What you need to know about getting into your dream college! 

Under "Documents" read the power point to see "What Students Need to Know About Admissions"

Looking for a SUNY College/University that has a specific program or preparation for a career?

Click HERE to goto SUNY Program search.

College application process at Oxford Academy

There are many ways to apply to college these days.  The most common (and probably the only way in a few years) is via an online submission process, but here are the different methods:

1.  The Common Application (www.commonapp.org)

The common application is available for most 4-year SUNY schools and many private institutions in the United States.  In order to use this service, go to the above link, read about the process, create an account, and load all your personal information into your profile.  Through the application process, you can send an email request to your counselor (to upload your academic information like a transcript) and to teachers for recommendations.

 

Advantages: 

1) You can apply to several colleges at once and use the same recommendations and transcripts for all.

2) Teachers and counselors can upload recommendations/transcripts directly to your profile.

3) It allows you to manage and view when teachers and counselors have uploaded the information needed and for you to view when colleges have downloaded your application.

4) Faster than paper application.

 

Disadvantages:

1) You need access to the internet.

2) Not all schools participate in the common application process.

2.  The SUNY Application (www.suny.edu)

The SUNY Application is very similar to the common application but it is available ONLY for 2 and 4-year state colleges and universities.  In order to use this service, go to the above link, read about the process, click "apply now" (in the middle left hand side of the page), create an account, and load all your personal information into your profile.

 

You will need to notify teachers and counselors for your required recommendations.  The recommendations must be given to the school counselor who will upload recommendations and transcripts directly to your profile.

 

Advantages:

1) You can apply to several SUNY colleges at once and use the same recommendations and transcripts for all.

2) It allows you to manage and view when the counselor has uploaded the information needed and for you to view when colleges have downloaded your application.

 

Disadvantages:

1) The counselor must collect the teacher recommendations and upload them to your profile, which can slow the process.

2) ONLY SUNY schools participate in this process.

3) You must have access to the internet to utilize this process.

3.  Apply online at individual college website

In some cases you may directed to the SUNY Website or the Common Application but some colleges manage their own online application process.  This method may be desirable in some cases because some colleges (particularly 2-year community colleges) may waive the admissions fee if a student applies through the colleges own website.

4.  Paper application

Some schools still allow a paper application, however this is probably going to end shortly as everyone (including SUNY) is trying to save money.  

 

If you wish to do a paper application, you most likely can down load a copy from the college's website.  If you have problems or need help see me or the guidance secretary for assistance.

 

Once you have the application complete, bring it to the guidance office with a check for the application fee.  We will make copies, review it, include transcripts, and mail it once it is complete.

 

NOTE:  IN ALL CASES BE SURE TO LET THE GUIDANCE OFFICE KNOW WHERE YOU ARE APPLYING SO WE CAN BE SURE TO SUBMIT TRANSCRIPTS ON TIME!  THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT IF APPLYING ONLINE!

Here are some questions to ask to help pick a college: 

If you are thinking of a New York State colllege use the link under "Documents" for program seaches.

=        Do they have my major? 

=        What type of grades and SAT/ACT scores are expected?

=        How far away from home do I want to be? 

=        What size is the student population? 

=        What are the admission requirements? 

=        What are the deadlines for early decision, early action, and regular admissions?

=        What support services are available-counseling, tutoring, career services, etc? 

=        What is the student-faculty ratio? 

=        What access to technology is available (technology in the classroom, wireless access, etc)? 

=        Are there any special academic programs such as honors, learning communities, studying abroad? 

=        What types of financial aid and scholarships are available? 

=        How much does it cost? 

=        For a 2-year college: what is the transferability protocol for acceptance into a 4-year school after graduation?

=        Are there intercollegiate and intramural athletics available?

=        What kids of clubs are available?

=        What do students do outside of class?

=        What are the living arrangements like?