Embedded Files
Helpful Websites and Resources for College Bound Students:
College Application Procedures at Colonie HS - If you are applying to a 4 year private college and/or 4 year SUNY school, you will be using both Naviance and (most likely) the Common Application websites to complete your application process. The Common Application is the application that you use to apply to college. Naviance is how your transcript and letters of recommendation are submitted to those colleges. Here's a step-by-step procedure list for using Naviance to send transcripts and letters of recommendation to colleges.
Common Application FAQs and Information - Information about class size/rank etc. to help you complete the Education section of the Common App
How to view your High School Transcript on ASPEN
FAFSA - Apply for Financial Aid using the FAFSA - opens October 1st! - If you plan to apply for financial aid, you must file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Assistance). Some schools require the CSS Profile as well, and some schools may require that you complete a special form, just for their institution. Be sure to READ all financial aid materials on your colleges' websites for the most up-to-date information!
Class of 2026 - College Information Website link
College Rep Visits to Colonie HS - Click here for the latest list, and register on Naviance!
The top 5! These 5 websites are critical for the college admission process for all 4-year college bound students! Get to know them - you'll use them a lot!
The Common App - Apply to hundreds of colleges and universities in the US using one application
Naviance -Colonie High School students use Naviance for College and Career Exploration, as well as a document submission tool for college applications. Find the Naviance logo under the Google Waffle on a new Google tab. Click on it to go to your personal Naviance page.
FAFSA - The Free Application for Federal Student Assistance website. Seniors can apply for federal financial aid after October 1st using this online form
College Board - Students register for the SAT using the College Board website
ACT - Students register for the ACT using the ACT website
College Search Engines:
College Navigator - It's no frills, but it's good!
Naviance - Log on using the Google waffle when you are signed in to your student Google account - Try the Advanced College Search under the "Colleges" tab.
Other Frequently used websites:
SUNY Website - A great place to start for all things SUNY related
HVCC Application
SCCC Application
How do colleges and universities make important admissions decisions?
The College Admissions Game video
College Essay Help
Johns Hopkins Essays that Worked page has samples of recent essays and comments on why they worked!
University of Rochester's How to Write your Best College Essay page has lots of great practical essay writing tips!
The University of Virginia's Notes from Peabody blog has great tips on not only applying to Virginia, but competitive college admissions in general. Check out the linked page for essay tips that apply to many colleges.
Virtual College Tours
Financial Aid and Scholarships
FAFSA - Begin after December 1 of senior year
FAFSA Checklist - A great resource from The College of Saint Rose to help you file your FAFSA
CSS Profile - Check your college's financial aid page to see if they require
Finaid.org - Guide to applying for Financial Aid
Scholarship List -Class of 2025 - A list of all scholarships that our Counseling Center is made aware of!
South Colonie Dollars for Scholars - Check the site in January to apply for dozens of scholarships through our local DFS chapter!
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