1. Junior Info Session Speaker: Mr. Giordano
The Next Step
Junior Info Session
Speaker: Mr. Giordano

2. Agenda The application process The college selection process The cost
Realistic choices “Will I get in?”
Getting to know the college
The SAT and ACT
Deadlines
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Resources

3. 11th Grade: College Planning Timeline Fall –College List and SAT Prep
Stay on track with your classes and grades.  Meet with your counselor to see what you still need to take. Check on your class rank and your GPA. Even if your grades haven’t been that good so far, it’s never too late to improve. Colleges like to see an upward trend.
Use your PSAT 10 to prepare for SAT 
Evaluate your education options.  Now is the time to follow a more specific path. Decide whether you want to pursue full-time employment, further education or training (such as a vocational-technical school, career college, or two-year or four-year college), or a military career. If you’re interested in attending a military academy, talk to your guidance counselor about starting the application process now.
Make a college list.  Your list of colleges should include schools that meet your most important criteria (for example, size, location, cost, academic majors, or special programs). Weigh each of the factors according to their importance to you and develop a preliminary ranking of the schools on your list.
Continue gathering college information. Go to college fairs, attend college nights, and speak with college representatives who visit your high school; use an online college finder and search top college lists. You may be able to narrow your choices or add a school to your list.
Organize a testing plan.  Figure out when you’ll be taking important tests like the SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests, and AP exams, and mark the dates on your calendar. You’ll want to have plenty of time to prepare.
Make sure you’re meeting any special requirements. If you want to play Division I or II sports in college, start the certification process and check with your counselor to make sure you’re taking a core curriculum that meets NCAA requirements.

4. 11th Grade: College Planning Timeline Winter– Stay involved, organize college lists, and prepare for standardized tests
Stay involved with extracurricular activities.  Colleges look for consistency and depth in the non-academic activities you pursue. Taking on leadership roles and making a commitment to the same groups are more important than trying out tons of new activities each year.
Organize your college information.  Set up a filing system with individual folders for each college’s correspondence and printed materials. This will make it easier to locate the specific information you’re looking for.
Begin narrowing down your college choices. Make sure you have all the information you need about the colleges you’re interested in (entrance requirements, tuition, room and board costs, course offerings, student activities, financial aid, etc.). Then begin comparing the schools by the factors that are most important to you and rank your choices.
Prepare for standardized tests.  Find out if the colleges you are interested in require the SAT, ACT, or SAT Subject Tests. Most juniors take them in the spring at TAPCO. You can take them again in the fall of your senior year if you’re unhappy with your scores.
Talk to your family.  Have a discussion about the colleges you’re interested in. Your family can learn about what you want to pursue and you can hear any concerns or suggestions they might have.
Learn more about financial aid.  Examine your family’s financial resources and gather information about financial aid from the schools you’re interested in.

5. 11th Grade: College Planning Timeline Spring: Search for scholarships and gather recommendations
Prepare a challenging schedule for senior year.  Meet with your counselor to determine what classes you’ll take next year and to make sure you’re on track for graduation. When you pick your classes, don’t load up on easy electives. Colleges do consider your senior year courses and grades, so stick with a schedule that challenges you.
Start a scholarship search. There are lots of scholarships out there; you just need to spend a little bit of time and effort to find them. Check with your guidance office for scholarships from local organizations and use online scholarship search tools to find a wider range of options. The sooner you start looking for scholarships, the easier it will be to select some to apply to during your senior year.
Contact your recommendation writers. Teachers and guidance counselors are often asked to write recommendations for lots of students. Consider whom you want to ask now and let them know so they’ll have time to prepare before getting tons of requests in the fall. Ask teachers who know you well and who will have positive things to say. Letters of recommendation from a coach, activity leader, or adult who knows you well outside of school are also valuable.
Apply for a summer job or internship. Summer employment and internships in fields you’re interested in will look appealing on a college application or resume.
Set up appointments at your top college choices. You’ll often have to plan ahead when visiting colleges. Call the admissions office to set up a personal interview, tour, and a meeting with a professor or coach if you’re interested. You can also ask them to send you an application.

6. 11th Grade: College Planning Timeline - Summer: Visit colleges and work on application essays
Visit colleges. Visit the campuses of your top five college choices. Take a tour and speak with the admissions and financial aid staff. You may also be able to talk to students if some classes are in session. If you have an interview, be sure to send a thank-you letter to the interviewer once you return home.
Get advice from other college students. If you have friends or relatives in college, talk to them about what college life is like, especially if they attend a school you’re interested in. Although it’s important to hear what the admissions staff has to say about a school, it’s also important to get the students’ perspective.
Organize your financial aid information. Develop a plan that includes a list of the aid sources, requirements for each application, and a timetable for meeting the filing deadlines. Getting organized will make the process of applying a lot easier because you’ll know where to find important information.
Continue working on your application essays. Compose rough drafts of the essays you’ll need for your college applications. Have a teacher read and discuss them with you so you can see what to work on. Make any revisions to your application essays and prepare final drafts. Don’t forget to proofread your final essays a few times.
Make early decision preparations. If you plan to apply early decision to any school, take the time to visit the school again and make sure you’re willing to commit. If you elect to apply early decision, you should start working on your application as soon as possible because its deadline will be earlier than others.

