Counseling/Testing Bulletin 2007-2008
The College/Career Center provides extensive testing and financial aid information and assistance into researching careers and colleges. This information is available in various forms including books, CDs and computer on-line and software programs.
Table of Contents
Computer Search Systems
Career Interests & Aptitude Tests
Scholarships & Financial Aid
College Testing
General Testing Information
General Information
Athletic Eligibility Information
Admissions, Nominations & Appointments
Computer Search Systems
The Bridges.com Company provides comprehensive programs in MCPS schools to assist students in college and career decision-making. These programs also include several different college search engines, and portfolio sections, where a student can save career and college exploration and planning information, and develop a resume.
- The software component for high school students is Choices.
- Internet components are Choices Explorer and Choices Planner
- Internet access: https://access.bridges.com
Choices Explorer
Students find this site exciting and informative with articles about careers, recreation, education and skills. Career Finder is a quick and easy self-assessment of interests and skills and Major Finder is designed to identify suitable program options. Colorful graphics compare students' self-ratings of skills and interests to suggested occupations. In Zones, hundreds of occupations are arranged by career cluster. The site license for Choices Explorer allows for career exploration to be accessed both at school and at home on the internet. Each suggested career can be explored in detail, and there are web links to professional associations, colleges that offer the required courses, and related articles. Check with the College/Career Center at your high school for the "Site ID" and "Password.: https://access.bridges.com . Note: Sign in under "Site ID" NOT Portfolio name.
College Search Selections
The Choices program allows students to investigate post-secondary education as well. Over six thousand 2-year and 4-year colleges profiles are included. This program can be used to develop an individualized list of colleges and universities according to personally selected criteria, such as location, size, majors, athletic and other special programs, and financial aid availability. There are also direct links to the web pages for numerous colleges and universities listed and to online applications where these are available. Vocational/technical schools can also be explored. Financial aid applications and scholarships are available as well. Choices is available on each high school's network. An internet-based version called Choices Planner is available using the same access ID and password used for Choices Explorer. Contact your College/Career Center for access information.
Naviance, ( formerly called TCCi,) is an internet-based program designed to help counseling departments, students and parents navigate through the college application process. The Family Connection component allows students to do college searches, compare institutions, make contact with colleges in which they are interested, and view scattergram data showing acceptance statistics of previous graduating classes for their own high school. Students can also use Naviance to build a resume, summarize post-secondary goals, and keep track of their college and scholarship applications. Students can obtain the web address for Naviance and their individual registration codes in the College/Career Center. Family Connections contains information "About Me," the student: my inbox, my profile, my resume, my game plan, my test scores, my colleges, my scholarships, my journal, my documents.
Career Interests & Aptitude Tests
The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is administered free to interested tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students with parental consent. Students should check with their College/Career Centers for testing dates and permission forms. The ASVAB is an excellent career exploration tool. It can help identify the student's interests and aptitude in the following areas: verbal, math, science and technical skills. When a student's score is interpreted, he/she will learn how their interests and skills relate to the demands of more than 400 occupations, helping them to identify suitable career options. ASVAB results are released only to the student and not to the armed services. Should students wish to use their results as part of an enlistment conversation with military recruiters, they can provide their scores to the recruiter. Taking the ASVAB in no way involves a commitment to the military. Parental consent will be required for a student under the age of 18 to have their ASVAB scores released to military recruiters.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Financial aid is any money that helps a student meet the costs of post secondary education. Merit-based aid is offered to students with special talents, skills, or abilities, while need-based aid is available to those students who can demonstrate financial need. Grants and scholarships are gifts of money that do not have to be repaid, while loans must be repaid, usually with interest, after the student graduates or stops going to school. .
Eligibility for financial aid from institutions is determined by a financial analysis of family income and assets. All colleges required the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Some colleges also require students to complete the "CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE." Oftentimes a student must also complete an institutional aid application. Filing a FAFSA form and having a student aid report sent to designated colleges does not necessarily make the student eligible for financial aid.
