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

October 2011

 

REGISTER FOR THE ACT ASSESSMENT  -   November 4 is the deadline to register for the December 10, 2011 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 for those who do not have the ability to register online .  It is recommended that students register for the ACT Plus Writing, which includes a 30-minute Writing test.  The cost is $49.50, which can be charged on your credit card. November 18 is the LATE registration DEADLINE – extra charge + $21. Be sure to include the H.S. Code when registering: 210959. The ACT is not administered at Blake -- check on line for nearby locations.

REGISTER FOR THE OCTOBER1 SAT TEST NOW !    November 8 is the deadline to register for the December 3, 2011 SAT test.  The best way to do this is online:  http://www.collegeboard.org.   Cost is $49.00, and you can charge this on your credit card.  Between November 9-20 a registration LATE FEE applies--extra $26.  If you prefer completing a mail-in registration, pick up an SAT Registration envelope 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.

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 low income predetermined guidelines or for those whose family receives public assistance, live in subsidized housing or meet eligibility requirements for free or reduced school lunches.. Students should see Mrs. Moore for the Fee Waiver Eligibility Form and registration instructions. Students using a fee waiver must register online for the SAT or ACT with the assigned fee waiver number before the registration deadlines noted above.

SAT Special Needs Testing Locations: 2011-12 -  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.

MONTGOMERY COLLEGE OFFERS SAT & ACT PREP CLASSES in preparation for October, November & December tests. SAT prep has been available in the past through MC, but the increasing popularity of the ACT has lead to the development of a course to prepare for that college admissions test, as well. ACT prep classes are available to students who plan to take the ACT test in December. Several courses are offered to prepare students for the October SAT beginning in late August and ending a week before the test date. The fee is $295 for MD residents (not including the textbook).

If you are a student who needs only SAT Math prep, there's a class just for you! A separate course is available for students who need only the SAT critical reading and writing prep! Cost: $205

Please get online now to learn more about these prep course offerings and to register:   http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/wdce/brochures/sat_prep.pdfwww.montgomerycollege.edu/wdce.

SAT PREP COURSE at UMCP - This is a six-week LIFT SAT Preparation course which provides students with the knowledge and strategies necessary for success on the SAT. The course is offered on Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Small class sizes of 7 to 15 students for a cost of $275 for 6 weeks! For more information and to register online: http://www.precollege.umd.edu/liftsatprep.html. Future LIFT classes will be offered on these dates:

October 15 - November 19, 2011

January 28 - March 3, 2012

April 14 - May 19, 2012

KAPLAN SAT PREP CLASSES - John F. Kennedy & Kaplan Prep have partnered to offer a 10 session SAT Prep class beginning October 26 - November 30, 2011 to prepare students for the December 3 SAT test. Kennedy H.S. is located nearby at 1901 Randolph Road in Silver Spring. The class will be held on Monday/Wednesdays from 2:30-5:30 pm (sometimes until 6:30, when SAT practice tests are administered). The discount price is $275 and checks must be made payable to John F. Kennedy H.S. To register, please call the Career Coordinator at JFK -- Ms. Carroll at 301-929-2233.

ACT/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 sites are clearly stated.  Click on "James Hubert Blake H.S." and enter your six-digit student I.D. as both your username & password. Choose the test for which you wish to prepare. Students can pace themselves through the online course, but should set goals for themselves 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:

For the self-motivated student, here are some free SAT or ACT practice sites:
http://www.number2.com
http://www.collegeboard.com/practice
http://www.princetonreview.com
http://www.testprepreview.com
http://www.freevocabulary.com
http://www.vocabtest.com
http://www.sparknotes.com
http://www.act.org
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 - 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/Family Connections:  http://connection.naviance.com/blake.  All seniors have been assigned usernames & passwords 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 is:  210959.  Click on "college" tab and "college visits" to see a current list of colleges visiting Blake so far (subject to change).

