James Hubert Blake High School
College/Career Center Newsletter
Blake's
College Board H.S. Code # 210959
SAE ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM - Deadline: December 1, 2007 - Scholarships are available from corporate sponsors ($1,000-$10,000), as well as university sponsored awards ($400 - full tuition) for students intending to earn a degree in engineering or a related science (including math, chemistry, physics, biology, technologies, computer science). Other requirements: must be U.S. citizen & H.S. senior, meet minimum standards with regard to GPA and SAT/ACT scores as outlined in the individual requirements for each scholarship. Students are encouraged to retrieve the application and information online at http://www.sae.org/students/engschlr.htm.
MOREHOUSE COLLEGE (GA), a prestigious college for African American men, will offer on-site admissions & scholarship conferences on December 5, 2007 at Gaithersburg H.S. (admission requirements: min GPA: 2.8; SAT score total 1500 out of 2400) Students who wish to be considered must complete the application for admission and bring along a transcript and SAT/ACT scores. See Mrs. Moore in the Career Center well in advance so an individual appointment can be made.
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE (MD) is offering on-site admission conferences for seniors on December 12, 2007, 7:00-9:00 pm at Springbrook High School. These appointments must be made by December 7, 2007 through Mrs. Moore, the Blake College & Career Coordinator. Bring your completed UMES application, transcript and SAT/ACT scores with you and the application fee will be waived. (admissions eligibility: min GPA 2.5, combined SAT score of 1250 out of 2400; scholarship range: GPA >= 2.8)
ASVAB (ARMED SERVICES VOCATIONAL APTITUDE BATTERY) is a career exploration test administered free to interested tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students. Blake H.S. offered the ASVAB on November 29 at 7:30 a.m. The test helps identify the student’s interests and aptitude in the following areas: verbal, math, science & technical skills. When the individual scores are interpreted, students learn how their interests & skills relate to the demands of more than 400 occupations, helping them to identify suitable career options. The ASVAB is an excellent career exploration tool and we encourage students to take it to determine their strengths. Taking the ASVAB in no way involves a commitment to the military. MCPS policy: ASVAB results are released only to the student and not to the armed services. Should a student wish to use his/her ASVAB results as part of an enlistment conversation with a military recruiter, he/she can provide his/her scores to the recruiter. Participants will receive their scores on December 13 @ 8:30 am.
ALUMNI PANEL & RECEPTION - December 20, 2007 - The School Counseling Office has invited members of the Blake graduating Class of 2007 to serve as panel members for our annual Alumni Day presentation from 12:30 - 1:25 pm. Current juniors & seniors are invited to obtain a pass from the Guidance Office to attend this fun and informative event. Hear from college students after completing their first semester of college. The audience may ask questions of the panel as well. Alums are invited back to the Career Center at 1:30 for a "meet & greet" and refreshments.
REGISTER FOR THE
January
FEE
WAIVERS FOR
To be eligible for accommodations on College Board tests like the PSAT or SAT, a student must:
To be approved by the College Board for accommodations on College Board tests, students must submit a Student Eligibility Form to the College Board. Students are encouraged to complete the Student Eligibility Form well in advance of the first College Board test they plan to take.
| Date | Location | Contact | Tel. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | |||
| 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 |
Information on requesting accommodations on College Board tests may be found on the College Board website's Services for Students with Disabilities page.
The cost of the course
is $260 for county residents and $400 for non-county residents. You may register
by mail or fax. The SAT Prep registration form is available online at
www.montgomerycollege.edu/wdce
and for customer service call
NOTE: Many MCPS high schools
offer
Special Note: Registration for the
COLLEGEBOARD
The College Board offers
a
* Interactive instruction organized into 18
lessons.
* Personalized score reports.
* Six practice tests and hundreds of
practice questions.
* Explanations of answers.
Ask for an "access code" from Moriah Martin or Mrs. Moore in the Career Center.
Another FREE website for SAT or ACT prep: www.number2.com!
