The College Application Handbook - A resource guide to help students plan and prepare for the college application and admission process - gotham ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
1
The College Application Handbook
A resource guide to help students plan and prepare for the college application
and admission process
Connection · Curiosity · Independence · Passion · Pride
Gotham Professional Arts Academy
561 Grand Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 112382 Table of Contents 3. A Message to the Student 4. Introduction 5. College Planning Calendar Checklist 9. College Fly-in & Diversity Programs 11. Choosing a College 12. Sorting your List 13. How do Colleges and Universities Evaluate you 14. Decision Plans 15. Financial Aid 16. New York State Opportunity Programs 17. HEOP 18. EOP 19. SEEK, CD 20. Login Record Sheet 21. Standardized Testing (SAT, SAT II, TOEFL) 22. The College Application Essays 23. Letters of Recommendation 24. Teacher Recommendation Request Sheet 26. Counselor Recommendation Request Sheet 29. Historically Black Colleges and University List 30. College Resources 31. Signature Page
3 A MESSAGE TO STUDENTS Dear Graduating Class of 2019, Congratulations and welcome to your Senior Year! You have each worked long and hard throughout your high school career. This year will bring many opportunities to reflect on, and celebrate, your accomplishments thus far. At Gotham Academy, we are committed to ensuring that every student is prepared for success at the college level, and that includes a well supported College Search, Application, and Admission cycle. This handbook is written to help you in this process. Although we will have many chances to meet in person, you may find useful information contained in the following pages. I encourage you all to read through this handbook carefully, and perhaps more than once. Applying to colleges can be intimidating and overwhelming, but if you are familiar with the process much of your stress will be reduced. This handbook was created in response to a growing need from our school community for accessible information and helpful advice about the often complex college application process. This handbook is not intended to replace the many college guides on the market. Instead, it contains a synthesized version of the key steps, advice and resources to help make the application and admission process more accessible to students and families. Approaching the college application process for the first time may seem overwhelming. The process requires planning and research. However, if you take the necessary steps to prepare and organize your steps, the experience will be much more manageable. Additionally, don’t feel as if you are alone in this process. Gotham Academy has a fully resourced college office as well as dedicated teachers, administrators and volunteers, each of whom want you to be successful in achieving your goals. Going to college is an important step in your adult life. It not only opens up a new world of ideas and interests but it also prepares you for our rapidly changing job market and economy. You will have the opportunity to engage with people from all around the world, develop skills and obtain knowledge that will enable you to broaden your experience and make your mark upon the world. I hope this handbook helps to make your college application process an enjoyable and satisfying experience. Let the fun begin! Sincerely, Alex White & Robert Michelin Sean Burke Kendra Suarez Co-Directors Counselor College Coach
4
Introduction
Dear Gotham Academy Class of 2019 Students and Parents,
The purpose of this handbook is to help you choose colleges and universities which are the “best fit” for you, and to
help you organize the admissions process so that it will go as smoothly as possible.
The college search and application process is divided into four parts:
1. Choosing where you will apply from over 3,000 accredited institutions.
2. Fulfilling the requirements of submitting applications and essays, taking standardized
tests, visiting campuses, interviewing, and sending in extra material if needed.
