12th Grade Information Packet – Post-Secondary Planning
Activities Resume for College Recommendation Letters
SUNY Admissions Information Summary 2023
What Does It All Mean? Higher Education Terms and Definitions
College and AP Courses in High School
NCAA College-Bound Student-Athlete Guide
NCAA Division I and II Worksheet
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Resource Guide
The College Application Checklist
Excelsior Scholarship Information and Frequently Asked Questions
Common App Essay Prompts
- Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so
meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. - The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later
success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How
did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? - Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What
prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? - Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
- Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of
personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. - Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose
track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? - Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
We will retain the optional community disruption question within the Writing section.
Additionally, we are closely following the Supreme Court case on the use of race in admissions. Depending on the outcome, we stand ready to create resources that will help students speak about their lived experiences.
CAMPUS VISIT CHECKLIST
Visiting a college campus helps you get a sense of what a college – and life at that college – is like. This can help you decide whether the college is right for you.
GATHER INFORMATION
Find out what you need to do to apply and see if the college’s class and major offerings are what you want:
- Take part in a group information session at the admission office.
- Interview with an admission officer.
- Pick up financial aid forms.
- Sit in on a class that interests you. If classes aren’t in session, just see what the classrooms are like.
- Meet a professor who teaches a subject that interests you.
- Talk to students about what they think of their classes and professors.
- Get the names and business cards of the people you meet so you can contact them later if you have questions.
EXPLORE THE CAMPUS
Get a feel for student life, and see if this college is a place where you will do well:
- Take a campus tour.
- Visit the dining hall, fitness center, library, career center, bookstore and other campus facilities.
- Talk to current students about the college and life on campus.
- Check out the freshman dorms and stay overnight with a student, if possible.
- Talk to the coaches of sports that you may want to play.
- Walk or drive around the community surrounding the campus.
CHECK OUT CAMPUS MEDIA
Tune in to learn what’s happening on campus and what’s on students’ minds:
- Listen to the college radio station.
- Read the student newspaper.
- Scan bulletin boards to see what daily student life is like.
- Go to the career center and learn what services it offers.
- Browse the school’s website and any campus blogs.
- Read other student publications, such as department newsletters, alternative newspapers and literary reviews.
@MyBigFuture @collegeboard
Get the Most Out of a Campus Visit in 6 Steps
1 Decide Where and How
See if your school arranges group trips to colleges or if you could get a group of friends together and visit the campus. A family trip is another option and allows you to involve your family in the process.
2 Prepare for Your Visit
Before you set out, get a map of the college campus and pick out places
of interest. Call the college’s admission office to schedule a guided tour of
the campus.
3 Take Your Own Tour
Just wandering around the campus on your own or with friends can be the best
way to get a feel for what a college is like.
4 Explore the Facilities
Find the spots on campus where students gather or ask a student where
the best place to eat is to get a feel for the character of the college. Visit the
library and check out the gym or theater. Ask an admission officer if you can tour a dorm and a classroom.
5 Make Connections
Talk to current students. Ask the students at the next table or sitting nearby what they like best about the college.
6 Take Notes
During your visit, write down some notes about your experience. What did you
see that excited you? Are there aspects of the college that you don’t like? If so,
what are they?
Questions to Ask During Your Visit:
Ask Tour Guides/Students
- What are the best reasons to go to this college?
- What’s it like to go from high school to college?
- What do you do in your free time? On the weekends?
- What do you love about this college?
- What do you wish you could change about this college?
- Why did you choose this college?
- What is it like to live here?
- What does the college do to promote student involvement in
campus groups, extracurricular activities, or volunteerism?
Ask Professors
- What are the best reasons to go to this college?
- Can a student be mentored by professors, graduate students,
or upperclassmen? - How are professors rated by the college? Does the college think
mentoring and meetings for project guidance are important? - How does the college help students have access to professors
outside class? Do professors join students for lunch, help with
community service groups, or guide student organizations? - How many students do research or other kinds of projects for a
semester or more?
Ask the Financial Aid Office
- How much has your total college cost for each student risen
in the past year? - How much do your students usually end up owing when
they graduate? - What is the average income of graduates who had the same
major that interests me? - Will my costs go up when your tuition goes up, or can we use
the same tuition rate I started with so I’ll know the costs for
four years? - How many students usually graduate in the major that interests
me? How long do these students usually take to get their
degree? In what ways does the college help students graduate
in four years?