CONSIDER
THE ACT ASSESSMENT - January
4, 2008 is the deadline to register for the
February 9 ACT test. The best way to do this is online:
www.actstudent.org Mail-in registration
packets are available in the
THINKING of an APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITY? Seniors who are interested in serving an apprenticeship in the Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, Process Piping and Environmental System Trades should apply in January 2008 in person on the following dates & times:
January 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 11 from 8:00-11:00 a.m.
Location: U.A. Mechanical Trades School, 8509 Ardwick-Ardmore Road, Landover, MD 20785
Requirements: min. age of 18 by August 1, 2008, H.S. Diploma earned by June 30, 2008 or GED certificate by January 31, 2008. Bring the following documents with you at the time of application: Official H.S. transcript (in sealed envelope); social security card, birth certificate, photo I.D. (drivers license preferred), DD 214 (if veteran). All applicants are required to take a math test and drug test. For more information: 301-341-1555.
BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY (MD) visited the Blake Career Center on Friday, November 30 at 9:00 a.m. to speak with juniors and seniors about their offerings and admissions requirements. The director of admissions agreed to waive the application fee for all who attended this meeting. Seniors who wish to be considered for admission with the waiver must complete the application, and provide their transcript & SAT/ACT scores to Mrs. Moore by January 2, 2008. On-site interviews at Blake will be arranged on January 8, 2008 for students who meet the Jan. 2 application deadline. They will be given an admissions decision that day.
MOUNT ST. MARY'S UNIVERSITY FOUNDER'S SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY COMPETITION - January 19 or Jan 26, 2008 - This H.S. senior essay competition is a four year, full-tuition scholarship with an expected cumulative value of over $100,000. Three incoming freshmen will be awarded the Founder's scholarship. Students who participate must have an SAT score of 1200 (reading & math combined) or 27 on the ACT. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 is required. Register for Jan 19 by Jan 14; and for Jan 26 by Jan 21. To register: www.msmary.edu or call for more information: 1-800-448-4347.
HOLY CROSS HOSPITAL School of Radiologic Technology OPEN HOUSE - January 22 from 3:00-6:00 pm or January 24, 2008, 1:00-4:00 pm. Presentations will run every 30 minutes and staff & students will be available to answer questions about the Holy Cross Hospital School of Radiologic Technology. Report to the Holy Cross Hospital Professional Community Education Center located on the 1st floor, 1500 Forest Glen Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Contact person: Staci Maier, 301-754-7889 or email: maiers@holycrosshealth.org.
MONTGOMERY COLLEGE SCHOLARS - full tuition & fees for two years!
- average SAT range is around 550 to 650 on any of the 3 sections. If a student has below 550 on any section, he/she needs to take the MC placement test also. The ACT score should be 24 or better. TOEFL score is considered but student must have an ACT or SAT score also.
Applications for this very selective program are in the Career Center and require recommendations, essays & resume. Apply NOW! Twenty-five students are selected from Montgomery County for this two-year full tuition scholarship to MC, which includes a semester study abroad in Cambridge. Students who apply to MC Scholars and are not selected for the scholars program are placed in a pool for the MC Academic Specialty Scholarship (a one year full-tuition scholarship to attend MC which may be renewable for a second year).
MONTGOMERY COLLEGE MACKLIN BUSINESS INSTITUTE - full tuition & fees for two years!