3. Organizing the financial aspects (such as FAFSA, TAP, and Scholarship Applications).
4. Making your college commitment by May 1, 2019.5
College Planning Calendar Checklist
SEPTEMBER
____ Schedule meeting with Sean and Kendra to discuss post-high school plans. Email Sean at
sean.burke@gothamacademy.org and Kendra at kendra@gothamacademy.org
____ Research colleges using College Board, College Niche, SUNY & CUNY sites, Sean’s
Opportunity google doc of NY State colleges
____ Sept. 30: Deliver Family Income Form and financial papers needed for opportunity programs
to Sean and Kendra
____ Register for November SAT or ACT
____ Begin to brainstorm and outline college essay (or revise your essay)
____ Submit College Fly-in & Diversity Program applications
____ Request two recommendation letters from teachers & one from Sean (see attached form)
____ Prepare to fill out CUNY application by researching CUNY schools
____ Create Common Application account and begin application
_____Complete FSA ID & Password
OCTOBER
____ Take SAT October 6
____ On College Board account, request SAT score reports to be sent to desired colleges (no later
than Oct. 16th)
____ Attend SUNY College fair on October 11th
____ Oct. 19: Have a College List completed
____ Prepare to fill out SUNY applications
____ Oct. 22 - 26 College Application Week
____ Oct. 26: Finalize college essay6
November
____ Nov. 2: Submit CUNY application to six schools
____ Nov. 3: Take third and final SAT
____ On College Board account, request SAT score reports to be sent to desired colleges (no later
than Nov. 13th)
____ Plan to attend FAFSA Night (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
____ Ensure all teachers and Sean have submitted recommendation letters *
____ Nov. 30: Submit SUNY application with essay (& supplemental applications) and verify they
were received
____ Nov. 30: Submit Common Application to private colleges and verify it was received
December
____ Call and/or email colleges and verify all materials received
____ Start CSS profile if necessary
____ Look out for Opportunity Program supplemental forms (email/snail mail) and complete
them asap
January
___ Continue calling and/or emailing colleges and verifing all materials received
___ (JAN-MARCH) Look out for additional information requested from private colleges
____ Ensure FAFSA & TAP are complete
February
____ Follow up with colleges and verify all materials received
____ Make sure all CSS profiles are complete
____ Prepare for CUNY Assessment Test (if applicable)7
March/April
____ Begin looking for responses from colleges – check email and snail mail regularly!
____ Take any placement tests (if applicable)
____ Review and compare all financial aid packages – follow up with colleges that have not given
you a package
____ Accept your Financial Aid award before the deadline
____ Take any placement tests (if applicable)
____ Select college you will attend by May 1
____ Notify the Admissions Office of the college to let them know you will be attending that
college
May
____ Deposit to your college due by May 1st
____ Meet with Sean and Kendra to confirm your post-secondary plans and exit meeting.
____ Complete Loan Applications and sign Master Promissory Note (MPN) (if applicable)
____ Send in housing forms before the deadline and pay deposit (if applicable)
June
____ Confirm with the Admissions Office that you have completed all of the necessary steps to
secure your place for fall entrance. Note: CUNY requires NY State Immunization records for
enrollment
____ Contact Financial Aid Office to verify forms and secure work-study
____ Register for Classes
July
____ Attend the HEOP, EOP, SEEK, CD, ASAP, or other summer programs
____ Visit college campus, if possible, or take virtual tour online if never visited8 ____ Attend First-year orientation For residential colleges: ____ Write or call your roommate ____ Plan how you will get to the college ____ Figure out what you will pack
9 College Fly-in & Diversity Programs One of the most important factors is in deciding if a college is right for you is whether or not you can picture yourself as a member of campus and for many students this means a campus visit. If the college isn’t nearby, however, being able to make the visit might not be possible due to financial limitations. The good news is that a number of institutions offer free fly-in programs, travel assistance scholarships, overnight programs, and diversity programming that comes at little or no cost to students accepted to their programs! Below is our updated list of these fly-in, diversity, and other programs that are great opportunities for multicultural students. See the following page.
10
11
CHOOSING A COLLEGE
Choosing to go to college is an important decision! It is key to think about the following criteria while you create
your college list and work towards finding schools that best fit and match your academic, social and emotional
needs.
ACADEMICS
What colleges offer the kind of education or training that interest you?
If you do not know what you want to study, does the school offer a wide range of academic choices?
Are my GPA, test scores and academic profile in line with acceptance rates at these colleges?
Are undergraduates able to become involved with research opportunities? Internships?
SIZE
Colleges range in size from 150-80,000 students. Think about where you might feel most comfortable.
Do you prefer larger lecture style classes or smaller seminar style classes?
Are you the type of person that likes to be in a small, medium or large setting?
LOCATION
How close, or sometimes more importantly, how far away from home do you want to be?
Do I want to be in an urban, suburban or rural setting? Small town or big city?
How important is the climate and the weather?
COST
Find out early on: How much can my family and I afford for a college education? The total cost for a year as
computed by the college financial aid office, includes: tuition, fees, room-and-board, books, supplies, transportation,
and personal expenses. While cost is important, DO NOT limit your choice of colleges to only those you can afford
without financial assistance. MANY of the more expensive private colleges have extensive financial aid programs,
which may cover anywhere from 20% to the full cost, depending on your need. Also, many college websites have
financial aid calculators where you can plug in financial numbers and come away with a fairly good idea of what
kind of financial award you may qualify for.
