The College Readiness Room at Central Library

About College Readiness

College Readiness at Queens Public Library offers three different styles of learning: 

College Readiness Workshops
During the school year we host workshops that increase student confidence in completing the college application process. Students can also explore technical training, learn to find internships, and prepare for career opportunities. We provide guidance on: 

  • College Admissions Process
  • Creating a College List
  • Financial Aid Applications 
  • Scholarship Search and Applications
  • Applying to Trade Schools 
  • College Decisions and Aid Award Packages
  • Resume Writing
    And more! 

One-on-One Coaching
Coaching sessions are one-on-one meetings where students can receive help with any part of their postsecondary planning journey. Students are encouraged to discuss their goals and share any application materials completed for review in these meetings. Common meeting topics include feedback on the college essay, creating a college list, receiving help with applying for financial aid, and researching college scholarships.

Community Events
The library also hosts two main events a year: a summer internships fair in the winter and a college fair in the spring. Each location may offer unique information sessions with college representatives or community members sharing local opportunities. All events are open to the public; registration may be required on the library's program calendar.

One-on-One Coaching

Need help applying to college, trade school, or finding internships? College Readiness staff offer free one-to-one college coaching sessions for students and families all year long.

Coaching sessions are offered in-person throughout the week at Cambria Heights Teen Center, Central Library Teen Center (in Jamaica), and Flushing Library Teen Center.

Virtual sessions are offered on Microsoft Teams

Book a session today! 

Cambria Heights (218-13 Linden Boulevard)
Central Library (89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica)
Flushing (41-17 Main Street)
Virtual on Microsoft Teams 

Volunteering at Queens Public Library

Showcasing volunteering experience on your college applications can increase your chances of acceptance. Learn about all the volunteering opportunities available at QPL here.  

Resource Links

Applying to High School
The NYCPS Guide to Applying for High School  

SHSAT, SAT and ACT Tests
SAT, ACT, and Civil Service Test Preparation from Peterson’s Test Prep
SHSAT, SAT and ACT Test Prep from Khan Academy

Live Homework Help 
24/7 Free, Online Tutoring from Brainfuse

The College Application Process
A Complete Guide to the Application Process
How to Apply to CUNY Colleges
How to Apply to SUNY Colleges
How to Apply for College with the Common App
Applying to College as an Undocumented Student
College Planning Guide for Students with Disabilities, Students with IEPs & 504 Plans (English)

Exploring Career Pathways
Get Matched with Potential Career Paths with O-Net Interest Profiler
Research Career Training and Support Programs in NYC with The New Visions Career Directory 
Find Growing Career Fields and Projected Earnings with the Occupational Outlooks Handbook 

Financial Aid, Grants, and Scholarships
A Guide to College Financial Aid
Applying for Federal Financial Aid
Applying for NY State Aid
National Merit Scholarship
New York State Resident Scholarships
The NY 529 College Savings Program

Upcoming College Fairs
NACAC College Fairs
SUNY College Fairs
Big Apple College Fair
Malcolm Bernard HBCU NYC College Fair

College Readiness on the QPL Blog

Access Queens Public Library blog posts on College Readiness here.

Upcoming Programs

Join us at an upcoming program to learn first-hand about the college application process.

Contact Us

Please send any questions to: college.readiness@queenslibrary.org