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COLLEGE INFORMATION SESSIONS (held locally) -

DARTMOUTH, NORTHWESTERN, PRINCETON, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA (Berkeley), VANDERBILT UNIVERSITIES will host admissions information sessions together on Sunday, October 2, 7-9 pm at the Hilton Springfield, 6550 Loisdale Road, Springfield, VA 22150.

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY fall preview days - October 10, 2011, 9:30-3:30 - Meet current AU students and faculty, tour the campus, learn about programs, scholarships, etc. Register online: www.american.edu/admissions/previewday.cfm. or email: admissions@american.edu or call: 202-885-6000.

EMERSON COLLEGE (MA) - October 20, 2011, 7:00-8:30 pm - College Information Session @ Residence Inn Bethesda Downtown, 7335 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814. RSVP online at http://www.emerson.edu/admission/ontheroad.

TULANE UNIVERSITY information sessions - Sunday, October 23, 2011, 3:00 pm - Bethesda Marriott, 5151 Pooks Hill Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, 301-897-9400 or Wed., October 19, 2011, 7:00 pm at Tysons Corner Marriott, 8028 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182, 703-734-3200.

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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 Reflections Form, Parent Reflections Form, 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."

 

MOREHEAD-CAIN SCHOLARS PROGRAM, UNC CHAPEL HILL - nomination due October 1, 2011 - Are you interested in competing for the Morehead-Cain Scholars program at UNC Chapel Hill?  Blake has been invited to nominate ONE senior for this prestigious full scholarship that covers tuition, room, board, books, laptop & supplies.  It includes a full, four-year summer enrichment program made up of diverse, customized experiences that begin the summer before the freshman year with Outdoor Leadership, followed by Public Service, International Research, and Private Enterprise. Long considered the nation's premier undergraduate merit scholarship program, the Morehead-Cain offers dynamic young leaders a lifelong challenge to make a difference in the world.  The selection criteria includes:  leadership, academic excellence, moral face of character and physical vigor.  Nominees do not have to be class valedictorian, but should be in the top 10% of the class.  The middle 50% on SAT scores for out-of-state scholars is:
critical reading:  710-760
math:  690-780
writing:  700-770
Total:  2140-2260

For more information regarding selection criteria, visit:  www.moreheadcain.org.  Please let me know immediately if you would like to be considered for this, because the online application will take considerable time and effort.  Depending on interest, we will pick the top Blake senior to be our nominee. The deadline for submission of all online nomination forms is October 1.

GAPBUSTER LEARNING CENTER COLLEGE TOUR - Registration/payment Deadline: October 11, 2011 - Gapbuster is sponsoring a college tour from October 13-17, 2011 that will visit the following out-of-state colleges:  Clark Atlanta, Morehouse, Spelman, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory, North Carolina A & T, UNC Chapel Hill, UNC Greensboro, North Carolina Central, Duke, Hampton and Norfolk State universities.  The cost is $400, which includes bus transportation, two meals per day & hotel accommodations.  Scholarships available for eligible students. For more Information and Application visit our website at www.gapbuster.org or call 301-779-4252. Early Bird Discount: $325.00 (before September 30). Regular cost: $400.00

UMBC MEYERHOFF SCHOLARS PROGRAM - Deadline for nominations:  Oct. 15, 2011 - This outstanding scholarship opportunity is open to high achieving seniors who plan to pursue undergraduate studies in science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics (STEM) and plan to pursue doctoral studies in a STEM field, as well.  The Meyerhoff scholarships range from $5,000 to $22,000 per year and students should have an interest in the advancement of minorities in the sciences and related fields. Seniors must be nominated by their H.S. Eligibility criteria:  cumulative unweighted GPA 3.0 or better, minimum of 600 on the Math portion of SAT,    excellent grades in math, science, computer science or engineering in H.S., demonstrated commitment to community service, U.S. citizen or permanent resident. See Mrs. Moore if you wish to be considered.