VISIT
Visit one or more college campuses. There is no better way to find out if a college is a “good fit” than physically
being on a college campus. Try to visit a few colleges---of varying sizes, locations, and Focuses. Speak with your
guidance counselor to plan day tour and visits, overnight college trips and fly away programs.12
SORTING YOUR COLLEGE LIST
SAFETY (Good Bet): If an applicant’s scores exceed the mid-range (50%) of scores and the GPA for the prior
year’s freshman class AND the college’s admit rates were above 50%, these colleges can be considered a safety
(good bet). This means that this school seldom rejects candidates with your credentials and is a solid choice. You
should have at least 3-6 safety or surebet schools on your list.
MATCH (Likely): This means that if your scores and GPA fall into “range” but the school has a lower admit
percentage (50% or lower) than your chances of acceptance into this more selective school are considered probable
or a likely match, but not as solid as a safety or good-bet option. You may opt to have 3-6 match or likely schools on
your list.
REACH (Wild Card): This is a school where your chances of being rejected are higher than your chances of being
accepted. Most of these colleges have admitted rates of less than 20%. You may opt to include 1-3 reach or wildcard
options.13
HOW DO COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES EVALUATE YOU
There are many factors that are considered in making up the new freshman class. Much deliberation
centers upon your academic history and possible contribution to campus life.
1. Your GPA at the end of your junior year
2. Standardized Test scores (SAT)
3. Special talents (Dance, art, athletics, etc)
4. First Generation - If your parents never went on to higher education and you are the first
generation to do so, there is a special category for you.
5. Extracurricular Activities and Personal Qualities
6. Work experience
7. Personal Essays
8. Letters of Recommendation14
DECISION PLANS
Regular Decision (RD): This is what most students think about when applying to college and most students
apply through this path. Students submit their application materials sometime in late fall and usually hear a
decision by late-March or early-April. Remember to check EACH school’s application instructions and make
note of specific due-dates. There are three possible outcomes for RD: acceptance, denial, or waitlist. If accepted,
students have until the May 1st College Decision Day to make their decisions. If waitlisted, students should check
the waitlist policy for each school and follow their instructions. Often if a student wants to remain on the waitlist,
they have to notify the school directly.
Early Action (EA): Under this plan, students apply by an early deadline (often in November) and hear a response
by an early notification date (often in early winter). EA plans are nonbinding and students may also apply to the
other schools on their list. Note: double check the websites of each school on your list to make note of any
specific requirements. With EA, students have until the May 1st deadline to make their final decision. There are
three possible outcomes with EA: acceptance, denial and sometimes deferral. With acceptance, students have the
benefit of having a college choice early in the application process—this takes some of the pressure off just
knowing that you have “gotten in” to a school. With denial, you are no longer in the application pool of the
school. With deferral, your application moves to the regular application pool and you will have to wait until the
spring notification date as to your status. If deferred, you will want to send the college updated information
including first semester grades, updated test scores (if available) and any additional achievements (academic or
extracurricular).
Some schools offer more than one round of EA—again check college websites for specifics.
Early Decision (ED): This approach involves careful thought and consideration by students. ED is a binding
contract between the student applicant and the ED school to which they are applying. If you apply ED, you are
saying that a particular school is your first choice and if accepted you agree to A) attend that school and B) withdraw
all applications to all other schools which were on your list. You must be positive that the school is where you want
to enroll and which is the right fit for you. There are three outcomes in ED: acceptance, denial or deferral. If
accepted, you must agree to enroll at that school and immediately withdraw all other applications. If deferred, your
application will roll into the regular decision pool and you will find out in early spring. If you are denied, your
application will not be reconsidered.