Recently I attended a presentation about the Montgomery College Macklin Business Institute at the Rockville campus. This is not part of the MC scholars program—it is a separate scholars program. Originally, it was set up as a one-year program for the sophomore year in college for students interested in business . In 2008 the program will change to a two-year program. Students run the on-campus Starbucks which generates funds for scholarships for the Business Institute. Students participate in competitions. They also run an “Apprentice” program—great hands-on learning tool. Students in the program make many connections with local business partners & internships are readily available due to these local and national connections. Excellent connection with UMCP’s Smith Business School, but Macklin Business Institute students are encouraged to apply for transfer to other schools besides UMCP. The Macklin Institute is recruiting a freshman class of 20-25 sharp students who wish to major in business. This is a full 2-year scholarship and students must commit to attending for their freshman & sophomore year. GPA should be above 3.0 and SAT 550 or higher in each section. Why not apply for this special program and check it out further--contact person is Steve Lang at 240-567-5039. Paper applications are in the Career Center, or you can obtain more information online at www.montgomerycollege.edu. Application Deadline: January 25, 2008
SPRING 2008 COLLEGE-BOUND PROGRAM at UMCP - January 28 - May 19, 2008, 4:30-6:30 pm - The Learning Assistance Service of the Counseling Center offers a comprehensive program to help H.S. students (especially Gr. 11 & 12) prepare for college. Workshops are presented on time management, listening and note-taking, textbook reading, exam skills, math learning skills, writing skills, motivation and learning style, and leadership & assertiveness. In addition participants learn more about the transition to college by taking notes in two lecture classes, visiting several campus resources, and hearing directly from college students. Program held on Mondays, from Jan 28 through May 19, 2008 and the cost is $280 (($140 for family members of UMCP faculty & staff) Location: Shoemaker Building Counseling Center, Room 2201. Call to schedule an intake interview: Shirley Browner, 301-314-7702 or email sbrowner@umd.edu. Deadline: January 25, 2008
CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY SLEEPING BAG WEEKENDS - January 27-28, 2008 - to register www.cmu.edu/admission/sbw or call 412-268-2082. Register early as space fills quickly. Cost: $50 per student.
2008 LEAD SUMMER BUSINESS INSTITUTE is for high achieving 11th graders who wish to pursue careers in business. Juniors are encouraged to apply for this July program before February 1, 2008. LEAD is committed to influencing high school students from diverse cultures who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance & leadership skills. 330 are selected from a national pool of applicants. Minimum qualifications: 3.0 GPA, 100 on the PSAT or 1000 on the SAT (cr. reading & math combined), U.S. citizens or permanent residents, community service & extracurricular activities will be considered. To find out more about this program: www.leadprogram.org or call 215-753-2490.
UMCP FREE ENGINEERING CONFERENCE for High School Students - Saturday, February 16, 2008 in the Stamp Student Union, Grand Ballroom. The Women in Engineering Program is hosting the DREAM Conference and registration is open for participants & volunteers. Planned activities: workshops, demos, panel discussions, information fair & distinguished speakers. Student participants are eligible to apply for a DREAM scholarship valued up to $2,500 to attend the University of Maryland's James Clark School of Engineering. Register online to attend: http://www.eng.umd.edu/wie/dream/. For further information: Alana Erin Johnson, 301-405-3283 or email: ajohns7@umd.edu.
HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE TOUR - February 17-21, 2008 - Sponsored by the Pan-Hellenic Council of Montgomery County, MD, Suggs/Lyons 2008 Tour of HBCUs. Cost: $400, fee includes transportation, hotel, breakfast & dinner daily. Make reservations early! Deposits non-refundable after 12/15/07, payment in full by 1/2/08. Colleges include: Shaw, NC Central, Morehouse, Spelman, Clark Atlanta, Johnson C. Smith, Hampton, NC A & T, Norfolk State, Virginia Union Universities. Contact: Mr. Darrell Marbury, 303-390-8402.
HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE TOUR - March 16-19, 2008 - Colleges visited: Clark-Atlanta, Morehouse, North Carolina A & T, Bennett, Johnson C. Smith, Hampton, Virginia State, Virginia Union University. Cost: $405 ($135 deposit due by 1/7/08; no checks after 2/18/08. Includes bus transportation, 3 nights hotel, all breakfasts & lunches. For additional info: 301-265-8326 or 301-248-8833. Trip sponsored by Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church. Registration forms in Blake Career Center. A briefing session for all registrants will be held on Feb. 21, 2008 at 7:00 pm.
BLAKE COLLEGE ADMISSION PROCESS is online
The "Life After High School -- Collegebound" packet that seniors are given when they meet with their counselor to discuss future plans is now online. It includes: How to Process College Applications & Transcript Requests, Sample Resume, Student Brag Sheet, Parent Brag Sheet, Request for Teacher Recommendation Letter, Fall Senior Timeline and websites for Exploring College/Career Goals. Go to: www.mcps.k12.md.us/schools/blakehs/ Click on "Career Center." Choose: "College Admissions Process."
