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

 

REGISTER FOR THE January SAT TEST NOW !    December 15 is the deadline to register for the January 23, 2010 SAT test.  The best way to do this is online:  http://www.collegeboard.com/.   Cost is $45.00, and you can charge this on your credit card.  After Dec. 30 a LATE FEE applies--extra $23.  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.  When registering for the test, please include the H.S. Code for Blake: 210959.

REGISTER FOR THE ACT ASSESSMENT  -   November 20 is the LATE deadline to register for the December 12th ACT test.  The best way to register is online:  http://www.actstudent.org/   A few 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 $32.00 + writing test is $15.00 more ($47 total), which can be charged on your credit card. Because Nov. 20  is the LATE registration DEADLINE, there is an extra charge + $21. Be sure to include the H.S. Code when registering: 210959.

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. Fee waivers are honored only for on-time test registration.

NEW SAT SCORE REPORTING POLICY -
Designed to relieve student stress and improve the test-day experience, this new SAT score-reporting feature provides students the opportunity to select which scores they send to colleges by test date for the SAT and by individual test for SAT Subject Tests(TM). Students can send any or all scores to a college on a single report. It will not cost more to send one, multiple or all test scores, and students can easily sign up through the Web. The new score-reporting feature will launch in Spring 2009 for all students. Starting with the class of 2010, this feature will help lessen the anxiety associated with testing, and allow students to put their best foot forward on test day. For more information on the new score-reporting policy, please go to: http://click.collegeboard.com:8080/17207208.1264.0.785

2009-2010 TESTING FOR SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS

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.

SAT Special Needs Testing Locations: 2009-2010 -  MCPS provides a central testing location in Bethesda for most students pre-approved for accommodations on the SAT. The student using the Walter Johnson H.S. special testing center will receive notification from the College Board that they are approved for "School Testing" and report to WJHS on the day of the test. Students requiring the use of a reader and/or writer will test at his/her home school and will receive approval for "Site Testing." For additional information contact Sue Hartung at the Walter Johnson High School site (301-803-7140).

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. Classes meet 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 $275 for county residents and $415 for non-county residents. You may register by mail, fax or in person.  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 October, November, December and January SATs are direct mailed at the end of July to all incoming juniors and seniors. A second mailing, advertising classes to prepare for the spring administration of the SAT will occur in late December.

 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.

 

OTHER SAT PREP Courses:

University of Maryland College Park Pre-College LIFT Program offers SAT Prep course this fall for $250 on their campus. These are 6-week sessions and the registration form is in the Blake Career Center. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis and sessions could be cancelled if the minimum number of registered students is not met. In the case of cancellation, refunds will be granted. Check out the offerings below:

Jan. 30 - March 6 (to prepare for the March 13, 2010 SAT)

April 24 - May 29 (to prepare for the June 5, 2010 SAT)

Revolution Prep offer courses in our area throughout the school year. They guarantee a 200-point score increase and need based financial aid is available for students who apply well in advance of the course date for a scholarship, which includes a needs assessment essay. The cost of the Revolution Prep course is $499 and you can register online at www.revolutionprep.com or call 1-877-REV-PREP.

StudyWorks offers courses for varying levels of SAT readiness at a variety of locations. Cost: $595; Saturdays, Sundays (morning/afternoon) or Tuesday evenings. Check schedule on www.studyworks.com for any special discounts.

NEW SAT Prep for MCPS students – free online practice

Students should take advantage of the FREE SAT and ACT online prep offered by MCPS.  To access this resource, visit the MCPS homepage, www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org, and click on the “for students” tab.   The link for this test prep is in the top left hand corner.  Directions for how to access the site are clearly stated.  Username & password is the student's school I.D. number. Students can pace themselves through the online course, but should set goals such as 1-2 hours per week for SAT/ACT Prep. 

For the self-motivated student, here are some free SAT or ACT practice sites:
http://www.number2.com
http://www.collegeboard.com
http://www.actexampracticetests.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 each individual college's requirements.  The National Center for Fair & Open Testing publishes a list at:  http://www.fairtest.org/.

