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

KEEP US POSTED ON COLLEGE ADMISSIONS   The School Counseling Office wants to know when students receive 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 student records current.  Letters offering scholarships or awards are tracked by MCPS!  Some awards 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 our 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! 

 

JUNIORS - Please register to take the SAT and/or ACT this semester!  These tests are NOT offered over the summer.

 

LAST CHANCE THIS SCHOOL YEAR TO TAKE THE ACT or SAT - Juniors should take the SAT and/or ACT at least once this Spring.  Be sure to include the Blake H.S. code when registering online:  210959.  June is your last chance to do this (registration deadlines are in early MAY!):

 

Test        Test Date                Regis deadline    Late deadline    Website                            Cost         Late fee    

SAT        June 7, 2008            May 6                    May 15               www.collegeboard.com       $43.00        $22

ACT        June 14, 2008          May 9                    May 23               www.actstudent.org            $44.50        $19

SAT SUBJECT TESTS - SHOULD YOU TAKE THEM?  SAT Subject Tests scores can help you demonstrate your achievements. Many colleges that do not require Subject Tests will look at your Subject Tests scores to learn more about your academic background.  Colleges that require SAT II subject tests will state that in their admissions requirements on the college's website.  Naviance is a great tool to use to find out a school's testing requirements.  Look under the "Admissions" tab in the college's profile.  SAT IIs are offered at the same time as the SAT Reasoning test (except in March).   Students may take a maximum of three SAT II subject tests at one sitting (each test is one hour in length). To register for SAT subject tests go to www.collegeboard.com.  For best results, we suggest you take SAT IIs after completing the coursework that relates to the test.  The College Board's Subject Tests Preparation Center gives you tips and strategies, talks about specific SAT Subject Tests, and gives you other information about what you need to know to take an SAT Subject Test. You can also read more about the SAT Subject Tests or download the SAT Subject Tests Preparation Booklet from www.collegeboard.com.  If you decide to take SAT Subject tests, June 7 is the final testing date for this school year and the registration deadline is May 6, 2008.  Be advised that Subject Tests are NOT required by all colleges!  Many state universities do NOT ask for SAT II scores -- University of Maryland, for example, does not require SAT II tests.

WHAT IS THE ACT and SHOULD I TAKE IT?
The ACT is a college entrance exam similar to the SAT Reasoning Test. Both tests help colleges predict your chances of success during the freshman year, and most colleges will accept either exam for admissions purposes. While the SAT test contains only math, reading & writing sections, the ACT includes sections on english, reading, math & science & writing (optional).  Both tests allow students to use calculators and colleges will accept the ACT or SAT for college admissions purposes.  At a glance, differences between the two tests include:

    -    The ACT math includes some trigonometry, the SAT does not.

    -    The SAT questions within a particular set appear in order of difficulty, not true on the ACT.

    -    The SAT is not all multiple choice, the ACT is.

-          The SAT has a wrong answer penalty; the ACT does not.

To learn more about the ACT or to register for the final ACT test for this school year on June 14, go to www.actstudent.org.  The registration deadline is May 9, 2008.   

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.

ALL STUDENTS ATTENDING MC  TAKE ACCUPLACER TEST - Students who wish to attend Montgomery College must take the placement test before enrolling in classes (exception:  SAT reading score >=550 and SAT Math score >= 550).  The Rockville campus assessment center will offer several Accuplacer and LOEP (for non-native speakers) placement tests throughout the Spring for your convenience.  Check out the website for more information:  www.montgomerycollege.edu/departments/assessctr/mcpsspring08.pdf. 

MONTGOMERY COLLEGE PARENT/STUDENT NIGHT, Rockville campus - Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 5:00-8:00 pm in the Performing Arts Center.  Seating is limited so please RSVP in advance to recruit@montgomerycollege.edu.  Students who submit an admissions application on May 20 will have the $25 application fee waived.  Tour the campus, talk one-on-one with MC representatives regarding admissions, counseling, disability support services, financial aid, student life, athletics and much more.  Contact:  Kim.Brown@montgomerycollege.edu or 240-567-4145.

TELEMUNDO HISPANIC HERITAGE ESSAY CONTEST - Deadline:  June 27, 2008

Hispanic students in gr. 9-12 should enter the Telemundo Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest. Educational grants and laptop computers will be awarded to the top 4 contestants.  The essay topic is "Why is Hispanic Heritage Month Important?"  Winners will be announced in September.  Application forms can be found in the Career Center or you may download the rules and form from www.nbc4.com.  Entries may be faxed to 703-820-9686 or mailed to:  Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest, c/o Telemundo/Washington DC, 2775 South Quincy Street, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22206.

