THE ROAD TO COLLEGE BEGINS HERE!
The LEAP/STEM Center for College Access takes a unique and innovative approach to academic advising and student support services, providing comprehensive support for each graduating senior. The Center for College Access encompasses a staff of professionals that are passionate about ensuring the success of each LEAP/STEM Academy student, and we are committed to comprehensive support the the following key tools and strategies:
One-on-one Academic Advising Sessions College/University Campus Tours Standardized Test Preparation
College/University Admissions Presentations On-The-Spot Admissions Opportunities Dual-Enrollment Opportunities
Alumni Engagement & Monthly Panels CollegeBoard Fee Waivers Financial Aid Workshops
Personal Statement & Resume Support Internships and Summer Opportunities Comprehensive Parental Engagement
Annual Citywide College/University Fair Lucrative Scholarship Opportunities Letters of Recommendation
24-hour College Access Support Services Extracurricular/Community Service & Student Leadership Opportunities
And Much More!
Do You Have the Ingredients
for a Successful Senior Year?
Having a successful senior year begins with making sure you have the right ingredients to achieve success both inside and outside of the classroom.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
1 Personal Statement, Well Written and Lightly Seasoned
1 Academic/Professional Resume, Edited and Revised
2-3 Letters of Recommendation, Ripe and Juicy
2-3 SAT/SAT Subject Exam Scores 1 Official Transcript
A handful of Parental Engagement
Blend ingredients well with a dedicated team of experienced
Center for College Access professionals
Sprinkle in a generous helping of scholarship opportunities
A pound of hard work, two cups of purpose, a teaspoon of
determination, and a pinch of focus!
Bake for 200 days, and VOILA!
Serving Size: One Proud Family
for a Successful Senior Year?
Having a successful senior year begins with making sure you have the right ingredients to achieve success both inside and outside of the classroom.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
1 Personal Statement, Well Written and Lightly Seasoned
1 Academic/Professional Resume, Edited and Revised
2-3 Letters of Recommendation, Ripe and Juicy
2-3 SAT/SAT Subject Exam Scores 1 Official Transcript
A handful of Parental Engagement
Blend ingredients well with a dedicated team of experienced
Center for College Access professionals
Sprinkle in a generous helping of scholarship opportunities
A pound of hard work, two cups of purpose, a teaspoon of
determination, and a pinch of focus!
Bake for 200 days, and VOILA!
Serving Size: One Proud Family
Making The Right Choice
There are literally thousands upon thousands of two-year and four-year colleges and universities throughout the United States, all of which will be competing for you to enroll as a student on the campus of their prestigious institution. There are highly selective Ivy League schools like Princeton, Cornell, and UPenn, as well as large state schools like Rutgers, Penn State, and the University of Maryland. There are private liberal arts schools like Georgetown, NYU, and Villanova that compete with comprehensive public research institutions like Temple and the College of New Jersey You might consider a prestigious HBCU like Howard, Morehouse, Spelman, or Hampton, or you prefer to stay in-state an attend one of the dozens of NJ institutions like Rowan, Richard Stockton, Rider or Bloomfield. Regardless of what you choose, make sure you do your research to find the best school for you.
Types of Colleges and Universities
Ivy League Institutions- Typically considered the best schools in the nation, the Ivy League is actually an athletic conference of eight prestigious and highly selective institutions in the northeast US. These schools typically rank in the top fifteen of the US News and World Report college and university rankings, and they have garnered a reputation for academic excellence, highly competitive and selective admissions processes, and social prestigious.
Ex: Harvard University, Princeton University, Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, Cornell University, Brown University, and Dartmouth University
Large State Institutions- These public research institutions are typically referred to as the flagship institutions in their respective states. They provide an affordable option for students looking to take advantage of in-state tuition rate, and their comprehensive approach provides a wide array of majors and degree concentrations. They institutions typically have large campuses and provide undergraduate students with the "complete college experience".
Ex.: Rutgers University, Penn State University, University of Maryland, University of Delaware, University of Virginia, University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill, Ohio State University, University of California, Los Angeles, University of Michigan
Private Liberal Arts Institutions- The private institutions tend to be smaller, focusing primarily on undergraduates studies in the liberal arts and sciences. These institutions can range from highly selective to less selective, and they specialize in providing an academic experience that is more focused on academics.
Ex.: Georgetown University, New York University (NYU), Swarthmore College, Duke University, Emory University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of Chicago, Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, Northwestern University
HBCUs- Historically Black Colleges and Universities are institutions of higher learning that were established prior to the Civil Rights movement and the desegregation of American classrooms. These institutions have a history of educating students of color, and developing leaders in the African-American community. These institutions range from moderately selective to less selective, and they are concentrated in the the Southeastern US, as well as the Atlantic Coast and Midwest.
Ex.: Howard University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, Hampton University, Fisk University, Delaware State University, Florida A&M University, Lincoln University, Grambling State University, Southern University, Bethune-Cookman University
HACUs- The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities is a consortium of more than 400 colleges and universities that historically have shown a commitment to the success of Latino students throughout the US, Latin America, and Spain. HACU advocates on behalf of Latino students, and these institutions have proven to be leaders in educating Latino students.
Ex.: California State University (numerous campuses), San Jose State University, University of Puerto Rico, Colorado State University, Florida International University, Saint Peters University, New Mexico State University, John Jay College
Two-year institutions- These institutions provide an affordable alternative for students looking to ensure they are fully prepared for transitioning from high school into higher education.