7. The Application Process

8. The Application Process
Step one – Conduct research and develop a list of at least 8-10 colleges
Step two - Visit those colleges by attending an open house and/or college fairs.
Step three – Speak with an admissions or financial aid rep. regarding scholarships. Visit school websites for scholarship info.
Step four – The student must complete the online application. This includes, if required, the essay and/or personal statement.
Step five– If it is a college that is not on the commonapp or not a SUNY then the student must submit a transcript request form to his guidance counselor.
Step six– The student must submit an envelope addressed to each institution that he has applied to. Envelopes can be found in the college counselor office. No postage required. **If the student HAS used the COMMONAPP or the SUNY-APP to submit the application, then a transcript will be sent automatically (no transcript request form is required). For CUNY transcripts will be sent automatically if the student provided the OSIS number in the application.
Step seven– The student must be sure to submit any materials (essay, personal statement, application supplements, letters of recommendation, etc..) that he would like sent out with the transcript.

9. The Selection Process

10. What do I want to be when I grow up?
Look at interests and hobbies
Most students enter college undecided
Being undecided IS OK and expected, which is why the best college experience emphasizes broad-based liberal arts curriculum for the first two years
Career interests changes an average of four times
For more information on possible careers visit or
If the student has low math grades and/or low SAT math scores, s/he may not want to initially select pre-med/engineering as an intended major. This may result in a more critical review of the application. Consider undecided or social science as an alternative.
The first thing that a student often says to me is that “they don’t know what they want to be when they get older”

11. The College Selection Process
Always keep in mind that the best college for the student may not be the MOST selective one, but the one that best matches your students’ desires, goals, objectives and abilities.

12. Narrowing the Choices Competitiveness Career/Major College Visits
1. How competitive is the school, 2. Do they have your major, 3. Did I like it when I visited.

13. Some friendly advice
Consider limiting your choices to 8-10 applications. Applying to too many schools can be overwhelming
Students that apply to too many schools often miss important deadlines and receive less scholarship money.
Focusing on fewer schools makes it easier to track the applications and often results in a more favorable outcome and more financial aid.

14. Approach to Ranking First Choice Plan A First Choice Plan B
Dream School
Most Competitive
First Choice Plan B
Second Choice Plan A
Almost all of the characteristics looking for
Second Choice Plan B
Third & Fourth Choice
Most of the characteristics looking for
Fifth & Sixth Choice
Safety Net

15. Things to Consider During the College Search Process
G.P.A./Test Scores of average student compared with that of your child
Location and Environment
Type of University
University size
Type of Student Body
Cost
Miscellaneous considerations
All of this info. is easily accessible at

16. Types of Universities State Universities (SUNY) 4 year/2 year
Colleges – Typically smaller with fewer majors than the universities
Universities – Larger than colleges with more resources and research opportunities.
Community Colleges – 2 year degree and certificate programs
Technical Schools – mostly 2 year but some 4 year degrees. Focus on technology but offer other degree options as well.
City Universities (CUNY)
Colleges – 4 year
Community Colleges – 2 year
Private Universities
4 year
Wide range of private schools
Out-of-State Public Institutions
Pay out of state tuition (Penn State, UConn, Rutgers)

17. Where can I get this information? www.Collegeboard.org

18. Admissions for (S)tudents (W)ith (D)isabilities
If you have been diagnosed with a developmental or physical disability be sure to inform the college admissions staff early on in the process.
Many schools offer special admissions programs for SWD as well as grants and scholarships.
Be sure to update your testing prior to your senior year. Most institutions of higher learning will require testing to have been updated/completed within one year of admissions.
For more information please visit the Department of Education at

19. The Cost

20. State Universities www.suny.edu
Can apply using either the Common Application or the SUNY App
If you use the Common Application, the app goes directly to the school
If you use the SUNY app, the app goes to the SUNY Processing Center
All SUNY schools can be applied to on the Common Application, except
for Community Colleges.
To apply to Community Colleges go directly to the school’s web site.
SUNY Cobleskill
SUNY College at Brockport
SUNY College at Old Westbury
SUNY College at Oneonta
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
SUNY Cortland
SUNY Delhi
SUNY Fashion Institute of Technology
SUNY Geneseo
SUNY Fredonia
SUNY Maritime
SUNY Morrisville State College
SUNY Orange County Community College
SUNY Plattsburgh
SUNY Purchase College
SUNY University at Buffalo
SUNY Westchester Community College
SUNYIT
SUNY Albany
SUNY Alfed University
SUNY Alfred State College
SUNY at New Paltz
SUNY at Oswego
SUNY at Potsdam
SUNY at Stony Brook University
SUNY Binghamton University
SUNY Buffalo State
SUNY Canton