COLLEGE REPS VISIT THE BLAKE CAREER CENTER - The college rep visits are winding down now, but a few will be coming to the Career Center in November. Blake juniors & seniors are welcome to attend if they bring their agenda book to Mrs. Moore at least one day in advance to obtain a pass.  To see a list of colleges that have made appointments visit Naviance/Family Connection:  http://connection.naviance.com/blake.  All seniors have been assigned an individual password to enter Naviance, but if forgotten, please contact your counselor or Mrs. Moore and we'll reset it.  The Guest password for Blake H.S. students or parents is:  210959.  Click on "visit schedule" to see a current list of colleges who have made an appointment to visit Blake (subject to change).

COLLEGE CAMPUS VISITS --> GO AMTRAK! - Buy one, Get one free!   JUNIORS & SENIORS start making travel plans.  Tickets must be booked 7 days in advance.  You may access the AMTRAK website for details on how to access this discount:  www.campusvisit.com/amtrak.  Fill out a short form; hit Submit for special Amtrak promotion code; then book your ticket online or by phone with Amtrak using this special code.  Pick up your tickets and travel in comfort to college campuses.

LOOKING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS? - Many local scholarship opportunities are posted on the Career Center webpage and links to the application form & eligibility criteria are included when offered: http:www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/blakehs/, click on "Students" and then on "Career Center." Some scholarship forms are not available online, but can be found in the Career Center files. See Mrs. Moore for assistance.

MINORITY SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION - A list of scholarships that target minority students has been posted on the Blake H.S. webpage for your convenience. They are listed in chonological order along with contact information. To view the document online, go to: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/blakehs/ and click on "Students," "Career Center." Look on the left side of the Career Center page for "Scholarships for Minority Students." http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/careercenter/minorityscholarships.shtm.

BLAKE COLLEGE ADMISSION PROCEDURES  - The "Life After High School -- Collegebound" packet that seniors are given when they meet with their counselor to discuss post-secondary 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 and websites for Exploring College/Career Goals.  Go to:  www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/blakehs/  Click on  "Students," and then on "Career Center."  Choose:  "College Admissions Process."

 

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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.ncaaclearinghouse.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." New eligibility rules for playing sports in college were adopted in 2008, so seniors should deal with this now if they plan to play for competitive Division 1 or 2 schools.

ASVAB (ARMED SERVICES VOCATIONAL APTITUDE BATTERY) is a career exploration test which was administered free to interested tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students onNovember 5, 2009 at 7:30 a.m. The test helps to 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 encouraged 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 8 @ 8:30 am.  If you would like to learn more about the ASVAB, visit: www.asvabprogram.com and www.March2success.com.

FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP at Blake  The Financial Aid Workshop was held on November 10, 2009 at 7:00 pm.  Parents of seniors attended this event in the amphitheatre for an English presentation by the Director of Financial Aid from Montgomery College, Melissa Gregory.  She discussed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and answered questions about how to find money for college.  A similar presentation in Spanish was offered in the Career Center at the same time. FAFSA worksheets will be available for parents to take home and begin completing very soon. Parents were encouraged to use the Fafsa4Caster at www.fafsa.ed.gov to estimate their financial need and to create a pin number for the student and for the parent at this time.  The completed 2010-2011 FAFSA should be submitted between January 1 and March 1, 2010 to be eligible for the best possible aid.

DID YOU MISS THE FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP? If you missed the Blake Financial Aid Workshop, please consider attending a similar program at a neighboring high school. Here is the schedule for all high schools in MCPS: : http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/careercenter/financialaid/workshops.aspx. Another opportunity to get hands-on help with the FAFSA will take place on February 14, 2010 from 2-4 pm (snow date: Feb. 21) at MC Takoma Park campus in Silver Spring. COLLEGE GOAL SUNDAY is an annual event where financial aid volunteers from area colleges volunteer their time to individually help families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Bring your 2008 or 2009 taxes or W-2 forms, proof of residency (alien registration number) and your FAFSA PIN for assistance.

HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES RECRUITING LOCALLY - Several HBCUs are sponsoring on-the-spot evening admission/scholarship events in Montgomery County. The schedule is as follows:

Event date                       Institutions                            Location      
November 4, 2009         Morehouse & Dillard Universities  @ Gaithersburg HS 

November 19, 2009      *Trinity University @ Wheaton HS
November 23, 2009       Hampton University @   Rockville HS 
December 2, 2009         Morgan State University @  Walter Johnson HS
December 9, 2009         University of Maryland Eastern Shore @ Springbrook HS
December 17, 2009       Norfolk State University @ Albert Einstein HS
February 11, 2010         Bowie State University @ J.F. Kennedy HS  
February 17, 2010         UNCF/NAACP/MCPS College Fair @  Richard Montgomery HS
March 10, 2010              Coppin State University @  Northwood HS

*Trinity University, an all women’s college in DC, is offering an on-the-spot admissions event especially for students of color (however, all are welcome) on November 19, 2009 at Wheaton HS. 

Contact the Blake School Counselor or Career Center for more information (301-879-1324).  The high school hosting the event will want to know who to expect from Blake H. S.  Typically, these evening events begin at 6:00 pm with a presentation from the admissions rep, followed by individual interviews (first come/first served).  Students must be prepared with a completed application, transcript and test scores in hand and ready to interview with the admissions representative. Application fees are waived for participants.

HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE TOUR, Suggs/Lyons 2010 Tour - February 14-18 2010 - Colleges on tour:  Clark-Atlanta, Morehouse, North Carolina A & T, North Carolina Central, Johnson C. Smith, Hampton, Norfolk State University, Spelman College, Shaw University & Virginia Union University.  Cost:  $500 ($100 deposit due by 12/15/09; no checks after 1/15/10; full payment due 1/15/10.  Includes bus transportation, hotel & dinner each day.  For additional info: http://nhpcmc.com/ or call Darrell Marbury 301-390-8402 or Brenda Wolff at 301-260-8760.  Trip sponsored by Pan Hellenic Council of Montgomery County.  Registration forms in Blake Career Center.

UNITED ASSOCIATION MECHANICAL TRADES SCHOOL VISITS BLAKE - November 17, 9:15 a.m. - Have you ever considered an apprenticeship training program?  A representative from United Association Mechanical Trades School will visit Blake on November 17 from 9:15-10:00 a.m. in the Blake Career Center.  This five-year trades/apprenticeship program with campuses in Landover, MD and Springfield, VA offers programs to students who are interested in designing, building and maintaining all different types of piping systems, heating and air conditioning systems, and plumbing systems.  Students follow a licensed/trained journeyperson to work each day and get paid for their time and then go to classes two nights a week for about three hours at a time.  In the first year students make approximately $35,000 and each year they are in the program beyond that, they make approximately $5,000 more, all the while receiving excellent benefits.  By the time a student graduates, they can expect to make between $70,000-$80,000 a year while working for one of our 170 union contractors.  Not only can you make an excellent salary throughout your time in school, but since this is a tuition-free program, students will not graduate with any type of college loan debt.  United Association Mechanical Trades School also offers the chance for students to apply their apprenticeship credits toward an associate’s degree from either Montgomery College in Maryland or Washtenaw Community College in Michigan, which gives our students the best of both worlds -- a degree and a skilled trade.  They are working on an articulation agreement with Northern Virginia Community College.  Overall, the program provides students with not only the opportunity to start earning a great salary, but a great education, and ultimately a fascinating career.  If you like working with your hands, like working on cars, or enjoy building different things, this is an excellent opportunity for you. Mr. Andy Woodall will meet with interested students in the Career Center at 9:15 a.m. on November 17.   His contact information: Andy Woodall, (240)475-8391, andy_cfs@comcast.net, www.uamtradeschool.com

YOUTH LEADERSHIP GREATER WASHINGTON - Application deadline: November 20, 2009 H.S. Juniors and sophomore leaders with diverse backgrounds who would like to be a part of the Class of 2010 Youth Leadership of Greater Washington should apply online. Download your application atwww.lgwdc.org. Students who are aspiring leaders who can inspire and enlighten are the best candidates. The goal of the organization is to foster community involvement and involve students in contributing to their community. Cost: $200, but scholarships are available for students with financial need (no one is turned away because they cannot pay the fee. For more information about this opportunity check the website or Mrs. Moore in the Career Center.