SUMMER SEARCH 2008 CATALOG (produced by MCPS)

Now  available online -- visit the MCPS webpage to view the publication:  http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/summersearch/

MC's HOW TO SUCCEED IN COLLEGE  - H.S. seniors who will attend Montgomery College, Rockville Campus in the fall should take advantage of this new student pre-college summer experience.  Four two-week orientation sessions to choose from:  Mon. - Fri, starting July 7, July 21 or August 4.  Students must commit to daily attendance (3 hrs/day) and full participation in all program activities in order to receive one course credit.  To register for this program, submit MC application form, complete MC testing (240-567-7459), register & pay for section of DS107 (First Year Seminar).  For information: 301-251-7459  or  www.montgomerycollege.edu/departments/studevrv/htsic.html .

SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMS at MONTGOMERY COLLEGE - June 16-August 15, 2008 -The brochure offering summer programs at MC Rockville campus for students in grades K-12 is available online.  These programs fill quickly, so you need to register as soon as possible.  A limited number of scholarships may be available for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch.  For more information:  www.montgomerycollege.edu/youth or call 240-567-7264 or 7917 for the WDCE Youth Programs office.

UMCP COLLEGE ACCESS CONFERENCE - Saturday, June 21, 2008, 8:00-3:00 - The University of Maryland College Park undergraduate admissions staff invites 10th & 11th grade students and their families to their College Access Conference to learn how to navigate the admissions process, tour the campus and find out more about financial aid and merit scholarships.  A luncheon and student panel, along with representatives from the different academic departments will be included.  There is no cost for registration, but you must register online at www.uga.umd.edu/admissions/visit/cac.asp  or call 301-314-8385 by Monday, June 16 if you wish to attend.

 

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND COLLEGE PARK COLLEGE-BOUND PROGRAM - This summer program targets rising juniors & seniors and provides them with information on study skills, campus resources, and college life. It is designed to help students be successful in their transitions to college and to help them with their high school coursework, as well.  Program will be held from July 1 – 31, 2008, Monday–Thursday each week from 10:00-12:00.  The fee for this program is $280.  Website:  http://www.counseling.umd.edu/LAS/html/Coll_bnd.html    Contact:  Shirley Browner, 301-314-7702 or 301-314-7693.

SAT PREPARATION COURSE -  The Montgomery College Workforce Development and Continuing Education Office offers an SAT Prep Course which is conducted in various MCPS schools. This 32 hour course meets either after school, in the evening, or on Saturday mornings. The course is designed to help students achieve a score that better reflects their knowledge and abilities by practicing with REAL SATs, teaching test format, teaching test taking strategies, reviewing content and raising test taking confidence.

For Maryland residents, the cost of the course is $275 plus the cost of the textbook, and $400 plus the cost of the textbook for non-county residents. Information on dates, locations and registration is available at www.montgomerycollege.edu/wdce/satprep.html or a brochure can be obtained from an MCPS College and Career Center or the School Counseling Office.  Registration assistance and information can also be obtained by contacting 240-567-5188. Flyers advertising courses for the fall SATs are mailed to the homes of rising juniors and seniors at the end of July. A second mailing advertising spring SATs will occur in early December.

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.  These courses are free but students must register for them during the normal course registration time.

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.

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.

FREE COLLEGE TECH PREP CREDITS at MC - Did you know that your student can earn free College Tech Prep credits at Montgomery College just by enrolling in one of 38 Career Pathway Programs?  These credits may be earned by students who are interested in careers such as biotechnology medicine, engineering, business, computer programming, accounting, construction & development, hospitality & tourism, restaurant management and many more.  For more information, request a brochure from the School Counseling Office or Career Center called, "College Articulation Agreements for Montgomery County Public Schools' Students."  For further information:  MCPS CTE office 240-632-6947 or 240-567-4141.

NEW INTERIOR DESIGN PROGRAM - Thomas Edison High School of Technology - If you are creative & artistic, like to work with a variety of materials, want to learn about business and be a team player, this new program for MCPS students may be just right for you.  Inquire about it with your counselor or call Mrs. Denise Fennell at 301-929-2097 at Edison.

EXPLORING COLLEGE OPTIONS at Duke, Georgetown, Harvard, Penn & Stanford - May 12, 7:30 pm - Student/Parent Information Session in Bethesda, MD, Hyatt Regency Bethesda, One Bethesda Metro Center, Bethesda, MD 20814. RSVP: 301-657-1234

 

INFORMATION SESSION for PENN STATE - May 13, 7:00-9:00 pm - Students and parents are invited to learn more about Penn State.  Location:  Hampton Inn & Suites, 1565 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD.  Registration & directions:  www.admissions.psu.edu/infoprograms

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA GREENSBORO INFORMATION SESSION - May 14, 2008, 6:30 pm - this is an opportunity for prospective students and their families to learn more about UNCG and hear from current student leaders & faculty.  To register:  www.uncg.edu/adm/visit or call 336-334-5243.