21. How Much Does College Cost?
Cost of Attendance (COA) Includes:
Tuition and fees
Room and board
Books and supplies
Transportation
Miscellaneous personal expenses

22. How Much Does SUNY Cost? Baccalaureate Degree Program
NY State Resident Living On-Campus
Tuition and fees: $7,220 ($5,870 & $ 1,350)
Room and board: ,770
Books and supplies: ,270
Transportation:
Personal expenses: ,450
Total Budget: $22,700
Source: SUNY Office of Student Financial Aid, System Administration

23. How Much Does SUNY Cost? Associate Degree Program 2013-2014
NY State Resident Living On-Campus
Tuition and fees: $4,510 ($3,960 & $550)
Room and board: ,730
Books and supplies: ,310
Transportation: ,280
Personal expenses: ,110
Total Budget: $17,940
Source: SUNY Office of Student Financial Aid, System Administration

24. Net-Price Calculator
As of October 2011, all colleges must post Net Price Calculators on their websites.
The calculator estimates the net price that a family
will pay after receiving any scholarships or
need-based grants.
Find SUNY’s calculator at:

25. Educational Opportunity Program (H/EOP & SEEK Guideline)
Educational Opportunity Program  Economic Eligibility Guidelines  Academic Year
Household Size  (including head of household)
Total Annual Income in  Previous Calendar Year 1
$21,978 2
$29,637 3
$37,296 4
$44,955 5
$52,614 6
$60,273 7
$67,951 8
$75,647
For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $7,696 for each additional person.

26. Eligibility is based on Household Income
I will be happy to review your parent’s most recent (2015) 1040 to determine eligibility.
If there is no income, other documentation will be used to verify eligibility (budget letter, social security, social services, SNAP, etc.)
To apply for EOP be certain to check the appropriate box on the SUNY or Common application online.

27. Binghamton University
Rankings and reputation[edit]
The University was called a Public Ivy by Howard and Matthew Greene in a book titled The Public Ivies: America's Flagship Public Universities (2001).[49]
The University was ranked by U.S. News in 2010 the 11th Up-and-Coming Schools which are making the most promising and innovative changes in the areas of academics, faculty, and student life; although it has since dropped in the rankings on their own lists.[50]
Binghamton was ranked 174th in the 2013 National Universities category of the Washington Monthly College rankings[51]
Binghamton is ranked 97th among the 281 national universities ranked in the 2014 U.S. News' "National University Rankings",[52] and 44th in the 2014 U.S. News' "Top Public Schools" ranking.[53]
According to the 2014 BusinessWeek rankings, the undergraduate business school was ranked 57th among Public Schools in the nation.[54] in 2010 it was ranked as having the 2nd best accounting program. The school is in the top 4 undergraduate Business Schools in New York State, along with New York University (NYU), Columbia University and Cornell University.[55]
Binghamton's QS World University Rankings have increased annually from 501 in 2008, to 601 in 2012 and 701 in 2013 with lower rankings reflecting better performance. [56]
According to the 2012 BusinessWeek rankings, Binghamton's undergraduate business school program is ranked 57th from 59th the year before.[57]
According to Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, Binghamton was ranked the #12 best value for in-state students (the second highest in New York State, next to SUNY-Geneseo) and #3 for out-of-state students in Kiplinger's "Best Values in Public Colleges 2013".[58]
Binghamton was ranked 158th among all 4-year schools by Forbes 2012 America's Best Colleges rankings.[59]

28. Binghamton Cont…
Fiske Guide to Colleges has labeled Binghamton as "The Premier Public University in the Northeast," a statement that has become prominent in the university's marketing efforts.[60]
According to the 2014 U.S. News & World Report, Binghamton has one of the highest student:faculty ratios of any university in the country at 20:1.[61]
The 2014 US News & world reports ranked the following departments: 119 for Undergraduate business; 129 undergraduate engineering; 164 Biological Science, 148 chemistry, 193 nursing among others.[61]
Binghamton ranks 573rd in the world in terms of number of highly cited researchers according to the World Top 500 Universities rankings, while the academic quality of the university was not ranked. It is estimated to fall within the category for the only academic area it was high enough to be rated (social science) [62]

29. University at Albany (My Alma mater)
Rankings
The university was ranked 64th nationally among the 100 Best Values in Public Colleges by Kiplinger’s magazine in 2012 for in-state students, and 51st for out-of-state students. According to the publication, listed institutions are “noteworthy for their combination of top-flight academics and affordable costs.”[34]
The most recent US News&World Report ranking ranked the university 128th of universities which award doctoral degrees.[35] UAlbany is also placed in the grouping of 91st-114th for US universities and in the grouping 201st-302nd for universities worldwide by the annual Academic Ranking of World Universities conducted by the Institute of Higher Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.[36]
The university is ranked 15th nationally in research expenditures among universities without a medical school faculty. It attracted a record $391.7 million in research awards in
The Chronicle of Higher Education has ranked six UAlbany doctoral programs—criminal justice, educational administration, curriculum instruction, educational leadership, "teacher education in specific study areas," and social welfare—in its "Top 10" nationally in the publication's last two surveys.[37]
UAlbany ranked 45th worldwide among universities in the social sciences in 2006 and 2007[38] and between (no specific number given) in 2008, according to the Institute of Higher Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.[38]
The 2012 America's Best Colleges ranked by Forbes.com placed Albany at #329 and #124 in their 2012 ranking.[39]