 

UNC CHARLOTTE LEVINE SCHOLARS PROGRAM - Deadline for nominations: Oct. 15, 2011 - This four year scholarship for $140,000 over four years for an out-of-state student ($90,000 for in-state students) is available to high achieving seniors who demonstrate commitment to community service and ethical leadership. Average GPA is between 3.8-4.0 (unweighted) and SATs average 1800-2400 on all three sections or ACT 29-36. Nominees must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents who apply as freshmen to UNC Charlotte for the fall after graduating from HS. Fifteen of these scholarships are awarded each year in addition to a laptop computer, an $8,000 service grant and four summer experiences. For more information: http://levinescholars.uncc.edu or email kelleyshealy@uncc.edu or call 704-687-7288.

 

MONTGOMERY COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP CONFERENCE - Saturday, October 22, 2011, 8:30-2:00

Learn all about college scholarships at Montgomery College, the Universities at Shady Grove, and regional colleges and universities at the

Annual College Scholarship Conference
Saturday, October 22, 2011
8:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
The Universities at Shady Grove, Building II, 9630 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, MD 20850

Online preregistration for the conference is required. www.montgomerycollege.edu/scholarshipconference.
Registration begins September 19. Questions? Contact organizers The Transfer Scholarship Coordinating Committee at scholarshipconference@montgomerycollege.edu.

MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY STUDENT PAGE PROGRAM -     Deadline for applications:  October 26, 2011 - 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.  Stipend: $50 per day to cover expenses; plus $22 for lodging near the State House. Each selected student will have the opportunity to work two nonconsecutive weeks (M-F) at the State House in Annapolis for either the Senate or House of Delegates. Represent your school and your county between January 11 - April 9, 2012. For further information call:  Karen Crawford, 301-670-1419 or email: karen_L_crawford@mcpsmd.org.  Students who are selected for the page program will be notified by November 15, 2011.

UPCOMING COLLEGE FAIRS are posted on the Career Center webpage under the "College/Career Fairs" link and below. Take a look at what's coming up this fall. Blake H.S. will provide field trip buses to the Hispanic College Fair on October 19, 2011. Permission forms will be available in the Career Center. Other college fairs are listed for parents and students to consider attending on their own.

Albert Einstein H.S. College Fair - October 10, 2011, 6-8 pm - All MCPS H.S. students & their parents are invited to attend. Ask questions about financial aid, majors, etc. Seniors may bring unofficial transcripts to share with admissions staff.

Greater Washington, DC National College Fair - Tuesday, October 18, 2011 @ Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW,  Washington DC 20001 DC from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., & 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Hispanic College Fair – October 19, 2011 @ Universities at Shady Grove Conference Center , Gaithersburg , (field trip) 9:30-12:30 for MCPS Latino juniors & seniors.  Permission forms required by October 14. Free bus transportation.

National Christian College Fairs - Thursday, October 20, 2011, 7:00-9:00 pm, @ Grace Brethren Christian School, 6501 Surratts Road, Clinton, DC 20735. .For more information: www.nccf.us or 301-868-1600 x327.

Congresswoman Donna Edwards College Fair - November 5, 2011, 8:30-1:00, Silver Spring Civic Center, One Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910, www.donnaedwards.house.gov or call: 301-562-7960. Helping students and families understand & navigate the college preparation & application process.

Washington DC Performing and Visual Arts College Fair -  Sunday, November 6, 2011 at the Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW,  Washington DC 20001 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 pm.

Baltimore National College Fair -   November 7-8, 2011 @ Baltimore Convention Cente , One West Pratt Street, Baltimore , MD. Nov. 7 = 10:00 a.m.  to 1:00 p.m., & 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Nov. 8 = 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

ALPHA PHI ALPHA COLLEGE FAIR -November 12, 2011, 10:00-1:00, Stephen Decatur Community Center, 8200 Pinewood Drive, Clinton, MD 20735. Free admission, laptop giveaways, scholarship raffle, over 65 colleges have confirmed and more are anticipated. Workshops on financial aid, SAT prep and internship opportunities. Printed information can be found in the Blake Career Center.

