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

 

COLLEGE REPS VISIT THE BLAKE CAREER CENTER - Throughout the fall college admissions representatives make appointments to visit & recruit  Blake juniors & seniors.  These meetings are held  in the Career Center and students may attend if they bring their agenda book to Mrs. Moore at least one day in advance to obtain a pass.  A list of colleges that have already made appointments can be accessed from Naviance:  http://connection.naviance.com/blake.  All seniors have been assigned an individual password to enter.  The Guest password for Blake H.S. students is:  210959.  Click on "visit schedule" to see a current list of colleges visiting Blake so far (subject to change).

 

SAT PREP CRASH COURSE OFFERED AT BLAKE  Need help preparing for the December SAT test?  Consider registering for a 7-day crash course for Blake H.S. seniors from Nov. 12-20, 2:30-4:30 pm in room B113.  Cost is just $50.  Register & pay by phone:  Revolution Prep 1-877-REV-PREP.  Don't delay...this class will fill quickly!

REGISTER FOR THE December SAT TEST NOW!    October 30 is the deadline to register for the December 1, 2007 SAT test.  The best way to do this is online:  www.collegeboard.com.   Cost is $43.00, and you can charge this on your credit card.  After November 8th a LATE FEE applies--extra $22.  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.

CONSIDER THE ACT ASSESSMENT  -   November 2 is the deadline to register for the December 8 ACT test.  The best way to do this is online:  www.actstudent.org   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 (optional) is $14.50 more, which can be charged on your credit card. November 15  is the LATE registration DEADLINE – extra charge + $19.00

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.

2006-07 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.
2007
10/06/07	Walter Johnson HS	Sue Hartung	301-571-6920
11/03/07	Walter Johnson HS	Sue Hartung	301-571-6920
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.

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 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.

 

BLAKE H.S. HOSTS SAT PREP CLASSES AT SCHOOL - Contact:  Moriah Martin, SAT Coordinator

StudyWorks, Mon/Wed, 10/8/07 - 10/31/07, 6-8:30 pm, Cost $299.  CANCELLED DUE TO LACK OF INTEREST!

Kaplan SAT Prep, Sat/Tues, 10/20/07-11/27/07, 10:00-2:00 (Sat) and 6:30-9:15 pm (Tues), Cost $699

     (mention Blake HS)

 

COLLEGEBOARD SAT PREP – free online practice

 

The College Board offers a FREE online SAT Prep site for Montgomery County public high schools.  To access the free online course go to: www.collegeboard.com/satonlinecourseschool/ .  In the “Students” box, click on “Register Now.”  Enter Blake high school’s CEEB code:  210959.  Sign in with your collegeboard.com account or create a new one by obtaining a unique password from the 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.

 

Another free website for SAT or ACT prep:  www.number2.com!

PREPARING FOR SUCCESS seminar is aimed at high school girls who plan to attend college or enter the workplace.  The day's events include:  fashion show, getting into college and paying for it, survivor's guide to independence, resume writing & interview techniques, street law and how to stay safe.  This annual event is sponsored by the Montgomery County Women's Bar Foundation and will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2007 from 10-4:30.  at the MC campus in Rockville, Theatre Arts Building, 51 Mannakee Street, 20850.  Free bus service from Blake at 9:30 a.m.  If you need transportation, call Donna Van Scoy at 301-610-0110.  Lunch will be provided.

 

COLLEGE INFORMATION SESSIONS (held locally)

 

New York University, Saturday, October 20, 2007 Info Session in Washington, DC and Bethesda, MD.  For times & locations and to reserve your space online, visit website:  www.admissions.nyu.edu/receptions or call 212-998-4524.

 

Pennsylvania State University Information Sessions, Monday, October 22, 2007, 7-9 pm, Hilton Washington DC/Rockville, 1750 Rockville Pike or Tuesday, October 23, 2007, 7-9 pm, Hilton Garden Inn Fairfax, 3950 Fair Ridge Drive, Fairfax, VA.