30. University of Stony Brook
In 2013, U.S. News & World Report ranked Stony Brook University as the 34th best public university in the United States, and 82nd overall among all national universities. The School of Engineering is ranked 64th, Best Medical Schools: Research is ranked 57th, the School of Social Work is ranked 66th, and the School of Medicine and Biological Sciences is ranked 68th for best research.".[60] In 2013, Stony Brook was ranked 22nd best value among the country’s public institutions for in-state students, and 9th for out-of-state students by Kiplinger's Personal Finance[61]
The Wall Street Journal ranked Stony Brook University (SUNY) #8 amongst public universities sending students to elite graduate programs.[62][63]
As of 2014[update], U.S. News & World Report has ranked the following programs: 4th-ranked Nuclear Physics graduate program under the category of "Physics Specialty"; the 4th-ranked Geometry graduate program categorized as a "Mathematics Specialty"; and the 11th-ranked Clinical Psychology graduate program. The University's graduate program in Topology (categorized as a Mathematics specialty) was ranked 11th; the Physician's Assistant graduate program ranked 13th; the graduate program in American Politics (categorized as a Political Science specialization) ranked 20th; the graduate program in Physics ranked 23rd; the graduate program in Mathematics ranked 24th; the graduate program in Midwifery ranked 24th; the graduate program in Political Science ranked 33rd; the graduate program in Earth Science ranked 34th; the graduate program in Materials Science (categorized as an Engineering specialty) ranked 37th; the graduate program in Sociology ranked 41st; the graduate program in Computer Science ranked 40th; the graduate program in Chemistry ranked 49th; graduate program in Psychology ranked 50th; and the graduate program in Biological Sciences ranked 68th.[64]

31. SUNY Geneseo
In 2008, Kiplinger's Personal Finance listed the college as the number one "Best Value Public College" in the nation for out-of-state students, and number six in the nation for in-state residents. Geneseo has been distinguished in Kiplinger's Top Ten "Best Value Public Colleges," both in and out-of-state since US News & World Report’s 2005 edition of Guide to America’s Best Colleges: Geneseo is ranked No. 12 in the category “Best Universities-Master’s” for all colleges, public or private, in the northern region. Geneseo is also ranked No. 2 among the top public universities in the north. Geneseo was listed in the 2005 “Fiske Guide to Colleges,” a guide published annually by former New York Times Education Editor Edward B. Fiske. In the Fiske guide, Geneseo is highlighted as a “Best Buy” school, and is lauded for its academic programs, accessible professors and hometown atmosphere. The Princeton Review profiled Geneseo in the 2005 edition of “The Princeton Review’s Guide to the Best 357 Colleges,” and the college was ranked No. 3 on that publication’s list of “Best Bargains – Public” among all public colleges and universities nationwide.
Geneseo has been regularly profiled in the Princeton Review, Kiplinger's, Fiske, and US News and World Report in annual publications since In 2008, Kiplinger's reported that SUNY Geneseo "could just be the best public college you've never heard of", as the publication ranks it the #1 public school in the nation for the best valued "first-rate education" for out-of-state students.[3] U.S. News & World Report magazine has named the State University of New York at Geneseo among 80 colleges and universities in the country with a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching. The special list is contained in the magazine’s 2010 rankings of the country’s top colleges and universities.[4]
Other national distinctions include recognitions from Money Magazine and Yahoo! Internet Life's 100 "most wired" campuses list (#90 in 1998, #49 in 1999, and in 2000 the list was divided by type of school and Geneseo placed #82 in the "larger universities" category).[5]

32. 2011 Best Values in Public Colleges

33. How did I get this information?
Go to
Type in the school’s name under search.
Go to table of contents
Click on rankings
The same can be done with any institution.

