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Counseling » College and Career Center

College and Career Center

WELCOME!

I look forward to working with you this year and helping you achieve your post-secondary goals. I am here to help ALL students get a head start on planning for life after high school. It's never too early to ask questions, search colleges and programs, and apply for scholarships. 

On this page you will find very important college information for CUNY and SUNY schools, resources to guide you through the application process, and opportunities to help you stand out. Take a look around!

Seniors requiring help with applications will be able to meet with me or make an appointment with Sunnyside Community Services.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Office: Room 143A

Email: [email protected]

Office Phone Number: (718) 937-3010 ext. 1431

Office Hours: Monday- Friday, 7:40 am- 2:50 pm.

Resource Center/Work Room: Monday- Friday, 7:40 am- 2:50 pm.

Remind: Receive reminders and opportunities by text and the Remind app.

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

Use this information on your college applications:

Queens Technical High School

37-02 47th Ave. Long Island City, NY 11101

School CEEB number: 332900

Counselor Name: Anna Karabelas

Counselor School Phone Number: (718) 937-3010 ext. 1431

Counselor Email: [email protected]

Q. What documents does my student need to apply to college? When should they apply? 

A. Applications should be ready to submit in November of Senior year. 
Your child must have these documents ready to use in November:
For College Applications:
  • Resume
  • Personal statement/college essay
  • Recommendation letters (for 4 year colleges)
  • Application accounts (CUNY, Common App. etc.)
  • Full list of colleges to be applied to
For Financial Aid Applications:
  • Federal and state taxes, W2s
  • Benefit letters 


Q. How do I find the right college for my major?

A. Colleges offer a wide range of majors. You can always check the college’s website for the majors they offer, and what classes you must take for that major. 
There are colleges that are well known for specific majors, you can discuss those options with the college counselor or advisor.
Tip: if you are not fully committed to a major at the moment you apply to school, make sure to apply to a school that has various majors you might be interested in. 
 

Q. How do I travel to my college?

A. This depends on your choice of college.
  • If you choose to stay in New York City, you have the option of using the MTA system, or a car.
  • If you choose a college in Nassau County, NY (Western Long Island) your most convenient option is to drive to campus. The LIRR may also be an option you can explore.
  • If you decide to go school Upstate, in Suffolk County (Long Island), or out of state, you will have to stay in a dormitory. To visit home during holidays and school breaks, you will have to explore the transportation options: train, bus, plane.  
Addresses of the college of your choice are on their websites. 


Q. What income do you need to qualify for financial aid?

A. Households of all incomes are eligible to apply! Students living in NY will be applying for Federal aid (FAFSA) and NY State aid (TAP).  Financial aid is different for every family and circumstance. Students may also receive partial financial aid, depending on the circumstances. Students can discuss their options further with the college counselor or advisor.
 

Q. Are CUNY and SUNY low cost?

A. Average CUNY tuition is $7,340 per year. Average SUNY tuition is $8,500 per year.  
Dorming, books, and traveling expenses are a separate cost. If your child receives full financial aid from FAFSA and TAP, your child will have approximately $14,000 to use towards college tuition.   


Q. What is CUNY/SUNY?

A. CUNY, also known as The City University of New York, are the public colleges in New York City’s 5 boroughs: Queens, Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. SUNY, also known as The State University of New York, are the public colleges throughout New York State, including Long Island and Westchester.


Q. Is it true that CUNY/SUNY does not offer a quality education?

A. New York public colleges offer a quality education. In fact, New York public colleges are ranked as some of the best nationwide. Colleges are also a great place to network, access internships, and career- readiness opportunities. Students should make the most of their experience! 


Q. Can a student with undocumented status apply to college?

A. Yes, a student with undocumented status may apply to college and even financial aid. Their process may look a little different, which is why they are encouraged to speak with the college counselor right away. All information is strictly confidential and will not be discussed with anyone other than the student and their counselor.


Q. How do you secure scholarships?

A. There are many kinds of scholarships to apply to. Scholarship programs may ask for grades, essays, artwork, or proof of community service. If your student has any questions about scholarships, they can come to the college office and the College Office Google Classroom for more resources. 


Q. What is the process of retaking the SAT? Where can I find the fee waiver?

A. The process is easy and quick. Your student will log in to their college board account where they can register for their SAT. The fee waiver benefits will be in their college board account as well after the SAT School Day exam.  


