programs
www.nassgap.org
National Association of
Student Financial Aid Administrators
www.nasfaa.org
National Council of Higher Education
Loan Programs
www.nchelp.org
National Direct Student Loan Coalition
www.altrue.net/site/ndslc/
Nellie Mae Loan Link
www.nelliemae.org
Scholarships.com
www.scholarships.com
Sallie Mae
www.salliemae.com
The Sallie Mae Fund and NACAC Present:
Mission Possibl e: The toolki t that helps you
plan and pay for col l ege
Saving for College
savingforcollege.com
Scholaraid
www.scholaraid.com
Scholarship Resource Network
www.srnexpress.com
Smart Money
www.smartmoney.com/college
Southwest Student Services Corporation
www.sssc.com

85
Student Financial Aid Resources by State
http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/Programs/EROD/
org_list.cfm?category_ID=SHE
Student Guide: Financial Aid from
the U.S. Department of Education
www.studentaid.ed.gov/guide
Student Loan Network
www.StudentLoanNetwork.com
Super College
www.supercollege.com
Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation
www.tgslc.org
TIAA-CREF Saving for College
www.tiaa-cref.org/tuition
United Negro College Fund
www.uncf.org
U.S. Bank Student Loans
www.usbank.com/studentloans
U.S. Department of Education
Office of Federal Student Aid
Download a poster reminding students that
information about federal student aid is free
www.studentaid.ed.gov/stung
U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs Education Service
www.gibill.va.gov
Wells Fargo Education Resource Center
www.wellsfargo.com/education_center
College and University Lists
www.yahoo.com/Education/Higher_Education/
Colleges_and_Universities
www.clas.uf l.edu/au
www.globalcomputing.com/universy.html
www.utexas.edu/world/univ/state
Braintrack University
www.braintrack.com
Foundation for Independent Higher Education
www.fihe.org
National Association of Independent
Colleges and Universities
www.naicu.edu
International Colleges and Universities
Association of Canadian Community Colleges
www.accc.ca
Australia Education Network
www.edna.edu.au
Canadian Universities
www.uwaterloo.ca/canu/index.html
European Council of International Schools
www.ecis.org
General Education Online
www.findaschool.org
IES Worldwide Student Placement Service
www.ies-ed.com
International Student Resource Center
www.InternationalStudent.com
Nova Scotia Department of Education
and Culture
www.international.ednet.ns.ca
Study In Canada
www.studyincanada.com
Community Colleges
www.utexas.edu/world/comcol/alpha
www.communitycollegereview.com
Community College Liaison Office
www.ed.gov/of fices/OVAE/CCLO/index.html
Community College Web
www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/cc
League for Innovation
in the Community College
www.league.org
As the amount of information you
have increases, you must use your
critical and analytic skills.
Remember that all information must
be studied carefully. The Internet
supports and expands your knowledge,
but it does not replace working with
an experienced college advisor.

86
Religiously Affiliated Institutions
Adventist Education Net
www.nadeducation.org
Association of Catholic Colleges
and Universities
www.accunet.org
Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities
www.ajcunet.edu
Calgar y Christian Online
www.calgarychristian.com
Christian College Search
www.christiancollegesearch.com
Council for Christian Colleges and Universities
www.cccu.org
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America
www.elca.org/colleges
Hillel: Guide to Jewish Life on Campus
www.hillel.org
National Catholic College
Admission Association
www.catholiccollegesonline.org
College Rankings
www.library.uiuc.edu/edx/rankings.htm
U.S. News and World Report
College Rankings
www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/
rankings/rankindex_brief.php
Multicultural Resources
Counseling and financial aid sources
to assist students from various ethnic
and cultural backgrounds
American Indian College Fund
collegefund.org
American Indian Higher Education Consortium
www.aihec.org
American Institute for Managing Diversity
www.aimd.org
Black Collegian
www.black-collegian.com
Black Excel: The College Help Network
www.BlackExcel.org
Department of Education/Office of Bilingual
Education and Minority Languages Affairs
www.ed.gov/about/of fices/list/oela
Gates Millennium Scholars Fund
www.gmsp.org
Hillel: Jewish Campus Life
www.hillel.org
Hispanic Association of
www.hacu.net
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
www.hsf.net
Historically Black Colleges and Universities
www.smart.net/~pope/hbcu/hbculist.htm
Journal of Blacks in Higher Education
www.jbhe.com
Minority Scholarships and Fellowships
www.finaid.org/otheraid/minority.phtml
National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People
www.naacp.org
Quality Education for Minorities
qemnetwork.qem.org
Tribal Colleges, Native Studies Programs,
and Indian Education
www.nativeculturelinks.com/education.html
United Negro College Fund
www.uncf.org
Ventures Scholars Program
www.venturescholar.org

