College Application Process
Note to students
The college application process is a lengthy and sometimes stressful process, however your counselors are here to help you through it! Much of the effort depends on how much energy you want to put in, so stay organized, research aplenty and most importantly-pay attention to deadlines! It is essential that you start early and prepare to work hard. After all, this is really an investment in your future.
The college application process is a lengthy and sometimes stressful process, however your counselors are here to help you through it! Much of the effort depends on how much energy you want to put in, so stay organized, research aplenty and most importantly-pay attention to deadlines! It is essential that you start early and prepare to work hard. After all, this is really an investment in your future.
Many people follow "best college" lists to try and find the most well-known schools, but it is important for you to find the college that is the best fit for you. Colleges differ in many ways; you need to figure out the characteristics of a college that will work for your needs. For example if you need a small community environment with small class sizes, large schools like Harvard or NYU may not be your best choice. Be realistic about what type of environment will help you to thrive, and make your choices with care!
College Applications
The following applications are standardized admissions forms that can be used at multiple schools. Please read their descriptions carefully, as not all schools accept these applications. Click on the links to access the applications. Visit the websites of your chosen colleges to access their own applications as well.
The Common Application
The Common Application is an admissions application accepted by 415 institutions of higher education. View if your selected schools are members, and apply to them through one single process. Note that some schools request additional information.
City University of New York (CUNY) Application
Apply to 6 of the 23 CUNY insitutions through their admissions application.
State University of New York (SUNY) Application
Use this application to apply to 54 SUNY insitutions. Not all SUNY's participate, so please check the websites of the schools you do not see listed for their own applications.
College Applications
The following applications are standardized admissions forms that can be used at multiple schools. Please read their descriptions carefully, as not all schools accept these applications. Click on the links to access the applications. Visit the websites of your chosen colleges to access their own applications as well.
The Common Application
The Common Application is an admissions application accepted by 415 institutions of higher education. View if your selected schools are members, and apply to them through one single process. Note that some schools request additional information.
City University of New York (CUNY) Application
Apply to 6 of the 23 CUNY insitutions through their admissions application.
State University of New York (SUNY) Application
Use this application to apply to 54 SUNY insitutions. Not all SUNY's participate, so please check the websites of the schools you do not see listed for their own applications.
College Essay Tips:The best thing you can do to write a great college essay is prepare! Think carefully about what you want to write about, or review the topic choices you have been given on the college application. More than one draft should be written, then edited by an English teacher. Ask your teachers ahead of time to review your writing, because many students will seek help with their essays.
Take a look at these documents for more guidance on college essay writing:
The following information is linked to The College Board website:
Take a look at these documents for more guidance on college essay writing:
The following information is linked to The College Board website:
Recommendation Letters:
IMPORTANT
Remember that your school counselor will be busy writing many college recommendation forms! Please hand in these documents in a timely manner, and give your counselor at least 3 weeks notice before the recommendation should be sent out.
Click on the emboldened links to access documents.
- Student self-assessment. This form will help you to prepare for the college application process. It willl also help your school counselor to highlight your strengths when writing a recommendation for you. Please fill this out and hand this to your school counselor as soon as possible and/or at least 3 weeks before your counselor should have the recommendation completed.
- Parent/guardian questionnaire. Have your parent/guardian fill out this form, and hand it to your school counselor. This form will help your school counselor to gain a well-rounded perspective of you and your college and career related interests.
- Teacher information form. This document will help your school counselor to write a strong recommendation for you. Pick a teacher who knows you well, and has recongized your accomplishments. Print out this document for them and ask them to fill it out. They should hand it in to your school counselor. Remember to let your counselor know when to expect this document from your teacher.
Visiting Colleges:
It is always good to show the colleges on your list that you are interested in them. Do this by scheduling visits to the colleges, setting up interviews, booking tours and signing up for a "sleepover" with a host. Interviews are especially important for small colleges, where there are usually tight knit communities. Always go prepared with questions!
Here are a few to start from:
College interview tips
The interview is conducted so that your prospective college can get to know who you are, and how you fit in their community. Take this as an opportunity to shine!
Some tips that may help:
- Practice and preparation: Practice answering questions you think the interviewer might ask you.
major in, and why? Why do you want to attend our school? How do you think you can contribute
to our school community? ADDITIONALLY, it is imperative that you prepare your own short list of
questions for the interviewer about the school. Show that you are very interested and curious!
- Dress appropriately; No jeans, sweat shirts, etc. It is safe to wear a collared dress shirt and slacks or a skirt.
- Arrive early, at least 15 minutes before your interview.
- Greet your interviewer warmly, with a smile and handshake!
- Remember to maintain comfortable eye contact throughout the interview to indicate that you are engaged in the conversation (do not give a serial-killer stare, but at the same time do not spend your time looking at the wall).
- Lastly, always be polite to your interviewer and thank them for the opportunity to speak with them.