Ex.: Camden County College, Burlington County College, the Community College of Philadelphia
So What is a Good School?
There really is no such thing as a good school or a bad school. A good school is the college or university that does the best job of satisfying your needs as a student: academically, socially, and financially. Whether your dream school is Harvard University or Camden County College, a good school is the school that challenges you academically, supports you financially, and places you in a campus setting that encourages you to grow as a person. Begin your search for the college of your dreams on a college search engine like the Big Future section on CollegeBoard, College Prowler, or College Confidential. But don't stop there. Look at Princeton Review rankings, articles and other print publications. Attend college fairs and admissions presentations, schedule campus tours, or reach out to a current student or professor.
Step One: Register for the CollegeBoard and other college search engines. These website can help you develop a list of your top choice colleges and universities, while providing valuable information on their admissions requirements and financial aid.
Step Two: Have serious and open conversations with your family regarding how you will finance your higher education. These conversations may eliminate some schools from your list, but those remaining will be a better fit.
Step Three: Visit your top choices. Talk to current students, admissions counselors, and professors and alumni. Try to picture yourself as a student at that institution.
Step Four:
There are literally thousands upon thousands of two-year and four-year colleges and universities throughout the United States, all of which will be competing for you to enroll as a student on the campus of their prestigious institution. There are highly selective Ivy League schools like Princeton, Cornell, and UPenn, as well as large state schools like Rutgers, Penn State, and the University of Maryland. There are private liberal arts schools like Georgetown, NYU, and Villanova that compete with comprehensive public research institutions like Temple and the College of New Jersey You might consider a prestigious HBCU like Howard, Morehouse, Spelman, or Hampton, or you prefer to stay in-state an attend one of the dozens of NJ institutions like Rowan, Richard Stockton, Rider or Bloomfield. Regardless of what you choose, make sure you do your research to find the best school for you.
Types of Colleges and Universities
Ivy League Institutions- Typically considered the best schools in the nation, the Ivy League is actually an athletic conference of eight prestigious and highly selective institutions in the northeast US. These schools typically rank in the top fifteen of the US News and World Report college and university rankings, and they have garnered a reputation for academic excellence, highly competitive and selective admissions processes, and social prestigious.
Ex: Harvard University, Princeton University, Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, Cornell University, Brown University, and Dartmouth University
Large State Institutions- These public research institutions are typically referred to as the flagship institutions in their respective states. They provide an affordable option for students looking to take advantage of in-state tuition rate, and their comprehensive approach provides a wide array of majors and degree concentrations. They institutions typically have large campuses and provide undergraduate students with the "complete college experience".
Ex.: Rutgers University, Penn State University, University of Maryland, University of Delaware, University of Virginia, University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill, Ohio State University, University of California, Los Angeles, University of Michigan
Private Liberal Arts Institutions- The private institutions tend to be smaller, focusing primarily on undergraduates studies in the liberal arts and sciences. These institutions can range from highly selective to less selective, and they specialize in providing an academic experience that is more focused on academics.
Ex.: Georgetown University, New York University (NYU), Swarthmore College, Duke University, Emory University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of Chicago, Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, Northwestern University
HBCUs- Historically Black Colleges and Universities are institutions of higher learning that were established prior to the Civil Rights movement and the desegregation of American classrooms. These institutions have a history of educating students of color, and developing leaders in the African-American community. These institutions range from moderately selective to less selective, and they are concentrated in the the Southeastern US, as well as the Atlantic Coast and Midwest.
Ex.: Howard University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, Hampton University, Fisk University, Delaware State University, Florida A&M University, Lincoln University, Grambling State University, Southern University, Bethune-Cookman University
HACUs- The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities is a consortium of more than 400 colleges and universities that historically have shown a commitment to the success of Latino students throughout the US, Latin America, and Spain. HACU advocates on behalf of Latino students, and these institutions have proven to be leaders in educating Latino students.
Ex.: California State University (numerous campuses), San Jose State University, University of Puerto Rico, Colorado State University, Florida International University, Saint Peters University, New Mexico State University, John Jay College
Two-year institutions- These institutions provide an affordable alternative for students looking to ensure they are fully prepared for transitioning from high school into higher education.
Ex.: Camden County College, Burlington County College, the Community College of Philadelphia
So What is a Good School?
There really is no such thing as a good school or a bad school. A good school is the college or university that does the best job of satisfying your needs as a student: academically, socially, and financially. Whether your dream school is Harvard University or Camden County College, a good school is the school that challenges you academically, supports you financially, and places you in a campus setting that encourages you to grow as a person. Begin your search for the college of your dreams on a college search engine like the Big Future section on CollegeBoard, College Prowler, or College Confidential. But don't stop there. Look at Princeton Review rankings, articles and other print publications. Attend college fairs and admissions presentations, schedule campus tours, or reach out to a current student or professor.
Step One: Register for the CollegeBoard and other college search engines. These website can help you develop a list of your top choice colleges and universities, while providing valuable information on their admissions requirements and financial aid.
Step Two: Have serious and open conversations with your family regarding how you will finance your higher education. These conversations may eliminate some schools from your list, but those remaining will be a better fit.
Step Three: Visit your top choices. Talk to current students, admissions counselors, and professors and alumni. Try to picture yourself as a student at that institution.
Step Four: