What You Need to What You Need to Know to Apply to Know to Apply to

CollegeCollege

A QUICK GUIDEA QUICK GUIDE

Mr. GiordanoMr. Giordano

The SATThe SAT

You should take at least two SAT You should take at least two SAT tests.tests.

You can take as many as you like.You can take as many as you like. Don’t wait too long, it is best if you Don’t wait too long, it is best if you

take the test by November.take the test by November. If you are applying to very If you are applying to very

competitive schools, check to see if competitive schools, check to see if you need to take SAT subject tests.you need to take SAT subject tests.

The SATThe SAT

If you have to take subject tests, you will If you have to take subject tests, you will most likely take 2-3. It is best to take one most likely take 2-3. It is best to take one math or science, one history, and one math or science, one history, and one language. Some schools may specify language. Some schools may specify requirements.requirements.

To register for both the SAT and subject To register for both the SAT and subject tests visit tests visit www.collegeboard.comwww.collegeboard.com

To qualify for a fee waiver bring me a To qualify for a fee waiver bring me a 2010 1040 or verification of public 2010 1040 or verification of public assistance or social security.assistance or social security.

The SATThe SAT If you take the test in October, those scores will If you take the test in October, those scores will

be included on your high school transcript in time be included on your high school transcript in time for your college application.for your college application.

If you take a test after October, you should add If you take a test after October, you should add the schools that you are applying to as score the schools that you are applying to as score recipients during the SAT registration. These recipients during the SAT registration. These scores will most likely not reach your transcript in scores will most likely not reach your transcript in time for the college application.time for the college application.

You can keep sending scores to colleges even You can keep sending scores to colleges even after you have completed the application.after you have completed the application.

If you have not done so already for the October If you have not done so already for the October test, everyone should add CUNY UAPC test, everyone should add CUNY UAPC (code:2950) as a score recipient. To do so, log (code:2950) as a score recipient. To do so, log into your collegeboard account and click on “send into your collegeboard account and click on “send scores.”scores.”

SAT IISAT II

If you are applying to a competitive If you are applying to a competitive College you might need to take 2-3 SAT College you might need to take 2-3 SAT subject tests.subject tests.

To register visit To register visit www.collegeboard.comwww.collegeboard.com Most schools recommend a math and/or Most schools recommend a math and/or

a science and a history or language.a science and a history or language. Visit the schools web site or call the Visit the schools web site or call the

admissions office to verify this admissions office to verify this informationinformation

AppointmentsAppointments

I will begin scheduling appointments I will begin scheduling appointments shortly.shortly.

I have waited because I want you to I have waited because I want you to be prepared for the appointment.be prepared for the appointment.

Once you have your initial one-on-one Once you have your initial one-on-one you will have to wait until I finish you will have to wait until I finish meeting with everyone else.meeting with everyone else.

BE PREPARED and don’t waste your BE PREPARED and don’t waste your time.time.

What you should bring to your What you should bring to your appointmentappointment

Most recent 1040 (2010 tax return)Most recent 1040 (2010 tax return) Social security numberSocial security number Credit card or fee waiver.Credit card or fee waiver. Social security Income verification (if Social security Income verification (if

applicable).applicable). Unemployment documentation (if Unemployment documentation (if

applicable).applicable). LIST OF TEN PROBABLE COLLEGES!LIST OF TEN PROBABLE COLLEGES!

The Application as a ProcessThe Application as a Process Just because you submit an application does not Just because you submit an application does not

mean that you can no longer send information to a mean that you can no longer send information to a college. The application is only the first step in the college. The application is only the first step in the process.process.

Once you apply to a school a file is opened. The file Once you apply to a school a file is opened. The file remains open until they receive all of your remains open until they receive all of your documentation. Upon receipt of all required documentation. Upon receipt of all required documentation, the school can render a decision. documentation, the school can render a decision.

Even after a school renders a decision, you can Even after a school renders a decision, you can appeal with updated info. (SAT scores, mid-year appeal with updated info. (SAT scores, mid-year grades, etc..)grades, etc..)

This process will go on well into January and This process will go on well into January and sometimes into March. That gives you plenty of time sometimes into March. That gives you plenty of time to complete the application process. to complete the application process.

The SUNY SchoolsThe SUNY Schools For students with low household incomes who For students with low household incomes who

want to apply for SUNY schools (EOP), you must want to apply for SUNY schools (EOP), you must use the application found at use the application found at www.suny.eduwww.suny.edu..

During the application you must select that you During the application you must select that you wish to apply for EOP.wish to apply for EOP.

If you would like a fee waiver for the SUNY If you would like a fee waiver for the SUNY schools you must fill out a SUNY fee waiver form. schools you must fill out a SUNY fee waiver form. This form can be downloaded online or obtained This form can be downloaded online or obtained from my web site. I need a copy of your parent’s from my web site. I need a copy of your parent’s 1040 to sign the fee waiver.1040 to sign the fee waiver.

