Your College Search What to consider… What to consider…

What to Consider Start with your MAJOR Calculate the DISTANCE from home Consider the COST Compare your SCORES Find the right FIT

Your MAJOR What do you want to study? Is it consistent with your career choice? Does the college offer a high quality program of study? What other majors does the college offer that are of interest?

DISTANCE from Home You do not need to go far away to “feel” like you are far away. How often will you want to return for holidays or other special occasions? How much will it cost to travel to and from college?

Consider the COST Start a discussion with your parent/guardian about what you will be able to afford. Like buying a car, the sticker price may not be what you actually pay. Begin by considering all of the schools you like, regardless of cost. Remember – cost does not always equal a better education.

Compare your SCORES Your overall grade point average Your rank in class Your regents exam scores Your college entrance exams The college’s published scores

Find the right FIT Like finding the right pair of blue jeans, look for a school that is a good “fit” for you. Small or large or something in between? Ivy on the walls, sleek and modern looking or quaint college town? Big city, suburban or rural? Competitive athletics program? Great art department?

What Colleges Want to See Your transcript - a list of your courses and grades. Your college entrance exams. Your extracurricular activities. Your ability to write essays. Recommendations from your teachers and counselors. Quality senior year courses.

SUNY Admission Info (middle 50%) SUNY SCHOOLHS AverageSAT ScoreACT Score Albany Binghamton University at Buffalo (UB) Brockport Cortland Environmental Science & Forestry (ESF) Oswego Cornell: School of Human Ecology Morrisville State Alfred State

To how many schools should I apply? Think “Levels” Level 1 – your dream college. Level 2 – colleges that match your gpa and exam scores closely. Level 3 – safety schools, if level 1 and 2 schools were eliminated due to cost or competitive applications.

Degrees – Associates, Bachelors, Masters? Associate degree – generally a two-year program of study. Bachelors degree – generally a four-year program of study. Masters/Doctorate/Professional degrees – extend beyond the bachelors degree.

Public or Private College? Public colleges (SUNY system) receive funding from the state government. The funding keeps tuition costs lower for state residents. Out-of-state residents pay more. Private colleges may offer more grants and scholarships to compete with public colleges.

Mistakes to Avoid Applying to, but not visiting collegesApplying to, but not visiting colleges Ignoring or regular mail sent from collegesIgnoring or regular mail sent from colleges Using an inappropriate addressUsing an inappropriate address Rushing through applicationsRushing through applications Waiting too long to complete applications and essaysWaiting too long to complete applications and essays Failing to edit your workFailing to edit your work

Available Resources… Your school counselor The GRB Guidance Office Website Guidance Website Your GRB Course Catalog Individual College Websites Parents, teachers, advisors College Catalogs and Viewbooks