James Hubert Blake High School
College/Career Center Newsletter
Blake's College Board H.S. Code # 210959 

 

Attention Seniors:

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).  Seniors 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 Maryland state aid!

 

FAFSA WEBSITE INSTRUCTIONS DISTRIBUTED TO ALL BLAKE SENIORS - All Blake H.S. seniors received a copy of the website instructions for completing the FAFSA during their English 12 class this week.  Step one is to apply for a pin number.  Once the pin number is received in 3-5 days via email, you may begin filling out the form online:  www.fafsa.ed.gov.  You are encouraged to estimate income figures on the FAFSA for now, and you may return to the website to update/edit the form once your income taxes for 2007 are filed.  In addition, seniors were given a copy of the booklet:  Funding Education Beyond High School:  The Guide to Federal Student Aid to take home and share with their parents.

 

ON-SITE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS INTERVIEWS - The following HBCUs will be offering on-site admissions interviews on the dates below.  Students interested in making an appointment should see Mrs. Moore with a completed application for admission to the college of their choice, transcript and SAT or ACT scores.  Application fees are waived and recommendation letters from a teacher or counselor are welcome.  Take advantage of the opportunity to meet with the college admissions representative and get a decision that very moment!

1/11/08        Bowie State University @ Blake H.S.    9:00 - ?

2/7/08          Coppin State University @ Rockville H.S., 6:30 pm

3/5/08          University of Maryland Eastern Shore @ Blake, 9-11 a.m.

3/12/08        Morgan State University @ Springbrook H.S., 6:30 pm

3/19/08        Bowie State University @ Walter Johnson H.S., 6:30 pm

coming up: North Carolina A & T University, TBA

 

REGISTER FOR THE January SAT TEST NOW!    January 9, 2008 is the LATE deadline to register for the January 26, 2008 SAT test.  The best way to do this is online:  www.collegeboard.com.   Cost is $43.00 (+$22 late fee), and you can charge this on your credit card.  If you prefer completing a mail-in registration, pick up an SAT Registration Bulletin from the College & Career Center.  The SAT test is not administered at Blake but several nearby high schools serve as SAT test centers.  Please include the H.S. Code for Blake: 210959.  Fee waivers are available from Mrs. Moore for students with significant financial need.

CONSIDER THE ACT ASSESSMENT  -   January 18 is the LATE deadline to register for the February 9 ACT test (extra charge of $19).  The best way to register is online:  www.actstudent.org   However, mail-in registration packets are available in the College & Career Center.  Students can choose between two test options- the ACT Assessment or the ACT Assessment Plus Writing, which includes a 30-minute Writing test (recommended).  The cost is $30.00 + writing test is $14.50 more, which can be charged on your credit card.  When registering for the ACT, please include the Blake H.S. CEEB code:  210959.  SATs are not offered during the month of February, so why not try the ACT? 

FEE WAIVERS FOR SAT & ACT AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS MEETING ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES  -  The College Board and The ACT both offer waivers for students for whom the payment of fees for the tests presents a serious barrier to college entrance. Eligibility is determined primarily by membership in a family whose annual income falls within predetermined guidelines or for those whose family receives public assistance / lives in subsidized housing. Students should see Mrs. Moore for the Fee Waiver Eligibility Form and registration instructions. Students using a fee waiver can register for the SAT or ACT online with the assigned fee waiver number but must do this prior to the regular registration deadline.  LATE test registration will not be covered.

2007-08 TESTING FOR SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS

To be eligible for accommodations on College Board tests like the PSAT or SAT, a student must:

• have a disability that necessitates testing accommodations;
• receive and use the requested accommodations for school-based tests due to the disability; and
• have documentation on file at school that supports the need for the requested accommodations and meets the College Board Guidelines for Documentation.

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.

• A Student Eligibility Form submitted through Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) must be mailed by MCPS and postmarked no later than five weeks prior to the test date.
• A Student Eligibility Form submitted by the student or parent directly to the College Board must be postmarked no later than seven weeks prior to the test date.

SAT Special Needs Testing Locations: 2007 - 2008 -  MCPS provides a central testing site at the schools listed below for most students pre-approved for accommodations on the SAT. Students requiring the use of a reader and/or writer will test at his/her home school. For additional information contact Maryann Bullion for questions concerning the Northwest High School site (301 601-4635) and Sue Hartung at the Walter Johnson High School site (301 571-6920)

Date	Location	Contact	Tel.
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.