If you are not applying for EOP, you can use the If you are not applying for EOP, you can use the commonapp to apply to most SUNYs excluding commonapp to apply to most SUNYs excluding the technical schools and community colleges.the technical schools and community colleges.

The deadline for most SUNY schools is rolling The deadline for most SUNY schools is rolling which means that the earlier you apply the which means that the earlier you apply the better.better.

The CUNY SchoolsThe CUNY Schools To apply to CUNY you must open a portal account at To apply to CUNY you must open a portal account at

www.cuny.eduwww.cuny.edu.. Once you open a portal account you will be able to begin Once you open a portal account you will be able to begin

the application.the application. For $65 you will be able to apply to 6 schools. The schools For $65 you will be able to apply to 6 schools. The schools

must be listed in order, starting with your first choice.must be listed in order, starting with your first choice. Make sure you select some safety schools.Make sure you select some safety schools. There will be few, if any, fee waivers for this application.There will be few, if any, fee waivers for this application. If you want to complete this application during your If you want to complete this application during your

meeting with me, you will need a credit card or $65 money meeting with me, you will need a credit card or $65 money order made out to CUNY UAPC.order made out to CUNY UAPC.

The priority deadline for the CUNY application is February The priority deadline for the CUNY application is February 11stst, 2012. All applications received after that date will be , 2012. All applications received after that date will be reviewed on a space available basis. The deadline for the reviewed on a space available basis. The deadline for the CUNY honors college is December 1CUNY honors college is December 1stst..

CUNY VISIT TO TAPCoCUNY VISIT TO TAPCo CUNY will be at TAPCo on Monday, CUNY will be at TAPCo on Monday,

September 19September 19thth at 2:00pm in the at 2:00pm in the Black Box.Black Box.

If you are in College Now you will not If you are in College Now you will not be able to attend. Pick up a CUNY be able to attend. Pick up a CUNY booklet from me.booklet from me.

If you are not in College Now you If you are not in College Now you need to be at this meeting. The need to be at this meeting. The representative will explain the CUNY representative will explain the CUNY process and provide you with process and provide you with valuable information.valuable information.

The CommonappThe Commonapp Most private and public schools will now accept Most private and public schools will now accept

the commonapp. To access the commonapp visit the commonapp. To access the commonapp visit www.commonapp.orgwww.commonapp.org. .

Once you open up a commonapp account you will Once you open up a commonapp account you will be able to add the schools that you want to apply be able to add the schools that you want to apply to. Each school that you add requires a fee. to. Each school that you add requires a fee.

You will also be required to fill out a supplement You will also be required to fill out a supplement for each school. Once you have completed the for each school. Once you have completed the application and supplement , you can submit it. application and supplement , you can submit it.

Under the forms section of the application you Under the forms section of the application you will have to add my name and email address in will have to add my name and email address in order for me to send your transcript. My names is order for me to send your transcript. My names is James Giordano and my email address is James Giordano and my email address is tapcocounselor@gmail.com. tapcocounselor@gmail.com.

The Commonapp fee The Commonapp fee waiverswaivers

If you received a fee waiver for the SAT, then If you received a fee waiver for the SAT, then you will automatically be eligible for a fee you will automatically be eligible for a fee waiver for up to 5 commonapp schools. waiver for up to 5 commonapp schools.

To apply for a fee waiver you must both select To apply for a fee waiver you must both select the collegeboard fee waiver option on the the collegeboard fee waiver option on the application and send the school a application and send the school a collegeboard fee waiver form which can be collegeboard fee waiver form which can be obtained from me.obtained from me.

You can also select the NACAC fee waiver You can also select the NACAC fee waiver option (easier choice). If you select this option (easier choice). If you select this option, I will have to verify that you meet the option, I will have to verify that you meet the requirements. requirements.

NACAC FEE WaiverNACAC FEE WaiverStudents are eligible to use the form if:Students are eligible to use the form if: Student has received or is eligible to receive an ACT or SAT Student has received or is eligible to receive an ACT or SAT

testing fee waiver. testing fee waiver. Student is enrolled in or eligible to participate in the Federal Student is enrolled in or eligible to participate in the Federal

Free or Reduced Price Lunch program (FRPL). Free or Reduced Price Lunch program (FRPL). Student's annual family income falls within the Income Student's annual family income falls within the Income

Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. Service.

Student is enrolled in a federal, state or local program that Student is enrolled in a federal, state or local program that aids student from low-income families (e.g., TRIO programs aids student from low-income families (e.g., TRIO programs such as Upward Bound). such as Upward Bound).