Q. Will my child receive financial aid for dorming?

A. Every school has their own way of designating financial aid. Some schools offer scholarships or grants for dorming services, and others do not. 


Q. How can my child attend college if I cannot pay for it?

A. If you cannot pay for college, do not worry. There are financial aid options/programs your child may be eligible for. Students will have a planning meeting in junior year that will help them identify all their options. 


Q. What happens to my student’s New York financial aid if he moves to a different state?

A. If the student moves to a different state, they cannot receive financial aid from New York State (TAP).  FAFSA (Federal funds) can be used nation-wide.
 

Q. What is the difference between a 2-year and 4-year college?

A. When a student completes their 2-year degree, they will be awarded an Associate degree. When a student completes their 4-year degree, they will be awarded a Bachelor's degree. 


Q. If my child attends community college first, what can they do afterwards?

A. After your child receives their associate degree, they may transfer to a 4-year college to complete a bachelor's degree. They will require approximately 2 years at that new college, and they can continue receiving their financial aid. They may also enter the workforce.


Q. Where can you apply to college?

A. This depends on the student’s choice of college as there are various applications. It is highly encouraged for students to review these applications in Queens Tech in order to prevent any errors on their applications.
CUNY colleges: cuny.edu/apply
Non-CUNY colleges: commonapp.org
SUNY 2-year colleges: suny.edu


Q. What average is needed to apply to college?

A. Some schools may accept students with a 75+ average. Every school has a different average that they accept. The more selective/ competitive a school is, they will require a higher overall GPA. Community colleges are considered open enrollment. 
 

Q. What are the minimum and maximum points you can score on the SAT for college? 

A. SAT scores are mostly optional since the COVID pandemic.  Every school and/ or major has a different SAT score that they accept. 1110 shows basic “college readiness,” and the maximum score is a 1600, which is not common. Students should inquire about SAT requirements to determine if they need a score. 

Many types of jobs are available through our city's services as a city employee. To be considered, you must complete a civil service examination. The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) accepts applications for the civil service examinations in various jobs monthly. Check out the links below for this month's exams and job openings. To find yearly/ monthly exam schedules visit the DCAS website.

Check out Virtual College Fairs and Open Houses!

CUNY:  Visit the CUNY undergrad events page!

SUNY: Visit the SUNY events page!

* You can also visit a college's website to find out about more virtual events*

QT offers parent workshops, junior meetings with students, completion events, and more throughout the school year to help students and families understand how to navigate multiple financial aid systems and opportunities. Seniors will also have access to instructions for FAFSA and TAP in their Senior Google Classroom, while also working closely with advisors all year long.

Work Based Learning: Learn about the opportunities available through Work Based Learning (queenstechhs.org)

Internships and volunteer work with our partners, Sunnyside Community Service: Visit Room 212 and 219 for opportunities and information.

Teen Internship Program at the Brooklyn Library- Open to grades 10-12. You can choose to focus on digital media, youth and family services, humanities and more! Gain volunteer experience while earning a stipend ( a small allowance) $ .  Visit their website or call them at (718) 230-2406 to learn more and apply. 

Pre- College Art Program at Cooper Union- Saturday classes. Visit their website for more details! Free classes, free metro!

Amazing opportunity for any student interested in Science and Technology pathways! The STEP program is free to all eligible students; fee waivers are also available. Partner with colleges in NYC and gain experience, college credits, free Kaplan SAT prep, and transition help when you begin college. Don't miss out. See Ms. K in 143 or Ms. Zagada in 449.

Internship Opportunity: PLAY, early childhood enrichment center is looking for assistants to work with children 2-6 years old. Great for students interested in teaching, childcare, customer  service/hospitality. Only 2 stops from Court Square. See Ms. K in 143 as soon as possible.  

Scroll Down for great programs (BCNY, Urban Upbound, ACE, SEO Scholars) that offer resume-building experience and college readiness perks like SAT Prep and workshops !

Is your citizenship status making you nervous? Are you scared and confused? You aren't alone! 

Please, don't wait until it's too late to discuss your situation with the college counselor. Every conversation is CONFIDENTIAL. Learn about your options early. 

Check out these resources and scholarships that can help you out!

