Focus on your grades

Colleges and pathway programs look at your grades from 9th grade until you graduate, so start on the right track.

Get involved with extracurricular activities

Colleges and future employers like to see a student is involved in activities outside the classroom like sports, student government, or a part-time job. Record all your experiences (work, extracurricular, volunteering, etc.), on SCOIR.

Complete Work-Based Learning Programs

HSFI offers a plethora of work based learning programs for students to begin as soon as their freshman year! It's important to explore potential careers of interest.

Attend open houses and college nights

Use the College Office Calendar to check out college fairs and events around NYC.

Challenge yourself with classes

Talk with your counselor and see if you qualify to take any Advanced Placement courses, or College Now courses. It's never too early to begin accumulating college credits that will transfer with you.

Attend Career Day!

Career Day is hosted annually at HSFI and is a great time to learn about career pathways from professionals. Hearing their journeys may inspire your own.

Explore Different Colleges

Start exploring different colleges in the spring through your SCOIR account. You can filter based on location, majors, population and other things. SCOIR is a great tool that is crucial senior year, so it's important you become familiar with the platform.

Attend your CAPS course

In the spring of Junior year, all juniors on track to graduate will be placed in a College and Alternative Pathways Seminar (CAPS) twice a week. This seminar will highlight what pathways are available to students after graduation (college, trade school etc.) in preparation for senior year. Juniors will create college lists, research schools/programs, and have guidance from teachers and youth leaders along the way.

Take the SAT

Although most colleges post COVID have moved to a test-optional policy (SAT Scores will only be looked at if sent), it's important to take the SAT. You never know what you will get, and you can always send your score if you want. You'd rather have it, then not!

Visit Different Colleges

Start visiting some schools you want to know more about. Think about size, majors, student life, and anything else that's important to you. NYC has a over 20 colleges in the five boroughs through the CUNY system alone, so you don't have to travel far.

Attend your CAPS course

In the fall of Senior year, all seniors on track to graduate will be placed in a CAP Seminar twice a week. It's crucial you attend these seminars because this is where you get one on one support. This is a dedicated time to apply to colleges, complete financial aid, and explore alternative pathways for students with support on demand.

Applications!

This is when students will apply to either colleges or alternative pathways. CAP Seminar will covered how and when to apply to each program/college, and support students in doing so.

Complete Financial Aid

If a student qualifies, after applications are completed, they will begin their financial aid. CAP Seminar will support students through this process as well as the College and Career Office.

May 1

May 1st is National Decision Day for all colleges! This is when students have to decide and commit to the college they want to attend (if applicable).