87
Study Skills Resources
Homework Helper
school.discovery.com/homeworkhelp/
bjpinchbeck
Premier School Agendas
www.agendas.com
Purdue Online Writing Lab
owl.english.purdue.edu
Study Skills
www.columbia.edu/cu/augustine/study
Study Skills Links
www.d.umn.edu/student/loon/acad/strat
Study Web
www.studyweb.com
Resources for the Student Athlete
American College of Sports Medicine
Free Online Director y of College and
University Program Information
www.acsm.org/student/pl/user/userlogon.asp
American Sport Education Program
www.asep.com
Campus Champs
www.campuschamps.com
For College Athletes
www.ForCollegeAthletes.com
National Association of Collegiate
Directors of Athletics
nacda.fansonly.com
National Collegiate Athletic Association
www.ncaa.org
The National Director y of College Athletics
www.collegiatedirectories.com
National Recruiting Network
www.nationalrecruits.com
National Scouting Report
www.nsr-inc.com
Varsity Edge
www.varsityedge.com
College Admission
Testing Resources
ACT, Inc.
www.act.org
College Board
www.collegeboard.org
Educational Testing Service
www.ets.org
Test of English as a Foreign Language
www.toef l.org

88

89
20
Glossary
Academic Year for Student Financial Aid The academic year must be at least two semesters,
two trimesters or three quarters and must include at least 30 weeks of instructional time.
It does not have to begin and end at the same time for al l students.
Accelerated Program A col lege program of study completed in less time than is usual l y required,
most of ten by attending summer classes or by taking extra courses during the regular academic
term. Completion of a bachelors degree program in three years is an example of acceleration.
Accreditation Recognition by an of ficial agency that
an institution has met certain academic standards.
ACT American College Testing Program. The ACT comprises four academic tests,
a writing section, a student prof ile, and an interest inventor y. The ACT is more
commonl y used by col leges in the Midwest and West.
Advanced Placement Admission of a freshman to an advanced course in a certain subject on
the basis of evidence that the student has already completed the equi valent of the col leges
freshman course in that subject. Credit given at the discretion of the col lege. Also a high school
course taught at an advanced level to enable students to gain advanced standing in col lege.
AGI Adjusted gross income from income tax returns.
Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) A welfare program aiding low-income parents and children,
it also covers children aged 1822 and attending postsecondary schools.
Alumni Discount Discount given to students who attend colleges their parents attended.
Associate Degree A degree granted by a college or university af ter the satisfactory
completion of a two-year, full-time program of study or its part-time equivalent.
Audit To attend a course for informational purposes only. No credit is granted.
Generally, students who audit a course are not required to take examinations.
Award Letter A letter notifying the student of the types and amounts of financial aid being of fered to
attend a college; it generally provides students with the opportunity to accept or decline aid of fered.
Award Year The time period for which financial aid is given. It starts on July 1 and ends on
June 30 of the following calendar year.
Baccalaureate or Bachelors Degree A degree received af ter the satisfactory completion
of a four-year, full-time program of study or its part-time equivalent at a college or university.
Budget The cost of attending an institution, usually including tuition, fees, living expenses,
books, supplies, and travel and personal expenses.
Bursar The college of ficial to whom college tuition and fees are paid.
Calendar The system an institution uses to divide its year into shorter periods for instruction
and awarding credit. The most common academic calendars are based on semesters,
trimesters, and quarters.

