College
Planning for college is an exciting and important journey, and we're here to help guide you every step of the way. This page is your go-to source for information on preparing for college, from researching schools and understanding the application process to exploring financial aid options and scholarship opportunities. Whether you're just beginning to consider your options or ready to start applying, you'll find a wealth of resources and tips to help you make informed decisions about your future. Let’s get started on building a path toward your academic and career goals!
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College Application Procedures - Using Naviance and Common Application
Please read the important information in this document carefully!
Generally, when you apply to a four-year college, you will submit the Common Application. The Common Application is one application that can be submitted to multiple colleges. If using the Common Application, you must complete the application on the “Common App” top tab, and then submit it to each college using the colleges listed in your “My Colleges” tab. Please note that each college may have different questions and requirements for applying that you will find under the specific college that you have added to your “My Colleges” list. It is important that you complete the applications fully and proofread your application before submitting it.
In addition to submitting your college application, you must submit an official transcript and letters of recommendation to your colleges. This is where Scoir comes into play. The Common App is how you apply to most colleges, and Scoir is how your school counselor submits your transcript and school counselor recommendation, and your teachers submit their recommendations to colleges.
Important Notes:
Let your counselor and teachers know 3 weeks before your application due date that you’ve added your colleges to Scoir and that you need a transcript/counselor/teacher letter of recommendation sent.
Submit each Common Application / college application when you are finished with them. Do not wait for your teachers/counselor to submit letters, etc. It is very important that your application arrives at the college by the deadline.
Also: Do not forget to submit your SAT / ACT scores to each college through collegeboard.org or act.org if you choose to do so. This should be done a couple of weeks before your college deadlines.
Be sure to READ all Admissions and Financial Aid pages at each college to which you are applying. You do not want to miss specific information / additional info needed / dates / deadlines, etc. -
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 Scoir 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. Scoir is how your transcript and letters of recommendation are submitted to those colleges.
Common Application FAQs and Information: Information about class size/rank etc. to help you complete the Education section of the Common App
College Rep Visits to Colonie HS: Check out your Scoir account for all College / Caeer Rep Visits to CCHS!
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These five 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
Scoir – Colonie Central High School students use Scoir for College and Career Exploration, as well as a document submission tool for college applications.
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
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College Navigator - It's no frills, but it's good!
Scoir – Colonie Central High School students (grades 9 – 11) use Scoir for College and Career Exploration, as well as a document submission tool for college applications.
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.
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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.
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FAFSA - Begin after October 1 of senior year
FAFSA Checklist - A great resource from the former 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 - Guide to applying for Financial Aid
Scholarship List -Class of 2026 - 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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Can't visit every college on your list in person? No problem! Virtual tours are a fantastic way to explore campuses from the comfort of your home. They offer a glimpse into student life, facilities, housing, and more, helping you get a feel for each school without the travel. Use these virtual tours to compare campuses, discover what resonates with you, and start envisioning your future. Dive in and take the first step toward finding the college that’s the perfect fit for you!