Student's family receives public assistance Student's family receives public assistance Student lives in federally subsidized public housing, a foster Student lives in federally subsidized public housing, a foster

home or is homeless. home or is homeless. Student is a ward of the state or an orphan. Student is a ward of the state or an orphan.

Fee WaiversFee Waivers Remember, the fee waiver process for college Remember, the fee waiver process for college

applications is much more difficult than for the SAT. I applications is much more difficult than for the SAT. I will need to verify that you meet the requirements for will need to verify that you meet the requirements for college application fee waivers. You can qualify for college application fee waivers. You can qualify for fee waivers based on the following:fee waivers based on the following:– For the COMMONAPP, you can use VERIFICATION of free or For the COMMONAPP, you can use VERIFICATION of free or

reduced lunch. Even if you receive free lunch, if you are not reduced lunch. Even if you receive free lunch, if you are not on the Free or Reduced Lunch List, you can not use this on the Free or Reduced Lunch List, you can not use this method. method.

– For SUNY, you must meet income requirements as verified For SUNY, you must meet income requirements as verified by your parent(s) 2010 tax return. For example, in a by your parent(s) 2010 tax return. For example, in a household of three, your household income can not exceed household of three, your household income can not exceed $35,570. SUNY will verify this information. If you use a fee $35,570. SUNY will verify this information. If you use a fee waiver and do not qualify, they will revoke your application waiver and do not qualify, they will revoke your application and make you pay. For a complete list of income and make you pay. For a complete list of income requirements download the SUNY fee Waiver from my web requirements download the SUNY fee Waiver from my web site site www.admissionsandaid.comwww.admissionsandaid.com. .

– Verification of public assistance. You automatically qualify for Verification of public assistance. You automatically qualify for fee waivers if you receive public assistance. fee waivers if you receive public assistance.

Fee waiver income Fee waiver income guidelinesguidelines

Other applicationsOther applications

Some schools do not accept the Some schools do not accept the commonapp.commonapp.

For those schools, visit the school’s For those schools, visit the school’s website for the online application. It website for the online application. It is usually found under the is usually found under the undergraduate admissions section of undergraduate admissions section of the web site.the web site.

TranscriptsTranscripts All SUNY and commonapp schools can receive

transcripts electronically from me. As long as you put my email address and the name of your high school on the commonapp I will be able to send a transcript electronically.

For CUNY schools, if you are currently attending a NYC DOE high school (YOU ARE), you should have entered your nine-digit OSIS number in Section 2 of the Admission Application. This will enable CUNY to retrieve your transcript electronically*. If you did not enter your OSIS number, please contact the Help Desk for Students at aonline@mail.cuny.edu or call 212-997-CUNY (2869).

For all other schools you must complete a transcript request form and submit it to me.

RecommendationsRecommendations If you are required to submit a counselor If you are required to submit a counselor

recommendation letter, then you must either recommendation letter, then you must either email me your resume and a short bio or submit email me your resume and a short bio or submit these documents by completing my online these documents by completing my online questionnaire at questionnaire at www.admissionsandaid.comwww.admissionsandaid.com

Your bio should be informal and should include Your bio should be informal and should include any personal facts that I can put into your any personal facts that I can put into your recommendation. Let me decide if it is relevant.recommendation. Let me decide if it is relevant.

Remember, for the commonapp schools, you Remember, for the commonapp schools, you must add my name and email address. Make must add my name and email address. Make sure you spell my name right!sure you spell my name right!

For teacher recommendations, you must ask the For teacher recommendations, you must ask the teacher well in advance of the deadline. I have a teacher well in advance of the deadline. I have a form in my office and on my web site which might form in my office and on my web site which might make it easier to request the recommendation.make it easier to request the recommendation.

ScholarshipsScholarships

There are many different scholarships.There are many different scholarships. Some scholarships require an application, Some scholarships require an application,

while others do not.while others do not. Some schools automatically consider you for Some schools automatically consider you for

a scholarship, others do not. a scholarship, others do not. Scholarships are very competitive.Scholarships are very competitive. If you do not qualify, do not waste your If you do not qualify, do not waste your

time.time. Check my web site and facebook page for Check my web site and facebook page for

updates.updates.

Scholarship ExampleScholarship Example Xerox Technical Minority Scholarship September 30th, 2011Xerox Technical Minority Scholarship September 30th, 2011 Xerox is committed to the academic success of all minority students. Xerox is committed to the academic success of all minority students.

