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College Info

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Preparing for College
Grade By Grade

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Grade 7

  • Explore your interests. Get involved in a club or sport to learn more about your likes and dislikes.
  • Learn about different careers and what educational background is expected.
  • Develop strong organizational skills and schoolwork habits.

Grade 8

  • Do your best in your current classes – they set the stage for your course options in Grade 9.
  • Try a new activity. Keep learning more about your likes and dislikes.
  • Explore different careers and majors and see how they match with your likes and dislikes.
  • Set your goals for the types of classes you want to take in high school.

Grade 9

  • Make the most out of your high school courses. Learn about the prerequisites for future courses and set yourself on the best path to reach your goals.
  • Join/continue extracurricular activities, including community service.
  • Begin a resume to keep track of the different activities and service that you do and any awards that you receive throughout your high school career.

Grade 10

  • Continue to take and plan challenging courses.
  • Explore different career possibilities.
  • Start collecting college information.
  • Start visiting colleges and taking with college students.
  • Attend College Day.
  • If you’re thinking about playing college athletics, register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.

Grade 11

  • Take the PSAT in the fall and register for the SAT or ACT in the winter or spring.
  • Continue to take and plan challenging courses.
  • Talk with your parents and counselor about colleges and majors that interest you.
  • Continue to visit colleges and talk with college students.
  • Get a part-time job, internship, or job shadow in a profession that interests you.
  • Narrow down the list of colleges that you want to apply to.
  • Attend College Day.
  • Visit with admissions counselors who come to school.

Grade 12

  • Keep working hard all year.
  • Ask for letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or community members early on.
  • Write a thank-you note to all who wrote you a recommendation letter.
  • Write your college essay(s).
  • Visit with admissions counselors who come to school.
  • Check in the guidance office regularly for scholarship opportunities.
  • Learn about the application processes for each college that you want to apply to.

College Financial Aid

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FAFSA Information

What is federal student aid?

Federal student aid is financial help made available to eligible students to pay for educational expenses at an eligible postsecondary school (e.g. college, vocational school, graduate school).

The U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid programs are the largest source of student aid in America. If you’re interested in financial aid for college these programs provide more than $60 billion a year in grants (Pell Grants), loans (Stafford, PLUS), and work-study assistance (Federal Work Study).

If you have questions regarding the financial aid process please call 1-800-4-FED-AID to speak to a Customer Service Representative. Local assistance is available at the Financial Aid Offices of Binghamton University and Broome Community College.

Remember to check with each college to which you applied to see if there are any other institutional financial aid forms that are necessary.

The FAFSA (FREE Application for Federal Student Aid) form is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The online application will be processed much more quickly than the paper copy and is recommended. This form is free. If you are seeking any aid at all, it is very important to complete this form.

The FAFSA becomes available on October 1.

FAFSA Links

  • Federal Student Aid Homepage
    The office of Federal Student Aid provides publications, fact sheets, online tools, and other resources to help you prepare and pay for college or career school.
  • Federal Student Aid: Complete the FAFSA® Form
    This is the section of the Federal Student Aid site where you apply for a federal student aid.
  • Federal Student Aid Estimator
    Before you complete the FAFSA form, the Federal Student Aid Estimator can help you understand your options to pay for college or career school by providing an early estimate of your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and eligibility for federal student aid.
  • Federal Student Aid – Resources
    This page offers a list of links to fact sheets, videos, and other informational documents.
  • Filling Out the FAFSA® Form
    Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form can be a straightforward and easy process. Below are some tips to help you along the way.
  • FAFSA Checklist
    Make sure you have the information you will need before you start.
  • FSA ID
    The FSA ID allows users to electronically access personal information on Federal Student Aid Web sites as well as electronically sign a FAFSA.
  • 14 Costly FAFSA Mistakes to Avoid
    Advice to help you be sure you’ve filled everything out properly.

The CSS Profile

The CSS Profile is an online application that collects information used by nearly 400 colleges and scholarship programs to award non-federal aid. Only certain colleges require that students complete the CSS Profile. Additional information is available at https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/.

Avoiding Scholarship Scams

  • Federal Student Aid: Avoiding Student Aid Scams
    You never have to pay for help with your federal student aid (including federal student loans). Make sure you understand which companies and claims are legitimate.
  • Finaid.org: Scholarship Scams
    This section provides advice on how to identify such scholarship scams, how to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent organizations, how to protect yourself from scholarship scams; and what to do if you are scammed.
  • FTC: How to Avoid Scholarship and Financial Aid Scams
    Companies like to promote seminars where you can learn about how to get scholarships and financial aid. Some are legit, but some are scams…. high-pressure sales pitches where they tell you to pay immediately or risk losing out on the so-called “opportunity.” If you go to a financial aid or scholarship seminar, follow these steps:
  • U.S. News: How to Avoid Scholarship Scams
    Experts say it’s imperative that students and families use discernment when vetting scholarships and providing personal information. Scholarship scams are often a ploy to gain someone’s personal information and relentlessly market to them or potentially sell their information to other companies. … Here are ways to spot and avoid potential scholarship scams.

NY State Scholarships and Financial Aid

  • Excelsior Scholarship
    Students from families earning $125,000 or less can attend a state-operated SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free with this scholarship from the NY HESC.
  • HESC: NYS Grants & Scholarships Information about various grants and scholarships from the state, their amounts and requirements, and whether they are currently accepting applications.
  • NYS Higher Education Services Corporation
    HESC is the state agency that helps people pay for college by administering the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), guaranteeing student loans, offering guidance, and administering a highly successful College Savings program for students and families. A must-see site for New York students seeking loans or scholarships.
  • New York State Tuition Assistance Program
    The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps eligible New York residents pay tuition at approved schools in New York State. An annual TAP award can be up to $5,665. Because TAP is a grant, it does not have to be paid back.
  • SUNY Scholarships
    Links to pages for the overall NY State Excelsior and Carey Gabey scholarships, and links to the scholarships pages for all SUNY schools.

More Scholarship and Financial Aid Sites

Upcoming Scholarships

Varying Deadlines

Excelsior Scholarship
The Excelsior Scholarship, in combination with other student financial aid programs, allows qualifying students to attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free. The Excelsior Scholarship covers any remaining gap in tuition expenses, after other federal and state grants and scholarships are applied, up to $7070.
For seniors looking to the next school year, fill in the box under the “Deadline” section to receive updates in the future.
The next application period opens in May.
Award: up to $7070
HESC: NYS Grants & Scholarships
Information about various grants and scholarships from the state, their amounts and requirements, and whether they are currently accepting applications.
UHS Education Incentive Program
Applicants must be pursuing a degree in one of the listed health-related professions and agree to work for UHS for one year for each year of tuition paid, with a minimum 2-year commitment.

Due March

Mar 20: Professional Nurses Association Scholarship
Scholarship to provide financial assistance to individuals beginning or continuing nursing education. Applicants must be residents of Broome or Tioga County or other regional areas.
Award: $2,000
Mar 27: CSEA Central Region Scholarships
A scholarship for students with a parent, grandparent, or guardian who are Civil Service Employees Association members.
Return application along with essay and letter of reference to the Guidance Office by March 27th
Mar 27: Frank and Katherine J. Matola Scholarship
For seniors graduating from a Broome County school who have demonstrated a substantial commitment to community service for less fortunate individuals, and who are planning to attend a four-year college.
Award: $10,000/year for two years
Mar 30: Binghamton Community Orchestra Delbert Cobleigh Music Award
An award to provide musical opportunities to a high school junior or senior by helping pay for private music lessons, music camp registration, musical equipment or other purposes which lead to musical advancements of the student.
Award: Up to $500
** Open to Grades 11-12 **
Mar 31: Citizens Scholarship Sweepstakes
For legal U.S. residents intending to enroll or enrolled at least half-time in an accredited undergraduate/graduate post-secondary institution. Entries carry over but entrants may also submit an additional application once a month.
Award: $2500 for the monthly drawing; $15,000 for the grand prize.
The application period runs from the first of April one year to the end of March the next.
Mar 31: Kenzee Jean Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to one Broome County senior for a creative project which can be used to raise awareness of motor vehicle safety issues involving children.
Award: varies
Mar 31: New York State Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (NYSOSIA) Scholarship
This scholarship is for New York residents of Italian descent. A $10 fee is charged to apply. (Be sure to use the link for the Scholarship Application form, not Grant Application.)
Mar 31: Visions FCU Scholarships
Two scholarships are available: one for a member in good standing at Visions Federal Credit Union, and one for a child of a veteran who is a Visions member.
Award: $1000
Applications open December 1st each year and close the following March 31st.
Mar 31: Young American Creative Patriotic Art Awards
This is a national contest for young artists who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Submissions must be made through your local VFW Auxiliary branch; contact them for information about their local contest.
Award: Varies depending on placement.
** Open to Grades 9-12 **

