08/23/2026
🐯 Senior Families: Build Your College List Together
Senior year is an exciting time, but the college process can also feel overwhelming. One of the best ways to make it easier is for parents and students to work together when creating a college list.
Start by having an honest conversation about how much your family is realistically able to contribute toward college tuition and expenses each year. Having a clear budget from the beginning can help your student identify colleges that are a good fit academically and financially.
When building your college list, consider the following:
Academic fit: GPA, SAT/ACT scores, intended major, and admission requirements
Financial fit: What your family can comfortably contribute each year, along with potential scholarships and financial aid
Distance from home: Consider not only how far away the college is, but also the cost of traveling home during breaks and holidays
Overall college experience: Campus environment, programs, activities, and support services
Most importantly, keep the conversation open and collaborative. Your student is preparing to take an important step toward adulthood, and involving them in these decisions helps them develop the confidence and responsibility they will need to manage their future.
The college process does not have to be something parents and students navigate separately. Use this time as an opportunity to work together, have meaningful conversations, and help your senior make thoughtful decisions about their future.
https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-college
Start Preparing Your CUNY and SUNY Application Essays
Senior families should begin working on college application essays now, especially for CUNY and SUNY applications. Starting early will give your student time to brainstorm, write, revise, and get feedback without the pressure of approaching deadlines.
Be sure to take advantage of free application opportunities and fee waivers when available. Completing the application early can also help your student stay organized and avoid last-minute stress.
Even when an essay is listed as optional, I recommend submitting one whenever appropriate. A thoughtful essay gives your student another opportunity to share their personality, experiences, goals, and strengths beyond their grades and test scores.
Keep in mind that essay requirements vary by CUNY and SUNY campus. Depending on the school and program, students may be asked to submit additional essays or supplemental questions.
Starting these essays now will make the application process much more manageable and give your senior the best opportunity to submit thoughtful, polished applications.🐾
During New York State College Application Month, the City University of New York (CUNY) waives undergraduate application fees for high school seniors. For current high school seniors, fees are waived from September 15 to November 16 for NYC public school seniors, and from October 15 to November 16 for all other New York State seniors.
FREE Application Dates
• NYC Public High School Seniors:
September 15, 2026 – November 16, 2026
• Other NY State High School Seniors (Public and Private): October 15, 2026 – November 16, 2026
Important Details to Apply
Visit the official CUNY Undergraduate Admissions page to submit your application.NYC public school seniors can use the CUNY Fast App for an easier submission process.The standard application fee is waived automatically during these designated windows if you meet the student criteria.
https://www.cuny.edu/admissions/undergraduate/
The State University of New York (SUNY) upcoming Free Application Weeks run from October 19 to November 2, 2026.
During this time, prospective undergraduate students can apply to up to five SUNY campuses with zero application fees, saving up to $250.
How to Apply for Free
• Use either the official Apply to SUNY platform (highly suggest to apply on SUNY app) https://www.suny.edu/attend/apply-to-suny/
or the Common App (limits up to 20 college applications at a time).
• Select up to five participating SUNY colleges.
Fees for the first five choices will be automatically waived or prompted with a fee-waiver question on the payment screen.
Submit your core application on time; supplemental items like transcripts can follow.
Incredible resources for how to choose a college, picking the right colleges for your college list, or finding that perfect college major. Learn how to gauge your chance of acceptance, and discover what it's like to attend the college from an insider perspective.