BLACK COLLEGE EXPO - Saturday, November 12, 2011, 9:00-5:00, University of Maryland College Park in the Reckord Armory.- Seniors should bring multiple copies of their H.S. transcript & SAT/ACT scores to get accepted on the spot from some colleges! Find out about internships & career opportunities, seminars; scholarship contests (must attend to be eligible) & entertainment. For more information: http://www.thecollegeexpo.org or call 877-427-4100. Admissions: $10 at door; $8 online.

Black College Career Day - TBA - February 2012 @ 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.

United Negro College Fund & MCPS COLLEGE FAIR @ Blair HS - February 15, 2012, 6-8 pm, (snow date-2/17/12) - All high school students (grades 9-12) are encouraged to attend along with parents. Eligible Seniors will be able to participate in on-the-spot admissions interviews if they bring completed college applications, transcripts, test scores & recommendations (if required). Fifty HBCUs are expected to exhibit and financial aid advice available. Sign up in the Blake Career Center if you plan to attend this event at Montgomery Blair H.S. Register online: hbcucf@mbhs.edu.

Jesuit College Night in Maryland - TBA - March 2012, 7-9 pm - Learn about the tradition, diversity and the distinction of 18 of the nation's Jesuit colleges: Boston College (MA), College of the Holy Cross (MA), Fairfield University (CT), Georgetown University (DC), Gonzaga University (WA), John Carroll University (OH), LeMoyne College (NY), Loyola College (MD)), Loyola University Chicago (IL), Loyola University New Orleans(LA), St. Joseph's University (PA), St. Louis University (MO), St. Peter's College(NJ), Spring Hill College (AL), University of San Francisco (CA), University of Scranton (PA), Wheeling Jesuit College (WV) and Xavier University (OH). Location: Georgetown Prep School, Hanley Athletic Center, 10900 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD. For more info: 410-617-5012

MONTGOMERY COUNTY NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR - April 24-25, 2012 - Gaithersburg Fairgrounds - Blake Juniors are invited to attend this annual event on April 24 from 10:30-1:00 at the Montgomery County fairgrounds.  Permission forms will be made available in late March with a deadline date of April 17 for registration.   MCPS will provide school buses to transport students for $6 each and students must bring a bag lunch to eat on the way back to school.  Blake students will have the opportunity to speak with college representatives from hundreds of colleges and gather brochures.  Evening hours are planned on April 24 for parents & students to attend workshops together.  Stay tuned for further details!

COLLEGES THAT CHANGE LIVES FAIR - TBA - May 2011 - These 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 wrote about  in his exceptional resource book, Colleges That Change Lives.  For a list of participating colleges, specific sites and pre-registration visit the website:  www.ctcl.org.

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PSAT REGISTRATION -      This year, the PSAT will be administered on Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at all Montgomery County High Schools.  Students in grades 10 will take the PSAT at no cost through a partnership between MCPS and Montgomery College . For juniors who take the official PSAT, the fee is $14. Freshmen will take either the official PSAT for a fee or a free practice test that morning. Please be aware that the PSAT is a practice test for the SAT Reasoning Test so all juniors should take the official PSAT! It is administered only once during the school year and consists of two 25-minute critical reading sections, one 30-minute math section, and one 30-minute writing skills section. We expect to adminster testing for all grade 9, 10 & 11 students beginning at 7:30 a.m. on 10/13/2010. Only students who take the PSAT/NMSQT in their JUNIOR year will be considered for the National Merit Scholarship Program, the National Achievement Scholarship Program or the National Hispanic Scholar Awards Program. The score results for the PSAT will be provided on December 14, 2011 at 7:00 pm in the amphitheatre.

ACCUPLACER DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR SENIORS ON PSAT DAY, 10/12/2011 - The Blake Counseling Dept. will be coordinating an Accuplacer Practice Test on PSAT test day for seniors who plan to attend Montgomery College or any other two year college. This assessment is required for all community college-bound students and here is an opportunity to experience the computer-based Accuplacer under actual testing conditions. Students will receive a print-out of their score results.

