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College Information

The College Search

The college search can be a very stressful one for students and parents. Everything from registering/taking the SATs or ACTs, to finding the right college that fits your needs, Financial Aid – to name a few. Below are some helpful links that can help you as you begin and go through your college search.

If you have any questions or concerns, please stop by and see Ms. Labate in the guidance office, call (518) 273-1422 or email nlabate@greenisland.org.

Finding the Right College

Applying to College

  • The Common Application – The Common Application is the recommended form for a number of colleges and universities for admission to their undergraduate programs. Many of these institutions use the form exclusively. All give equal consideration to the Common Application and the college’s own form.
  • SUNY Application

Financial Aid

Deciding to pursue a college education is an important and rewarding decision. However, with college tuition and other education-related expenses rising steadily, figuring out how to pay for it can be both challenging and a little overwhelming. Fortunately, there is an estimated $136 billion in financial aid available to help students and their families afford the cost of a college education.

Visit this document to learn about the different types of Financial Aid.

  • FAFSA or Federal Student Aid: Students and parents/guardians need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to apply for federal student aid such as federal grants, work-study funds, and loans. Completing and submitting the FAFSA form is free and easier than ever, and it gives you access to the largest source of aid to help you pay for college or career school. In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state and school aid. Some private aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid.
  • TAP: The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps eligible New York residents pay tuition at approved schools in New York State. An annual TAP award can be up to $5,665. Because TAP is a grant, it does not have to be paid back. TAP is also available for students attending a SUNY, CUNY and not-for-profit independent degree-granting college on a part-time basis. To be eligible for Part-time TAP you must have been a first-time freshman in the 2006-07 academic year or thereafter, have earned 12 credits or more in each of two consecutive semesters, and maintain a “C” average.
  • Excelsior Scholarship: The Excelsior Scholarship, in combination with other student financial aid programs, allows students to attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free. The program covers tuition for eligible SUNY and CUNY students. For the 2024-25 academic year, families who earned $125,000 or less in the tax year 2022 are eligible to apply.
  • SUNY Financial Aid: Although SUNY’s tuition is already modest compared to other colleges, financial aid is available.  And, it comes in many forms based on merit and/or need.  At SUNY you’ll find financial support ranging from scholarships, grants, federal work study, New York Tuition Assistance Program, SUNY Tuition Credit, State University Student Assistance, and veterans benefits to Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Direct PLUS Loans and alternative loans.  Some of these types of aid require repayment, while others do not, and most students use a combination of these to pay for college.
  • HVCC Foundation: The Hudson Valley Community College Foundation exists solely for charitable and educational purposes. By seeking external resources and grants, the Foundation works to promote the college’s educational programs and services and to enhance its institutional goals and objectives. The Annual Fund gives donors the opportunity to contribute gifts that will benefit the college’s greatest needs.
  • EOP: (State Schools) The State University of New York’s Arthur O. Eve 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.
  • HEOP: (Private Schools) The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) provides a broad range of services to New York State residents who, because of educational and economic circumstances, would otherwise be unable to attend a postsecondary educational institution. Each HEOP institution must ensure that HEOP students are provided with sufficient academic support services, tuition assistance, supplemental financial assistance, and full need packaging to enable them to successfully complete the institutional components required for graduation.
  • HESC is the Higher Education Services Corporation, New York State’s higher education student financial aid agency.

Scholarships

Visit this document to learn about the different types of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association)

The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a member-led organization dedicated to the well-being and lifelong success of college athletes.

Eligibility information

First Generation College Students

Tips And Resources For First-Generation College Students

America Needs You (ANY)

ANY assists with professional development for first-generation college students. ANY hosts a fellowship program, which equips low-income, first-generation college students to graduate and succeed in their careers. The organization also offers FirstGenU, a free online program that prepares first-gen learners to secure jobs and professional internships.

https://americaneedsyou.org/

Collective Success Network

This Philadelphia-based nonprofit organization helps first-generation, lower-income college students reach their academic and professional potential through mentorship opportunities and social support. Its holistic mentorship program gives first-year and sophomore learners insight into the collegiate experience and how to advocate for their needs as first-generation college students.

I’m First!

I’m First! is an online community that celebrates and supports first-generation college students. Its website features inspiring stories from community members who understand what it means to navigate college as a first-generation student.

I’m First! also offers a college guidebook for high schoolers who hope to become first-generation college students.

Rise First

Rise First follows low-income, first-generation students through the college journey and into the corporate world, providing camaraderie and support. The online community offers numerous links to scholarship and mentorship opportunities that can ease the financial pressure on current and future first-generation college students.

UStrive

UStrive provides virtual one-on-one mentoring at no cost to students who demonstrate financial need. For high schoolers, mentors guide students through applying for college and financial aid. For current college students, mentors provide college and career support.

Center for First-Generation Student Success

There are millions of past, current and future first-generation college students (first-gen) in the United States. The Center for First-generation Student Success®, created in a partnership between NASPA and The Suder Foundation, exists to transform higher education to drive first-generation student success effectively and equitably across education, career, and life.

Affordable Colleges

Visit this link to see the Affordable Colleges organization.

College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB)

CEEB codes are identification numbers for specific locations and organizations. They were created by the College Board (CEEB simply stands for College Entrance Examination Board, i.e. the College Board) to prevent confusion and ensure things like test scores, transcripts, and applications go to the right places.  For example, including a CEEB code on a score report meant for Columbia University helps to make sure that it doesn’t go to Columbia College instead.

Though the original use of CEEB codes was to send SAT scores, their uses have expanded and there are now codes for colleges, high schools, countries, majors, scholarships and test centers.

Heatly’s CEEB School Code – 332-180

Transcripts

If you need a copy of your high school transcript, please contact Mrs. Charletta.