That’s why they offer a Technical Minority Scholarship that awards That’s why they offer a Technical Minority Scholarship that awards between $1,000 and $10,000 to qualified minorities enrolled in a technical between $1,000 and $10,000 to qualified minorities enrolled in a technical degree program at the bachelor level or above. To apply for the Technical degree program at the bachelor level or above. To apply for the Technical Minority Scholarship Program, download the application form, sample Minority Scholarship Program, download the application form, sample resume and cover letter from the following links: resume and cover letter from the following links:

Application Form Application Form Sample Cover Letter Sample Cover Letter Sample ResumeSample Resume When you’ve completed the form, mail it with your resume and cover letter When you’ve completed the form, mail it with your resume and cover letter

to: to:

Xerox Technical Minority Scholarship ProgramXerox Technical Minority Scholarship Program150 State Street, 4th Floor150 State Street, 4th FloorRochester, NY 14614 Rochester, NY 14614

Visit http://www.xeroxstudentcareers.com/why-xerox/scholarship.aspx for Visit http://www.xeroxstudentcareers.com/why-xerox/scholarship.aspx for more informationmore information

College EssaysCollege Essays I have edited most of the personal statements that I have edited most of the personal statements that

you provided to your English teacher last year. you provided to your English teacher last year. CUNY General Admission does not require essays. CUNY General Admission does not require essays. If you would like me to edit your essay, email it to If you would like me to edit your essay, email it to

tapcocounselor@gmail.com. Be sure to include your tapcocounselor@gmail.com. Be sure to include your name. name.

Essays should be PERSONAL. They should set you Essays should be PERSONAL. They should set you apart from other applicants. It is your one apart from other applicants. It is your one opportunity to share with an admissions person opportunity to share with an admissions person personal events in your life. Examples are: unusual personal events in your life. Examples are: unusual family situations, family illness, neighborhood family situations, family illness, neighborhood crime/poverty, languages spoken in house, first crime/poverty, languages spoken in house, first generation to college, accomplishments, etc.generation to college, accomplishments, etc.

My web siteMy web site

I continually update my web site and I continually update my web site and facebook page with information.facebook page with information.

My web site is My web site is www.admissionsandaid.comwww.admissionsandaid.com. .

There is information about There is information about scholarships, open houses, college scholarships, open houses, college fairs, and college applications.fairs, and college applications.

Financial AidFinancial Aid Financial Aid (FAFSA) will be dealt with in December.Financial Aid (FAFSA) will be dealt with in December. For now, don’t even think about the FAFSA.For now, don’t even think about the FAFSA. Focus on completion of your applications.Focus on completion of your applications. Some schools require additional financial information Some schools require additional financial information

such as the CSS financial aid profile. The deadline such as the CSS financial aid profile. The deadline for this varies, but it can be as early as November.for this varies, but it can be as early as November.

To find out if your school requires the CSS profile or To find out if your school requires the CSS profile or to complete the application visit to complete the application visit https://profileonline.collegeboard.com/prf/index.jsphttps://profileonline.collegeboard.com/prf/index.jsp and click on list of colleges 2011-2012.and click on list of colleges 2011-2012.

You might also have to complete a non-custodial You might also have to complete a non-custodial parent profile. parent profile.

NCAA ClearinghouseNCAA Clearinghouse

If you are going to play division I or II If you are going to play division I or II athletics in college you need to athletics in college you need to complete the NCAA application found complete the NCAA application found at at https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycentehttps://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/common/r/common/. .

College FairsCollege Fairs

SUNY College Fair, 09/21/2011 at 3:00 pm in The Javits Center. To register visit

https://www.suny.edu/student/event_listing/

Big Apple College Fair, Jacob Javits Center (Manhattan) Entrance on 11th Avenue at 39th Street, Hall 1A, Saturday, October 22, 2011, 1:00-5:00 PM.

Bronx Educational Opportunity Center College Fair. Wednesday, October 5th, 2011 from 10:00am – 2:00pm. 1666 Bathgate Ave., Bronx, NY 10457.

Admissions DeadlinesAdmissions Deadlines

CUNY General Admission: February 1CUNY General Admission: February 1stst. . CUNY Macaulay Honors College: Dec. 1CUNY Macaulay Honors College: Dec. 1stst.. Most SUNY Schools: RollingMost SUNY Schools: Rolling SUNY Binghamton: January 15SUNY Binghamton: January 15thth.. Columbia: January 1Columbia: January 1stst.. NYU: January 1NYU: January 1stst. . Most Competitive schools: Jan. 1Most Competitive schools: Jan. 1stst – 15 – 15thth.. Fordham University: January 15Fordham University: January 15thth. .

Other DeadlinesOther Deadlines

For a full list of deadlines, fees, and For a full list of deadlines, fees, and requirements visit requirements visit https://www.commonapp.org/commohttps://www.commonapp.org/commonapp/MemberRequirements.aspx.napp/MemberRequirements.aspx.

CSS Profile: Varies per school can be CSS Profile: Varies per school can be as early as November 15as early as November 15thth

FAFSA Deadline: Varies per school FAFSA Deadline: Varies per school can be as early as January 15can be as early as January 15thth. .

Questions?Questions?