Program Overview

Introduction to College Now

College Now offers college credit classes, usually general education requirements for graduation (Pathways). These include introductory college classes in psychology, sociology, biology, history, mathematics, Health Education, and more. Classes are offered after school, on Saturdays, or during the summer. Students typically take one three-credit class each term, up to 12 credits in total, which is nearly a full semester of work.

Benefits of College Now

The college credits earned in York College's program can be transferred to almost any college, whether it is a CUNY, SUNY, or another public or private institution. Students will be invited to visit York College, where they will be introduced to campus programs and facilities. They will also receive information regarding the college enrollment process and financial aid. Additionally, students will receive a York College ID, which entitles them to use the library, computer center, and the athletics complex. They may also qualify for scholarships and participate in a special internship called the Model New York City Council Project.

Mission and Goals

Mission

College Now's mission is to serve New York City public high school students through college-credit courses which are aligned with the first-year of study at the City University of New York (CUNY). Pre-college activities are also offered and designed to increase academic readiness for college.

Goals

• Educate high school students and teachers about college opportunities and requirements.
  • Integrate College Now students who enrolled in York College into the campus experience.
• Provide college credit courses that fulfill general education (Pathways) requirements.
• Provide College Now instructors with best practices, training, and support to teach college credit courses more effectively.
• Provide pre-college experiences designed to increase students' knowledge and awareness about college opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

• Students can take part in College Now if they attend a New York City public high school.
• Students whose private school tuition is paid for with public funds (for students with disabilities only) are also eligible.
• Home-schooled students who can provide proof of registration with the New York City Department of Education are eligible.

Class Composition

• There are two types of College Now classes: classes offered at a high school and classes offered at the York College campus.
• Classes offered at a high school will only have students from that school.
• Classes offered at the York College campus will have students from different high schools.

Instruction

• All classes are taught by York College faculty members or instructors approved by the academic departments at York College.

Credit Transfer

• In most cases, College Now credits transfer directly within the CUNY system.
• Credits usually transfer to other colleges as well, even to those schools not affiliated with CUNY.
• Students should check with the colleges they are applying to regarding their credit transfer policies.
• To prove credits were earned, students will need to supply an official transcript from York's Registrar's Office.

Credit Limit

• The maximum number of credits a student can earn through College Now is 16 college credits.

Cost

• Participating in College Now costs students nothing, as tuition and books are free.

York College ID

• All College Now students who take a course through College Now are issued a York College ID card.

Difference between College Now and Advanced Placement (AP)

• College Now is a free program that offers college-credit courses.
• Students who are successful in a credit course receive a transcript from the college showing the GPA and college credits earned.
• Advanced Placement (AP) is a high school course preparing students for an exam that, depending on the student's score, may earn credits at the college where a student matriculates.

Dropping a Course

• Students can drop a College Now course, but withdrawal is a serious matter and should only be considered after consultation with the instructor and high school liaison or representative of College Now.
• Official withdrawals must be completed and submitted to York's College Now Office by the deadline date stipulated by the York College calendar.