Seniors should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) no later than March 1st to apply for need-based aid from the federal or state government. The recommended method of filing the FAFSA is online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The CSS/Financial Aid Profile is a service of the College Board and may be accessed at www.collegeboard.com. Early filing is important, however the FAFSA cannot be submitted prior to January 1, 2008. Students must check with each institution for a financial aid filing deadline. Many schools set their own deadline for the FAFSA which must be strictly followed.. APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID EVEN IF YOU THINK YOU MIGHT NOT QUALIFY.
Students can search for scholarships through links to the major scholarship databases on the web by accessing the MCPS College and Career Center web site at www.mcps.k12.md.us/curriculum/careercenter. Students should also check with their prospective colleges for additional institutional scholarship money.
Maryland State Scholarships and Grants
Seniors can obtain information about the various Maryland State scholarship programs online at www.mhec.state.md.us/financialAid/student_information.asp or by calling 1-800-974-1024. Legislative and Senatorial Scholarships are available to students planning to attend college in state. Locate your legislative districts and obtain the names of the state senators and delegates online at http://redistricting.state.md.us/maryland/map.asp. or by contacting the Board of Election Supervisors at 40-777-8500.
The Maryland Higher Education Commission provides information about scholarship and grant programs available for Maryland residents such as the Guaranteed Access Grant and the Educational Assistance Grant. Information is also available about the Academic Common Market that affords Maryland students the opportunity to enroll in certain out-of-state institutions at the in-state tuition rate to pursue majors unavailable at Maryland colleges and universities.
The Maryland Distinguished Scholar Program was enacted to honor a select group of Maryland high school students and to encourage them to attend a Maryland college or university. Students in their junior year must have at least a 3.7 GPA (unweighted) in ACADEMIC subjects. Five students are also nominated yearly (in their junior year) for the Talent in the Arts Scholarship Program (art, dance, drama, vocal music and instrumental music). Scholarship finalists receive $3,000 annually if they enroll in a Maryland college. For more information about Maryland Higher Education Commission programs, visit http://www.mhec.state.md.us/financialAid/descriptions.asp
ROTC Scholarships
The ROTC scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis. Each branch offers ROTC scholarships to eligible students. Eligibility criteria are listed by branch below. The table lists the different scholarship levels.
Note: ROTC Scholarships do not pay for your room and board. Check with the campus you want to attend to see if the campus will pay for room and board. You will find that some do.
| Scholarship Type | Pays | Stipend | When Do I Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-Year National | Full Tuition Books, Fees | Varies* | Junior/Senior Year |
| 2 or 3 Year Scholarships | Full Tuition Books, Fees | Varies | Freshman/Sophomore Year college |
| College Program | N/A | Varies | Freshman/Sophomore Year college |
| Unit Scholarships** | Full Tuition Books, Fees | Varies | Freshman/Sophomore Year college |
*Stipends vary between branches of service and years of participation. For example, a cadet in the Army ROTC program receives a $300 stipend year one up to a $500 stipend year four, while a Navy ROTC cadet receives stipend amounts from $250 to $400 a month depending on how long they have been participating in ROTC Program. ** Each commanding officer of an ROTC can select one student a year for a merit scholarship. You normally have to spend at least one semester on campus. |
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ROTC Scholarship Comparison Table
| Branch | Can I Choose My School? | Can I Choose My Major? | Minimum Test Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Students that apply for Army ROTC scholarships can choose up to three schools. Scholarships are awarded based upon availability at the school of your choice. The Army does try to match the needs of the student in most cases, but the Army does have final say to which school you attend. | Yes, within limits | 920 SAT/19 ACT |
| Navy & Marines | Naval ROTC grants the student the most flexibility in selecting schools. Students can attend any one of 67 host NROTC universities once they obtain a scholarship. | Yes, but you must complete 1 yr of calculus & 1 yr of calculus based physics. | 520 M 530 V SAT 22 ACT (Navy) 1000 SAT or combined 45 ACT (USMC) |
| Air Force | Air Force ROTC scholarships are distributed by major. You are free to choose any school as long as the school you want to attend offers AFROTC and has the approved scholarship major. | Must be approved by the USAF | 550 M 550 V SAT These scores are minimum values |
| Note: U. S. Coast Guard does not have ROTC programs. | |||
| In addition, for NJROTC cadets, there are other scholarships available. | |||
To learn more please visit the following web sites Army - http://www.goarmy.com/rotc Navy/Marines - https://www.nrotc.navy.mil/index.cfm Air Force - http://www.afrotc.com |
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College Testing
There are two college entrance exams, the ACT (American College Test) and the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test), which are used for admission, placement, and scholarships.Students should decide which test to take based on the requirements of the institution to which they are applying. Check directly with each institution being considered for the requirements, or ask your high school counselor which test option to take for admission. Registration materials are available in the College/Career Information Center and online. Students who require testing on a Sunday for religious reasons should check online or pick up a Registration Bulletin for required documentation, locations and dates of exams offered.