WORRIED ABOUT FINANCIAL AID? TRY the New Financial Aid Estimator – FAFSA4caster - The U.S. Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid is pleased to announce the release of FAFSA4caster, a new Web tool designed to assist high school students and their families plan for education beyond high school. Students can receive their estimated Expected Family Contribution (EFC) by entering their information into FAFSA4caster, a simplified version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA4caster also provides guidance on next steps for applying for admission, applying for federal student aid, and paying for education beyond high school. To access FAFSA4caster: www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov. A Spanish version is available. Another good website that provides an EFC estimate is www.finaid.org.
FAFSA CHANGES FOR 2008 - Paper FAFSA forms for 2008-09 will not be available in bulk for schools. Students will be able to obtain a paper FAFSA by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). Students may request up to three copies of the paper application and should receive them in the mail in 3 to 7 business days. A new PDF version of the FAFSA is available online that students may print out, complete and submit for processing (www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov). Of course filing the FAFSA online is the preferred, easiest method of completing the form (www.fafsa.ed.gov). All seniors should complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal or state student aid beginning January 1, 2008. Be sure to submit before March 1st to be considered for Md. state aid!
IF YOU NEED HELP COMPLETING THE FAFSA form - Mark your calendar to attend COLLEGE GOAL SUNDAY on February 10 from 1-5 pm at the MC Takoma Park campus. Parents/students will receive individual assistance completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Internet computers will be made available to file the FAFSA online and financial aid volunteers from local colleges are bilingual. Bring proof of 2007 income & benefits, such as completed tax returns and W-2 forms for both student & parents. Eligible non-citizens must provide their alien registration number. (Snow Date: Feb. 17) For more information: www.go2goal.org or call 866-GO-2-GOAL.
SAT - OPTIONAL SCHOOLS - There is a list of colleges that do not use SAT or ACT scores for admitting substantial numbers of students into their bachelor degree programs. Some schools exempt students who meet a certain grade point average, while others use SAT or ACT scores only for placement purposes. Please check with the college's admissions office to learn more about their requirements. The National Center for Fair & Open Testing publishes this information at: www.fairtest.org.
NCAA
INITIAL-ELIGIBILITY CLEARINGHOUSE ONLINE REGISTRATION
Students who plan to
participate in intercollegiate athletics at an NCAA Division I or II
school are encouraged to register online.
SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS -- be on the lookout!
Have you received a telephone call or letter offering assistance in finding scholarship money? Often it involves a "free" meeting with a financial aid consultant. BEWARE! Many times these services cost between $500-$1,000 for scholarship searches that you can do on line yourself for free. Here are some traps to avoid: "You've been selected" by a 'national foundation' to receive a scholarship..." or "You're a finalist" in a contest you never entered. "The Scholarship will cost some money." "We'll do all the work." "I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship." "You can't get this information anywhere else." "The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back." REMEMBER: no one can guarantee you a scholarship! Students must apply for scholarships themselves. No one else can enter competitions or write essays for you. Never give out your credit card or bank account information unless you have initiated the contact. For more info. or to report a scam, contact the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP or www.ftc.gov.
Students can apply
to 34 Black Colleges with one application and one $35.00 application fee. Once
the application has been submitted, students are required to send their transcripts,
test scores, recommendations and essay to all of the colleges they are
interested in attending. Applications and information are available online at www.eduinconline.com. Member colleges include
CHOOSING THE RIGHT FIT - Many magazine and newspaper articles broadcast the increasing selectivity of college admissions and this leads students to believe that "most selective" means "best." There is no such thing as a "one size fits all" college -- what is right for one student may not be right for another student with similar characteristics. A student's success in life is not determined by the college they attended. Do not select a school based on reputation, but instead on how well it fits your requirements. Studies have shown that students who have been accepted at one of the most prestigious institutions but choose to attend a lesser known school attain the same financial success as those who chose the more selective college. It is the student's attributes like drive, intelligence, work ethic and leadership qualities that will lead to a successful career. That being said, be aware of the college characteristics most important to you. Try looking beyond the reputation and amenities (beautiful campus and buildings) and focus on the students, professors, opportunities and course offerings. Choose colleges that support the way you learn best and where the institutional philosophy is in line with goals for your own education.