MCBiomedical Scholars Program - application deadline is May 15, 2008. This full tuition & fees competitive scholarship program provides a wonderful summer opportunity as well as mentoring & support for biomedical majors during their studies at MC. There was a delay in getting out their program information for fall 2008. The website has their special application and details about the program.www.montgomerycollege.edu/biomedicalscholars/

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.

 

RIDERWOOD VILLAGE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY NEEDS WORKERS - Are you willing to serve the  elderly?  RIDERWOOD VILLAGE needs servers.  An employment fair will be held this Saturday, May 17, 2008, from 10-1 .  Location:  3120 Gracefield Road , Montgomery Station/Performance Hall, Silver Spring , MD.   Bring report card or transcript (min  GPA 2.5), resume and work permit.  On the spot interviews provided.

 

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS INFORMATION SESSION for MIAMI UNIVERSITY (OH) - May 20, 2008, 7:30 pm - Learn about the difference a Miami education can make for you.  Location:  Northern Virginia Community College, Annadale Campus.  For more info and to RSVP for the event:  www.muohio.edu/inmytown.

 

LET'S GET IT STARTED YOUTH JOB FAIR - May 31, 2008, 10:00-2:00 - Montgomery College Rockville Campus Gymnasium - Over 50 employers are expected to exhibit at this job fair.  Students must bring their resume and be ready for an on-site interview.  These are entry-level jobs, both seasonal & permanent and admission is FREE.  For more information: email: info@letsgetitstartedyouthjobfair.com or 301-495-0441, ext. 223.

 

AFRICAN AMERICAN FESTIVAL OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE - Saturday, June 7, 2008  - for African American high school students (9-12) who have earned a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 or better through the first semester of this school year.  Eligible students who registered by returning their form to Mrs. Moore before April 18 are expected to attend this event to celebrate and receive their award.  This year's festival will be held at the University of Maryland's Cole Field House from 1:30-3:30 pm.  Come celebrate diversity & success!  Be aware that awards such as the AAFAE are noticed by college representatives who read admissions applications, so please encourage your child to participate.  301-598-4150 or www.aafaeonline.org.

MONTGOMERY COLLEGE - BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP - If you are planning to attend MC for the 2008-09 school year and have significant financial need, consider applying for the Board of Trustees Foundation Scholarship.  Requirements:  good academic standing; no SAT or citizenship requirements for this award, financial need (submit FAFSA student aid report).  Students may apply for any major, any program and any campus (including Biomedical Scholars, School of Art & Design, etc).  Forms can be found in the Career Center or online at www.montgomerycollege.edu/finaid.  Application Deadline:  June 13, 2008

UMCP - SPRING INTO THE FUTURE! - Saturdays: May 17, 31; June 7, 14, 21 and weekdays June 17-20, 2008 - 9:00-2:00 - this program is open to current sophomores & juniors interested in math, engineering and science.  Learn more about the UM School of Engineering; design & build a trebuchet for five Saturdays culminating with a design competition on June 21.  Lunch will be provided.  Cost is $75.  Registration forms in Blake Career Center.  For more info:  Bruk Berhane, 301-405-8106.

UMCP - SAT STRATEGIES SUMMER WORKSHOP - July 7-31, 2008 - 9:00-12:00 or 1:00-4:00 workshop for 40+ hours of instruction including a pre and post-test to review your progress.  Cost:  $550 if received by June 1; $600 if received after June 1.  Rising sophomores, juniors & seniors will learn about successful test-taking skills and reasoning strategies to help maximize your scores on the SAT.  Registration forms in the Blake Career Center.  Contact info:  Bruk Berhane, 301-405-8106

HOWARD UNIVERSITY SCIENCE CONNECTIONS FOR HEALTH CAREERS - July 8 - August 1, 2008 - This summer program is for junior high and high school students that have an interest in health/science careers.  This academic enrichment program is designed to establish vital anchors for science education, college, and ultimately for careers in the sciences.  Minimum GPA: 2.8; two letters of recommendation and the cost is $300.  Apply online:  www.coas.howard.edu , click on "Preprofessional Studies," and then "Summer Programs."  Deadline:  Open until all slots are filled.  For information:  preprofessioonal@howard.edu or 202-238-2363.