College and Career Center

WELCOME!

I look forward to working with you this year and helping you achieve your post-secondary goals. I am here to help ALL students get a head start on planning for life after high school. It's never too early to ask questions, search colleges and programs, and apply for scholarships.

On this page you will find very important college information for CUNY and SUNY schools, resources to guide you through the application process, and opportunities to help you stand out. Take a look around!

Seniors requiring help with applications will be scheduled for a standing appointment each week to support in the application process.

CONTACT INFORMATION

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What documents does my student need to apply to college? When should they apply?

A. Applications should be ready to submit in November of Senior year.
Your child must have these documents ready to use in November:
For College Applications:

Resume
Personal statement/college essay
Recommendation letters (for 4 year colleges)
Application accounts (CUNY, Common App. etc.)
Full list of colleges to be applied to

For Financial Aid Applications:

Federal and state taxes, W2s
Benefit letters

Q. How do I find the right college for my major?

A. Colleges offer a wide range of majors. You can always check the college’s website for the majors they offer, and what classes you must take for that major.

There are colleges that are well known for specific majors, you can discuss those options with the college counselor or advisor.

Tip: if you are not fully committed to a major at the moment you apply to school, make sure to apply to a school that has various majors you might be interested in.

Q. How do I travel to my college?

A. This depends on your choice of college.

If you choose to stay in New York City, you have the option of using the MTA system, or a car.
If you choose a college in Nassau County, NY (Western Long Island) your most convenient option is to drive to campus. The LIRR may also be an option you can explore.
If you decide to go school Upstate, in Suffolk County (Long Island), or out of state, you will have to stay in a dormitory. To visit home during holidays and school breaks, you will have to explore the transportation options: train, bus, plane.

Addresses of the college of your choice are on their websites.

Q. What income do you need to qualify for financial aid?

A. Households of all incomes are eligible to apply! Students living in NY will be applying for Federal aid (FAFSA) and NY State aid (TAP). Financial aid is different for every family and circumstance. Students may also receive partial financial aid, depending on the circumstances. Students can discuss their options further with the college counselor or advisor.

Q. Are CUNY and SUNY low cost?

A. Average CUNY tuition is $7,340 per year. Average SUNY tuition is $8,500 per year.
Dorming, books, and traveling expenses are a separate cost. If your child receives full financial aid from FAFSA and TAP, your child will have approximately $14,000 to use towards college tuition.

Q. What is CUNY/SUNY?

A. CUNY, also known as The City University of New York, are the public colleges in New York City’s 5 boroughs: Queens, Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. SUNY, also known as The State University of New York, are the public colleges throughout New York State, including Long Island and Westchester.

Is it true that CUNY/SUNY does not offer a quality education?

A. New York public colleges offer a quality education. In fact, New York public colleges are ranked as some of the best nationwide. Colleges are also a great place to network, access internships, and career- readiness opportunities. Students should make the most of their experience!

Q. Can a student with undocumented status apply to college?

A. Yes, a student with undocumented status may apply to college and even financial aid. Their process may look a little different, which is why they are encouraged to speak with the college counselor right away. All information is strictly confidential and will not be discussed with anyone other than the student and their counselor.

Q. How do you secure scholarships?

A. There are many kinds of scholarships to apply to. Scholarship programs may ask for grades, essays, artwork, or proof of community service. If your student has any questions about scholarships, they can come to the college office and the College Office Google Classroom for more resources.

Q. What is the process of retaking the SAT? Where can I find the fee waiver?

A. The process is easy and quick. Your student will log in to their college board account where they can register for their SAT. The fee waiver benefits will be in their college board account as well after the SAT School Day exam.

Q. Will my child receive financial aid for dorming?

A. Every school has their own way of designating financial aid. Some schools offer scholarships or grants for dorming services, and others do not.

Q. How can my child attend college if I cannot pay for it?

A. If you cannot pay for college, do not worry. There are financial aid options/programs your child may be eligible for. Students will have a planning meeting in junior year that will help them identify all their options.