Visit BigFuture.org for more information.
Summary of Changes to the 2025-2026 FAFSA
The 2025-2026 FAFSA will be similar to last year’s form, which had incorporated several changes from previous years. It:
- Reduces the number of questions from 108 to about 36
- Aligns more questions on FAFSA with federal income tax returns
- Automatic transfer of IRS data to the FAFSA
- Increases aid eligibility for single parents
- Decreases aid eligibility for middle- and high-income families
– Shift in focus away from cash flow to a slightly greater emphasis on
wealth - Reduced likelihood of verification because fewer questions and
more data transferred from the IRS - New Federal Pell Grant formula
Name Changes
- The new FAFSA changes a few names
– Expected Family Contribution (EFC) – Student Aid Index (SAI)
– Simplified Needs Test (SNT) – Applicants Exempt from Asset Reporting - The new names fix a few minor problems
- The term “EFC” can be misleading, since many families incorrectly believe that the EFC is all they pay
- The term “Professional Judgment” is used in the Higher Education Act of 1965 for the first time
Increases in Financial Aid for Single Parents
- Two types of single parents
– Dependent students with just one parent
– Independent students who are single parents - Bigger increase in the Income Protection Allowance (IPA)
– Increases by 20% for parents
– Increases by up to about $2,400 (35%) for most students
– Increases by up to about $6,500 (60%) for students who are single parents - Greater eligibility for the maximum Federal Pell Grant
– AGI less than or equal to 225% of the poverty line (single parent)
– AGI less than or equal to 175% of the poverty line (not single parent)
– This yields similar income thresholds of $38,750 and $38,010, respectively, for families where the student is an only child
Less Aid for Multiple Children in College
- The number of children in college at the same time will no longer affect eligibility for need-based financial aid
- The parent contribution will no longer be divided by number of children in college at the same time
- The income protection allowance will no longer be reduced based on number of children in college at the same time
- Small impact on low-income families with multiple children in college
- Big impact on middle- and high-income families with two or more children enrolled in college at the same time
- Families can appeal for more aid based on having multiple family members in college at the same time
Changes in Reportable Income
- Several types of untaxed income will no longer be reported
on the FAFSA
– Cash support and other money paid on the student’s behalf
– Veterans’ education benefits
– Workman’s Compensation - Elimination of cash support yields certain benefits
– Gifts to the student will no longer be reported as untaxed income
– Qualified distributions from 529 plans that are owned by a grandparent, aunt, uncle, etc. will no longer affect aid eligibility - Child support received (annual) will be reported as an asset
instead of income
Changes in Reportable Assets
- Certain exclusions from assets have been dropped
– The small business exclusion
– Exclusion for a family farm on which the family
resides - The Simplified Needs Test is now known as “Applicants Exempt from Asset Reporting”
– Changes in income thresholds
– Changes in means-tested federal benefits
Auto-Zero and Asset Reporting Exemption
- Replacement for auto-zero EFC
– If a dependent student’s parents or an independent student (and spouse) are not required to file a federal income tax return, the student aid index will be negative $1,500
– Student aid index set to zero if student qualifies for maximum Federal Pell Grant - Applicants Exempt from Asset Reporting
– Income threshold for disregarding assets will be increased from $50,000 to $60,000
– Schedule 1 requirement replaced with Schedules A, B, C (gain or loss greater than $10,000), D, E, F or H.
– If anyone in applicant’s household received certain means-tested federal
benefits in the last two years, there will no longer be an income threshold
– The means-tested federal benefits include SSI, SNAP, TANF, WIC, Medicaid and Federal Housing Assistance (new)
– Free and Reduced Price School Lunch has been dropped from the list of
means-tested federal benefits
Which Parent Must Complete the FAFSA?