90
Campus-Based Programs Financial aid programs administered directly by the colleges financial
aid of fice, which awards funds to students based on federal or state guidelines.
Candidates Reply Date Agreement A college subscribing to this agreement requires applicants
of fered admission as freshmen to notif y the col lege of their decision to attend (or to accept
an of fer of f inancial aid) before May 1 of the application year. The purpose of this agreement
is to gi ve applicants time to hear f rom al l of the col leges they have applied to before making
a commitment to one of them.
Capitalization A loan arrangement in which you add unpaid interest to the principal rather than
pay the interest when it is due.
CEEB College Entrance Examination Board.
CEEB Code A six-digit code number assigned by the CEEB to each high school.
See your college advisor for your schools code number.
Class Rank The academic standing of a student in relation to other students in the class.
CLEP Col lege Level Examination Program. A program of examinations in undergraduate
col lege subjects that provides students and other adults with an opportunity to show
col lege-level achievement for which they have not previousl y recei ved col lege credit.
The examinations are used by col leges to evaluate the status of adul t applicants who
have not attended col legeor have not done so recentl y, students transferring from other
col leges, and entering freshmen. They are also used by business, industr y, and government
and professional groups to satisf y education requi rements for advancement, licensing,
admission to further training, and other purposes.
College Discover y (CD) Two-year opportunity program in CUNY schools.
Common Application One of the application forms that is accepted by several pri vate col leges
and a few state col leges in the United States. Students complete it once and send photocopies
to other schools.
Commuter Student A student living of f campus and commuting to campus.
Conditional Admission Acceptance to a college even though the student does not meet minimum
admission requirements. The student must enroll in remedial courses, maintain a minimum GPA,
or otherwise satisf y conditions prescribed by the col lege before regular admission is granted.
Sometimes students are required to take classes the summer before their f irst year of col lege.
Consolidation Combining al l of your federal student loans under one repayment plan.
Consor tium A voluntar y association of two or more col leges providing joint services and
academic programs for students enrol led in member institutions. Typical consortia general l y
include neighboring colleges. Students enrolled at one campus are permitted to attend courses
and use the facilities at other member campuses.
Cooperative Education A college program in which students alternate between periods of full-time
study and ful l-time employment in a related f ield. Students are paid for their work at the prevailing
rate. Typical l y, f ive years are required to complete a bachelors degree under the cooperative plan.
However, in addition to their studies, graduates have the advantage of completing almost a years
practical work experience. Some col leges refer to this sort of program as work-study, but it should
not be confused with the government-sponsored Federal Col lege Work-Study program.

91
Cost of Attendance (also known as Cost of Education) The students cost of attendance includes
not onl y tuition and fees but also the students living expenses while attending school. The cost
of attendance is estimated by the school within guidelines established by federal regulations.
The cost of attendance is compared with the students expected parental contributions to
determine the students need for aid.
Credit by Examination Students can earn credits toward graduation without taking
a course if they pass an examination that covers the material presented in the course.
Cross-Registration Through an agreement between col leges, this practice permits students
enrol led at one col lege or university to attend courses at another institution without formal l y
appl ying for admission to the second institution.
CUNY City University of New York. A network of 17 two-year
and four-year col leges located in New York City.
Deferment of Loan Payment of principal is not required, and
interest does not accrue during an established grace period.
Deferred Admission The practice of permitting students to
postpone enrol lment for one year af ter acceptance to a col lege.
Direct Loan Program The U.S. Department of Education is the lender.
Loans may or may not be subsidized.
Distribution Requirements School specif ications as to the types of courses students must take.
Dual Enrollment Some col leges al low high school seniors to enrol l in certain col lege-level
courses while completing their high school senior year. Such students are not considered
ful l-time col lege students.
Early Action Plan A program similar to earl y decision that al lows students to submit applications
earlier in the senior year for earlier review by col lege admission of f ices. The dif ference between
earl y action and earl y decision is that a student accepted by earl y action is not required to attend
that col lege.
Early Admission Some col leges admit certain students of exceptional
ability who have completed their junior year of high school.
Early Decision Earl y decision plans are of fered to applicants who are sure of which col lege
they want to attend and who are likel y to be accepted by that col lege. An earl y decision
application is initiated by the student, who is notif ied of the col leges decision earlier than
usual general l y, by December 15 of the senior year.
Early Decision Plan (ED) Col leges that subscribe to this plan agree to fol low a common schedule
for earl y decision applicants. Col leges may of fer either of two plans: Students appl ying under the
f irst-choice plan (EDP-F) must withdraw applications from al l other col leges as soon as they are
noti f ied of acceptance by the f i rst-choice col lege. Students appl ying under the single-choice
plan (EDP-S) may not appl y to any col lege other than thei r f i rst choice unless denied by that
institution. If a col lege fol lows either plan, applications (including f inancial aid applications) must
be received by a specif ic dateusual l y not later than November 15and the col lege agrees to
notif y the applicant by a specif ied date no later than December 15. Some col leges have a second
round of earl y decision reviews that require application in Januar y. See also Early Action Plan.

