Be sure to speak to your family ahead of time and express what your desires and aspirations are.

1. Check your emails for the invitation and information.

2. Respond to invitation accordingly.

3. Make sure to set a reminder for the meeting.

4. Be on time.

1. Make an appointment.

2. Complete Junior Interest Form, BCSM College Contract and Family Income Form and  upload forms to your OPC folder.

3. Upload to your OPC folder the HOUSEHOLD 2024 Tax Information 

    A. Federal Tax Form 1040 

    B. NYS Tax Form IT-201

    C. Parent or Guardian Driver's License or State ID - proof of NYS residence 

     Make sure to black out the Social Security Numbers

4. Research colleges and/or careers, programs, military; anything that you wish to do after high school.

5. Be on time for your meeting. If you need to reschedule please do so at least 24 hours prior to your meeting time.

6. Be prepared to lead the meeting. This is about you!

Overgrad is a college and career planning website, to research colleges and careers and set goals for your future. 

Features:

• Create a list of careers you are interested in possibly pursuing

• Understand different pathways and ways to pursue those careers

• Create a list of colleges you are interested in attending 

• Understand the requirements for gaining admissions to those schools 

• Set goals for this school year to increase your admissions chances to your top schools 

Log into OVERGRAD:

You must use your bxcsm google account:

1. Visit overgrad.com. 

2. Click "Log-in" in the top right hand corner. 

3. Click "Sign-in with Google."

4. Enter your google email and password for your google account and click "Sign-In." 

5. Allow Overgrad to view your info and verify your google account by clicking "Allow."

Google Single Sign On is now active for the account

Based on students admitted to the institutions' degree programs. 

City University of New York (CUNY)

The State University of New York (SUNY

Higher Education Opportunity Programs were established by the State of New York 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. They provide students with support services, academic support and financial aid.

At CUNY the programs are called SEEK or CD.

At SUNY the program is called EOP.

At private colleges the program is called HEOP.

Note that not all NYS colleges participate in the program.

The ways to apply or be selected are different depending on the college/university so it is important that you speak with your primary counselor if you believe you qualify. Your counselor can help only if you provide the 2020 household income documents (IRS tax returns or social services budget letter).

To be eligible you must be:

•  A New York State resident for 12 months prior to enrollment

• Require special admissions consideration

• Qualified as economically disadvantaged according to New York State income guidelines.

EOP Economic Eligibility Guidelines - see grid on the left

INCOME GUIDELINES DO NOT APPLY IF:

• The student's family is the recipient of Family Assistance or Safety Net payments through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance; or through a county Department of Social Services; or Family Day Care payments through the New York State Office of Children and Family Assistance;

• The student is in foster care as established by the court;

• The student is a ward of the state or county. 

**https://www.suny.edu/attend/academics/eop/

Note: Check with your primary counselor to verify that you qualify. For some of the participating colleges additional application materials and financial aid forms may be required, in order to “verify” that your qualifications are fully documented.

The College Essay or Personal Statement is your opportunity to get personal and voice your story within your college application. Your college application consists of the grades you have earned in your courses, your extracurriculars/the activities you have actively participated in, test scores, letter of recommendations etc. However, unlike these components, the college admissions essay offers students the chance to share their personal story or something significant from their personality that will prove to schools that they will be successful in college and beyond. 

• Level All - Write the Ultimate College Essay

• College Essay Tips from Hamilton College Admissions 

• The Only Four College Essay Writing Tips You'll Ever Need from Tufts University 

Common App essay prompts for 2025-2026:

1. 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.

2. 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?

3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

4. 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?

5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

7. 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.

Source: https://www.commonapp.org/blog/announcing-2025-2026-common-app-essay-prompts