- When parents are divorced, separated or never married, and do not
live together, only one parent must complete the FAFSA
– This will be the parent who provides more financial support to the student, no longer based on where the student lived the most - If this parent has remarried as of the date the FAFSA is filed, the stepparent’s income, assets and dependents must be reported on the FAFSA
- Definition of family size has changed
– Student
– Student’s parents or student’s spouse (if any)
– Dependents from federal income tax returns in the prior-prior tax year - Not yet specified
– Changes since the prior-prior year
– Multiple support agreements
Changes in Family Size
| Criterion | Old Rules | New Rules |
| Separation | Legal separation or informal separation | Only legal separation |
| Parents Live Together | Treated as married | Treated as married |
| Custodial Parent | Where student resides | Financial support |
| Reference Year | 12 months ending on date FAFSA filed | Prior-prior tax year? |
| Family Size | Student, parent, other children (>half support), other people (>half support, live in household) | Student, parent, dependents from tax return (qualifying child, qualifying relative) |
| Financial Aid Counts as Student’s Self Support | Yes | No |
| Multiple Support Agreements | Ignored | TBD |
IRS Definition of Dependent
- Dependents include qualifying children and qualifying relatives
- Qualifying children
– Must live with the parent for more than half the year
– Must not provide more than half of their own financial support
– Financial aid no longer counts as part of the student’s self-support
– Must be under age 19 (24 if a full-time student)
– If the child is married, they must not file a joint return with their spouse - Qualifying relative
– Dependents may include other people if they live with the
parent and receive more than half their support from the parent
Custodial Parent vs. Family Size
- The custodial parent is the parent who must complete the FAFSA
- The new definition of custodial parent is not necessarily the same as the IRS definition of dependent, which is used in the determination of family size
- Which parent completes the FAFSA
– Currently based on where the student resides the most during the 12 months ending on the date the FAFSA is filed
– The new FAFSA will base it on whichever parent provided more financial support - Family size
– The student is always counted in family size
– The new FAFSA requires the child to live with the parent for more than half the year and to not provide more than half of their own financial support, but does not require the parent to provide more than half of the child’s financial support
NYS Diploma Types
| Subject Area | Regents Diploma | Advanced Regents Diploma |
| English | 4 credits and 1 exam: (ELA) after English 11 | 4 credits and 1 exam: (ELA) after English 11 |
| Social Studies | 4 credits and 2 exams: Global History (2credits) and exam; US History (1 credit) and exam; Economics (.5 credit); Government (.5 credit) |
4 credits and 2 exams: Global History (2credits) and exam; US History (1 credit) and exam; Economics (.5 credit); Government (.5 credit) |
| Mathematics | 3 credits and 1 exam in either: Algebra 1, Geometry or Algebra 2 | 3 credits and 3 exams in all: Algebra 1, Geometry or Algebra 2 |
| Science |
3 credits and 1 exam: Life Science (1 credit); |
3 credits and 2 exams: Life Science (1 credit); Physical Science (1 credit); Life or Physical Science (1 credit) |
| Foreign Language | 1 credit* | 3 credits and 1 exam: Checkpoint B after 3rd level language |
| The Arts | 1 credit of Art or Music | 1 credit of Art or Music |
| Physical Education | 2 credits | 2 credits |
| Health | .5 credits | .5 credits |
| Electives | 3.5 credits | 1.5 credits |
| Total Credits to Graduate | 22 credits | 22 credits |
| Total Regents Exams | 5 exams | 9 exams |
*Students with disabilities may be excused from the 1 credit language requirement.
What Does It All Mean? Higher Education Terms and Definitions
ACT – A college entrance examination generally taken during the junior and/or senior year that assesses a student’s general educational development and his/her ability to complete college-level work. The ACT is comprised of four subject tests – English, mathematics, reading and science and an optional writing test (essay).
AP (Advanced Placement) Courses and exams that enable high school students to earn college credit or advanced standing at most American colleges and universities. To learn more about AP courses and subject area exams, go to http://www.collegeboard.org/student/testing/ap/about.html.
Associate Degree – The associate degree is awarded to students who complete a minimum of 60 college credits with a 2.0 GPA.
Athletics – Colleges and universities belong to leagues that have their own rules, regulations and eligibility requirements. SUNY participates in NCAA Divisions I and III and NJCAA Divisions I, II and III, NAIA and USCAA.
NCAA – National Collegiate Athletic Association. Division I and II schools offer athletic scholarships and students are required to meet NCAA’s academic requirements. Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships and students are not required to meet NCAA academic requirements.