ACT (American College Testing Program)
The ACT (No Writing) is a set of four multiple choice tests that covers English, Mathematics, reading, and science. The ACT Plus WRiting Test includes the four multiple choice tests plus the Writing Test.
| Test | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 75 questions | 45 minutes | The test consists of five prose passages, each one followed by multiple-choice test questions. Different passage types are included to provide variety. |
| Mathematics | 60 questions | 60 minutes | The test measures the mathematical skills students have typically acquired in courses taken by the end of 11th grade. |
| Reading | 40 questions | 35 minutes | The test measures reading comprehension. Several texts are read followed by answering questions to show understanding. |
| Science | 40 questions | 35 minutes | The test measures skills in the natural sciences: interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning and problem solving. |
| Optional Writing | 1 prompt | 30 minutes | Essay test that measures writing skills emphasized in high school English classes and in entry-level college composition courses. |
The ACT registration fee for the Assessment Plus Writing is $44.50. To find out if the Writing Test is required, visit the web site or call the admissions office of each college or university to which you plan to apply. Most scores are available online within 2 1/2 weeks after the test for an additional fee. The service allows students to view their scores before the official score report arrives by mail. Scores are based on the number of correct answers; there is no penalty for guessing. Students must mail their registration forms and fee in the pre-addressed envelope available in the College/Career Center. Registration is also available online at www.actstudent.org .
For Sunday testing centers, visit the ACT web site.
CEEB (College Entrance Examination Board)
The CEEB offers the following tests: SAT Reasoning , SAT: Subject Tests, AP (Advanced Placement Tests), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and CLEP (College-Level Examination Program). Contact your counselor for fee waiver information.
- SAT Reasoning Test
The SAT Reasoning Test, commonly known as the SAT, is a three-hour and forty-five minute test that measures critical reading, writing, and mathematical reasoning skills a student has developed over time and the skills needed to be successful academically. This test is administered seven times a year and is typically taken by high school juniors for the first time in the spring and again as a senior in the Fall or Winter. Each section is scored on a 200-800 scale as well as two sub scores for the writing section. - Students may register for the Reasoning test by mail or on-line. It is highly recommended that students register on-line at www.collegeboard.com. Students are responsible for the $43.00 registration fee can be paid by credit card or check directly to ETS. An additional $22.00 late fee or $37.00 stand-by fee must be added to the $43.00 regular registration fee when a deadline is missed. Registration forms and information are available in the College/Career Information Center.
Each edition of the SAT includes a Critical Reading, Math and Writing Section, with a specific number of questions related to content.
Time Content Item Types 70 minutes.
(two 25-min. sections and one 20-min. section)Math Section:
Arithmetic, algebra l, algebra ll , geometryMultiple-choice questions and grid-ins (student-produced responses) 70 minutes.
(two 25-min. sections and one 20-min. section)Critical reading:
Reading Comprehension and sentence completionMultiple choice 60 minutes: 25 minute multiple choice section, 10 minute multiple choice section, 25 minute essay.
Writing Section:
Grammar usage, word choice, organization and clear expressionMultiple choice , persuasive essay
- SAT Subject Tests
The SAT Subject Tests are designed to measure knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, as well as the ability to apply that knowledge. Subject tests are also used by some colleges for admission and placement purposes. Students may take up to three tests in one session, but may not take the Reasoning and the Subject Tests on the same day. It is recommended that a Subject Test is taken following the completion of the highest level of the course. The Registration Fee includes a Basic fee of $20.00 plus an additional $20.00 fee for a Language Test with Listening or an additional $8.00 for all other Subject Tests. Students are penalized for missing the Regular deadlines and must pay an additional $22.00 Late or $37.00 Standby by Fee. Note: Most colleges do not require the Subject Tests. Please check the SAT Testing Bulletin or your College and Career Center for MCPS Test Center locations and schedules.