34. City Universities www.cuny.edu
CUNY application filed online.
$65 dollars for 6 schools.
Don’t require supplements, recommendations, or essays. For some schools it’s optional like Hunter
List schools in rank order.
Transcripts are sent automatically using your OSIS #
ALL CUNY schools except Community Colleges require the SAT
Will most likely require an assessment test for admission. Based on regents scores
Baruch College
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Bronx Community College
Brooklyn College
City College
College of Staten Island
Queens College
Queensborough Community College
York College
Hostos Community College
Hunter College
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Kingsborough Community College
LaGuardia Community College
Lehman College
Medgar Evers College
New York City College of Technology
Guttman Community College

35. College Readiness
Students must earn passing scores on regents in order to receive a Local, Regents, or Advanced Regents diploma. Earning higher scores on these exams, taking additional exams, and achieving diploma endorsements can support students in successfully transitioning to college or the workplace. Scores: Earn any of these scores to enter a four-year CUNY college and/or avoid remediation at CUNY Community Colleges:
Reading and Writing
English Regents exam score of 75+
SAT Critical Reading score of 480+
ACT English score of 20+
CUNY Assessment Test in Reading score of 70+ and Writing Test score of 56+
Math
Any Math Regents exam score of 80+ AND a passing grade in Algebra II/Trig or a higher level math course
Common Core-aligned Algebra I or Geometry Regents exam score of 70+ AND a passing grade in Algebra II or a higher level math course
Math SAT score of 500+
ACT Math score of 21+
CUNY Assessment Test in Math I score of 45+
CUNY Assessment Test in Math II score of 40+

36. CUNY Cost of Attendance $13,218
Nine Month Student Budgets
CUNY Cost of Attendance $13,218
Type of Student
New York State Residents2
Full-time Students at Four-Year Colleges
$6,030 per year
Full-time Students at Community Colleges
$4,500 per year
Students Living at Home or with Relatives
Books and Supplies
$1,304
Transportation
$1,020
Lunch
$1,148
Personal Expenses
$1,798
Room and Board
$1,918
Total
$7,188

37. SEEK and College Discovery
(S)earch for (E)ducation, (E)levation, and (K)nowledge (SEEK) SEEK was designed to open the door to higher education for New York City students who have the ability to obtain a college education, but have not demonstrated their academic potential and have been impeded by the lack of economic resources. SEEK offers eligible students financial aid, academic support, and advising services while attending college. SEEK is only available at CUNY's senior colleges (4-year programs).

38. SEEK and College Discovery
(C)ollege (D)iscovery (CD) College Discovery was designed to provide individual support to students who desire a college education, but are academically and financially challenged. CD offers academic support, financial aid, workshops, and counseling services to participants. CD is only offered at CUNY's community colleges (2-year programs).

39. SEEK & CD
To apply for these programs be certain that when filling out the CUNY Online application you check the appropriate box and fill in the required income information.

40. CUNY Baruch College
In America's Best Colleges 2013, Baruch was ranked #22 among Regional Universities (North) and #3 Top Public University - Regional Universities (North) by U.S. News & World Report.[59]
The undergraduate business program was ranked #2 in New York-New Jersey area, and #33 nationally. (U.S. News & World Report, "America's Top Colleges 2009")[citation needed]
Baruch College ranked #3 among the list of 349 U.S. colleges in Washington Monthly’s (WM)“Best Bang for the Buck.”[60]
Baruch College is ranked #21 among the "Top 100 Obama Scorecard Colleges," a list created by Affordable Colleges (AC) Online.[61]
Baruch's MBA Program was one of the top 10 "With Most Financial Value at Graduation" (2011) and an overall rank of 97 in the USA[62] by U.S. News & World Report[63]
For 9 years, Baruch has topped the list of Diverse Student Body in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, "America's Top Colleges 2008")[citation needed]
Baruch is among the Top 10% of U.S. colleges according to The Princeton Review, which selected the College for inclusion in "The Best 368 Colleges: 2009 Edition." It is also labeled as one of the nation's best value undergraduate institutions in 2008, and in 2009 "Best Graduate Schools" and "Best Business Schools" listings.[64]
Baruch's Part-Time MBA is ranked #73 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report ("America's Best Graduate Schools 2013"[65]), making it #2 in New York City. The Full-Time MBA was ranked in the Top 3 of New York programs. Both were the only ranked public programs in New York State.
Baruch was ranked #22 in Top 25 Entrepreneurial Colleges by Entrepreneur and The Princeton Review.[66]
Baruch's School of Public Affairs is ranked in the Top 20 in the nation for its Master of Public Administration program by U.S. News & World Report (2006).[citation needed]
In rankings produced by Arizona State University and the University of Texas at Dallas, based on research and publications done by faculty at each school, Baruch achieved 45th and 43rd respectively.[51]
The undergraduate business program at the Zicklin School of Business is ranked among the top 100 in the nation, at #58 (up from last year’s #72).

