Thinking About Applying to College?

Choosing to further your education is a big decision that involves many other decisions! It’s normal to have questions and not know where to begin.  For some guidance, take a look through the following FAQs and resources:

  • Even if you do not currently plan on attending college, the college application process is a tedious one, and applying now will help you to gain experience you need to apply on your own, when/if that time comes.  
  • You may change your mind about wanting to go to college after Wildcat!  Applying opens a door for you and can give you more options once it is time to finalize a plan for life after high school.  
  • Keep in mind that college graduates have 57% more job opportunities than non-graduates.  Over 80 percent of jobs in four of the fastest-growing occupations—healthcare, STEM, education, and government services—demand postsecondary education.  

Click here to read more.

There are many programs designed to support students from low-income households.  Some programs provide significant aid, while others even cover full tuition, room and board.  

Be sure to complete the FAFSA form, in order to be considered for need-based aid, such as the programs mentioned above, grants, work study, and loans.

Consider attending community college or a trade school. 

Community college, sometimes referred to as junior college, offers relatively affordable higher education that leads to an associate's degree.  Students often transfer credits earned from community college and complete a bachelor's degree.  Click here to read more.

A trade school, sometimes referred to as a vocational school, technical school, or vocational college, is a post-secondary institution that's designed to give you technical skills to prepare you for a specific occupation. Program lengths vary, but typically, they can range from anywhere from eight months to two years. A trade school can help you earn a job as a(n):

  • Electrician
  • Dental hygienist
  • Plumber
  • Paralegal
  • Nurse
  • Graphic Designer
  • Welder
  • Computer technician
  • Aircraft mechanic
  • Cosmetologist
  • Chef
  • Marine mechanic
  • Construction manager
  • Massage therapist
  • Pharmacy technician

Unlike a four-year college, you don't graduate from a trade school with a bachelor's degree. Usually, upon completion of the program, you'll receive a diploma or trade certificate acknowledging that you successfully finished. For some programs, you can earn an associate degree, which is the degree you get from a two-year college. Click here to read more. 

The Common Application is accepted by over 900 schools.

The Common Black College Application allows you to apply to over 60 historically black colleges and universities for one payment of $20.  

The CUNY Application allows you to apply to up to 6 CUNY schools.

The SUNY Application allows you to apply to individual schools throughout New York State - predominantly Upstate and in Long Island.

You may be eligible for application fee waivers; contact Ms. Wong to find out more.

It is advised that you apply to at least six schools - 

  • two schools that you are likely to be accepted into
  • two schools that you seem to be on target for
  • two schools that you have a small chance of getting into/are somewhat of reaches

In order to create your college list/determine which schools are likely, target, and reaches, take a look at the academic average ranges of the most recently accepted classes of schools, and compare them to your own academic averages.

Consider:

  • if the school has academic programs that you are interested in
  • the school's clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities
  • affordability - what can you expect to pay after financial aid and scholarships?
  • the school's graduation rate
  • the demographics of current students (ex: race, ethnicity, gender)
  • whether you prefer a rural, suburban, or city environment
  • if you like being in a large or small school
  • the distance between school and home
  • how you see yourself getting to classes (driving, walking, taking public transportation)

It is strongly advised that you visit the school's campus before accepting an offer.


Message Your Senior Advisor, Ms. Wong


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