LoR
How many teachers should you request a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) from?
Typically, we suggest that students request two teacher Letters of Recommendation, with a minimum of one.
What is FAFSA?
F- Free
A- Application
F- For Federal
$- Student
A- Aid
aka Free $ from the Federal Government!
What application is mandatory for all students to apply for and why?
CUNY application which allows students to apply up to 6 CUNY schools.
Seniors enrolled in a NYC Public high school are automatically waived during a specific set of dates, which is why your attendance in college and career skills is mandatory!
True or False
Statement: I don't have to show up to college and career skills class. I can get the information from the College Office later.
False.
Many of the college application lessons begin in the College and Career Skills class, and each lesson builds on one another. You don't want to miss out!
How long is Capstone?
8-10 glorious pages of Senior brilliance!
What is a brag sheet? What happens if you don't complete your brag sheet on time?
Each student completes a brag sheet for the teacher they are requesting a letter of recommendation from. The brag sheet provides more substantive information to teachers to help them write excellent letters of recommendation!
Due Date: September 20, 2025
If you are missing your brag sheet, you are delaying your college application process -- the longer you wait to share your brag sheet, the longer it takes for a teacher to complete your letter of recommendation!
To complete FAFSA, what is required of students and families?
Both the student and custodial parent(s) are required to complete their own individual FAFSA account!
What is CUNY?
City
Universities of
New
York
There are eleven 4-year universities and seven community colleges across the five boroughs! NYC students get to apply up to six colleges for free, and are an extremely affordable option for students and families to have available.
Why do I need to show up to College and Career Skills class?
Many important college applications will begin and continue in the class including:
CUNY
Common Application
Students must complete specific portions in college and career skills class before you are pulled into the college office!
When do we start Capstone?
Before Spring Break -- you've got plenty of time!
If I'm interested in trade programs or working full-time, do I still need a letter of recommendation?
Yes! You can use the letter of recommendation as a reference letter! Most trade and work sites require two references, so the two teachers you requested a letter of recommendation from become your two references.
How do you create a FAFSA account?
The first step is to create an FSA ID. Since both student and custodial parent(s) are required to create their own FAFSA account, both student and parent will have a SEPARATE FSA ID!
You must create an FSA ID and wait 3-5 business days for information to be verified by FAFSA. Students are not able to proceed with FAFSA application if they do not have a FSA ID.
If my student applies for only two-year colleges, does this mean they never get to attend a four-year college?
NO! Students enrolled in a two-year college earn an associates degree allowing them to either a) enter the workforce or b) apply for a 4-year college to complete their bachelor's degree!
True or False:
Statement: If Junior year is the most important year, my grades Senior year don't matter!
False!
All schools request your Senior Year 1st semester grades and Senior Year Final Semester grades!
The College Office is responsible for uploading these in January and in June!
What happens if I don't complete Capstone?
You will not obtain your Economics credit necessary for graduation!
I am a high-achieving student who requested 2 teachers' letters of recommendation from
1) Physics Teacher
2) AP English Teacher.
I also have a softball coach who has shared interest in writing me a letter of recommendation. Is this a good idea?
Yes, and No.
More is NOT always better. It depends on the college admissions office. Most colleges accept no more than 2 letters of recommendation, simply because they can't read so many parts of your application. In the case that you want to share your coach's letter of recommendation, it is best to call the specific school's admissions office and inquire further!
When will we be completing the FAFSA application?
Senior Lock-In is dedicated to students completing the FAFSA application. Once we receive family's assistance with FSA IDs, students will complete application with the college office.
Senior Lock-In Date: December 3, 2025
What is Common App? and when are we starting Common App?
Immediately following CUNY applications, students will start the Common Application in College and Career Skills class in November!
Students will be provided a Common App tutorial to follow in class!
True or False.
Statement: The College Office doesn't write a letter of recommendation. I'm only requesting it from two teachers!
False.
The College Office is responsible for writing a letter of recommendation for each student.
You demonstrate your leadership, and commitment to success through daily attendance and engagement in College and Career Skills. Keep that in mind!
What is my Capstone on?
It's up to you! You will create an inquiry question based on a them (focus of study) during the fall!
What are the 3 biggest factors that College Admission Officers are looking for in your application?
1) GPA
2) Positive Character Attributes
3) AP Classes
The only way schools will learn about your positive character attributes is through your 2 teacher Letters of Rec and your COUNSELOR rec!
Am I guaranteed free money if I apply for FAFSA?
Yes, and No.
It depends on income and household size.
When are all college applications and financial aid applications due by?
CUNY Applications | Deadline: October 31st
Common Application | All students will be invited into the College Office to review their common application, essay, and submit applications between Nov 17 - 25!
FAFSA Application | All students must complete FAFSA with the college office during Senior Lock-In on December 3rd!
True or False.
Statement: I'm only interested in trade. I don't have to attend College and Career Skills class!
False.
1. CUNY offers certificate programs.
2. Many trade programs require FAFSA.
3. Mr. Brian is planning trade rep visits held in College and Career Skills, so you don't want to miss out!
Do I need Capstone to graduate?
No, you are required to pass both Government in the Fall and Economics/Capstone in the Spring.