Applying to College

The Common Application, SUNY Application and CUNY Application

The Common Application

The following article by Cory McGann offers tips for completing the Common Application.

Filling out an application – even starting an application – can be scary.  But it’s easier than you think. Here are my top 10 tips for starting and completing your college application:

1. Start early. Getting an early start will give you plenty of time and lower your anxiety. The Common Application is available for you now – so you can work on your application even before the school year ends!
2. Be honest. Always represent yourself in the best way possible, but make sure you keep it truthful.
3. Write a draft of your essay first before filling out the application. Many students find the essay to be the most time-consuming part of their college application, so it may be helpful to start with the essay first.    
4. Brainstorm your essay before writing anything. Jotting down ideas on paper of what you think you want to say can help you express your thoughts.
5. Know your grammar. Spelling, punctuation, and proper grammar are important. You want to make sure your application is polished. Have someone review it if possible.
6. Answer one question at a time. No need to fill out the application all at once. Work on one question at a time – it will seem much easier.
7. Read the questions carefully. This seems obvious, but make sure you fully understand the questions they are asking and answer them to the absolute best of your ability.  
8. Make a list of your activities, involvement, employment, and community service. Think through each of your high school years – remember how you were involved and all your activities. Don’t let any opportunity slip, no matter how small!    
9. Anytime something is “optional” in the application, strongly consider doing it. Sometimes it’s those optional items that can set you apart from the rest.  
10. Walk away. Once you’ve finished your application, and you think it’s done, walk away from it for a few days. Don’t think about college or your application. Then, come back to it several days later with fresh eyes and review it one last time before submitting.

Source: Cory McGann: ​Ten College Application Tips

SUNY Application

The State University of New York advises students how to apply to SUNY in 10 steps.

1. DETERMINE YOUR CAMPUS AND CURRICULUM SELECTIONS.You can apply to multiple campuses using a single application. You should determine your campus and curriculum selections before starting your application.

2. PREVIEW THE APPLICATION.If you wish to view the questions and prepare your answers before beginning your online application, print our Online Application Worksheet.

3. CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT.The first time you use applySUNY, you will be required to create an account. You must supply a valid email address and password so that you can return to work on your application over several sessions.

4. COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION.You will be presented with several pages of questions to complete. Complete the questions on each page.

5. PAY YOUR APPLICATION FEE.When you have completed your application and are ready to submit it, you can pay your application fees via a credit card, debit card, or you can mail a check or money order to the Application Services Center. There is a non-refundable application fee of $50 per campus selection.

6. SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION.You will receive confirmation of submission by email. You can check back at applySUNYin 48 hours to view your application status online.

7. SEND YOUR ADDITIONAL FORMS.Freshman applicants should print and give the School Counselor Form to your high school counselor to complete.

* International applicants should print forms FSA-2, FSA-3, and FSA-4 and mail directly to the colleges to which you apply.

8. SUBMIT YOUR SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATIONS.In addition to your online application, some campuses may require or recommend a supplemental application, which may include an essay question. You will be directed to return to applySUNY to complete those supplemental applications.

9. SUBMIT YOUR ACADEMIC RECORD.

*Ask your high school counselor to mail your official high school transcript directly to the campuses to which you have applied.​

*Ask your high school counselor to submit your transcript electronically, using SUNY Counselor Portal.

10. WAIT FOR YOUR DECISION(S).You will receive an admission decision from each college to which you apply. You can apply to multiple campuses using a single application. You should determine your campus and curriculum selections before starting your application.

Source: State University of New York (SUNY): How to Apply

CUNY Application

The City University of New York (CUNY) offers a few helpful tips before beginning their application

1. Choose the degree program(s) that you would like to pursue.
2. Research the admission requirements/ deadlines for the program (vary by college and program). 
3. Attend an Information Session to learn more about the program.
4. Check to see if standardized tests are required so plan ahead. 
5. Contact your recommenders early (it is helpful to provide them with a copy of your personal statement).
6. Request all official transcripts from all colleges attended. 
7. If you have international documents, check to see if an external evaluation and/or translation is needed. Allow 6 months for the visa process. 
8. Apply online (cuny.edu/apply)

Click here to see a more comprehensive guide to applying to CUNY Schools.

Source: City University of New York (CUNY): Helpful Tips on Applying