WHY CONSIDER LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES? Liberal arts colleges are small and focus on the undergraduate. They provide students with a broad based knowledge in science, the humanities and art. Students are actively engaged in the learning process and critical & analytical thinking and writing skills are stressed. Classes in liberal arts colleges are taught by faculty (not graduate assistants) and professors interact with students in and out of the classroom. The experience of students at a liberal arts college differs from that of students at large public institutions. There is an emphasis on individualized instruction in a primarily residential environment. A 1998 study found that although only 3% of all American college graduates were educated at residential liberal arts colleges, they accounted for 19% of the U.S. presidents, 23% of Pulitzer Prize winners in drama, and 8% of Forbes magazine's listing of the wealthiest CEO's in America. Graduates from liberal arts colleges are twice as likely to earn a doctorate degree in science and are disproportionately represented among leaders in education, public service and business. (from www.thecollegeadvisor.net, Nov. 06)
STUDENT
School work comes FIRST, but some students feel the need to have a part-time
job. Here are websites to check out: www.mycoolcareer.com, www.snagajob.com, www.gazette.net
or www.studentjobs.gov.
On occasion, employers notify the Blake Career Center of
vacancies. In that case, a small ad is posted on the Blake Career
Center webpage (look under "JOBS"). Students should be aware of federal rules that apply
to working teenagers. For example, a 14 or 15 year old can only work up to
three hours on a school day or 18 hours during a school week between the hours
of
GOVERNMENT SUMMER JOBS - Apply Early! Applying for summer positions within the government is now available online. Visit www.studentjobs.gov & www.usajobs.opm.gov to see job listings and apply. A "resume builder" is built into the program to store your resume for application purposes. Some clerical positions/internships with the Dept. of Health & Human Services are listed on : www.hhs.gov/jobs/. These positions are competitive so start completing the paperwork now. Some student employment/intern programs exist within NIH (paid/unpaid): www.nih.gov.
KEEP US POSTED ON COLLEGE ADMISSIONS The School Counseling Office wants to know when your student receives college admission decision letters. Please be sure to provide Mrs. Moore with a copy of acceptance, wait list or rejection notices so we can keep our records current. Letters offering scholarships or awards are welcome news, and we will be tracking that, as well! Some scholarships may be included in the annual Awards Program, but all will be entered in Naviance. As you may know, Naviance includes college acceptance/rejection data that is important to future collegebound students who rely on the scattergrams to give them a clear picture of the selectivity of colleges. Please know that we are unable to keep that information current without your help!
CITY YEAR, WASHINGTON DC (Americorps) - Graduating seniors who are not sure what they want to do after high school should consider applying for a paid community service position with City Year, Washington, DC., a group of 17-24 year olds committed to full-time service for ten months in the Washington, DC community. Benefits include: living stipend ($200 per week), health care coverage, free metro pass, and $4,725 educational scholarship. For more info: www.cityyear.org or email: cmurphy@cityyear.org/dc or call: 202-776-7780, Amanda Seligman. Recruitment open houses will be held once a month at their headquarters: 918 U Street, NW, 2nd floor, Washington, DC 20001.
CAREERS in PUBLIC SAFETY & CORRECTIONAL SERVICES - High school graduates who are 18 may qualify for a position as a Correctional Officer I with a starting salary of $34,313. This is an entry level position involving the custody, security and supervision of adult inmates in a correctional facility. These jobs in the field of criminal justice are located throughout the state of Maryland and come with a $1,000 hiring bonus. If interested, apply online at www.dbm.maryland.gov and click on the "state jobs" link (takes 20 minutes). Then schedule an appointment for the video/written exam.
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