92
EFC Expected Famil y Contribution. Also cal led EFC or Famil y Contribution.
Amount of money the students famil y is expected to contribute to the students education.
Eligible Institution A col lege, vocational school, registered business school, or proprietar y
school that meets al l of the criteria for participating in federal student aid programs.
Enrollment Management System whereby colleges refine financial aid packages. They may segment
various groups of students to determine the best way to attract them and keep them enrol led.
May of fer dif ferent package strategies for freshmen and upper-class students with strong grades.
Entitlement Program A f inancial aid program independent of institutional al locations and with
suf f icient funds to guarantee that eligible applicants wil l receive awards if enrol led in an eligible
program at an eligible institution.
EOP Educational Opportunity Programs. A SUNY program that enables students who have
overcome obstacles, who are economical l y disadvantaged, or who are f irst-generation col lege
students whose academic records must be lower than minimum standards to be admitted to
a SUNY school with academic help provided at SUNY.
External Degree Program Students earn credit toward their degrees through independent
study, col lege courses, prof iciency examinations, and personal experience. External degree
col leges general l y have no campuses or classroom facilities.
FAO Financial Aid Of f icer.
Federal College Work-Study (FCWS) Part-time jobs on campus which are funded
through federal funds. Students are paid a salar y as part of their f inancial aid package.
Fee Waiver For students whose famil y income meets the program standards, fees for tests
such as SATs, ACTs and APs are reduced or in some cases eliminated. Most col leges wil l
waive application fees in these circumstances. Ask your col lege advisor.
FFELP Federal Famil y Education Loan Program. Col lecti ve term used
for subsidized and unsubsidized Staf ford Loans and Plus Loans.
Financial Aid Award An of fer of f inancial assistance to a student attending a post-secondar y
institution. It may consist of a grant, a scholarship, a repayable loan, student employment
or a combination of these.
Financial Aid Award Letter Prepared by the col leges f inancial aid of f ice stating the cost of
education, the expected famil y contribution and any grants, scholarships or loans the student
wil l receive if he or she attends that col lege.
Financial Need The dif ference between the cost of attendance and expected famil y contribution.
Forbearance Permitting the temporary cessation of repayments of loans allowing an extension of
time for making loan payments, or accepting a smaller loan payment than was previously scheduled.
4-1-4 A variation on the semester calendar system, the 4-1-4 calendar consists of two termseach
about 16 weeks longseparated by a one-month intersession used for intensi ve short courses,
independent study, of f-campus work, or other types of instruction.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) This must be used to appl y for federal Pel l
Grants, federal Staf ford Loans and Federal Campus-Based Programs (FSEOG, FCWS, Perkins
Loans). Applications can be obtained from your high school col lege advisor or f iled online.

93
GED General Educational Development test/general equivalency diploma. Tests correctness and
ef fectiveness of expression; reading interpretation of literature; social studies and science topics;
and general mathematical ability. Students who pass the test recei ve a general equi valency
diploma. Many col leges accept GED test results in lieu of high school graduation.
GPA grade point average. Sometimes also grade point, ratio quality point average, or ratio.
A system used by many col leges for evaluating the overal l scholastic performance of students.
It is calculated by first determining the number of grade points a student has earned in each course
completed and then di viding the sum of al l grade points by the number of hours of course work
carried. Grade points are found by multipl ying the number of hours gi ven for a course by the
students grade in the course. The most common system of numerical values for grades is
A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, and F = 0.
Grace Period A six- or nine-month period, af ter graduating or otherwise
leaving school, before you must start repaying your student loans.
Graduated Payments A f lexible scheduling of loan payments
that al lows students to make payments of var ying amounts.
Grant A f inancial aid award that does not have to be repaid.
Grants Rewards Program Program in which borrowers who make loan payments on time for
each of the f irst 48 months of repayment wil l have their interest rate reduced by 2 percentage
points for the remaining term of the loan. Loans must have been taken out af ter Januar y 1,
1993, for borrowers to be eligible.
Guaranteed Tuition A col lege may guarantee entering freshmen that tuition charges wil l not
increase during the four years of their study. This may require students to pay some tuition
in advance. Tuition is subsequentl y raised onl y for those entering successive freshman classes.
HEOP Higher Education Opportunity Program, similar
to EOP but for private col leges in New York State.
Independent Study An arrangement that al lows students to complete some of their col lege
program by studying independentl y instead of attending scheduled classes and completing
group assignments. Typical l y, students plan programs of study in consultation with a faculty
advisor or committee. General l y, a f inal report or thesis is submitted for evaluation.
Institutional Verification Form (IVF) Worksheet prepared
by students to verif y information reported on the FAFSA.
Interdisciplinar y Refers to programs or courses that combine a number of academic
disciplines, such as biology and physical sciences or engineering and business.
Internet Application Applying to college online. Students enter basic information that is printed
on col lege applications. Check that the sof tware you are using has the application for the
school(s) to which you are appl ying. This is the preferred method of appl ying to col leges.
Legal Dependent (of Applicant) A natural or adopted child or a person for whom the applicant
provides more than half of the f inancial support. In addition, a person who li ves with and recei ves
at least half f inancial support from the applicant and wil l continue to receive that support during
the award year.