SAT PREPARATION COURSE -  The Montgomery College Workforce Development & Continuing Education office offers an SAT Prep course in several of the MCPS high schools. Students take a 32-hour course which meets either after school, in the evening, or on Saturday mornings.  This 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.

 

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 240-567-5188. Dates, times & locations are available online or pick up a brochure from your College & Career Center or the School Counseling Office. Flyers advertising courses to prepare students for the SATs are direct mailed in December to all Juniors.

 NOTE: Many MCPS high schools offer SAT Prep classes during the school day, for which a student receives a half credit for the semester.  The curriculum for the in-school semester course is much 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 & writing skills. 

 

Special 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-Career Centers students are “STRONGLY” encouraged to register for the SAT test online @ www.collegeboard.com.  The registration fee must be charged to a credit card and the admission ticket is printed immediately.  Students with limited family incomes should see their College/Career Information Coordinator regarding fee waiver eligibility.

 

COLLEGEBOARD SAT PREP – free online practice

 

The College Board offers a FREE online SAT Prep course for Montgomery County public high schools.  To access the free online course request an individual access code from your College & Career Center.  This Free, Online SAT Prep Course offers in-depth test coverage to help student fully understand the SAT's math, critical reading, and writing sections. The course features:  

    * 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!

 

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.

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.

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!

The DEADLINE for Montgomery College Scholars is January 25, 2008.  

Eligibility criteria:

    -    average cumulative unweighted GPA - 3.5 (although 3.0 or better are encouraged to apply)

    -    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

 

PROJECT ACCESS at HOWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE - January 26, 2008 - There will be an informational meeting for parents and students regarding Project Access at Howard Community College. Any 11th or 12th grade parents who might be interested in this kind of special needs support in college should consider attending. It's an excellent program. Project Access: Howard Community College [Special needs high school student can succeed in college.] Jan. 26, 1:00-3:00 pm, Burill Galleria, Snow date 2/2/08; contact Dr. Linda Schnapp 410-772-4625.

 

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.

 

MARYLAND DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARS  - It's time for juniors with a minimum cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.7 in academic subjects at the end of first semester to apply for the Maryland Distinguished Scholars program.  On February 1, 2008  Mrs. Moore will meet with potential candidates to give students applications along with a copy of their transcript and first semester grades.  As you may know, the Distinguished Scholar program honors Maryland H.S. juniors who are exceptionally talented academically or in the fine & performing arts.  Each award is $3,000 per year for four years towards tuition to a MD college.  Often times, colleges will waive application fees for Distinguished Scholars.  The grade 11 PSAT scores or SAT test results from January 2008 or before are considered in the selection of Distinguished Scholars.  If you feel your student qualifies for the Maryland Distinguished Scholars competition, request an application for Academic Achievement from the College/Career Center.

 

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.

 

MARYLAND HISPANIC YOUTH SYMPOSIUM (SUMMER) - July 9-12, 2008 - Deadline for applications is February 15, 2008.  This is a FREE four-day, three-night event held at Towson University this summer is for Latino students in high school who have a keen interest in the community and nation.  Competitive students in grades 9-11 should consider applying for this free summer symposium.  An essay is required and the application is online:  www.hispanicyouth.org.  Learn more about this exceptional program from the website.   Contact: Diana Velasquez-Munoz: 202-296-5400, diana@hispanicfund.org.

 

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.

 

HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE TOUR (Arrow Collegiate Tour) - March 17-21, 2008 - This HBCU college tour includes bus transportation to 8 colleges, hotel, 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner, mall shopping & fun day at Disney World.  Cost:  $410.  Please visit website for more information:  www.arrowcollegiatetour.com.  Contact:  Sabrina Crowder 301-505-2204 or Catrice Humphries 301-642-9165.  Flyers available in the Blake Career Center.

 

UMCP ECOENGINEERING WORKSHOP - Saturday, March 8, 2008, 8:30-2:00, Jeong Kim Engineering Building on University of Maryland campus.  This event is for sophomores & juniors thinking about engineering.  Registrants are accepted on a first come, first served basis.  $20 registration fee (limited number of scholarships available).  Deadline:  February 29, 2008.  For more information: Call: 301-405-8467 or email prospengr@umd.edu or check website:: www.eng.umd.edu/prospective/prospective_preview.html or . 