Q. What happens to my student’s New York financial aid if he moves to a different state?

A. If the student moves to a different state, they cannot receive financial aid from New York State (TAP). FAFSA (Federal funds) can be used nation-wide.

Q. What is the difference between a 2-year and 4-year college?

A. When a student completes their 2-year degree, they will be awarded an Associate degree. When a student completes their 4-year degree, they will be awarded a Bachelor's degree.

A. If my child attends community college first, what can they do afterwards?

After your child receives their associate degree, they may transfer to a 4-year college to complete a bachelor's degree. They will require approximately 2 years at that new college, and they can continue receiving their financial aid. They may also enter the workforce as many pathways of education may require a 2 year program.

Q. Where can you apply to college?

A. This depends on the student’s choice of college as there are various applications. It is highly encouraged for students to review these applications in with Ms. C in order to prevent any errors on their applications.
CUNY colleges: cuny.edu/apply
Non-CUNY colleges: commonapp.org
SUNY 2-year colleges: suny.edu

Q. What average is needed to apply to college?

A. Some schools may accept students with a 75+ average. Every school has a different average that they accept. The more selective/ competitive a school is, they will require a higher overall GPA. Community colleges are considered open enrollment.

Q. What are the minimum and maximum points you can score on the SAT for college?

A. SAT scores are mostly optional since the COVID pandemic. Every school and/ or major has a different SAT score that they accept. 1110 shows basic “college readiness,” and the maximum score is a 1600, which is not common. Students should inquire about SAT requirements to determine if they need a score.

CIVIL SERVICE EXAM ANNOUNCEMENTS

Many types of jobs are available through our city's services as a city employee. To be considered, you must complete a civil service examination. The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) accepts applications for the civil service examinations in various jobs monthly. Check out the links below for this month's exams and job openings. To find yearly/ monthly exam schedules visit the DCAS website.

COLLEGE FAIRS AND OPEN HOUSES

FINANCIAL AID EVENTS

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES - BOOST YOUR RESUME

Work Based Learning: Learn about the opportunities available at HSCT. Contact Mr. Cordero for more information at [email protected].

National Honor Society: Open to juniors and seniors only. Must apply and have a minimum of 90 GPA. Contact Ms. Pagnotta for more information at [email protected].

Lady Warriors- Is a young women’s empowerment and mental health, safe relationships and leadership program. Open to all grades. Contact Ms. Ffrench for more information at [email protected].

MITEE - Is a young men’s empowerment and leadership program. Open to all grades. Contact Mr. Albert for more information at [email protected].

Esports – Play video games, take part in tournaments, and build team and leadership skills. Contact Matthew for more information at [email protected]

SkillsUSA – Is a program that provides opportunities for leadership, professional network, community service, and a variety of contests to test your skills in city, state and national competitions! Contact Mr. Ocansey for more information at [email protected]

Student Council - Be a student leader and representative of the student body! Contact Ms. Dervisevic at [email protected].

Amazing opportunity for any student interested in Science and Technology pathways! The STEP program is free to all eligible students; fee waivers are also available. Partner with colleges in NYC and gain experience, college credits, free Kaplan SAT prep, and transition help when you begin college. Don't miss out. See Ms. C in 318.

Robotics Club - Be part of a team, build, code, problem solve and compete in state and national competitions!Contact Mr. Garces at [email protected].

UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS

Is your citizenship status making you nervous? Are you scared and confused? You aren't alone!

Please, don't wait until it's too late to discuss your situation with the college counselor. Every conversation is CONFIDENTIAL. Learn about your options early.

Check out these resources and scholarships that can help you out!

Have questions? Sometimes it's a good idea to get legal help and consultation. You can use UnLocal and Action NYC.