94
Legal Guardian An individual appointed by the court to be someones legal guardian and
who is specif ical l y required by the court to use his or her own money to support that person.
Liberal Arts A general program of study. Liberal arts is a good program choice for students
who are initial l y undecided about what they would like to study.
Matriculated To be enrol led at an institution and working toward a degree or certif icate
in an eligible program.
Need Analysis The standard process of anal yzing an applicants household and f inancial aid
information and calculating an expected famil y contribution. The two primar y components are
(1) estimating the applicants and/or famil ys ability to contribute to educational expenses and
(2) determining an accurate estimate of the educational expenses.
Need-Blind Admission Admission decision made
without regard to the students f inancial situation.
NYSHESC New York State Higher Education Services Corporation; this state agency administers
New York States grant and scholarship awards and the Federal Family Education Loan Program.
Open Admissions A college admission policy of admitting high school graduates and other
adults without regard to such conventional academic qualif ications as subjects studied,
high school grades earned, and standardized test scores. Virtual l y al l applicants with
high school or equivalent diplomas are accepted.
Opportunity Programs For academical l y and economical l y underrepresented students.
Packaging An award prepared by a col lege f inancial aid of f ice that combines
dif ferent types of aid such as loans, grants, scholarships, and employment.
Pass/Fail Grading System Instead of using grades to indicate various levels of passing work,
some col leges rate students quality of performance in courses as either passing or failing.
The col leges entire grading system may fol low this pattern, or it may be an option for individual
students in specif ic courses.
PC Parental contribution toward the f inancing of col lege.
PCA Parental contribution from assets.
Pell Grant Federal entitlement grant based on f inancial need.
Pell Grant Index The number that appears on your Student Aid Report.
It is used by the col lege f inancial aid of f icer to determine the amount of your Pel l Grant.
Perkins Loan Federal loan disbursed by col leges that carries 5% interest.
PLUS (Parental Loan for Undergraduate Students). Federal long-term loans to parents of
dependent students. These loans carr y variable interest rates and depends on a credit check.
POP Pursuit of program. Students recei ving New York State aid must complete a certain number
of credits each semester to demonstrate their pursuit-of-program completion.