A future student athlete should meet with his/her counselor a early as possible to review the NCAA requirements to ensure he/she is taking the right high school courses.
NJCAA – National Junior College Athletic Association. NJCAA Division I and II schools offer scholarships, while Division III schools do not. There are no academic eligibility requirements for student athletes entering junior or community colleges.
NAIA – National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. NAIA schools have an option of awarding full or partial scholarships. In order to play a sport or receive an athletic scholarship, a student must meet eligibility requirements.
Early Decision – An admission program under which students apply early and receive a decision prior to regular notification dates. Admission is binding. If they are offered admission, they must commit to attending the college. As a result, students may no apply under Early Decision to more than one college.
FAFSA – The Free Application for Federal Student Aid at www.fafsa.ed.gov is required for students wishing to apply for financial aid, including federal, state and campus-based aid. The FAFSA should be completed as soon after Jan. 1 of the senior year in high school as possible, even if the family tax returns have not been filed.
GPA (Grade Point Average) – Grade point average reflects the average of a student’s semester (or end of term) grades, starting with the freshman year. Although GPA scales differ among schools, they are usually reported as letters or numbers.
Numeric grades can be converted to letter grades as illustrated below in the following table.
Number Grade Conversion
| Numeric Grade | Letter Grade | Grade Point Average |
| 90-100 | A | 4.0 |
| 80-89 | B | 3.0 |
| 70-79 | C | 2.0 |
| 60-69 | D | 1.0 |
| Less than 60 | F | 0.0 |
12th Grade Timeline
SUMMER – Prior to your senior year
- Take the SAT II subject tests if your potential colleges require them and you have finished the curriculum which would help you score well.
- Narrow your list of colleges to 4-8. Make sure these are a right match for you. Just because a relative attended an Ivy League school, doesn’t mean it is a good fit for you.
- Visit the three schools at the top of your list. (Be sure to include SUNY.) Schedule your visit in conjunction with a family vacation or when colleges are
hosting events. - Decide whether you’ll apply as an Early Decision or Early Action candidate and begin preparing your application for admission. These deadlines are typically in early to mid-November of your senior year.
- Compose rough drafts of essays and ask your family, friends, and teachers to review your essays for grammar, punctuation, readability, and content.
- Contact coaches, if applicable, and include your high school sports schedule and game tapes. Be sure to tell them why you are interested in their program and school.
- Preview application questions now and begin to draft your answers. Worksheets for the SUNY application can be found at www.suny.edu/attend/learn-more/forms-and-publications.
- Create an arts portfolio, if applicable, to showcase your performing, visual or creative arts work. Your portfolio may include essays, photographs, illustrations, slides or other forms of artwork. A portfolio should represent
your best creative work from class projects or assignments and be consistent with portfolio instructions given by an individual campus program.
FALL
- Have a strong senior year. Take at least four academic courses and earn good grades. Colleges may ask to review your mid-year grades.
- Review your high school transcript to be sure it is accurate.
- Plan ahead! This is a busy time for your school counseling office. Provide your counselor with a list of schools to which you intend to apply and give him/her a list of dates for letters, forms, etc.
- Discuss essay topics with your teachers and/or counselor. If you haven’t done so already, write a first draft of your college essay.
- Create a résumé which includes your high school graduation date, grade point average, class rank, standardized test scores, special courses taken, academic honors and awards, activities (including athletics, leadership, community
service, and work), interests and major goals. Keep your résumé brief – one to two pages maximum. - Apply to SUNY. The application is available August 1.
- Apply for federal financial aid. Obtain your FSA ID, then complete the FAFSA at fafsa.gov. Use your tax information from the previous year. The application is
available October 1. - Keep your counselor updated about where you’ve applied for admission and let him/her know how you’ve applied (SUNY Application, Common Application, etc.).
- Organize! Create a folder for each college to which you are applying and make special note of deadlines. Also create separate folders for tests you’ve taken or plan to take, financial aid forms and fee waivers.
- Identify teachers and counselors from whom you will ask for letters of recommendation. Give serious consideration to teachers that can speak to the rigor of your curriculum and your potential for success.
- Attend upcoming college fairs – most will occur in September, October and November.
- Follow-up with your counselor and/or teachers to ensure that your letters of recommendation have been sent.