An ED path is a great path for students who know, without a doubt, that a particular school is their first choice
option. If accepted, you will know in the early winter, have your decision made, and you can relax and enjoy the
remainder of your senior year without any further application worries. The problem lies with the fact that many teens
do not know definitively what they may truly want in a college, and often students change their minds several times
during the course of their senior year. For example, some who thought they wanted a big school in California change
their minds mid-year to wanting a smaller school on the east coast.15
Financial Aid
The cost of higher education is a top concern for nearly every student and his/her family. It is extremely important to
begin discussing what your family can afford with regards to a college education as soon as you begin looking at
college options. Once the financial conversation has begun, you can begin to assess what types of financial
assistance are available and what types you may qualify for. In order to best serve Gotham Academy students, this
section is a synthesis of some of the best and most reputable financial aid and scholarship resources. Take some time
with your parent(s) or guardian(s) and find out: a) What is available to help finance your education, b) What you are
eligible for, c) What documentation you will need to gather in order to apply for aid.
Beware: Never pay a fee for aid information!!!! There are organizations that advertise their services and say they
will guarantee aid for you. DO NOT use these organizations or websites---they are often scams.
Types of Financial Aid:
1. Need-Based Aid: This type of aid is based on your family’s financial resources and is calculated through sources
such as FAFSA or CSS. This type of aid includes Federal, State and College- Funded grants as well as student loans
or work-study.
2. Merit-Based Aid: Some colleges offer financial scholarships for students who have special academic, athletic or
other skills (forensics, music, art, etc.). These types of awards can be: college funded, state funded, or given by
private organizations. Please note that these types of awards often require additional applications and/or earlier
submission deadlines.
3. Reward-Based Scholarships: these are often awarded without regard to GPA and are given for
volunteer or other special acts by the student.
You will receive a separate letter and Family Income Form from Sean that is essential to the financial aid process.
The sooner you return the form, the sooner you can begin your college application and financial aid application.16
New York State Opportunity Programs
When one goes to College, people tend to worry about the money side when in reality they are programs and
scholarships that helps.The New York State Opportunity Programs are a set of scholarship programs designed to
identify and support students with outstanding ability, resilience, and potential, whose families might not otherwise
be able to afford a college education.The program is only available to New York State residents, and only exists at
college in New York State.
How to Apply? Students apply as they would to any other college, except that students must be careful to ensure
that they have flagged themselves for referral to the college’s New York State Opportunity Program on their
application. Students who are referred for consideration will often have to complete a second application process
which involves verification of income eligibility, additional essays or assessments or on-campus visits and
interviews.
Benefits: Students who would not otherwise be admitted to a particular college- because their GPA and/ or SAT
scores are not as strong as those of most admitted students-may be admissible through the college’s New York State
Opportunity Program. These Programs especially value students who have demonstrated outstanding potential in the
face of life obstacles.
Requirements: Intensive supports from tutors, counselors, and advisors on campus. The program also have a
required pre-college summer bridge program prior to freshman year. This programs can last anywhere from three
days to six weeks, and involve work on building academic and study skills, fostering a sense of community and
support, and making a successful transition to college life and study.
Eligible:
1. Be a New York State resident for 12 months prior to enrollment
2. Require alternate admissions consideration
3. Qualify as economically disadvantaged according to the guidelines on the following pages.17
HEOP: The Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) provides supportive services and financial aid to New
York State residents attending independent colleges and universities in New York State.
Numbers of members in household (Include head Total annual Income
of household).
1 $ 22,311
2 $ 30,044
3 $ 37,777
4 $ 45,510
5 $ 53,243
6 $ 60,976
7 $ 68,709
8 $ 76,442
*Add $7,733 for each family member in excess of 8.18
SUNY - State University of New York - Public universities
EOP: The State University of New York's Educational Opportunity Program provides access, academic support and
financial aid to students who show promise for succeeding in college but who may not have otherwise been offered
admission. Available primarily to full-time, matriculated students, the program supports students throughout their
college careers within the University.
SUNY EOP Income Requirements
Household Size Total Annual Income in
(including head of household) Previous Calendar Year
1 $22,459
2 $30,451
3 $38,443
4 $46,435
5 $54,427
6 $62,419
7 $70,411
8 $78,403*
*For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $7,992 for each additional person.19
CUNY - City University of New York - Public Universities
SEEK: Stands for Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge. It is the higher education opportunity program
at the senior (four year) CUNY colleges. It was established to provide comprehensive academic support to assist
capable students who otherwise might not be able to attend college due to their educational and financial
circumstances. Students are admitted without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, race, disability, or creed. Once
into the program, there are requirements to complete. Workshop to attend, meeting with counselor, attending a
SEEK class to learn more about the program etc…
CD: College Discovery is the higher education opportunity program at the two year CUNY colleges. The income
eligibility table is the same as the SEEK requirements.