95
Professional Judgment Col lege f inancial aid administrators can use their professional judgment
in order to (a) override a students dependency status to make the student independent,
(b) adjust the components of a students cost of attendance, and (c) adjust the data elements
used in calculating a students expected famil y contribution. These adjustments must be
made on a case-by-case basis, and the reason(s) must be documented.
Profile Customized financial aid form prepared by The College Board. It provides additional infor-
mation required by many colleges. There is a $5.00 fee to register as well as a $18.00 fee for each
school you want the information sent to. Check with your college to see if the Profile is required.
PSAT/NMSQT Preliminar y Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualif ying Test.
Quarter An academic calendar period of about 10 weeks. Four quarters constitute the academic
year, but at col leges using the quarter system, students make normal academic progress by
attending onl y three quarters each year. At some col leges, students can accelerate thei r
programs by attending al l four quarters during one or more years.
Residency Requirements Most colleges and universities require that to be eligible for graduation,
students spend a minimum number of terms taking courses on campus, as opposed to pursuing
independent study or transferring credits from other colleges. Residency requirements can also
refer to the minimum amount of time students are required to have lived in a state in order to be
eligible for the in-state tuition rate at a public (government-controlled) college or university.
Resident Student A student who does not li ve at home during the academic year.
An on-campus resident student lives in housing facilities owned or maintained by the institution.
An of f-campus resident student does not li ve in institutional l y provided housing.
Rolling Admissions An admission procedure in which the col lege considers each students
application as soon as al l of the required credentials have been recei ved. The col lege usual l y
notif ies the applicant of its decision without delay.
SAP Satisfactor y academic progress. Standards determined
by an institution to monitor a students progress toward graduation.
SAR Student Aid Report. Of f icial notif ication indicating the results of the processing
of a students Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It shows the expected famil y
contribution and other information reported by the student on the FAFSA. It is automatical l y
submitted to the f inancial aid of f ice of the schools the student listed on the FAFSA.
SAT Reasoning Test (SAT) A three-section reasoning test required by many col leges as
part of the admission process.
SAT Subject Test Subject tests that measure knowledge or skil ls in specif ic subjects.
They cover f ive general subject areas: English, foreign language, histor y and social studies,
mathematics, and science.
Satisfactor y Academic Progress The academic progress required of a f inancial aid recipient
to fulf il l a specif ic educational objective. A student who does not maintain satisfactor y progress
as determined by the institution may no longer be eligible for f inancial aid.

96
SC Student contribution. The amount a student is
expected to contribute to the cost of attending col lege.
SCA Dependent students contribution from assets.
SDQ Student Descripti ve Questionnaire, completed by students when they register for
SAT or SAT Reasoning Test. The responses are compiled, and schools buy the students
names to send information and acti vel y recruit. Students are encouraged to complete
the SDQ as accuratel y as possible so they wil l receive appropriate information.
SEEK Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge.
An Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) in four-year CUNY schools.
SEEP Student Education Employment Program. A federal program that
of fers temporar y employment and career experiences to col lege students.
Self-Help The assumption that a student has an obligation to help pay for a portion of a
col lege education usual l y through savings from past earnings, from income from present
earnings, or via a loan to be repaid from future earnings.
Semester A period of 17 or 18 weeks that make up half of
the academic year at col leges using this kind of calendar.
SOAR An acronym used by col leges, it has two def initions: (1) Student Orientation,
Advising, and Registration or (2) Summar y of Applicants Resources.
Staf ford Loan A loan that is made by lenders or state guaranty agencies. Staf ford Loans
may or may not be subsidized. For the address and phone number of your state agency,
cal l 800-4-FED-AID (800-433-3243).
STAP Supplemental Tuition Assistance Program. A New York State grant.
Stop Out A student who takes a leave of absence from col lege.
SUNY State University of New York. A network of 64 two-year
and four-year col leges operated by the state of New York.
SUSTA State University Supplemental Tuition Assistance. Program that helps bridge the
dif ference between Tuition Assistance Program awards and tuition at state-operated col leges
for students whose families New York State net taxable income is $2,000 or less.
Syllabus An outline for the entire course length prepared by the instructor.
TAP Tuition Assistance Program currently provides students in New York State with a grant of up to
$5,000 per year if they attend a college or university in New York, or the cost of the colleges tuition.
Terminal Program An education program designed to prepare students for immediate employment.
These programs can usual l y be completed in less than four years af ter high school and are
available in many junior col leges, community col leges, and vocational-technical institutions.
3-2 Liberal Arts and Career Combination A program in which students complete three years
of study in a liberal arts f ield fol lowed by two years of professional-technical study. Engineering
or forestr y are examples. Students are then awarded both the bachelor of arts and bachelor
of science degrees.

97
TOEFL The Test of English as a Foreign Language is required of students whose native
language is not English. It is used by the col lege to measure a students English prof iciency.
Transfer Program An education program at a two-year col lege of fered primaril y
to students who plan to continue their studies at a four-year col lege or uni versity.
Transfer Student A student who has attended another col lege for any period, from
a single term to three years. Transfer students may receive credit for some or al l
of the courses they have successful l y completed before the transfer.
Trimester An academic calendar period of about 15 weeks. Three trimesters make up
one academic year. Students make normal progress by attending two of the trimesters
each year and at some col leges can accelerate their programs by attending al l three
trimesters in one or more years.
Tuition Remission Discount from the col leges list price,
usual l y available to the col leges employees.
Unmet Need The dif ference between a students cost of attendance
at a specif ic institution and the student's available resources.
Verification An investigation the col lege f inancial aid of f ice makes regarding information
reported on the students f inancial aid application(s). Usual l y, the of f ice requests a signed
copy of tax returns and documentation to conf irm untaxed income.
VESID Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities.
A unit of the New York State Department of Education.

