You've been accepted!

You've been accepted to college!  Now what?  Applying to colleges was hard work, but making a college decision can be even more stressful.

Narrowing down which college you will attend is a challenge.  Don't worry; you don't have to make this decision overnight.  You do, however, need to be mindful of response deadlines.  For many colleges this is May 1st, but each college differs.

Here are some pointers on how to make your decision:

• Compare financial aid packages: At this point you, should have already completed your FAFSA and submitted most of your scholarship applications.  As your financial aid packages begin to roll in, start comparing.  How much will it cost out of pocket to attend each year?  How much money in student loans will each college require you to take out?  These decisions should certainly be discussed with your family, if possible.
• Gather information: Create a list of questions that are important to you and ask each college.   For example, if studying abroad has always been a dream of yours, make sure to ask the colleges about their study abroad options.  Don't be afraid to call or e-mail admission reps; that is what they are there for!
• Visit colleges:  If you are able to, try to schedule a campus tour or attend an Open House.  Seeing the campus with your own eyes is often the best way to figure out whether or not a college is a good fit for you.  Can't make it to your campus?  Many colleges have virtual tours online.  Visit their websites for more information.

Want more tips?  Check out this article from College Board!

College Ambassador Trip

Here are some photos from our College Ambassador Field Trip to Kean University!

Career Day!

Career Day is coming up on Thursday, April 7th.  Career representatives will be available during all lunch periods outside of the cafeteria.  Students can talk to the representatives after they finish their lunches.  

There will be a raffle!  Stop by on April 7th for more info!

Field Trips!

Attention Juniors!  The College and Career Center will be taking two field trips this month.  Please see the College and Career Center for more information or for a permission slip. 

 Space is limited!

Here is the list of colleges we will be visiting:

• Thursday, April 21st to Marywood University in Scranton, PA.

• Friday, April 29th, to Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY.

As a reminder, these field trips are for JUNIORS only.

College Ambassador Trip

As a reminder to all College Ambassadors, permission slips are due TODAY for the field trip to Kean University.  Please see the College and Career Center to hand your permission slip in.

Interested in joining College Ambassadors?  We meet Wednesdays right after school in the College and Career Center.  We accept newcomers all year long!

Lastly, the College Ambassador Club will be sponsoring a PIZZA SALE Wednesday after school in the main lobby.  Pizza is 2 dollars per slice.  Buy a slice and support your College Ambassadors!

Spring Break

Spring break is almost here!  I know spring break is for rest and relaxation (and hopefully some studying, too!)  Spring break is also a great time to tackle many tasks on your college to-do list.  Here are some helpful hints on what you can be doing over spring break:

Seniors:

• If you haven't yet already, fill out your financial aid paperwork at fafsa.ed.gov
• Visit your top colleges (be sure to register for campus tours well in advance)
• Check out our scholarship guide and apply for scholarships
• Browse college websites to help narrow down your options

Juniors:

• Register for the SAT (talk to your counselor first if you get free/reduced lunch)
• Register for the ACT (talk to your counselor first if you get free/reduced lunch)
• Continue researching potential college choices
• Figure out which colleges you want to speak with at the College Fair on April 27th
• Make an appointment with College and Career Center to begin preparing for next year

Freshman and Sophomores:

• Begin browsing colleges (hint: check out the College and Career Center's collection of brochures)
• Figure out which colleges you want to speak with at the College Fair on April 27th
• Stop by and make an appointment at the College and Career Center

SUNY Orange Admission Day

Photo from http://www.sunyorange.edu/

As a reminder to all seniors who have signed up, the SUNY Orange Admission Day is on Wednesday, March 16th in the College and Career Center.  A couple of reminders:

• Bring your completed application with you on Wednesday.
• You do NOT need to bring any money.  The application fee is waived if you participate in the Admission Day.
• If you need another pass, please stop by.

Although this admission day is completely booked, if you are interested in SUNY Orange we will be having an additional admission day on May 5th.