Program

Program Benefits

Go To College NYC Scholars enjoy the following program benefits:

Individualized and Group College Counseling Sessions
Visits to Leading Colleges and Universities
Reimbursement for College Visits
Special Resources for Students from the Lowest Income Families
College Essay Writing and Financial Aid Workshops
Test Prep for the SAT and/or ACT Examinations
Leading Resource Materials on the College Admissions Process
Mentoring and Community Service Programs

Official Portrait of Justice Sonia Sotomayor

“Until we get equality in education, we won’t have an equal society.”

Sonia Sotomayor

Nelson-Mandela

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Nelson Mandela

Criteria for Admission

African-American or Latino students completing eleventh grade, or starting 12^th grade
Residents of NYC
Come from lower income backgrounds
Demonstrate superior academic performance, intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and strong writing skills
Applicants should be at or near the top of their class, while completing the most rigorous academic program at their respective high schools
Be young people of character and integrity who exhibit leadership ability, resilience, and the ability to deal with adversity
A powerful commitment to community service and making significant contributions to society
Not currently affiliated with other college access programs

Application and Nomination Process

Applicants are nominated by professionals at their respective high schools. Application materials include:

Go To College NYC applications for admission (school and student)
Year-end eleventh grade transcript
Standardized test scores* (SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests, AP exams)
The family’s most recent income tax return, other proof of income, as well as proof of assets. Here are other ways to demonstrate financial eligibility.

Wage or Salary

Submit the two most recent paystubs, not more than 90 calendar days old for each wage earning customer.

Paystubs should show your year-to-date earnings. If year-to-date earnings are not included on your paystubs, then also submit one of the following:

A letter from your employer stating your year-to-date earnings

Your two most recent bank statements income matching the paystubs

If you are a new employee and do not yet have a paystub, then submit a letter from your employer stating your hire date and salary.

Benefit Income

Includes, but is not limited to, social security, disability, survivor benefits, pension, public assistance, adoption assistance

Submit both of the following:

Award letter or benefit statement

Your two most recent monthly bank statements or copies of the two most recent benefit checks or two most recent monthly online statements for public assistance EBT card recipients

Food Stamps

Submit both of the following:

The award letter showing the amount of the benefit.

Your two most recent monthly bank statements or copies of the two most recent benefit checks or two most recent monthly online statements for public assistance EBT card recipients

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You must meet at least one of the following indicators of economic need:

You have received or are eligible to receive an ACT or SAT testing fee waiver.

You are enrolled in or eligible to participate in the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch program (FRPL).

Your annual family income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.

You are enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g., TRIO programs such as Upward Bound).

Your family receives public assistance.

You live in a federally subsidized public housing, a foster home or are homeless.

You are a ward of the state or an orphan.

You can provide a supporting statement from a school official, college access counselor, financial aid officer, or community leader.
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Proof of NYC residency
Examples of acceptable proof of residency are:

lease or deed, or if not available, a letter from a landlord on the landlord’s letterhead indicating dates of tenancy and rent payments

postmarked envelope mailed to you at your current address, dated less than six (6) months ago

prior year’s income tax return (parents’ or parent’s tax return, if listed as dependent)

homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy

driver’s license or automobile registration certificate

bank statement

automobile insurance policy

utility bill

cell phone bill

selective service card

voter registration.

NOTE: If residing with parent, you may bring one of the above proofs that show the permanent, New York City address of the parent/student residence, along with a letter signed by parent and notarized that states the student is now, and has been for a period of one year, living with that parent.
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Download Student Application

Download School Application

*Note: Standardized test scores will only be used for college placement purposes and NOT for admission to GTCNYC.

Jaime-Escalante

“We are all concerned about the future of American education. But as I tell my students, you do not enter the future – you create the future. The future is created through hard work.”

Jaime Escalante

Martin-Luther-King-Jr

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of education.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Recommended Colleges

GTCNYC partners with and recommends colleges and universities offering rigorous academic programs, a demonstrated commitment to access, generous financial aid programs, and supportive communities for students of color.