- Contact colleges regarding support services if you have a learning or physical disability.
- Continue to investigate scholarship opportunities. A good resource is FastWeb at www.fastweb.com.
- Plan on auditioning for a music program or scholarship? Each SUNY campus has its own process for scheduling auditions. In some cases, the department will contact you directly to schedule an audition after receiving your application. Other programs ask that you schedule your audition as soon as possible whether you have submitted your application or not. Check with each campus about how and where to schedule an audition.
- Plan on playing a sport? Be sure to file the proper paperwork with the NCAA Clearinghouse. See your coach, athletic director or counselor, or go to www.eligibilitycenter.org.
- Practice your college interview skills by participating in a mock interview. Ask your counselor for information or to organize an interview.
WINTER
- Stay focused and keep studying.
- Ask your counselor to send mid-year grades to colleges to which you’ve applied, if required.
- Register for May AP exams.
SPRING
- Look for decision letters.
- Make photocopies of all decision letters and scholarship letters/awards you’ve received and give them to your counselor. These copies will help your counselor know from whom you’ve heard and will enable him/her to compile yearly school profile statistics.
- Maintain good senior year grades. Failure to do so may result in your acceptance offer(s) being rescinded.
- Review financial aid and scholarship offers you’ve received. If you have questions, call offices directly.
- Make your college decision by May 1. Notify the colleges you won’t be attending so other students who were placed on waiting lists can be admitted.
- Send your tuition deposit (if required).
- Notify your guidance counselor of your college decision and request that a final transcript to be sent to that college.
- Notify your counselor and those who’ve awarded you a scholarship (for scholarship recipients) about where you’ll attend as most will send a scholarship check directly to the college you plan to attend.
- Ask your counselor to send your final transcript to the NCAA Clearinghouse (for athletes).
Links to non-SUNY websites and information are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
College and AP Courses in High School
Dominican College:
- COLLEGE CRIMINAL JUSTICE-(school yr)- Prior to 22-23 CJ113, 3 crds
- COLLEGE PSYCHOLOGY- Prior to 22-23 PS102, 3 crds
SUNY Sullivan:
- COLLEGE BUSINESS MATH-BUS 1101, 3 crds
- COLLEGE MICROECONOMICS – ECO 1402, 3 crds
- COLLEGE PRE-CALCULUS-MAT 1206, 4 crds
- COLLEGE CALCULUS 1-MAT 1301, 4 crds
- COLLEGE CALCULUS 2-MAT 2301, 4 crds
- COLLEGE ANATOMY/PHYSIOLOGY 1- SCI 2124, 4 crds
- PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY 1-SCI 1124, 4 crds
- PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY 2-SCI 2152, 4 crds
- INTRO TO METEOROLOGY – SCI 1020, 4 crds
- INTRO TO ASTRONOMY – SCI 1028, 4 crds
- COLLEGE SPANISH IV-FLA 2246, 3 crds
- COLLEGE SPANISH V-FLA 2247, 3 crds
- COLLEGE CRIMINAL JUSTICE-(L&L/School Yr.)- starting Summer 2021 and Fall 2022 – CRJ 1115, 3 crds
- GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY-PSY 1500, 3 crds
- COLLEGE DIGITAL PHOTO 1 & 2 – PHO 1406, 3 crds and PHO 2406, 3 crds
- COLLEGE PRINCIPLES OF MARKETING-BUS 1301, 3 crds
Orange County Community College:
- COLLEGE ACCOUNTING- ACC153, 4 crds
- COLLEGE CALCULUS 1 Prior to 21/22 – MAT 205,4 creds
- COLLEGE CALCULUS 1(½ year) Prior to 21/22 – MAT205, 4 crds
- COLLEGE CALCULUS 2(½ year) Prior to 21/22 – MAT206, 4 crds
- COLLEGE ALGEBRA – MAT121, 3 crds
- COLLEGE TRIGONOMETRY- MAT122, 3 crds
- COLLEGE ENGLISH 101 – ENG101, 3 crds
- COLLEGE ENGLISH 102 – ENG102, 3 crds
- COLLEGE CRIMINAL JUSTICE-(L&L)2020 and prior – CJR101, 3 crds
- INTRO TO ENGINEERING- EGR101, 3 crds
- COLLEGE FIELD BIOLOGY- BIO210, 3 crds
- INTRODUCTION TO CADD- CAD101, 3 crds
SUNY Albany:
- COLLEGE SPANISH IV-prior to 20/21
- COLLEGE SPANISH V-prior to 20/21
- COLLEGE AMERICAN HISTORY 1- AHIS 100 Amr Poltcl and Social His I, 3 crds
- COLLEGE AMERICAN HISTORY 2 – AHIS 101 Amr Poltcl and Social His II, 3 crds
SUNY New Paltz
- DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN EDUCATION- SPE106, 3 crds
AP COURSES:
- AP ENGLISH 11
- AP ENGLISH 12
- AP EUROPEAN HISTORY
- AP US HISTORY
- AP GOVERNMENT/POLITICS
- AP STUDIO ART
- AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES
*If you took a College class at Pine Bush High School you must go to that college’s website and request that an official transcript be sent to the college that you are planning on attending in the fall.