 

Tulane University (LA), Tuesday, October 23, 2007, 7:00 pm Information Session, Marriott Baltimore Waterfront Hotel, 700 Aliceanna Street, Baltimore, MD 21202.  RSVP:  1-800-873-WAVE.

 

Duke University (NC) Thursday, October 25, 2007, 7:30 pm, Discover Duke info session, Landon School, 6101 Wilson Lane, Bethesda, MD 20817, No reservation necessary. 

 

Princeton University (NJ), Sunday, October 7, 2007 - Info Session at Marriott Tysons Corner, 8028 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA  22182 OR Monday, October 29, 2007, 7:00 pm, Admissions session at Sheraton Inner Harbor, 300 S. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.  609-258-3060 or uaoffice@princeton.edu.

 

University of Mary Washington (VA), Tuesday, October 30 info session at the Holiday Inn Columbia, Preakness/Belmont Room, 7900 Washington Blvd., Columbia OR Wednesday, November 7 at the Marriott Baltimore Inner Harbor at Camden Yards, 110 South Eutaw Street, Baltimore.

 

College of Charleston (SC), Tuesday, October 30, 2007, 7:00 pm, Info session/reception, Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville 20852, RSVP:  843-953-3917 or email kareshm@cofc.edu.

 

Kent State University (OH) Tuesday, October 30, 2007, 7:30 pm, Info session at Marriott Gaithersburg, Washingtonian Center, 9751 Washingtonian Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD  20878 or Wed., October 31, 2007, 7:30 pm, Marriott Fairfax at Fair Oaks, 11787 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax, VA 22033.  Make a reservation:  www.admissions.kent.edu/events/infonights or call 1-800-988-KENT.

 

Morgan State University (MD), Friday, November 2, 2007, 9:00-4:00 - Open House on the Morgan campus.  Register to attend online:  www.morgan.edu.

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OVERNIGHT COLLEGE CAMPUS VISITS:

 

CONNECTICUT COLLEGE Overnight Multicultural Weekend - October 6-8, 2007 or November 10-12, 2007 - Explore is a multicultural program for underrepresented students and those interested in issues of diversity who are interested in Connecticut College.  Application required:  www.conncoll.edu/admission/adm_explore.htm.  860-439-2200

 

UMCP Overnight Program for prospective students: 

SEWANEE: UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH (TN) MULTICULTURAL WEEKEND - November 8-10, 2007 - for high school seniors - Apply by September 28, 2007, as space is limited.  Travel & other expenses covered for students interested in diversity and applying to Sewanee.  Submit nomination form signed by guidance counselor and official copy of H.S. transcript & test scores.  http://admission.sewanee.edu or email:  admiss@sewanee.edu or all:  800-522-2234

 

CARNEGIE MELLON SLEEPING BAG WEEKENDS - October 7-8, October 21-22, November 11-12, 2007 and 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.

 

WELLESLEY COLLEGE (MA) Fall Open Campus/Overnight program - October 14-15, 2007 - for high school seniors.  Register before October 9, 2007, space is limited.  Schedule & Registration:  www.wellesley.edu/admission/fall2007 or call 781-283-2270.

 

TRINITY COLLEGE (CT) MULTICULTURAL PREVIEW WEEKEND - November 3-5, 2007 - Deadline to register:  October 15, 2007.

High school seniors with at least a "B" average are encouraged to apply for this preview weekend.  The program highlights the experiences for African American, Latino, Asian-American, Native American & multi-racial students.  Selected students will receive financial assistance for transportation, housing & meals.  Contact:  860-297-2577 or email: admissions.office@trincoll.edu. 

