Class of 2021  

•  Fastidious GPA and transcript maintenance

• Ascertain whether to take standardized tests again

• Finalize college list

• Start and complete financial aid applications (FAFSA, TAP, educational opportunity programs, private scholarships)

• Consider Early Decision and be mindful of due dates

• Procure recommendation letters from guidance counselor and teachers

• Draft/revise/perfect college essay

• Apply to all colleges of interest by deadline. CUNY application & SUNY via Commnonapp

• Educate oneself on how to compare financial aid packages and choose best one

• Make a well thought out decision on the best college for oneself and family.

Class of 2022

• Take PSAT which will enroll student in National Merit Scholarship

• GPA maintenance

• Take college level courses (AP classes, College Now)

• Work toward regents scores meeting college readiness scores

• Make a list of colleges to apply to (safety, target, reach)

• Maintain leadership role in extracurricular endeavor, try getting a promotion

• Start learning about financial aid options (FAFSA, TAP, institutional aid, private scholarships)

• Think about and ask for recommendations, provide resume and personal statement to aid them

• Apply for an internship in a relevant field

• Visit colleges

Class of 2023  

• Prepare and take PSAT/start looking into ACT as an alternative as well.

• Monitor degree progress with guidance counselor and make sure curriculum is most rigorous.  AP classes may be taken during 10^th grade depending on school.

• Begin learning about college admissions criteria.

• Look into taking on leadership positions within extracurricular organizations.  Becoming an active participant vs. a mere member.

• Work on becoming a great writer through writing workshops & tutoring.

• Consider taking SAT subject tests (some literature supports taking SAT subject test right after completing coursework in it i.e. Taking SAT subject test in Biology during same academic year student was enrolled in Living Environment).

• Take advantage of career counseling or vocational inventories the school provides to think more seriously about what career fields may be apt given students’ natural talents and interests.

• Start thinking more seriously about colleges and researching college admissions criteria, and application procedures.