41. CUNY Queens College
In its 2006 edition of "America's Best Value Colleges," The Princeton Review ranks Queens College 8th in the United States.[17]
Queens College is ranked as one of the "25 Hottest Universities" in the Newsweek/Kaplan 2008 College Guide.[18]
In 2008 Forbes.com placed Queens College at #389 as one of America's Best Colleges.[19]
Program
Ranking
Ranked by
America's Best Value Colleges 8
The Princeton Review [20]
Top Public Regional Universities (North) 9
U.S. News [21]
Top Regional Universities (North) 42
U.S. News [22]
Clinical Training (Graduate) 3
Library and Information Studies (Graduate) 38
Speech-Language Pathology (Graduate) 53
Fine Arts (Graduate) 93
U.S. News

42. CUNY City College
City College was ranked[100] by Shanghai Jiao Tong University as 89–117 nationally and 203–304 internationally in 2007 and 115–139 nationally, 303–401 internationally in 2008 and 90–121 nationally, 340–451 internationally in It should be noted however that the study focuses heavily on institutions with strong hard science backgrounds, as the rating is based on a number of factors including articles published in scientific journals and Nobel laureates.
The 2008 America's Best Colleges ranked by Forbes.com placed City College at #355.[101]
U.S. News and World Report ranks City College 61 in the master's universities of the North category.[102]
For the first time ever, The Princeton Review added the City College of New York to its annual ranking of the Best Colleges guidebook, The Best 377 Colleges; 2013 Edition.[103]
The 2013 America's Best Colleges ranked by Forbes.com placed City College at #137, ranking #1 among New York State public colleges and universities (SUNYs and CUNYs).[104]
In 2013, The Princeton Review placed the City College of New York in its annual ranking of Best Colleges.[105]

43. Private Universities
Adelphi University
Babson College
Berkeley College
Boston College
Boston University
Bowdoin College
Brockport College
Canisius College
Catholic University
Clarkson University
Colgate University
College of Mount Saint Vincent
College of Staten Island
Columbia University
Concordia College
Daemen College
Daniel Webster College
Delaware State University
Dominican College
Drexel University
Fairfield University
Felician College
Fordham University
Hartford University
Hartwick College
Hofstra University
Western Connecticut State
Applications should be filled out online using the Common Application.
Range in price from free to $80. Payable by check, credit card, money order or fee waiver.
May require essays and recommendations.
Check website for details.
Iona College
Ithaca College
LaSalle University
LeMoyne College
Long Island University
Manhattan College
Marist College
Marymount College
Molloy College
New York Institute of Technology
New York University
Niagara University
Pace University
Polytechnic University
Post University
Quinnipiac University
Rochester Inst. Technology
Sage College of Albany
Seton Hall University
St. Bonaventure University
St. Francis College
Xavier University
St. John's University
St. Michael's College
St. Peter's College
St. Thomas Aquinas College
Syracuse University
U S Military West Point
University of Bridgeport
University of California
University of Chicago
University of New Haven
University of Rochester
University of Scranton
University of Vermont
US Naval Academy at Annapolis
Utica University
Vanderbilt University
Villanova University
Wells College

44. How Much Does College Cost?
Four-Year PRIVATE On-Campus Student
Tuition and fees: $30,547
Room and board: ,768
Books and supplies: ,244
Transportation:
Personal expenses: ,570
Total Budget: $46,086

45. (H)igher (E)ducation (O)pportunity (P)rogram
Similar to SEEK/EOP Financial guidelines, but for select New York State Private Schools.
Each school will inform you if you qualify based on information provided on the FAFSA.
Be certain to check the HEOP box on the online application.
For a f ull list of schools visit

46. College Rankings Best Values:

47. The Common App. http://www.commonapp.org
The Common Application is a not-for-profit organization that serves students and member institutions by providing an admission application – online and in print – that students may submit to any of our nearly 300 members.
One application for over 600 schools.
Requires supplements for each school. Supplements can be found at common app. Website.
There is no charge to students to use the Common Application. The only fee involved is the specific institutional application fee, payable directly to the college/university. Some schools waive or reduce the application fee for those students who apply electronically. You can use Common App Online ( to apply via the Internet.
Many colleges offer fee waivers for applicants from low-income families. If you have participated in the College Board's SAT Program Fee Waiver Service, you may also be eligible to waive application fees at the colleges to which you are applying.

48. The Commonapp and Forms
Students can request that their teachers and guidance counselors submit transcripts and recommendations online. For this year’s current seniors I have submitted all documents electronically for commonapp schools.
Students are reminded that all other non-participating private schools require that transcripts and recommendation letters are sent through the mail or through SendEDU.

49. The Commonapp counselor recommendation
Anyone using the commonapp will be required to obtain a counselor recommendation. For this to occur, the student must enter the counselor’s name and address under the forms section of the application. It is also recommended that the student a copy of their resume and a short bio to their counselor or you can complete the college questionnaire from my website at

50. Can I get in?

51. Considerations for College Admission Boards
Academic achievement/class rank
Test scores: SAT/ACT
Personal profile

52. Other Considerations . . . Grades Test Scores Activities Essay
Letter(s) of
Recommendation
Interview
Class Rank
Awards
Ability to
Pay

53. Extracurricular activities
Extracurricular activities are only good if they are consistent and complement a strong academic record.
Do not sacrifice grades for activities.
Grades and test scores are still the most important factors in the admissions process.
Habitat for Humanity, National Honor Society and other such organizations can help in the application process, but only if the grades and SAT scores are in the range of what the school is looking for.