CSTEP: Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program, Increase the number of students from underrepresented
groups who are pursuing professional licensure and careers in mathematics, science, technology and health-related
fields. In addition, the program provides academic enrichment, research experience, supportive skill-building
workshops and programs and assistance in preparing for standardized exams and identifying and securing various
internships and scholarship opportunities.
ASAP: ASAP is a program similar to SEEK, the eligibility income is the same as SEEK, the only difference is that
ASAP supply for unlimited metrocards. ASAP is offered at nine CUNY Colleges which are: Borough of Manhattan
Community College, Bronx Community College, College of Staten Island, Hostos Community College,
Kingsborough Community College, LaGuardia Community College, Medgar Evers College,New York City College
of Technology and Queensborough Community College.
Household Size (Including head of household). Maximum Adjusted Gross Family Income
SEEK/CD
1 $21,978
2 $29,637
3 $37,296
4 $44,955
5 $52,614
6 $60,273
7 $67,951
8 $75,64720
Login Record Sheet
I recommend creating google docs for your usernames and passwords. If you prefer to use paper,
use this page as a record of your username and passwords. Remember you will have to make
individual logins for each college that does not use the Common Application.
New Gotham Email: Common Application
Username:___________________________ Username: _________________________
Password: ___________________________ Password: _________________________
College Board Account:
Username: __________________________
Password: __________________________
Student FSA ID: ____________________ Student FSA ID: ____________________
Username: _______________________ Username: _______________________
Password: ________________________ Password: ________________________
College: _________________________ College: _________________________________
Username: _______________________ Username: _________________________
Password: ________________________ Password: _________________________
College: _________________________ College: _________________________________
Username: ______________________ Username: _________________________
Password: _______________________ Password: _________________________
College: _________________________ College: _________________________________
Username: _______________________ Username: _________________________
Password: ________________________ Password: _________________________
College: _________________________ College: _________________________________
Username: ______________________ Username: _________________________
Password: _______________________ Password: _________________________21
Standardized Testing
Many colleges require college admission tests as part of the application process. They are often used in financial aid
and scholarship decisions. These tests are seen as helpful to the admissions committee in demonstrating aptitude in
academic areas and may give a guide as to how well a student might succeed at a particular institution. It is
important to remember that standardized tests are Only one part of your application. Your GPA, the rigor of your
high school course selection, extracurricular activities, recommendations, and your personal statement are all
extremely important in the application process. It is advised that students check the testing requirements for each
school to which they plan to apply as changes happen regularly. Some colleges do not require any tests (see
www.fairtest.org) for a complete list, and some schools offer testing as an option. Do your research!
SAT
The SAT tests your knowledge of reading, writing and math. Most students take the SAT during their junior or
senior year of high school, and almost all colleges and universities can use the SAT to make admission decisions.
Admissions offices use the SAT as a predictor of college academic success. Visit www.collegeboard.com for test
dates and registration.
SAT Subject Tests
These are one hour multiple choice exams given in specific subject areas. Some of the most competitive colleges and
universities require one or more of these test for admission and other colleges and universities use them for
placement in courses. Students should contact college admission offices to determine if the college requires Subject
Tests. Visit www.collegeboard.com for test dates and registration.
ACT
The ACT test is a college entrance exam accepted by all universities and colleges in the United States. The ACT is
based on what students learn in high school and provides personalized information about their strengths for
education and career planning.
Testing Procedure Checklist
___ Meet with Sean and/or your adviser about registering for the SAT, subject tests, and/or the
ACT
___ Take the appropriate SAT, SAT Subject, or ACT Tests in the spring of your
Junior year, and/or fall of your Senior year.
___ Prep for the SAT using khanacademy.org or sign up for a prep course with Sean
___ Submit the necessary test scores to up eight colleges directly using your college board22
COLLEGE ESSAYS
The admissions essay is the part of the application that gives students the most trouble. However, the essay stands as perhaps
your greatest opportunity to convince the college admissions counselor to admit you into their college. Given the importance of
this essay it is not something that should be written in a couple of hours on a weekend in October. Rather it should be planned,
written, revised, proofread, edited, etc. over a long period of time.
