College Preparation
&
The College Search
Freshmen & sophomores:
College planning begins with strong grades in a curriculum that is both challenging and achievable for you. Every spring, you will meet with your counselor to plan your classes for the following school year. Consider a strong curriculum that is manageable for you. Consider adding electives that are of interest to balance your academic program.
College planning also includes building a resume of activities that are meaningful to you starting in ninth grade. You can begin building that resume in your naviance account. Activities are based on the individual's interests. These include clubs, sports, community service, jobs, theater, dance, art, and summer activities. Commitment and consistency is important. Developing positive connections with staff and students and demonstrating strong character is also important. Respect, trustworthiness, caring, responsibility, citizenship and character are all areas colleges look at as they review your college application. You will be registered with Naviance, a career and college search tool, and will be able to create and store your resume in your Naviance account. Div. I and II Athletes are advised to visit the NCAA Eligibility Center to view their list of approved Yorktown High School courses. View the freshmen and sophomore sections of the guidance webpage for more information.
Juniors:
This is the time when you become more active in your college search. This includes registering for and preparing for SAT and/or ACTs, researching colleges using Naviance and other college search tools, visiting college campuses (if available), attending virtual tours, viewing college websites, emailing or calling admissions offices with questions, and meeting with your school counselor in the guidance office. Strong grades continue to be important part of your junior year of high school. There are surveys your counselor will ask you to complete for them as well. Div. I and II athletes will also register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and continue to check the NCAA list of approved Yorktown High School courses. Your GPA on your transcript will include 9,10 and 11th grades. The summer before senior year, students narrow down their college list, register for The Common application, write their college essay, ask two teachers whether they would write a letter of recommendation on your behalf, and begin filling out your college applications. View the Junior Year section of the guidance webpage for additional links and information.
Seniors:
At this time, you have generated a solid list of colleges that you plan to apply to and will be working closely with your school counselor in the guidance office to assist you through the steps. Many seniors submit their transcript release forms to the guidance office and apply to colleges mid-October for early application deadlines. You will be using your Naviance and Common Application accounts regularly through this process and it is important to remember your login and passwords. You will revise your college essay and send your SAT or ACT scores to colleges (if applicable) through the testing agency and will start the financial aid process by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile (if required by your college or university). You will also reach out to colleges to find out about any merit scholarships you can apply for as well as review scholarship opportunities posted in the Scholarship Binder in the guidance office. Div I and II athletes will be in contact with college coaches and check that their high school courses are on the list of approved courses on the NCAA Eligibility Center website. A senior timeline and application checklist will further help you through this process. View the Senior section and Senior college application section of the guidance webpage for more information. Your senior year report card will be sent to your prospective colleges. Continue to do well in your classes throughout the school year!
Reach out to prospective colleges to obtain the most updated information regarding changes in admissions requirements including, but not limited to, SAT/ACT test optional programs and tours.
Senior Year timeline/checklist
Apply to college: 3 easy steps!
College search: Naviance
Naviance Parent: parent login for Naviance (select "parent or guardian" to login)
College Fairs & information sessions:
The Westchester-Putnam Northern Conference Committee hosts college fairs in the fall and spring each year. See you School Counselor for additional information.
SUNY:
CUNY:
CUNY Macaulay Honors information
Westchester Community College:
Sports in College: NCAA
NCAA Eligibility Center: Div I and II sports- athletes must register and send HS transcript after junior year is completed
List of NCAA courses- use CEEB Code 336-085
NCAA PowerPoint: Div. I and II athletes
Additional resources:
SUNY: The State University of New York: the search tool and information for all SUNY programs
The College Essay- watch video I
The College Essay - watch video II
The Common Application essay prompts: sample essay topics
The Common Application: see supplements & essay requirements for each college
The College Essay- advice from college admissions counselors. Watch video.
The Common Application: see supplements & essay requirements for each college
College niche: reviews of colleges by students for students
Big Future: College Board's Major and College search
Best College Fit- college planning blog
Social Media: be careful what you post online
SAT Register online- For prep information see "College entrance exams" section below
ACT: Register online- For prep information see "College entrance exams" below
PTSA- Offers SAT and ACT prep classes after school- see below for additional online prep
National Honor Society- Apply junior year. See link for requirements
The Common Application: see supplements & essay requirements for each college
Community service office- Check your hours directly with the community service office
SUNY: The State University of New York: the search tool and information for all SUNY programs
Summer pre-college programs in science
Additional summer pre-college programs