image_pdfimage_print

SEEK stands for Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge. It is a higher education opportunity program at Queens College. It was established to provide comprehensive academic support to assist capable students who otherwise might not be able to attend college due to their educational and financial circumstances. Students are admitted without regard to age, gender, sexual orientation, race, disability, or creed. Do you need CLEP exam prep? Instant Cert Academy progress bar will fill in as you master your material and you can watch it as it fills to 90-100%. At that point, you are ready to take your exam.

To be eligible for SEEK, you must:

  • be a legal resident of New York State for at least one year prior to entering college;
  • be a high school graduate or recipient of a state-approved equivalency diploma;
  • be a first-time freshman or previously enrolled in an HEOP or EOP program;
  • have a minimum average of 75
  • have a gross family income that meets the New York State guidelines;
  • be admissible according to the freshman admissions criteria established for the CUNY senior college you want to attend.

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM ECONOMIC ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES ACADEMIC YEAR 2022-2023

In order to be determined economically disadvantaged, a student’s household income must not exceed the amount show for its size or the student’s circumstances must conform to one of the exceptions indicated below.

INCOME GUIDELINES DO NO APPLY IF:

  • The student’s family is the recipient of Family Asistance or Safety Net Payment through the New York State Office of Temporary an Disability Assistance; or through a country Department of Social Services; or Family Day Care payment throught the New York State Office of Children and Family Assitance
  • The student is in foster care as established by the court
  • The student is ward of the state or country

You must complete the Special Programs (SEEK and College Discovery) section of the CUNY Freshman Admission Application on-line at www.cuny.edu/apply .

You must also complete the Financial Aid Student Application (FAFSA). The FAFSA can be submitted in paper form or (for a faster response) electronically through the Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov/.

You should list all of the CUNY colleges you are considering in step 6 of your FAFSA. 

Be aware that not all eligible students are accepted to SEEK; therefore, you should submit your applications early to increase your chances of being accepted.

Admission to SEEK is conditional until you have done the following:

  • taken the University basic skills assessment tests in reading, writing, and mathematics unless you are exempted based on your SAT and/or Regents scores;
  • attended a summer pre-freshman program;
  • provided required documents that prove your economic eligibility for SEEK;
  • and contacted the SEEK Program at the campus you will be attending to get additional requirements.

No. If you’ve earned college credits since graduating high school, you are not eligible to receive SEEK Academic or Financial Support Services.

Yes. Students who were previously enrolled in another New York State higher education opportunity program–College Discovery (at CUNY two-year colleges), HEOP (at private colleges), or EOP (at SUNY colleges)–are eligible to transfer into SEEK provided they have remaining semesters of eligibility. You will need to complete a transfer request form at your home college.

In addition to the services the college provides to regularly admitted students, SEEK offers an array of instructional, academic, financial, and counseling support services to its students. Program activities are designed to assist students in meeting the challenges of a college career and to provide a supportive environment in which they will flourish.

You will have access to:

  • Individualized academic support (tutoring, writing center, supplemental instruction)
  • Leadership development
  • Individually assigned academic counselor/ advisor from admission to graduation
  • Wellness support services
  • Additional financial aid + stipend for books & travel
  • Career and graduate School prep
  • Peer Mentorship
  • STEM Consultants
  • Student Clubs

Yes. The Program is committed to your success and will expect you to use the services it provides to help you earn a degree. While specific program offerings differ, all campuses have requirements regarding participation in academic and counseling support activities throughout your time there. The overwhelming majority of Program students who excel give credit to SEEK for the academic and personal support it gives.