- TOEFL (Test of English As a Foreign Language)
The TOEFL is an internet-based test(iBT) required by almost all U.S. colleges and universities for students whose principle language is not English. The test is made up of three multiple choice sections: listening comprehension, structure and written expression, and reading comprehension and takes approximately four hours to administer. The $150 registration fee includes one examinee core record and four score reports sent to your designated institutions. The TOEFL should be taken in addition to the SAT Reasoning Test of ACT. Registrations forms are available online or in in the TOEFL Bulletin available in your College and Career Center .Students may e-mail toefl@ets.org or call 1-877-863-3546 for more information.
- AP (Advanced Placement) Tests
Students are offered thirty-two courses across 22 subject areas to test in. If successful on the test, the student may be given college credit in that subject. Tests are graded on a five-point scale: 5 extremely well qualified; 4 well qualified; 3 qualified; 2 possibly qualified; and 1 no recommendation. All colleges who subscribe to the AP Program recognize grade 5 for credit in a subject; nearly all colleges recognize grade 4; most colleges recognize grade 3; and some colleges recognize grade 2. Check with individual colleges to see what scores are acceptable. AP testing takes place in May and the 2008 fee per exam is $84.00. . For information about AP exams and fees, visit the Web site www.collegeboard.com/apstudents or call 1-888-225-5427.Students are encouraged to plan ahead and in discussion with parents, teachers and AP Coordinators before adding the classes to your schedule.
- CLEP (College-Level Examination Program)
The CLEP provides students of any age with the opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement through a program of exams in college-level introductory subjects. All exams are scored on a scale of 20-80 with the recommended credit-granting score of 50, which equals a grade of C and are kept on file for 20 years. There are 2,900 colleges that grant credit and/or advanced standing for CLEP exams. Check the College Board Web site www.collegeboard.com/clep to locate a testing center. The cost of each CLEP Exam is $65.00.
- PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/
National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)
The PSAT is a two hour and ten minute exam that measures academic abilities important in college work. It is administered only once during the school year and consists of two 25-minute critical reading sections, two 25-minute math sections, and one writing skills section. This test is a practice for students preparing for their first SAT. Scores are used to help predict how well one may do on the SAT. Only students who take the PSAT in their JUNIOR year will be considered for the National Merit Scholarship Program, the National Achievement Scholarship Program or the National Hispanic Scholar Awards Program.
This year, the PSAT will be administered on Wednesday, October 17th, at all Montgomery County High Schools. While all ninth and tenth grade students take the PSAT at no cost through a partnership between MCPS and Montgomery College, juniors must pay a $13.00 fee to register through their individual high schools. Note: Schools administering the PSAT on Saturday charge an additional fee to cover administrative costs. Contact your College/Career Information Center or Counseling Office for additional registration information.
Testing For Special Needs Students
Students with a documented disability may be eligible for accommodations on SAT, SAT Subject Tests, AP, PSAT and ACT. To receive accommodations for testing, students must submit a written request eligibility form and be approved before testing. When testing at a center on a national date, students normally receive up to 50 percent extended time and can use a regular or large type test book. Students receiving accommodations more than 50 percent extended time or who CAN NOT test at a national center will be assigned to the appropriate Testing Center, check with your Counseling Office. Both types of accommodations are offered on each national test date. Reminder: It is the student's responsibility to meet with his/her counselor in early September to discuss testing arrangements. When the student receives his/her admission ticket with the notation "See your counselor for test date and time," please do that immediately to find out where to report. Most testing accommodations are available for Montgomery county students at Special Needs Testing locations listed in the table below; however, a student who requires the use of a reader and/or writer must test at this/her home school. ETS Special Needs Hotline is 1-(609) 771-7137. The Web site is: www.collegeboard.com/ssd. The ACT Web site is: www.act.org/aap/disab/
| Date | Location | Contact | Tel. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | |||
| 10/06/07 | Walter Johnson HS | Sue Hartung | 301-571-6920 |
| 11/03/07 | Walter Johnson HS | Sue Hartung | 301-571-6920 |
| 12/01/07 | Northwest HS | Maryann Bullion | 301-601-4635 |
| 2008 | |||
| 01/26/08 | Walter Johnson HS | Sue Hartung | 301-571-6920 |
| 03/01/08 | Northwest HS | Maryann Bullion | 301-601-4635 |
| 05/03/08 | Northwest HS | Maryann Bullion | 301-601-4635 |
| 06/07/08 | Walter Johnson HS | Sue Hartung | 301-571-6920 |
SAT Preparation Courses
The Montgomery College Workforce Development and Continuing Education Office administers an SAT Prep Course which is offered in various MCPS schools. Students take a 32 hour course which meets either after school, in the evening, or on Saturday mornings. The six week course (seven weeks on Saturday) is designed to help students achieve a score that better reflects their knowledge and abilities by practicing with REAL SATs, teaching test format, proven test taking strategies, reviewing content and raising test taking confidence.
