School counselors prepare students for college beginning 9th grade year and provide ongoing college exposure across all grade levels. All students have college access opportunities including College Fairs, College Trips, and visits from Admission Representatives. Below are areas students focus on at each grade level.
-
Meet the School Counselor
-
Take Challenging Classes
-
Study and get Good Grades
-
Set Academic and Personal Goals
-
Learn about Graduation Requirements
-
Get involved in Extracurricular Activities
-
Keep track of Accomplishments
-
Develop Skills and Interests
-
Start a College Savings Account
-
Visit Colleges
-
Take the PSAT
-
Take Advanced Placement Courses
-
Take a Career Assessment
-
Attend College and Career Fairs
-
Learn about College Admission Requirements
-
Stay involved in Extracurricular Activities
-
Volunteer in the Community
-
Keep GPA up
-
Explore Summer Opportunities
-
Visit Colleges
-
Stay on track with courses
-
Prepare for SAT/ACT, SAT Subject Tests and AP exams
-
Create a Resume
-
Complete a Brag Sheet
-
Request Recommendation Letters
-
Research Colleges
-
Develop list of Potential Colleges
-
Draft College Essay
-
Apply for Scholarships
-
Visit Colleges
-
Retake SAT/ACT Exam
-
Finalize College List and Essay
-
Visit Colleges
-
Apply to CUNY, SUNY and Private and Public Colleges
-
Apply for Scholarships
-
Complete Financial Aid Applications
-
Review Financial Aid Awards
-
Send Enrollment Agreement and Commitment Deposit
-
Graduate!
School counselors must ensure student are aware of application requirements and adhere to all deadlines.
-
GPA
-
SAT/ACT Test Scores
-
College Essay
-
Recommendation Letters
-
Extra-Curricular Activities
-
Rigorous Courses
-
Interview (For select Colleges and Opportunity Programs)
-
Auditions/Portfolios (if applying to an Art/Design School or choosing an Art/Design Major)
School counselors help students create a college list that is well-balanced and includes Reach, Target and Safety Schools. All students complete at least four college/post-secondary program applications during their senior year.
CUNY: Apply to 6 CUNY Schools with an application fee waiver using the CUNY Application
​
SUNY: Financially eligible students apply to up to 7 schools with a fee waiver. Cost $50 per application on the SUNY Application
​
Private Colleges: Students can apply to up to 20 private schools on The Common Application using a fee waiver when applicable.
​
Test-Optional Schools: More than 1000 accredited colleges and universities do not use standardized test scores to admit students
Opportunity Programs provide economically and educationally disadvantaged students the possibility of a college education who show promise for succeeding in college but who may not have otherwise been offered admission. Participating colleges offer support services, such as academic, career, and personal counseling; tutoring and supplemental instruction and financial assistance. School Counselors encourage eligible students to apply for these programs further closing opportunity gaps.
Schools counselors should arrange for students across all grade levels (9-12th) to gain college exposure in person by arranging college trips, visits from college admission representatives and college fairs. The key to finding a college that is the right fit is to research. School counselors should encourage students to utilize college research databases to learn what colleges have to offer and decide which colleges are a good match.
The following resources help students prepare for standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, Regents Exams and Advanced Placement Tests. As school counselors we promote equity. Therefore, each resource students can utilize free of charge. Students also receive fee waivers to take each examination. In addition, our school offers in school tutoring, SAT and Regents Prep. All students complete at least one college standardized test
Below are College Essay Tips School Counselors can share with students (courtesy of College Board).
-
Get Started by brainstorming
-
Let your first draft flow
-
Develop three essay parts (intro, body & conclusion)
-
Be specific
-
Find a creative angle
-
Be honest
-
Get feedback
-
Proofread & make corrections
The school counselor provides financial aid workshops for parents and students to educate families on college affordability. School counselors help each senior complete FAFSA, TAP, and PROFILE applications prior to deadlines.