*If you took an Advanced Placement class at Pine Bush High School you must log into the WWW.COLLEGEBOARD.ORG website and request that your AP scores be sent to the college that you are planning on attending in the fall.
This is the only way the college you are attending can possibly give you credit. If you have questions please see your School Counselor.
PINE BUSH HIGH SCHOOL LIST OF APPROVED NCAA COURSES
ENGLISH
- =English 10 SC
- =English 11 SC
- =English 12 SC
- =English 9 SC
- AP English 11
- British Literature
- College English I
- College English II
- Creative Writing
- Diversity and Inclusion in Education
- English 10
- English 10/H
- English 11
- English 12 (AP)
- English 9
- English 9/H
- Public Speaking
- Myth, Magic and Make Believe
MATH
- =Algebra I Common Core ASC0.5
- =Algebra I Common Core BSC0.5
- Algebra 1 CC Year 2
- Algebra 1
- Algebra I Common Core
- Algebra II
- Algebra II Common Core
- AP Computer Science Principles
- Calculus I
- Calculus II
- College Algebra
- College Pre-Calculus
- Collee Trigonometry
- Geometry
- Geometry Common Core
SCIENCE
- =Living Environment SC
- =Forensics SC
- =Topics in Physical Science SC
- AP Environmental Science
- Chemistry
- Chemistry/AP
- College Anatomy & Physiology
- Concepts of Chemistry
- Earth Science
- Forensics
- Living Environment
- Marine Biology and Oceanography
- Topics in Physical Science
- College Meteorology/Astronomy
- Meteorology/Astronomy
- Physics
- College Biology 1/2
- College Field Biology
SOCIAL STUDIES
- =SS 10 SC
- =SS 11 SC
- =SS 12 SC
- =SS 9 SC
- American Govt/AP
- American History/Coll 1 & 2
- College Microeconomics
- College Macroeconomics
- College Criminal Justice
- College Psychology 1
- European/AP
- Genocide
- History of Hip Hop
- Modern Issues
- Modern World Issues
- Social Studies 10
- Social Studies 10/H
- Social Studies 11
- Social Studies 12 Economics
- Social Studies 12 Gov’t
- Social Studies 9
- Social Studies 9/H
- Street Law
OTHER
- Spanish 1
- Spanish 1/2
- Spanish 2
- Spanish 3
- College Spanish 4
- College Spanish 5
The Historically Black College and Universities Resource Guide
Click here for information about HBCU.
Naviance Check List
- If using the common app, match your common app and Naviance accounts (video on Naviance main page). You cannot do this unless you have signed the FERPA waiver in Common App and have at least one school on the application
- If you are not using the common app, add the colleges you are submitting applications for to the “colleges I am applying to” section.
- Request transcripts for all colleges.
- Request letters of recommendation on Naviance (only if your college requires it). Please make sure you speak with the teacher before you add them and make sure they can write one for you.
There are quick help videos on the main page of Naviance under the Class of 2023 section. Just hit ‘read more’ and scroll to the bottom.