 

UPCOMING COLLEGE FAIRS:

 

BLACK COLLEGE-CAREER DAY - February 20, 2008 @ Vermont Avenue Baptist Church, Family Life Center, 1630 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC - sponsored by the United Negro College Fund, 9:00-2:00, representatives from 75 Black colleges & universities are participating.  Contact information:  Henry Thompson, 301-899-5484 or lookuphmt@aol.com or Leah Durphy-Taylor, 301-625-9571 or ltaylor24@hotmail.com.

 

MONTGOMERY COUNTY NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR - April 16-17 2007 - Gaithersburg Fairgrounds

Blake Juniors are invited to attend this annual event with classmates on Wednesday, April 16.  Permission forms will be made available in early April with a deadline date of April 8 for registration.   MCPS will provide school buses to transport students for $5 each and we are scheduled to arrive at the fair at 11:00 a.m..  Students are not permitted to drive themselves to the College Fair due to liability issues.  Blake students will have the opportunity to speak with college representatives from hundreds of colleges and gathering brochures.  Evening hours are planned on April 16 for parents & students to attend workshops together.  Stay tuned for further details!

 

COLLEGE ESSAY WRITING CLINIC at BLAKE - April 21, 2008, all day - We are very fortunate to have scheduled a special English class presentation for our Juniors called, How to Write a Winning College Essay.  Rich Edgar, Director of Admissions at St. Mary's College of Maryland has agreed to help our 11th graders brainstorm on  ideas for a unique and meaningful college admissions essay.  His engaging presentation is something students will not soon forget!

 

COLLEGES THAT CHANGE LIVES FAIR - Saturday, May 17 in Bethesda and Sunday, May 18, 2008 in McLean - These college information sessions/fairs are offered all over the U.S.  They are coming to the DC area in May!  Featured are the 40 colleges that Loren Pope writes about  in his resource book, Colleges That Change Lives.  For a list of participating colleges, specific sites and pre-registration visit the website:  www.ctcl.com/events/washington_dc.htm.

AMERICAN LEGION BOYS STATE PROGRAM - June 15-21, 2008, McDaniel College, Westminster, MD - The American Legion is sponsoring their annual summer residential program for current H.S. junior boys, called Boys State.  The program emphasizes the necessity of participation as a citizen in the government process to insure continuing freedoms and rights. It is a week of learning & group participation where students are required to work as a team under close supervision. The experiences gained at Boys State stay with the student his whole life.  Students will also tour the U.S. Naval Academy and the Maryland Legislature, where they will be addressed by several top state government officials. Please see Mrs. Moore for a complete itinerary and the paperwork needed to apply for Boys State. Remember that activities such as this look great on your college resume! Deadline for applications:  April 1, 2008

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT YOUTH ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR - Deadline:  April 1, 2008 - Call for applications from January 28 - April 1, 2008 to compete for a $1,000 scholarship.  Grade 9 - 12 students who have started and currently running their own business.  Must submit a sample of their business plan, sample balance sheet, letter of recommendation from a teacher, school faculty or customer, and participate in an interview with a judging panel if selected as a finalist.  First place winner will be recognized at the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards banquet on June 19, 2008 and will have an opportunity to meet many of the region's top business leaders.  For more info:  202-777-4475 or david.bing@jaorg or www.myja.org.

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. 

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.

MCPS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP - Deadline for Applications:  April 1, 2008 - Eligibility criteria:  H.S. senior, cumulative GPA >=2.0, financial need (must file FAFSA & copy Student Aid Report), strong academic potential, will attend MC (preferred), but other Maryland collegebound students can apply and will be considered if funds are available; award is $500-$3,000/yr (renewable); student/family must reside in legislative district 15, 18 or 20 to be eligible.  Students should visit:  http://www.mdelect.net/electedofficials/ to check if their home address is in these districts.  Applications can be found in the Blake Career Center.

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.  The NCAA website includes online registration for the Clearinghouse. Visit the website at http://www.ncaa.org, pull down the Parent/Prospect page from the Custom Home Pages pull-down menu. From there, click on "Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete."

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.

 

BLACK COLLEGE COMMON APPLICATION
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 Norfolk State, Tuskegee, Clark Atlanta, Coppin State, Fisk, Morgan State, Virginia Union, Virginia State and many more.

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 JOBS
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 7:00 am and 7:00 pm. There are 17 jobs that have been declared hazardous by the secretary of labor that are prohibited for teens under the age of 18. Visit http://www.youthrules.dol.gov.

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.