For Maryland residents, the cost of the course is $260 plus the cost of the textbook, and $400 plus the cost of the textbook for non-county residents. Information on dates, locations and registration are available at www.montgomerycollege.edu/wdce or pick up a brochure from an MCPS College and Career Center or the School Counseling Office. Flyers advertising courses to prepare students for the October, November, and December SATs are mailed directly at the end of July to all incoming juniors and seniors. A second mailing advertising spring SATs will occur in early December.
NOTE: Many MCPS high schools offer SAT Prep classes for credit during the school day for which a student receives a half credit for the semester. The curriculum for the in-school semester course is more in-depth and gives a teacher the opportunity to work more closely with individual students to focus on content, polish math skills and develop critical reading and writing skills.
Collegeboard SAT Prep – Free Online Practice
The College Board offers a FREE online SAT Prep site for Montgomery County public high schools. To access the free online course go to: www.collegeboard.com/satonlinecourseschool/ . In the "Students" box located on the upper right,, click on "Register Now." Enter your high school's CEEB code. Sign in with your collegeboard.com account or create a new one. This free, online SAT Prep Course offers in-depth test coverage to help students fully understand the SAT's math, critical reading and writing sections through interactive instruction, personalized score reports,six practice tests and hundreds of practice questions as well as explanations of answers.
NOTE:: Registration for the SAT exam is a separate process. SAT Prep courses do not include registration for the official SAT test. Although registration forms are available at high school College and Career Centers, students are strongly encouraged to register for the SAT online at. The registration fee must be charged to a credit card and the admission ticket printed immediately. Students with limited family incomes should see their College/Career Information Coordinator regarding any standardized fee waiver eligibility.
General Testing Information
Countywide Testing
MCPS countywide testing takes place during school hours. The High School Assessment schedule for 2007-2008 is as follows:
Maryland High School Assessments (HSA)*
- FALL
- Algebra / October 8, 2007
- English / October 9, 2007
- Government / October 10, 2007
- Biology / October 11, 2007
- WINTER
- Government / January 7, 2008
- English / January 8, 2008
- Biology / January 9, 2008
- Algebra / January 11, 2008
- SPRING
- Government / May 19, 2008
- English / May 20, 2008
- Biology / May 21, 2008
- Algebra / May 22, 2008
*Students must take all HSA's in order to be eligible for graduation.
GED (General Educational Development) Test
The GED program is part of Montgomery College Workforce Development and Continuing Education.All of the information provided regarding the GED Program is available at http://montgomerycollege.edu/wdce. Click on "Community Education" or call 240 567-8950.
The GED Tests measure your knowledge and academic skills against those of today's traditional high school graduates. It is a standardized high school equivalency examination taken for a Maryland High School diploma. The GED consists of five tests and requires 7 hours and 5 minutes to complete. After you have passed the GED Tests, you will be awarded a Maryland High School Diploma by the State Board of Education.
To be eligible to take the Ged Tests, the candidates must be:
- at least 16 years old.
- not a high school graduate
- a Maryland resident for at least three months at the time of testing
- officially withdrawn from high school for at least three months.
At the time of testing, the applicant must present one of the following current, valid identification cards: a Maryland drivers's license, Maryland learner's Permit, official Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration Identification Card or an official active duty military ID card. Applicants will not be admitted to the test center without the proper ID.
