Opportunity Programs Opportunity Programs and and

College & Opportunity ProgramsThree college systems you can apply to after you graduate from high school: • CUNY (City U. of NY)• SUNY (State U. of NY)• Private Schools

Many students at these schools belong to an opportunity program like SEEK, EOP, or HEOP!

Opportunity ProgramsEach system has an opportunity program that will help you realize your potential and pay for your education

• CUNY = SEEK• SUNY = EOP• Private Schools = HEOP

SEEK PROGRAM (CUNY)The "Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge“ (SEEK), is a program funded by New York state for CUNY students. This program is designed to meet the needs of students who are considered economically disadvantaged and academically underprepared.

Prospective students must indicate that they wish to be considered for the SEEK program on their CUNY admission application. In general, only entering freshman are considered for this program.

Do I qualify for SEEK financially?

Use this box to estimate financial eligibility. You need to know your household income.

Do I qualify for SEEK academically?

Is your GPA and SAT close to the mean in both categor-ies?

EOP Program (SUNY) The Educational Opportunity Program provides academic and financial support to New York State residents who do not meet general admission criteria, but have the academic potential to earn a college degree.

Although each campus program is slightly different, all campuses participating in EOP offer tuition assistance, financial aid for room, board, books and expenses. Other services may include:

• tutoring services for students who need additional help with their courses (similar to MGI)

• personal, academic and career counseling to help students adjust to college life

• pre-freshman summer programs

SUNY & EOPDo I qualify for EOP financially?

# People Category A Category B Category C

1 $16,060 $21,630 $24,420 2 $21,630 $27,200 $29,990 3 $27,210 $32,780 $35,570 4 $32,790 $38,360 $41,150 5 $38,360 $43,930 $46,720 6 $43,960 $49,530 $52,320 7 $49,500* $55,070* $57,860*

"# People" = "# of People Living in Your Household"A = Supported by one or more individuals whose combined total annual income is from Social Security or sources other than

employment and which does not exceed the applicable amount under "Category A" above.

B = Supported by one or more worker(s) whose combined total annual income does not exceed the applicable amount under "Category B" above.

C = For households supported by one worker with two or more employers, which does not exceed the applicable amount under "Category C" above.

Total Annual Income inPrev. Calendar Year*

Use this box to estimate financial eligibility. You need to know your household income.

Do you qualify academically for EOP (SUNY)?

Look at the schools that interest you.

Is your GPA and SAT close to the mean (the middle 50%) in both categories?

If so, you may qualify for EOP!!

HEOP Programs at Private SchoolsHEOP programs are similar to SEEK and EOP.

They provide financial, academic, and social support to incoming students who are often the first in their family to attend college.

Admissions criteria and financial criteria vary from school to school.

Qualifying for HEOP

•Your family’s income & demonstrated need

•Your grades and SAT should be below the school’s admissions criteria

•NY State resident

Number in household (including head of household)

Total annual income from preceding calendar year

1 15,590

2 21,000

3 26,420

4 31,830

5 37,240

6 42,650

7 48,060

HEOP Schools in New York State

The GoodIf you are admitted into an opportunity program like SEEK, EOP, or HEOP, you will graduate without a lot of debt!

You will receive funding for your textbooks and supplies, not just tuition

You will receive tutoring support if you need help with academics

You will receive counseling support if you have difficulty adjusting to school

You will be part of a community of students who will support you and you may also be connected with alums who can help you find a job!

Keep in Mind…

Opportunity programs are SMALL – just because you meet the eligibility requirements, you may not be accepted. Hunter College, for example, accepts approximately 100 SEEK students a year. Some HEOP programs only accept 10 students a year.

If you want to improve your chances, you must apply early – do not wait until January. Often, schools review applications on a rolling basis. When the spots are gone, they’re gone!

Once you are admitted, you need to maintain a high GPA or else you will lose your funding.

Your household income + number of people in your home determines your eligibility for all three programs. Use W2s and tax forms of parent/guardian.

FOR MORE INFO:

http://www.cuny.edu/academics/programs/notable/seekcd/seek-overview.htmlor Google SEEK and CUNY

http://www.suny.edu/student/academic_eop.cfmOr Google EOP and SUNY

HEOP and Private Colleges and Universitieshttp://heop.org/