College Planning & Applications

Tools for researching schools and managing the application process:

• College Board SAT Suite: Beyond Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) registration, use this site to search for colleges, explore majors, and learn about financial aid.
• Common Application: This website is the website that students can use to apply to numerous schools using one “common” application. There are over 900 member colleges and universities that accept the common application.
• NY Private Colleges and Universities: This website will allow you to research and find a major, as well as research and compare information for more than 100 private colleges/universities throughout NY state.
• SUNY Online: This website is the State University of New York website that provides students with all the information they need regarding SUNY programs. Information pertaining to college majors, campus statistics, college athletics, open houses, etc. is all available on this site. Students can use this site to apply to seven SUNY colleges using just one application.

Standardized Testing

Registration and prep for the two primary college entrance exams:

• ACT (College admission test registration and Information): This website provides information regarding the ACT (test dates, registration deadlines, etc.)
• College Board: The hub for Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) registration and score reporting.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Resources to help fund higher education through grants, loans, and merit-based awards:

• College Scholarships: General national scholarship website where students can search for available scholarships. These are typically not the scholarships you hear announced at graduation.
• Excelsior Scholarship: Important information for parents and students regarding the Excelsior Program for free tuition to SUNY schools! Access the application and information regarding this program.
• FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): This website is the website that you will need in order to complete the FAFSA (application for financial aid) so that your child will be eligible for scholarships, loans, work study programs, etc.
• Fast Web Scholarship Site: Search for scholarships available via this website.
• New York State Higher Education Department: Information regarding Higher Education loans, financial aid, Pell grants, Tuition Assistance Plan (TAP), etc.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math)

Specialized resources for one of the fastest-growing sectors in the economy:

• NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program: The NYS STEM Incentive Program provides tuition awards to students who are New York State residents attending a public or private degree-granting college or university located in New York State. Recipients must be in the top 10 percent of students of their high school graduating class, pursue an approved, two or four-year STEM degree program and agree to live in NYS and work in a STEM field in NYS for five years after graduation.
• STEM Activities and Websites: STEM activities and websites for students K-12.
• STEM Resources for Women: Demand for STEM-based careers is growing at an exponential rate as our economy continues to shift and grow in its technology. The demand for STEM-related roles continues to outpace most other sectors, with projections consistently pointing toward millions of new jobs in the U.S. alone. But of those millions of STEM-related jobs, only 24% are occupied by women. This website is a resource for students to learn more about career opportunities in the STEM field. Information on the following items are available on this website:
  • Average salaries and earnings for top STEM careers
  • Gender representation figures in STEM careers
  • Scholarships for students looking to pursue a STEM degree

Career Exploration & Vocational Training

Resources for students looking at trade schools, the military, or general career path discovery:

• Career Exploration Website: This website has a great deal of useful information to help you and your child map out your child’s future.
• Electrical Lineworker School: This website will take you to the South East Lineworker School information page. Information about how to enroll, tuition, etc.
• BOCES Programs: Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES offers 14 half-day Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs for students in grades 11-12. Students explore occupations and trades through hands-on learning. Programs combine rigorous academics, innovative technology and collaborative teaching with work-based learning experiences. Participation in CTE may offer students Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) pathway, CTE pathway, CTE exit credential options, along with industry credentials. Programs emphasize independent mastery of industry standards.
• Medical Program Opportunities through Upstate Medical University: Various programs for students to gain exposure to the medical professions.
• Military Careers: This website allows you to research careers that are available in the various branches of the U.S. Military.
• O*NET Online – Career exploration: O*NET OnLine has detailed descriptions of the world of work for use by job seekers, workforce development and human resource professionals, students, researchers, and more! There is a 60 question Interest profiler and numerous other resources to help you and your child research careers.

Leadership & Summer Programs

Short-term programs to build resumes and explore interests:

• Envision Career and Leadership Programs: Career exploration programs available to students in various career fields.
• Youth Leadership Camps: Opportunities for students to attend a camp to explore one of many career pathways.