54. Core GPA - English, Math, Science, History, and Foreign Language
Incoming Freshmen un-weighted G.P.A.’s and SAT (CR+Math) Scores for Non-(H)EOP applicants
Highly competitive - *3.8/93/1300 (Ivies)
Very competitive - *3.6/91/1200
Competitive - *3.5/90/1100
Somewhat competitive -*3.0/85/1000
Open - High School Diploma
Core GPA - English, Math, Science, History, and Foreign Language
* Scores may differ for special programs such as (H)EOP.

55. SENIOR YEAR GRADES A.K.A. Mid-Year Report
With the number of applications being considered at each school on the rise, the process has become more competitive.
As a result of this, a student’s Mid-Year Senior grades have played an increasingly important role. In fact, senior grades can easily make or break an admissions decision.
Stay focused in your senior year!

56. Getting to know the college

57. Meeting with Representatives
College Visits in designated classrooms or in the college office.
Visit colleges on your own! Information Sessions/Open Houses. (Visit school websites to find out the dates of upcoming open houses.)
Most schools will allow you to tour their facilities on a daily basis. Call ahead for information. Consider Scheduling a road trip to visit several schools at once.

58. THE SAT AND ACT

59. SAT and/or ACT
TAPCo is administering the SAT on a school day at TAPCo in April. All students can take the SAT free of charge.
You will have to create a College Board account in order to view your scores. Be sure that the information in the account matches the information that you use to register for the PSAT.
Can use the code from your PSAT score report to link your account.
You should also register for the October SAT in September of your senior year!

60. SAT PREP

61. Options Program @ Goddard Riverside Community Center
Options Institute: Contact Us
Phone: West 110th Street New York, NY 10025
Free or reduced cost College and Career Guidance and Counseling & SAT Prep!!!!!! Serving teens, mostly high school seniors, as well as adults. The program includes the following:
Counseling regarding college and career choices for teens, mostly high school seniors
Preparation for the SAT and other college entrance tests
Assistance with college applications
Assistance with scholarships and financial aid
Counseling regarding college and career choices for adults who want to return to school or change careers
"Early Awareness" counseling for junior high school students, to help them select the right courses and "track" in high school

62. Let’s Get Ready
THINKING ABOUT COLLEGE? NEED SOME HELP GETTING THERE? NERVOUS ABOUT THE SAT? LET US HELP YOU GET READY! _______________________________________________________________________________ FREE SAT Prep • FREE College Application Assistance • FREE Financial Aid Overview• FREE College Tours College students are coaches/mentors who work with you in small groups of 5 students to 1 coach. Students are placed in groups by score on the first diagnostic test. Where: Sites throughout Manhattan, The Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn. Applications are available at When: Two Nights a Week – Mid June through Mid August -- 2 Saturday Diagnostic Tests--College Trip -- Career Day Info: For more information, visit: Contact: Let’s Get Ready Office /

63. THE DOOR SERVICES: Offers young people ages comprehensive educational (including free SAT prep), health, nutritional and counseling programs, as well as legal services for young people in need of civil legal representation. More information: 
COLLEGE DIRECTIONS PROGRAM at Kingsbridge Heights Community Center SERVICES: CDP provides Bronx residents with college preparation, information, and assistance. See website for full list of services. All services are free of charge. More information: 
EXPANDED HORIZONS SERVICES: The goal of Expanded Horizons is to help disadvantaged young people achieve acceptance into college. The program empowers youth by engaging them in educational, recreational, and preparatory activities ranging from college trips and SAT preparation classes to individual counseling and workshops. More information: 
MINDS MATTER SERVICES: Minds Matter pairs high-achieving, low-income high school students with dedicated mentors to achieve academic excellence and expand educational horizons. By working with their mentors and attending top-tier summer college prep programs, Minds Matter's students gain academic and social enrichment while strengthening their college applications. Program activities include researching and selecting summer programs and/or colleges/universities, preparing applications, applying for scholarships and financial aid, and attending weekly Test Prep and Writing & Critical Thinking classes. Applicants apply during the spring of their freshman year. More information: 

64. THE HARLEM CENTER FOR EDUCATION SERVICES: Free summer classes for SAT and college prep. More information: 
LEARNING LEADERS SERVICES: Places tutors in NYC public schools with knowledge ranging from SAT prep to GED tutoring. More information: 
THE COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY DOUBLE DISCOVERY PROGRAM SERVICES: A range of free services that include taking free SAT prep classes, having access to Columbia University tutors to help with their academic work, and college or career information. More information: 

65. Third Party Prep. Programs
Average cost $1,000+

66. USING THE PSAT TO PRACTICE FOR SAT
You will notice this computer icon throughout your score report. For the parts of the score report where you see this computer icon, you’ll receive more information from online resources at My College QuickStart:
Use your individual access code printed on your paper score report (on the upper right corner of your paper report and next to each computer icon).
Students have access to My College QuickStart until they graduate high school.
Your Online Access Code
After creating a collegeboard account be sure to click on “my college quickstart” to enter in your online access code which is found at the top right hand corner of your PSAT score report.
Entering your online access code will permit you access to your PSAT online.

