College Access

The information linked here is provided by the Rochester College Access Network, a program of the Rochester Education Foundation that works to improve access to college for city students. Click here to learn more about the program. Click here for Rochester College Access and Success Report May 2014.

For updated information about college access in Rochester, please go to our college-specific website: RochesterCAN.org

Financial Aid

Fill Out the FAFSA Online (Free application for Federal student aid)
https://fafsa.ed.gov/

Getting Financial Aid(PDF file, 90 KB)

Myths about Financial Aid (Video on YouTube)

Local Scholarships

Rochester Area Community Foundation
RACF provides access to more than 30 local scholarship funds for Rochester city high school students. Don't leave money sitting on the table! Click here to learn more.

College Application Timeline

• Junior year -- take the SATs, sign up for AP classes if you want to take them
• Summer before senior year -- make a list of schools you want to apply to. If you can, visit them and take campus tours. Take the SAT again if you need to.
• Fall of senior year -- Get your application materials ready, including college essay, standardized test scores, and letters of recommendation. Check deadlines for the colleges you're applying to, and be sure to submit your materials on time.
• Winter of senior year -- Apply for the FAFSA and any other scholarships you can.
• Spring of senior year -- As you receive admissions decisions, figure out which school is the best fit for your future and discuss finances with your family. Alert the college of your choice of your attendance by May 1, decision day.
• Celebrate!

Why College?

Can't I Get a Good Job Now?
Maybe you can, but a college degree will make your chances even better. Click here to learn about earnings and unemployment rates as a function of education level.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Exploring College and Careers

"My Next Move" Career Explorer
http://www.mynextmove.org

Find colleges, explore careers, and learn about financial options
http://www.going2college.org

Learn the skills necessary to be ready for college
http://knowhow2go.acenet.edu