Starting on Mondays in October., we will be offering a College Essay Seminar. If you are interested, sign up with Sean.
1. Do some self-exploration:
Your college essay is all about showcasing yourself. Think about which of your strengths and interests you would most
like colleges to know about you. What are you passionate about? What’s most important to you? What are you best at?
2. Show your thoughtfulness.
Be thoughtful in both your topic choice and the tone of your writing. Colleges look for students who have dealt with
adversity, have overcome challenges and continue to grow from their experience. If you are the first to go to college,
include that in your essay it is important.
3. Be honest.
The point of this essay is to show who you are, not who you wish you were. Stick to what you know and your true
personality will shine through.
Be sure to take a step back from your essay and come back to it later.
4. Read the instructions and follow them.
Be conscious of any length limits, and, if the topic is provided for you, analyze the question carefully. You want to be
aware of everything they ask and answer everything thoroughly.
5. Get started early.
Self-exploration can be fun, but don’t procrastinate on the actual writing. You don’t want to rush or be up against a
tight deadline; it will affect your work. Sometimes creating an outline for your essay can help you get started. It will
also help you organize your thoughts and develop a framework. Once you finish outlining your essay, make sure to
show it to a teacher or a counselor.
6. Proofread your essay
You want to make sure you’ve used proper spelling, grammar and punctuation, so ask an expert, a friend or teacher to
proofread your essays.
7. Get feedback from others.
Ask your friends and family to read your essay and tell you what they think. Be open to suggestions and ways to
improve it, even if this means going back to the drawing board. Revise your essay and edit.23
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are an important component in the admissions decision. Most private colleges and
universities as well as a growing number of public universities require one or more recommendations from
teachers and counselors. Just as the personal statement allows the admissions committee to get a clearer picture of
who you are and how you think, the recommendations help to inform admissions committees on who you are in
the academic and school setting. Teachers and counselors can share details about what kind of student you are,
how you work in the classroom, and your level of motivation, your character and intellect. These details give the
application reader a broader picture of you than simply your grades or list of activities. It is your responsibility to
find out what the recommendation requirements are for each school to which you are applying.
Here are some helpful tips to guide you in your selection of teachers to request a recommendation.
a. Choose two teachers who know you well. Ideally choose one Humanities & Social Science teacher and one
Math or Science teacher.
b. Choose teachers who have taught you in challenging classes, in which you demonstrated a strong effort. This
does not mean you had to have gotten a top grade, but it does mean that this was a class in which you put forth your
best efforts and attitude.
c. Complete your “Brag Sheets” aka “Request for Teacher Recommendation Letter” and “Request for College
Adviser Recommendation Letter” forms.24
Request for Teacher Recommendation Letter, aka your “Brag Sheet”
Name: ________________________________
Date of Your Request: _____________ Date You Need the Letter by: ________________
Name of Teacher: _____________________________________________________________
What class(es) did you have with this teacher?___________________________________
What grade(s) where you in that class? 9 10 11 12
Please submit my recommendation letters electronically in the following way (no signature needed):
___ For SUNY applicants: Please email my recommendation to Sean @ sean.burke@gothamacademy.org
___ COMMON APPLICATION: Please upload my letter via the Common Application—I have/will send you a link
with instructions!
Students: P
lease answer the questions and statements below to help your teacher write a letter of recommendation
that truly reflects your qualities and accomplishments.
Choose 3 specific words that best describe who you are:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
My best qualities are:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
My greatest accomplishment in your class and why I am proud of it:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
My favorite lesson/activity/project in your class was… because….
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
A way you/your class has challenged me is:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
What do you feel are your greatest strengths in this class?25 __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ What are your weaknesses when it comes to this class? How have you tried to address them? ___________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ Have you had any obstacles, events or hardships that affected you high school? How did you overcome it? __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years? How will you get there?: __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ Why do you want to go to college? What do you hope to gain from this experience? __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ Are you the first in your family to go to college? Did your parents attend college? _________________________________________________________________________________________ Attach your resume or activity list! Don’t forget that it’s YOUR responsibility to follow up with teachers and the Sean or Kendra to turn in recommendations in a timely manner. Give teachers at least a 2 week notice. Recommendations are due to the college office by the end of November.