 

SEWANEE: UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH (TN) MULTICULTURAL WEEKEND - November 8-10, 2007 - for high school seniors - Apply by September 28, 2007, as space is limited.  Travel & other expenses covered for students interested in diversity and applying to Sewanee.  Submit nomination form signed by guidance counselor and official copy of H.S. transcript & test scores.  http://admission.sewanee.edu or email:  admiss@sewanee.edu or all:  800-522-2234

 

VASSAR COLLEGE (NY) MULTICULTURAL BUS TRIP - November 10-12, 2007 - Stay overnight, meet students, sit in on a class, meet the faculty and tour the beautiful campus.  Space is limited.  Apply online before October 20, 2007 at http://admissions.vassar.edu/bustrip/.  More info:  bustrip@vassar.edu or 800-827-7270.

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BROWN UNIVERSITY (RI) OPEN HOUSE FOR ENGINEERING - Saturday, October 20, 2007, 1:30 pm - meet in the lobby of the Barus & Holley Building, Tanner Auditorium (Room 166) on the Brown University campus.  For more information:  401-863-7930 or email:  open_house@brown.edu.

 

MONTGOMERY COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP CONFERENCE - Can you afford not to attend? - Saturday, October 20, 2007, 8:15-2:30 pm, Germantown Campus, High Tech Building.  FREE information:  financial aid, scholarships, transfer resources & representatives from regional colleges.  Keynote address:  "The Scholarship Workshop," presented by Marianne Ragins, author of "Winning Scholarships for College."

 

MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY STUDENT PAGE PROGRAM   Seniors who are at least 16 yrs old who are legal residents of the State of Maryland are eligible to apply for the student page program at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, MD.  Interest in state government and history, average or above average academic record, social security number, good conduct, competent, reliable, courteous, outgoing personality are all characteristics sought after by the selection committee.  Application online: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/studentaffairs/sao/page.  For further information call:  Karen Crawford, 301-670-1419.   Deadline for applications:  October 26, 2007.  Students who are selected for the page program will be notified by November 15, 2007.

 

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA Hispanic/Latino Open House scheduled on Friday, November 9, 2007 and an African American Open House on Saturday, November 10, 2007.  These are special programs designed for minority outreach.  Parents are encouraged to come with questions and visit the beautiful campus during this all-day event.

 

MARYLAND STATE NAACP CONFERENCE is hosting a National Day of College Preparation on Saturday, November 10, 2007 at the Milford Mills Academy, 3800 Washington, Baltimore, MD  21244.  This event is FREE from 8:00-2:00.  Students may take a full length practice SAT and receive a score analysis on the spot, listen to test-taking strategies from Princeton Review, and receive a copy of Cracking the SAT plus literature on financial aid.  You can register on http://www.naacp.org/youth/college/index.htm.  Contact:  Bessie Bordenave, 443-280-1935 or email bbordena01@yahoo.com.

 

FIELD TRIP - HOWARD UNIVERSITY (DC) - Guidance Counselors will accompany interested juniors & seniors on a field trip to Howard University on November 20, 2007.  Permission forms are available in the Guidance Office and the bus transportation fee is $7.00.  Completed forms must be returned to Guidance by Nov. 13 and only one bus will be reserved for this trip (max. 35 students).  We will leave Blake H.S. 9:00 and return by 1:00.

 

HOLY CROSS HOSPITAL SCHOOL OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY  is currently accepting applications for the class due to start in July 2008.  A health occupations aptitude test is required in March and class selection will take place in May.  Application fee:$30; Tuition: $2,000 for two-year program; Books: $750. For more information:  Stacie Maier, Program Director, 301-754-7889 or maiers@holycrosshealth.org.

 

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.

 

SERVE AS AN ELECTION JUDGE!  - Montgomery County Board of Elections needs workers!  Seniors who are age 18 before February 12th can register to vote and serve as an election official.  Election officials are paid and it is a very rewarding experience.  Contact:  Montgomery County Board of Elections, Election Judge Coordinator, 240-777-8500

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.

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.  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."

