Links & Resources
The Common Application is an acceptable application for admission to the undergraduate programs of many colleges and universities. Many use the form exclusively. Students complete one common application form and send the form to any of the participating colleges.
Visit this website to register for the SAT, search for colleges scholarships, and obtain a variety of information about the college search and application process.
Visit this website to register for the SAT, search for colleges scholarships, and obtain aFree Application for Federal Student Aid: most colleges require this form before considering a student for financial aid.
A guide to financial
The CUNY application a form for admission to the undergraduate programs at City University of New York Colleges. Students can apply to up to six ampuses with one form.
The SUNY application a form for admission to the undergraduate programs at State University of New York Colleges.
Register for the ACT, download a college comparison worksheet, use the financial aid estimator and prepare for the test.
NYS Tuition Assistance Program: all colleges in New York State require this form. It is an additional source of aid for residents of New York who attend schools in- state.
A free scholarship search engine that matches a student's interests available scholarships.
The Common Application is an search for test prep classes and search colleges based on region, state, size and cost.
The CSS Profile is the form many private colleges and require, in addition to the FAFSA, for those applying for financial aid.
Free scholarship search and financial aid resource that colleges to personal information.
Federal Trade Commission info about scholarship
Standardized Tests
Standardized test scores are the only common item shared by all college applicants nationally. Although test scores are not the deciding factor in admission decisions, they are often an aspect used by admission committees to differentiate applicants. Retaking standardized tests is common. Most colleges consider only the highest score obtained on standardized tests, so we encourage students to try again if they are unhappy with their scores.
The PSAT/NMSQT is a practice test for the SAT. It is also the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. TYWLS Astoria students take this test at school during their sophomore and junior years. Only the junior year results are used to determine National Merit standings.
The ACT (American College Test) is a college entrance exam. We recommend that TYWLS Astoria High School students take the ACT in June of their junior year. The ACT is an achievement test, measuring what a student has learned in school. This test measures a student's reasoning ability and knowledge in specific subject matter. Students receive math, science reasoning, English, reading and a composite score. The maximum composite score is a 36. We ask that students also register for the optional writing test.
Each SAT Subject Test is a one-hour test that measures a student's knowledge in a specific subject area. This test is not required for all students. Students should do research to see which schools require Subject Tests
The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a widely used college entrance exam. Ww recommend that TYWLS Astoria students take the SAT twice during their junior year. The SAT is an aptitude test that measures reasoning and verbal abilities. Students receive critical reading (verbal), math, and writing scores. Scores range from 200-800 for each section, and the average for each section is about 500.