In Montgomery County, the actual, official test is offered on two Saturday's each month at Montgomery College. The test fee is $45.00. Students must pre-register by the 15th of the month prior to the date of the test. In Montgomery County, please call the Adult ESOL and Literacy-GED Program at 240 567-8950 or email ged@montgomerycollege.edu.
The Maryland State GED Exam application can be downloaded from the Web site: www.umbc/alrc . For more information about the GED, visitGeneral Information
Federal Employment
How Federal Jobs are Filled: Most Federal agencies fill their jobs by advertising all openings on their Web site: www.usajobs.opm.gov.
The Web site lists over 16,000 jobs daily which will allow you to apply directly to the agency. Today very few positions require a written test. Applications can be submitted in a variety of formats: on line, paper form, or the OF-612 form. All information on federal jobs is free to the applicant(s). While the process is now very similar to that in private industry, there are still significant differences due to the many laws, executive orders, and regulations that govern federal employment.
Internships, Work Study, Scholarships & Summer Job Opportunities
Students may check the following Web site which provides access to many federal sources for internships, work study, scholarships, and summer job opportunities which may lead to job offers after college graduation: www.studentjobs.gov. There are federal agencies located all over the entire country as well as overseas.
Maryland State Employment
Information and job openings for Maryland State Employment can be found at www.DBM.Maryland.gov The State of Maryland Employment Application (MS-100) is available to be downloaded from this Web site. State tests are scheduled at various times during the year and are announced through use of newspaper ads and other recruiting activities. When a test is announced, applicants should file as directed. Questions for the Office of Personnel Services & Benefits may be asked by calling the toll free number 1-800-705-3493. You may also write to them at: 301 West Preston Street, Room 501, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.
Athletic Eligibility Information
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association)
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse, located in Iowa City, Iowa, handles registration to determine a student’s initial eligibility to play sports at a Division I or Division II college or university. Seniors are encouraged to register with the Clearinghouse online at: www.ncaaclearinghouse.net From the home page, the student should click on "Prospective Student-Athletes" which will link the student-athlete to the necessary information. To obtain a paper copy, the "Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete" which includes the paper form. You must then request that your transcripts be sent to the Clearinghouse directly by your high school. There is a fee for registering with the Clearinghouse. Fee waivers are available to all students who have received a SAT or ACT fee waiver. The Clearinghouse customer service telephone number is 877-262-1492; representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday.
Students must provide one copy of the application to the Registrar in order for the paperwork to be processed.
Admissions, Nominations & Appointments
Maryland State Universities Admission Requirements
As prescribed by the Board of Regents, the university expects all applicants, at a minimum, to have completed by high school graduation the following course work:
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of Mathematics including Algebra I or Applied Math I & II, Formal Logic or Geometry and Algebra II (a fourth year of math is highly recommended)
- 3 years of History or Social Science
- 3 years of Science including 2 years of laboratory science
- 2 years of a Foreign Language
Applications must be submitted by the deadlines with any required essays and recommendations. Any required tests such as the SAT or SAT Subject Tests and/or the ACT must be taken. Official test scores must be sent directly from the testing service. Course selection and grade point average must be attained.
U.S. Service Academy Appointments/Nominations
| United States Air Force Academy HQ USAFA/RRS 2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 200 USAF Academy Colorado Springs, CO 80840-5025 www.academyadmissions.com 1-800-443-9266 |
United States Military Academy 646 Swift Road West Point, NY 10996-9902 www.admissions.usma.edu 1-845-938-4041 |
| United States Merchant Marine Academy 300 Steamboat Road Kings Point, NY 11024-1699 www.usmma.edu 1-866-546-4778 |
United States Naval Academy 117 Decatur Road Annapolis, MD 21402-5018 www.usna.edu 1-410-293- 4361 |
Students may also want to consider the United States Coast Guard Academy. The Coast Guard does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.
United States Coast Guard Academy
15 Mohegan Avenue-
New London CT 06320-4195
www.cga.edu
1-800-883-8724
Start the process no later than the beginning of your junior year.
- In the spring take the SAT .