Due April

Apr 1: Binghamton Rotary Club McSorley High School Scholarship
For a graduating senior who is entering college. Both financial need and academic record are considered, along with community service and extracurricular and/or work activities.
Award: $1000
Apr 1: Binghamton Umpires Association Scholarship
For a graduating senior continuing his or her education at a 2-year or 4-year college who has participated in high school baseball or softball served, like Seton, by the Binghamton Umpires Association.
Award: $500
Apr 1: New York Farm Bureau Agricultural Youth Scholarship
For graduating high school seniors who will continue their education to prepare for a career connected to the agricultural industry.
Award: $250 for district winner; up to $3000 for state winner.
Apr 1: Syracuse CPCU (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter) Scholarships
Scholarships are available for high school seniors going to college, and for children or grandchildren of CPCU members. Find the material you need for the questions on The Institutes CPCU Society website under Education / College Students.
Award: Up to $1000
Apr 2: Norman J. O’Neil Memorial Scholarship
For a student involved with community service who will be pursuing studies in law enforcement or related fields and who exemplifies the virtues of dedication, commitment, and leadership.
Award: $1,000
Apr 3: Joseph A. Griffin Memorial Scholarship
For a graduating senior with financial need and a commitment to scholastic and community achievements who will be furthering their education in public service such as criminal justice, forensic sciences, public safety, or governmental administration.
Award: $2000
Apr 6: Democratic Women of Broome County Scholarship
The scholarship will be awarded to a graduating female Broome County student who has demonstrated leadership qualities and a commitment to Democratic principles and good government. Only hardcopy applications sent by the deadline are accepted.
Award: $1000
Apr 10: Richard J Stack Memorial Scholarship
From Dick’s Sporting Goods for high school students from Broome County Area School Districts who plan to further their education.
Award: $2000
Apr 10: Progressive Dental Community Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded on the basis not only of academic excellence but also a high community service interest.
Award: $500
Apr 13: BAE Systems STEM Advancement Scholarship
For a graduating senior who is entering a collegiate-level STEM degree program.
Award: $1000
Apr 13: Dave Twomey Career Development Scholarship
For a high school senior who plans to pursue a career directly related to their school and community-based career experiences. Applicants need to have worked or volunteered in the community in the field that they plan to pursue in college.
Award: $500
Apr 13: School to Careers STEM Scholarship
This scholarship is for a graduating senior who is attending college and majoring in a STEM program.
Award: $500
Apr 15: Charles Truman Memorial Scholarship
For a Tioga County resident currently attending or planning to attend an agriculture college.
Award: $750
Apr 15: Dr. Robert E. Smith Foundation Nimmonsburg Rotary Scholarship
A scholarship from the Nimmonsburg Rotary for students who live in or attend school in the Chenango Forks and Chenango Valley school districts.
Award: varies
Apr 15: June B. Harding Memorial Scholarship
The June B. Harding scholarship from the Broome County Republican Women’s Club is for a graduating Broome County resident planning to pursue a two-year or four-year degree. An essay, your transcript, and 2 letters of reference are required, so plan ahead.
Award: $750
Apr 15: Junior League of Binghamton Mariana Schneider Maloy Scholarship
This scholarship is for a female Broome or Tioga senior planning to attend a two or four-year college in the fall. The applicant must have made volunteerism and community service a priority in her life. Applications must be sent by email. The Guidance Office can scan your signed application to a PDF for you if desired.
Award: $1000
Apr 15: New York State Insurance Scholarship Foundation
For individuals interested in pursuing a career in insurance.
Award: $5000/yr for up to two years
Apr 17: Broome County Music Educators Association Scholarship
For a student who will be pursuing a college degree as a music major. A separate audition is held in May after the applications are submitted.
Apr 17: Empire State Arts Scholarship Program
This is a financial aid program for New York students in grades 6-12 demonstrating economic need who will be participating in arts (including performing arts) programs based in New York State during the summer.
Award: up to $2000
** Open to Grades 6-12 **
Apr 17: Ladies of Charity of the Greater Binghamton Area Scholarship
For a graduating senior who plans to pursue service-oriented careers in fields such as Education, Social Services, Public Service, or Medicine. The award is based on academic achievement, financial need, and service to school, church, and community. Copies of the application are available in Guidance. NOTE: Paper applications only! Applications must be received – not postmarked – by the deadline.
Award: $1000
Apr 17: School Administrators Association of NY State Scholarship
Applicant should be a graduating senior entering the field of education or a school-related field such as speech therapy or school counseling.
Award: $750
Apr 18: Endwell Community Chorus Scholarship
For a senior planning to pursue an education in something related to music. The application process consists of a live audition.
Award: $1500
Apr 20: SUNY Broome Scholarships
This is a single online application for the multiple scholarships available through BCC.
Award: Varies by scholarship.
Apr 22: American Institute of Architects Southern New York Chapter Scholarship
For students accepted and enrolled in a college architecture program for the Fall term.
Award: $2000.
Apr 24: Apalachin Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Scholarships
This organization sponsors three different scholarships for members of underrepresented minorities. Applicants must be residents of Broome, Tioga, Chenango, or Delaware County, have a GPA of at least 85%, and be entering a four-year college/university in the fall.
Award: varies
Apr 30: Binghamton Garden Club Laimons E. and Silvia Drupa Scholarship
This scholarship is for a graduating senior planning to major in horticulture, Botany, Biology (not pre-med), Environmental Studies or other directly related disciplines.
Award: $10,000, with potential for renewal.
Apr 30: Richard Shay Human Services Award
For a student planning to pursue a career in human services, counseling, law, criminal justice or a related field. Application must be sent by mail and received (not just postmarked) by the deadline.
Award: $500