Important Websites
Naviance, College Application/Career Portal: https://student.naviance.com/pinebhs
SUNY Application: https://www.suny.edu/applysuny/
Common Application: https://www.commonapp.org/
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):
https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
CSS Profile (additional financial aid application some schools require):
HESC-NYS TAP, Excelsior and STEM scholarship
ACT: https://www.act.org/
SAT: https://www.collegeboard.org
AP Information: https://www.collegeboard.org
NCAA-College Athletics: https://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/future
The College Application Checklist
Did you know? Naviance College, Career and Life Readiness Lessons (purple box at the bottom of your Naviance homepage) can help you navigate the major milestones of your senior year.
Spring-Summer
(Junior year)
Student Checklist
- Visit college campuses and attend college fairs
Engage with admissions reps in-person, over the phone and through email.
- Register and study for SAT
Go to www.collegeboard.org to register for the spring SAT. You can always take it again in the fall if you want a better score.
Come up with a study plan and stick to it! - Register and study for ACT
Go to www.act.org to register for the spring ACT. You can always take it again in the fall if you want a better score.
Come up with a study plan and stick to it!
- Finalize college list: 3 reach, 3 target, 3 likely
Carefully consider the criteria you are looking for in a college and the admissions requirements for each school to finalize your college list and which deadlines you want to shoot for.
***Use Naviance and college websites to help you make informed decisions about where to apply.***
Parent/Guardian Checklist
- Work with your student to plan spring and summer visits to the colleges they are most interested in.
- Talk to your student about paying for the SAT ($50-$65). Register early to avoid paying an extra $30 late fee. (Fee waivers are available.)
- Talk to your student about paying for the ACT ($52-$68). Register early to avoid paying an extra $30 late fee. (Fee waivers are available.)
- Talk to your student about where they are planning to apply and what criteria matters to them most.
Fall-Winter
(Senior Year)
Student Checklist
- Apply to college
Refer to college admissions websites for more information on how to apply. Most colleges begin accepting applications on Aug. 1.
- Request recommendations and transcripts
Speak to teachers directly to find out what they require in order to provide you with a written recommendation.
Use Naviance to request ALL letters of recommendation and transcripts for colleges you are applying to.
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Go to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid to learn more about the FAFSA.
Submit your FAFSA application as early as Oct. 1.
- Apply for scholarships
Use resources like the Naviance Scholarship Search to find out which scholarships you’re eligible for.
Apply well in advance of scholarship deadlines.
- Commit to a college
College Decision Day is May 1 but many colleges would like you to commit earlier!
Parent/Guardian Checklist
- Talk to your student about how to pay for college application fees. Fees can range from $25 to $90 per application (Fee waivers are available.)
- Parents and guardians should go to https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out to identify what financial information is needed to complete the FAFSA successfully.
- Discuss finances with your student. Let them know if there is a “financial gap” between the costs of college that would not be met by household contributions and federal financial aid. How much will the student need from other sources in order to attend college?
- Talk to your student about each college they are accepted to. Is it a good fit for them? Academically? Culturally? Financially? Help them make their final decision.
ACT/SAT Test Information
ACT 2024-2025 TEST DATES – REGISTRATION DEADLINES
| Regular Deadline | Late Deadline | Photo Upload Standby | |
| Sept. 14, 2024 | Aug. 9 | Aug. 25 | Sept. 6 |
| Oct. 26, 2024 | Sept. 20 | Oct. 7 | Oct. 18 |
| Dec. 14, 2024 | Nov. 8 | Nov. 22 | Dec. 6 |
| Feb. 8, 2025 | Jan. 5 | Jan. 20 | Jan. 31 |
| April 5, 2025 | Feb. 28 | March 18 | March 28 |
| June 14, 2025 | May 9 | May 26 | June 6 |
| July 12, 2025* | June 6 | June 20 | July 4 |
*No test centers are scheduled in New York for the July test date.
SAT 2024-2025 TEST DATES – REGISTRATION DEADLINES
| Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline* | ||
| Aug. 24, 2024 | Aug. 9 | Aug. 13 | |
| Oct. 5, 2024 | Sept. 20 | Sept. 24 | |
| Nov. 2, 2024 | Oct. 18 | Oct. 22 | |
| Dec. 7, 2024 | Nov. 22 | Nov. 26 | |
| March 8, 2025 | Feb. 21 | Feb. 25 | |
| May 3, 2025 | April 19 | April 22 | |
| June 7, 2025 | May 22 | May 27 |