ANNOUNCEMENTS

GAC & GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT EVENTS FOR 2008-2009
The Guidance and Advisory Committee is a PTSA-sponsored committee that supports the B-CC Guidance Department and assists with programs related to the college preparation process and other guidance topics. Programs of the committee include College Admissions Night, College Process, Practice SAT and Practice ACT tests, FAFSA Night and Maryland Financial Aid Night.

The following programs are scheduled for 2008-2009, but the dates are subject to change. Parents and students will receive mailings and numerous BCCNet communications as the dates for the programs near. Check the BCC Guidance Department website for more information at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/bcchs/counseling/index.html

Please contact the committee co-chairs with your questions and suggestions:

Carol Eickert at Carol.eickert@longandfoster.com or
Loretta Reed at Loretta.reed@longandfoster.com.

We look forward to seeing you at the GAC programs this year!

Two good sources of information on college financial aid of all types:

1. An excellent powerpoint presentation made at the GAC/Counseling Department’s Financial Aid overview Program on Oct. 27, 2005.

2. The Maryland Higher Education Commission’s website which has info on all MD need-based, merit-based, and career-related scholarships.

   Note especially the sections:

   •  "State Financial Aid Assistance Programs & Applications" which describes all the available programs
      
   •  College Aid Calculator which allows you to estimate your EFC or Estimated Family Contribution, the amount your family is expected to pay towards your child’s college costs
      
   •  The Academic Common Market

   The site also has a wealth of information on many schools and academic programs in public and private Maryland schools.