- File a pre-candidate questionnaire with the Academy of interest to you. (Go to the Web sites listed)
- Obtain nomination packet from your Congressional Representative or U. S. Senator. Applications may be downloaded using the web sites listed and a limited number of packets are available in the College / Career Centers.
- Complete and return the "Application for Nomination" packet by early fall of your senior year).
To maximize your chances of receiving a nomination, apply in writing to your U.S. Senators and Representative. Each will submit a number of competitive nominations for every available vacancy. U. S. Senators and Representatives only nominate candidates for admission consideration. The final selection decisions are made by each academy.
|
Senator Barbara Mikulski Call Justin Hayes: 410-263-1805 |
Senator Benjamin Cardin |
|
Congressman Chris Van Hollen Inquiries: Call Char Rosnick or Miti Figueredo: 301-424-3501 |
Congressman Albert R. Wynn Inquiries: Call Elena Keydel at 202 225-8699 |
The Vice President of the United States may also serve as a source of nomination, and is authorized to nominate individuals to the United States Air Force, Military and Naval Academies. The Vice President does not nominate to either the U. S. Coast Guard Academy or the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy.
In order to be entered into competition for a Vice Presidential nomination, applicants must write personally to the Vice President during the application period of March 1 to October 31 preceding the year of entrance to the academies. Applications postmarked after October 31 will not be considered. The Vice President has authorized the academies to evaluate all applications and rank them according to qualifications.
Office of The Vice President
Eisenhower Executive Office Building
Room 290
Washington, DC 20501
CAREER/VOCATIONAL AND EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Apprenticeship Programs
Apprenticeship is a voluntary, industry-driven program that is sponsored by employers, employer associations, and jointly by management and labor. An apprentice, as an employee, receives supervised, structured, on-the-job training combined with related technical instruction in a specific occupation.
Apprenticeship is open to anyone 16 or older, however, an employer may set a higher entry age. Individuals must be age 18 to apprentice in specified hazardous occupations.
The Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council is the registration agency for apprenticeship programs. Since its inception, the Apprenticeship and Training Council has approved and registered 224 occupations and more than 25,446 apprentices have completed training.
On-the-job training for apprentices takes place at the work site under the direction of a highly skilled journeyperson.An approved training plan outlines the work process in which the apprentice will be trained and specifies an approximate length of time to be spent in each major process. A training program must be at least 2,000 hours in duration to be considered as an apprentice able occupation. Because of the growing importance of advancing technology, many trades have lengthened both on-the-job training and related instruction hours t5o encompass the changes taking place throughout the industry. Most apprenticeships take three or four years to complete.
A list of Apprenticeship and Training links, Frequently asked questions and contacts are available at www.dllr.state.md.us. Select Workforce Development. Select Apprenticeship and Training.
CO-OP Education
Cooperative education is a structured educational strategy integrating classroom studies with learning through productive work experiences in a field related to a student's academic or career goals. It provides progressive experiences in integrating theory and practice. Co-op is a partnership among students, educational institutions and employers, with specified responsibilities for each party. For detailed information about college Co-op Programs visit http://www.co-op.edu.
MCPS Division of Career and Technology Education
Career and Technology Education (CTE) is a division of Montgomery County Public School systems. It was formed to design career-oriented curriculum to help students prepare for the future. CTE with input from businesses and educators is constantly evaluating and creating new career pathway programs for all of Montgomery County schools. CTE is located at 850 Hungerford Drive, Room 269, Rockville, MD 20850. Shelley Johnson is the Director of the division.
Career Pathway is a curriculum track that students can take to have a better understanding of a particular career. It is a collection of related courses that are grouped together by careers.
Numerous internships and vocational programs are available
- Automotive Trades Foundation, Inc. 301 929-2190
- Construction Trades Foundation, Inc. 301 929-2190
- High School Fire Service Cadet Program 301 279-3413
- Internship Program 301 517-5844
- Medical Careers Program 301 279-3413
- Child Development Internship Program 301 279-3446
Thomas Edison High School of Technology offers a variety of programs for students to obtain vocational and professional training as well as college credits during high school. Each senior high school also offers a limited number of programs. Program information is available at www.mcps.k12.md.us/schools/edison or at 301 929-2175.
Modified August 15, 2007 by School Counseling Services Unit