26 Request for College Counselor Recommendation Letter, aka your “Brag Sheet” Name: ________________________________ Date of Your Request: _____________ Date You Need the Letter by: ________________ Name of Teacher: _____________________________________________________________ Note: This letter is only needed if you’re applying via common application or as requested by colleges. Please check their requirements carefully. Please answer the questions and statements below to help Sean write a letter of recommendation that truly reflects your qualities and accomplishments. I also ask that you submit, along with this form, a resume detailing ALL of your activities and your essay. Choose 3 words that best describe who you are: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Why do you want to go to college? What do you hope to gain from this experience? Be specific about what you hope to contribute and get from a college campus: ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ My favorite college/career office experience so far (share how I know you or a conversation/experience that stands out to you!): ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ My most important accomplishment and why I am proud of it: ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ My most meaningful extracurricular activity is and why: ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________
27 ____________________________________________________________________________________ Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years? How will you get there? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Any obstacles, events or hardships that affected me in high school, how did you overcome? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Are you the first in your family to go to college? Did your parents attend college? What does that mean to you? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ What do you feel are your greatest strengths? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ What are your weaknesses? How have you tried to address them? Be Honest! (Focus on what you did to improve and be specific!) ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Optional: What have you liked the most about high school? The least? What were your favorite and least favorite subjects? Why? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Any other important information that describes the “real me”? The more info the better! ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________
28 Please list all the activities and home responsibilities that you have. Alternatively, you can attach a resume.** ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ It’s YOUR responsibility to follow up with the college office and give Sean 2 weeks’ notice to write your letter. Advisor only: Date Complete ____________ Date Uploaded/Website ___________
29
HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES LIST
HBCU admit students from all social, ethnic and economic backgrounds. Here’s a list of HBCUs.
Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (A&M) Kentucky State University
Alabama State University Lincoln University
Alcorn State University Morehouse College
Bennett College Morgan State University
Bowie State University Norfolk State University
Claflin University North Carolina A&T State University
Clark Atlanta University North Carolina Central University
Coppin State Oakwood University
Delaware State University South Carolina State University
Dillard University Spellman College
Elizabeth City State University Tennessee State University
Fayetteville State University Tougaloo College
Fisk University Tuskegee University
Florida A&M University University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Howard University Virginia State University
Jackson State University Winston-Salem State University
Johnson C. Smith University Xavier University30
College Resources
College Board has it’s own Scholarships list, aside from college board there are a ton of scholarships Websites to
look at. The last page indicated a list of Scholarships that will be useful for you, take advantage of Scholarships.
College Board: https://www.collegeboard.org/
Niche: https://colleges.niche.com/
CUNY Application: http://www2.cuny.edu/admissions/apply-to-cuny/
(Note that one can add Community Colleges in the Cuny Application).
SUNY Application: https://www.suny.edu/applysuny/
Common Application (Private College): http://www.commonapp.org/
Free Applications for Student Aid (FAFSA) https://fafsa.ed.gov/
Scholarships:
Scholarship database http://www.fastweb.com/
Education database https://niche.com/
Smart Student Guide to Financial aid www.finaid.org
Detail of each scholarship website https://www.moneysavingpro.com/scholarships/
College Funding Site www.nelnet.net/
College Scholarships www.college-scholarships.com
FAFSA Forecaster www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov
Federal Financial Aid Information www.studentaid.ed.gov
Free Application for Federal Student Aid www.fafsa.ed.gov
Financial Aid Estimator www.act.org/fane
Financial Aid Information www.finaid.org
Financial Aid Letter www.financialaidletter.com
Get College Funding www.getcollegefunding.org
Hispanic Scholarship www.hsf.net
NJ Financial Aid Information www.hessaa.org
Saving for College www.savingforcollege.com
Scholarship Scams www.ftc.gov/scholarshipscams
United Negro College Fund www.uncf.org
Complete program from Black students www.blackstudentfund.org
Private sector scholarship database www.fastaid.com31 Still have questions? Find out more on our website:: http://gothamacademy.org/ I have read and understood the college handbook and I understand that completing these tasks will ensure my pathway to college. _________________________ _________________________ Student Name Parent or Guardian _________________________ _____________________________ Student Signature Parent or Guardian Signature
You can also read