Have questions? Sometimes it's a good idea to get legal help and consultation. You can use UnLocal and Action NYC. 

6 Things Undocumented Students Need to Know

Organizations, Resources, and the NY Law allowing students to pay in-state tuition (pages 22-24)

A great list of scholarships that are friendly to undocumented students

Visit the Hispanic Scholarship Fund for access to more opportunities

Download Ms. K's Guide to the Dream Act & TAP

OCTOBER

  • Work on your College Applications

  • Finalize college essay

  • Make sure FSA ID's and passwords are accurate

  • Start the FAFSA/ Look for Ms. K's events

  • Research/ Apply to scholarships

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER

  • Make appointments for CUNY/FAFSA Review before submitting

  • Submit Common App colleges

  • Begin TAP when FAFSA is processed

  • Submit SATs scores via College Board (IF submitting)

  • Send Thank you letters to your recommenders

*Download the FULL Timeline below

*Download the letter of recommendation information/ request form below

CUNY is TEST OPTIONAL

SUNY is TEST OPTIONAL

Private & Out of State colleges- many are TEST OPTIONAL: Check with each college you're interested in

SAT Registration Dates.  *SPRING DATES and CHANGES TO COME*

Juniors, activate Fee Waiver benefits after Spring SAT school day on your College Board account

September- January

  • Career search and interest inventories (see below)

  • Extra-curricular activities

  • Study and get extra-help for classes

  • SAT Prep.  (1st SAT is in the Spring)

  • Create your collegeboard.org account 

  • Explore career pathways on College Board using BigFuture.collegeboard.org

* Download the full timeline below

***Visit Sunnyside Community Services for FREE SAT Prep**

View the CUNY Admission Profile: Academic Profiles – The City University of New York (cuny.edu)

Learn about the Macaulay Honors Program: Macaulay Honors College (cuny.edu)

SUNY Events: SUNY undergrad admissions events and information sessions

SUNY Admission Profiles: Admissions Quick Facts - SUNY

Seniors in need of Ms. K's FAFSA and TAP instructions: Visit your Google Classroom and review instructions and tutorial videos under 'Financial Aid'.

The FULL comprehensive instructional guide below

Only For students who require the Dream Act: Document below

View information from HESC (Higher Education Services Corporation) below

Information can be picked up in the College Office. Juniors and Seniors can access information in Google Classroom. 
For FAFSA information: https://understandingfafsa.org/
For NYS TAP information: https://www.hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/financial-aid/types-of-financial-aid/grants/tap-faqs.html

The first step in planning for your future is to figure out your interests and strengths. Use this information to learn about possible careers and required education. Research colleges and universities that can help you get there. Here is a list of some helpful websites to get you started:

Download the College Match Tool below! Use your GPA and SAT scores to compare colleges within your college match categories below

Use NYC College Line to get you started!

Interest/skills assessment, career exploration, scholarship search at careeronestop.org

Skill search, Interest search, Career search use O*Net and My Next Move

Research colleges around the country. Use your preferences to filter your results at Big Future by College Board 

Research Colleges by career: BestColleges.com

LGBTQ Friendly Colleges, Student Resources, and Support: Affordable Colleges and Accredited Schools 

More college and career research sites: LearnHowToBecome.org

Want to go away and still stay in New York? Check out these New York State schools. WNY College Connection can help you explore some state schools and their application process.

Use these other websites to compare colleges:

College Score Card 

College Results

Don't underestimate the importance of Extra-Curricular activities. Doing a little bit more will go a long way when Colleges are reviewing your application. Here you will find programs that can provide support through personalized academic help, college/ career exploration, and extra perks (like free SAT prep). 

Urban Upbound and SEO Scholars are programs that begin in the 9th grade and continue throughout High School. Each grade has specific goals, workshops, and fun activities.  

BCNY the Boys Club of New York offers multiple services such as: a College Access Program, a Career Prep Program with paid employment, and tons of member benefits (FREE SAT prep, tutoring, sports teams, STEM club, and other various clubs)

The ACE Mentor Program is specifically designed for students interested in Architecture, Construction, and Engineering. Here you get to work with real professionals on projects, receive college and career advisement, and access to scholarships. Program Brochure

** These are great opportunities to help yourself academically, receive free helpful services, and engage in career exploration and preparation! **

Check out some of these resources!