PREPARING FOR SUCCESS (FREE) - November 21, 2009, 10:00-4:30, Montgomery College, Theatre Arts Building, 51 Mannakee Street, Rockville, MD 20850 - Several workshops: Getting into College & Paying for it; Guide to Independence, Landing a Job & Keeping it; How to Stay Safe; The Right Look - Fashion Show and free lunch are provided. Please register online: www.preparingforsuccess.org for free bus service from Blake HS, pick-up time 9:30 a.m. This program is sponsored by Women's Bar Foundation and Montgomery County Commission for Women. Contact person: Louise Schwartz, 301-654-4345 or patregnani@aol.com.

MACKLIN BUSINESS INSTITUTE at Montgomery College - November 23, 2009, 10:00 a.m. - A representative from the Macklin Business Institute at Montgomery College will visit Blake to discuss this very selective honors business program and two year scholarship. The ideal candidates for this program are seniors who have a passion for business and/or entrepreneurship and have shown a history of being involved in extracurricular and/or community service activities. For more information online: www.macklin.org. Application deadline: January 22, 2010

WEST POINT MILITARY ACADEMY - November 24, 2009, 9:00 a.m. - Cadet Tyler Carlson will visit Blake H.S. to discuss the benefits of a West Point education. Juniors who might be considering a military academy after H.S. should obtain a pass to attend. This prestigious and very selective college in NY is tuition fee to those who are accepted, however there is a service obligation once they have graduated from WP. Come to hear all the details & deadlines.

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM IN HVAC, REFRIGERATION, PROCESS PIPING &ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS TRADES - will be accepting applications in January 2010 on these dates & times:

January 4 & 11 (Mondays)................8:00-11:00 a.m.

January 6 & 13 (Wednesdays)...........8:00-11:00 a.m.

January 8 - 15 (Fridays).....................8:00-11:00 a.m.

For more information, call: Ronald O'Bier, Training Director at 301-341-1555.

HOLY CROSS HOSPITAL SCHOOL OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY  is currently accepting applications their 22-month program that devotes full time to the study of radiological science. Class starts in July 2010. Application deadline: February 1, 2010 A health occupations aptitude test is required this fall and class selection will take place in May.  For more information:  Stacie Maier, Program Director, 301-754-7889 or maiers@holycrosshealth.org. For additional information, please refer to website: www.holycrosshealth.org, click on "career opportunities" and then link to the Radiology School.

UMCP MARYLAND PATHWAYS PROGRAM - is for students with very low family incomes to attend college without debt. Maryland residents who receive a "0" EFC calculation on the FAFSA (adjusted gross incomes of $30,000 or less on their 1040A or 1040EZ income tax form) are eligible provided they are academically eligible for admission to University of Maryland. To be considered for the Maryland Pathways program or any other need-based aid, students must complete and submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) between January 1, 2010 and February 15, 2010. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to qualify for financial aid and an additional application for the MD Guaranteed Access Grant must be submitted, as well. For further information, see your counselor or the College & Career Center Coordinator.

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 http://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. 

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, http://www.gazette.net/ or www.studentjobs.gov.   Occasionally, employers notify the Blake Career Center of  vacancies.  In that case, a folder of job opportunities is available in the Career Center for students to look over.  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 - 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 done online.  Visit http://www.studentjobs.gov/ & http://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 early.  Some student employment/intern programs exist within NIH (paid/unpaid):  http://www.nih.gov/.

 

 

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