Due May

May 1: Alpha Phi Alpha Scholarships
From the Southern Tier Alphas, the Frank Wilson and Iva T. Coleman Memorial Scholarships are for local seniors who are members of an underrepresented minority. Applicants must plan to enroll in a 4-year college and demonstrate academic and leadership excellence. The Iva T. Coleman scholarship also requires the candidate to be entering a STEM field of study.
Award: varies; usually around $500.
May 1: Empire State Potato Growers Scholarships
For agricultural students who live or study in New York. Awards are based on field of study, academic achievement, and leadership abilities, with preference given to those whose studies most directly advance New York State’s potato industry and agriculture.
Award: $500/year for up to four years
May 1: Holy Name Society Scholarship
For a graduating senior who is planning to attend an accredited school in the fall. Applicants must be parishioners of the Church of the Holy Family in Endwell.
Award: $1000
May 1: NY State Deputies Association Deputy Kevin Tarsia Memorial Scholarship
For a resident of Broome County planning to pursue a degree in a criminal justice field.
Award: $500
May 1: NY State Deputies Association Thomas J. Krajci Memorial Scholarship
For a resident of New York State planning to pursue a degree in a criminal justice or labor relations field.
Award: $500
May 1: WSKG Student Writing Challenge
This is an essay contest for students who live in the WSKG broadcast area.
** Open to Grades K-12 **
May 4: Triple Cities Runners Club Scholarship
For graduating seniors who have participated in varsity cross country and/or varsity long-distance track. All materials should be submitted via email as one form, except the coach’s recommendation which is to be submitted separately.
Award: varies
May 13: Sgt. Lawrence D. Peters Memorial Scholarship
For Broome County high school seniors who are children or grandchildren of veterans who are residents of Broome County or were residents at the time of their death. All materials must be received – not just postmarked – by the due date.
Award: $1,000
May 31: SENYWWC Scholarship
The Southeastern New York Water Works Conference offers one $500 college scholarship to a high school senior pursuing a degree in an environmental field related to their industry.
Award: $500

Due June

Jun 12: Cohen & Jaffe, LLP Scholarship Essay Contest
This is an essay contest for students accepted to college or law school. Applicants must be residents of New York State.
Award: $2500
Jun 15: Horatio Alger Career & Technical Vocation Scholarships
For students interested in pursuing an associate’s degree or certificate program. The Horatio Alger Association supports deserving young people who are overcoming significant challenges and are committed to pursuing higher education, with family income under $100,000.
Award: varies

Due July

July 1: New York State Student Research Awards
Students, working individually or in groups, develop projects such as research papers, exhibits, documentaries, performances, PowerPoints, websites, or other projects using historical records, and including an annotated bibliography.
** Open to Grades 4-5, 6-8, 9-12**

Due August

Aug 15: NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program
Tuition award for students who graduate in the top 10% of their NYS high school class and pursue a degree in STEM at SUNY or CUNY.
Award: Covers the cost of tuition

Admission to Catholic Schools of Broome County is the first step on a journey toward personal success.