98
21
Worksheets
Learning Leaders has prepared three worksheets to assist with the col lege decision-making and
application process. We suggest you start by photocopying the worksheets before working on them.
College Selection Worksheet
There are thousands of col leges you can appl y to. To help narrow your alternati ves to a reasonable
number without eliminating desirable choices:
Consider your educational and personal objectives one at a time.
Ask yourself what you need to know about a col lege to determine whether
it meets your requirements.
Consider the col leges location with regard to climate and distance from home.
Wil l you be able to return home for holidays and school breaks?
Do you want the excitement of a large city or the smal ler community of a col lege town?
Do you want a large uni versity whose classes may meet in a large auditorium but that are
taught by renowned professors, or do you want a smal ler school with seminar-type classes
whose faculty and students are on a f irst-name basis? Or do you want something in between?
The Col lege Selection Worksheet on page 100 is designed so you can think about your needs
and then focus on the items you consider essential.
When you are f inished, give your parents or guardians a blank copy of the worksheet and ask them
to do the same thing. When comparing the two, you may f ind your parents have completel y dif ferent
ideas about your educational future. Discuss this with them, listen to their views, and if necessary,
modif y your choices.
Once you have narrowed your criteria, you can begin realistical l y researching col leges.

99
College Application Tracking Sheet
To help keep track of your college and financial aid applications, filing deadlines, and status of refer-
ences and acceptances, we recommend you use the form on page 101. Whenever you request forms
or communicate with colleges, you should note it on the form. Dont make the mistake of completing
the form and forgetting about it. Highlight the deadlines, and check frequently to ensure that everything
gets submitted in a timely manner. Deadlines are critical in the application and financial aid process.
Student Personal Data Sheet
Students apply to several colleges. This involves the completion of many college applications, institu-
tional financial aid applications, and federal and state financial aid applications as well as the writing
of essays and the requesting of recommendations.
Of ten, the same information is requested over and over again. To help you facilitate this process,
complete the Personal Data Sheet on pages 102 103. Once youve gathered al l of the specif ics, its
easy to transfer the appropriate information to the forms.
We suggest you make several copies of the completed data sheet and give copies to the people you
are requesting recommendations from. It wil l enable them to personalize your recommendation and
highlight your qualif ications.

100
College Selection Worksheet
Characteristic Specific Reference
Name of institution
Geographic location (city, state, region)
Distance from home
Type (two-year, four-year, university)
Enrol lment by gender (male, female, coed)
Religious af f iliation
Size of undergraduate enrol lment
Academic calendar
Campus environment
Possible majors or course of ferings
On-campus housing
Cost of attendance
Financial aid
Advanced placement available
Student acti vities
Athletics
Academic caliber of students
Diversity of student population
Social life
Admission requirements
Other

101
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102
Student Personal Data Sheet
Name
Address
Phone Social Security No.
If non-U.S. citizen, Alien Registration No.
High School Education CEEB code
School
Address
Class rank GPA
Describe any academic distinctions or honors you have recei ved in grades 912.
Test Information SAT ACT SAT Subject Tests TOEFL
Date(s) taken
Scores
Extracurricular Activities Grade Level
Activity 9 10 11 12 Hours per Week Positions Held, Honors
Athletic Background Grade Level
Sport 9 10 11 12 Hours per Week Awards and Other information

103
Community Service/Work Experience Grade Level
Job Title Employer/Organization 9 10 11 12 Hours per Week Salar y
Family Information
Mother or Female Guardian Father or Male Guardian
Name Name
Address Address
City, State, Zip City, State, Zip
Phone Phone
Occupation Occupation
Parents legal marital status:

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Widowed
Number of siblings: and their ages:
How many famil y members wil l be attending col lege ful l-time next year?
Additional Information
Why do you want to be considered for admission to col lege?
What is your intended major?
What is your favorite music?
What are your favorite books or poems?
How do you spend your free time?
What are your hobbies?
What are your special talents or skil ls?
Who is the person you most admire? Why?
Have you overcome any obstacles in your life?

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