67. My College Quickstart
Free, personalized college and career planning kit:
My Online Score Report
My SAT Study Plan (for high school students)
My College Matches
My Major & Career Matches

68. TEST OPTIONAL
Many schools will allow you to go "test optional."  This means that you can tell a school that you do not want them to use your SAT scores during the review of your application.  Some schools that allow this will ask you to either write an additional essay or submit a graded writing sample such as a paper.  Be sure to keep your graded papers, particularly if you received a high grade.  Follow this link to see which schools are "test optional."  Some schools include: The Fashion Institute of Technology, Long Island University Brooklyn, Manhattanville, Marist, NYU, Saint Lawrence University, SUNY Potsdam, SUNY Delhi, Union College, Utica College, and Wagner College.  

69. DEADLINES

70. Application Deadlines
Early Decision
Binding agreement--if admitted student MUST attend--usually 11/1 or 11/15. Most schools are moving away from this option.
Early Action
Non-binding early application, student decisions are made early. Usually in November.
Rolling Admission
No fixed deadlines, decisions are made from 11/1 - 4/1
Fixed Deadlines
Deadlines vary – Check at the institution’s website for details.

71. SHOULD I APPLY EARLY DECISION???
Answer: It depends…For example at NYU the acceptance rate for all applicants was 28.4%, whereas for early decision it was 33.3%.
A higher percentage were accepted under early decision.
Not always the case
Some schools will defer you to regular admissions if you are not accepted under early decision, others will not. Contact the admissions office to clarify.

72. ATHLETES
If your student plans on participating in Division I or Division II athletics he must register with the NCAA.
This process costs $60
It involves an evaluation of the students GPA and SAT/ACT scores on a sliding scale.
Register at
After registration print out the transcript request form an have your son bring it to my office.
Fee waivers are available to students who were income eligible for a fee waiver for the SAT.
If your son is not being actively recruited by college coaches, chances are that he will not be able to play at the Division I or II level.

73. FINANCIAL AID

74. Fear you'll never be able afford college tuition
Fear you'll never be able afford college tuition? Schools are feeling your pain. More colleges and universities, both public and private, are trying to make themselves less expensive -- and more attractive -- by experimenting with ways to offset rising costs and mounting debt.
Approximately 50 higher-education institutions, from Amherst College to Yale University, are making attempts to lower the burden. New programs include freezing tuition, offering grants over loans, and changing financial-aid formulas to lower families' contributions. Unlike past efforts that mostly focused on helping lower-income students, these new moves are also aimed at helping more affluent families feel less pain. 
In 2001, Princeton was the first to announce it would replace ALL STUDENT LOANS with GRANTS and not ask low-income families to contribute funds for undergraduate education. Other Ivies like Harvard, Yale and Columbia soon said they would do the same. Harvard does not ask families with incomes under $60,000 to contribute ANYTHING, and it also reduced the expected contribution amount for families making $60,000 to $80,000.

75. Financial Aid...To be continued in December…Exact Date and Time TBA
CSS Profile required for some schools. Deadline for Profile precedes FAFSA
2 step process
Required at most private institutions, and for other scholarships
The fee for the initial application and one college or program report is $25. Additional reports are $16. Payment may be made via credit card, debit card (Visa or MC) or online check. A limited number of fee waivers are granted automatically — based on the information entered on the PROFILE application — to students who are first-time college applicants and are from families with very low incomes and assets.
FAFSA (FREE APPLICATION)
Used to qualify for ALL federal aid. (fafsa.ed.gov)
Required at all institutions
Must be filed beginning October 2017 using 2016 tax return
You can start the process now by creating a student and parent FSA-ID. Visit
Deadlines vary per institution.
NOT .com

76. Institutional Scholarships
Some institutions offer scholarships to students, both merit (for academic achievement) and need-based (based on 1040).
Every school differs.
Usually all scholarships require completion of FAFSA, regardless of income.
Visit the school’s website. (usually located under the admissions sections of website.)
Apply Early!!!!!! Usually by December BUT AS EARLY AS OCTOBER .

77. MY WEBSITE www.admissionsandaid.com.
To download this presentation and other materials visit my website at:
Or visit under the college section.

78. Fall 2017 Reminders
Students should narrow college choices--8 to 10 applications should suffice. 6 CUNY schools count as one.
Register for October SAT (date TBA).
Turn in all paperwork to college office
If you have not done so already, get going on the Essay!
Ask teachers to write recommendations (ASAP). Be sure to give teachers enough time, usually one month notice. The more time they have to write the letter and the more information they have on you the better the quality of the letter. Consider creating a resume to hand in with your recommendation request.
Students must be sure to schedule an appointment to meet with their college advisor in the fall…BE PREPARED.

79. Sources of Information

80. Questions If you have any questions please contact me at a later date.
Contact Information:
James Giordano
**Best way to contact me is through !!