U.S. SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINATIONS - Deadline:  October 19, 2007 - Congressman Chris Van Hollen will consider nominating top candidates for the U. S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy or U.S. Merchant Marine Academy if they apply before October 19, 2007.  Interested students must complete an application form for Cong. Van Hollen (available online at http://vanhollen.house.gov or obtain paper copy from  char.rosnick@mail.house.gov) AND apply directly to each desired academy.  Include SAT/ACT scores, official transcript, three recommendation letters.  More information available in the Blake Career Center.

HORATIO ALGER SCHOLARSHIP - Deadline:  October 30, 2007 - for graduating seniors who have demonstrated integrity, perseverance in overcoming adversity, strength of character, U.S. citizen or permanent resident, significant financial need (family income less than  $50,000/yr), a good academic record (min cumulative GPA 2.0), commitment to pursue a college education, involvement in community service & extracurricular activities, and a desire to contribute to society.  Apply online:  www.horatioalger.com/scholarships.

UPCOMING COLLEGE FAIRS:

Black College Expo - Saturday, October 20, 2007 @ Prince George's Sports & Learning Center, 9:00 a.m. over 50 HBCUs and educational seminars (some on-the-spot acceptances & scholarship opportunity).  For more information:  www.blackcollegeexpo.com or call 1-877-427-4100 or email: jasmine@blackcollegeexpo.com.   

 

Congressman Albert Wynn's Annual College Fair & Financial Aid Workshop - Saturday, October 27, 2007, 11:00-3:00, Northwestern High School, 7000 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville, MD  20782, 301-773-4094.

 

Hispanic College Fair – Tuesday, November 6, 2007 @ Universities at Shady Grove Conference Center, Gaithersburg, 9:30-12:30, MCPS high school field trip for Latino juniors & seniors.  Completed permission forms required by October 30, 2007 to be included; free bus transportation.  On the evening prior to the fair,  Monday, November 5, 7:00-8:30 pm (same location) - attend the Hispanic College Fair Informational Session:  scholarships & financial aid, choosing the right college fit, understanding the application process, SAT/ACT/TOEFL testing procedures. 

 

Greater Washington, DC National College Fair - Thursday, November 8, 2007 @Washington Convention Center, Washington DC from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., & 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

 

Baltimore National College Fair -   November 12-13, 2007 @ Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD. / Nov. 12 = 9:00 a.m.  to 1:00 p.m., & 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Nov. 13 = 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

 

ASVAB (ARMED SERVICES VOCATIONAL APTITUDE BATTERY) is a career exploration test administered free to interested tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students.  Blake H.S. will offer the ASVAB on November 8 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. 

FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP at Blake  The Financial Aid Workshop will be held on November 14 at 7:00 pm.  Parents of seniors should plan to attend this event in the amphitheatre.  Our speaker will be the Director of Financial Aid from Montgomery College, Melissa Gregory.  She will discuss the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and answer all your questions about how to find money for college.  FAFSA forms should be available for parents to take home and begin completing.  The completed FAFSA should be submitted between January 1 and March 1, 2008.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP GREATER WASHINGTON PROGRAM - Application Deadline: November 16, 5:00 pm - Cost: $150, but no student will be turned away for financial reasons - This group connects promising young leaders and gives them the tools they need to make a difference in their community.  35 high school sophomores & juniors from the DC metro area obtain intensive hands-on leadership training once a month beginning in January 2008.  YLGW Contact person:  Kenneth Barrow, 202-777-4496 or kbarrow@lgwdc.org or go to the website: http://lgwdc.org/cs/root/programs/ylgw to print an application offline.  Completed applications mailed to: 1725 I St., NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20006.

LAFAYETTE COLLEGE NEEDS PARENTS FOR CAREER EXTERNSHIPS - Help a college student explore their career choice through an externship.  An externship is a two - five day job shadowing experience held at your workplace during the January semester break.  Immerse a student in your daily activities to help him/her gain a better understanding of your field.  Students are not paid and are responsible for their own transportation and housing.  Contact:  Rachel Nelson Moeller, Associate Director, Career Services, Lafayette College (PA), 610-330-5118 or email: moellerr@lafayette.edu.

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.

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.

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.