6 Things Undocumented Students Need to Know

Organizations, Resources, and the NY Law allowing students to pay in-state tuition (pages 22-24)

A great list of scholarships that are friendly to undocumented students

Visit the Hispanic Scholarship Fund for access to more opportunities

SENIOR TIMELINE

OCTOBER

Work on your College Applications
Finalize college essay
Make sure FSA ID's and passwords are accurate
Start the FAFSA/ Look for Ms. C's events
Research/ Apply to scholarships

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER

Make appointments for CUNY/FAFSA Review before submitting
Submit Common App colleges
Begin TAP when FAFSA is processed
Submit SATs scores via College Board (IF submitting)
Send Thank you letters to your recommenders

*Download the FULL Timeline below

*Download the letter of recommendation information/ request form below

SENIOR TIMELINE FILES

SENIORS: SAT INFORMATION

JUNIOR TIMELINE

TIMELINE FLYERS

CUNY ADMISSION INFORMATION

SUNY ADMISSION INFORMATION

CHANGES TO FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION

FINANCIAL AID HELP

COLLEGE APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

COLLEGE APPLICATION FILES

RESEARCH CAREERS AND COLLEGES

The first step in planning for your future is to figure out your interests and strengths. Use this information to learn about possible careers and required education. Research colleges and universities that can help you get there. Here is a list of some helpful websites to get you started:

Download the College Match Tool below! Use your GPA and SAT scores to compare colleges within your college match categories below

Use NYC College Line to get you started!

Interest/skills assessment, career exploration, scholarship search at careeronestop.org

Skill search, Interest search, Career search use O*Net and My Next Move

Research colleges around the country. Use your preferences to filter your results at Big Future by College Board

Research Colleges by career: BestColleges.com

LGBTQ Friendly Colleges, Student Resources, and Support: Affordable Colleges and Accredited Schools

More college and career research sites: LearnHowToBecome.org

Want to go away and still stay in New York? Check out these New York State schools. WNY College Connection can help you explore some state schools and their application process.

Use these other websites to compare colleges:

College Score Card

College Results

COLLEGE MATCH TOOL

ACADEMIC AND COLLEGE/CAREER PREP PROGRAMS

Don't underestimate the importance of Extra-Curricular activities. Doing a little bit more will go a long way when Colleges are reviewing your application. Here you will find programs that can provide support through personalized academic help, college/ career exploration, and extra perks (like free SAT prep).

SEO Scholars and Minds Matter are programs that begin in the 9th grade and continue throughout High School. Each grade has specific goals, workshops, and fun activities to prepare students for success in college and with workplace. Scholarship opportunities are available for participants who successfully complete their program. See Ms. C for more information.

OppNet has similar goals however the grade of entry is in 10^th grade. Scholarship opportunities are available for participants who successfully complete their program. See Ms. C for more information.

Lets Get Ready is a free program that offers SAT prep, goal-setting, and introduction to the college admissions and financial aid process.

The ACE Mentor Program is specifically designed for students interested in Architecture, Construction, and Engineering. Here you get to work with real professionals on projects, receive college and career advisement, and access to scholarships.

STEP at Fordham University is an academic enrichment program designed to prepare underrepresented minority and economically disadvantaged junior high and high school students (grades 7-12) for college and careers in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields, health careers, and licensed professions, like accounting, law, psychology, social work among other licensed fields.

STEP at New York University is an academic enrichment program designed to prepare students to be competitive so that they are accepted into a selective college of their choice. The goals is to increase the number of historically low income or first generation students in the science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) careers, health-related fields and licensed professions.

** These are great opportunities to help yourself academically, receive free helpful services, and engage in career exploration and preparation! **

SCHOLARSHIPS

Check out some of these resources!

Collegeboard- https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search
Myscholly- https://myscholly.com/
Fast Web- https://www.fastweb.com/
Career One Stop- https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-scholarships.aspx
For immigrant students without citizenship or residency:
https://immigrantsrising.org/wp-content/uploads/Immigrants-Rising_Applying-for-Scholarships.pdf
Commonly used: The Dream US National Scholarship https://www.thedream.us/scholarships/
Scholarships and Financial Aid for LGBTQ Students at GoGrad
More information and scholarship search at GoodCall
Seniors can also find scholarships in their Google Classroom as they are added.

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