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.

 

TUFTS UNIVERSITY (MA) DIVERSITY EXPERIENCE - October 27-28, 2011 - "Voices of Tufts" is for H.S. seniors from various racial, ethnic, cultural & socioeconomic backgrounds to learn about the academic opportunities and social activities that are available to them at Tufts University (MA). Students will be housed with a college student and receive all of their meals at no cost. Students for whom travel to campus would present a financial hardship can request a travel grant to have their transportation provided for them. To be considered, go to: http://admissions.tufts.edu/voices by September 1, 2011. The deadline for all materials is Friday, October 14. Questions: 617-627-3170 or email karen.richardson@tufts.edu.

 

TRINITY COLLEGE (CT) DIVERSITY PREVIEW WEEKEND - November 6-7, 2011 - This two-day program is designed to give H.S. seniors of color the opportunity to explore the academic and social aspects of the Trinity community. If you have a "B" average in a college prep program you are encouraged to apply to this program. Applications due: October 17, 2011 and a paper copy can be found in the College & Career Center. If selected to participate, financial assistance for transportation, housing & meals will be available. Call the Admissions Office with questions: 860-297-2180.

CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY (PA) - CELEBRATION OF DIVERSITY - November 12-14, 2011 (Registration Deadline: October 27) Celebration of Diversity Weekends are an opportunity to experience the diverse academic, extracurricular and cultural facets of both the campus community and Pittsburgh. You're invited to a special day of events, including a reception where you'll have the chance to network with Carnegie Mellon faculty and staff. On Saturday evening, you'll be matched with a current student who will be your Overnight Ambassador throughout the weekend. The program runs from Saturday afternoon through Monday afternoon and is open to students applying for admission beginning Fall 2012 who are interested in diversity and related issues within a university setting. All participants must submit an unofficial transcript for review. It is expected that participants have at least a 3.3 GPA on an unweighted 4.0 scale and at least a combined SAT score of 1700 or ACT score of 25. Cost: $50. For more information: http://www.cmu.edu/enrollment/admission/cod/.

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 2, 2011 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 November 29, 2011 @ 11:45 am.  If you would like to learn more about the ASVAB or prepare for the test, visit: www.asvabprogram.com and www.March2success.com.

FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP at Blake - The Financial Aid Workshop will be held on November 1, 2011 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 worksheets will be available for parents to take home and begin completing.  The completed FAFSA should be submitted between January 1 and March 1, 2012. This workshop will be presented in Spanish on the same evening in the College & Career Center. Spanish presenter: Wendy Maldonado, Financial Aid Outreach Counselor.

PREPARING FOR SUCCESS (FREE event for H.S. girls) - November 19, 2011, 10:00-4:30, Montgomery College, 51 Mannakee Street, Rockville, MD 20850 - This is a seminar for high school girls who plan on attending college or entering the workplace after graduation. Workshops will be held on Finding a Job & Keeping It, College Essay Writing, Being Safe Online and much more.  Free bus service from Blake, lunch & fashion show are included.  All teens welcome. Please register online: www.preparingforsuccess.org and obtain more information about the day's events. This program is sponsored by Women's Bar Foundation and Montgomery County Commission for Women. Flyers are available from the Career Center.

HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES RECRUITING LOCALLY - Several HBCUs are sponsoring on-the-spot evening admission/scholarship events in Montgomery County. More information on eligibility criteria will be posted soon. The schedule is as follows:

October 13, 2011 Lincoln University @ Wootton H.S., 6-8 pm

October 26, 2011 Trinity University, 6-8 pm @ Northwood H.S

November 15, 2011 Hampton University, 6-8 pm @ Richard Montgomery H.S..

November 17, 2011 Morehouse College, 6-8 pm @ Gaithersburg H.S.

November 30, 2011 Morgan State University, 6-8 pm @ Walter Johnson H.S.

December 7, 2011 University of Maryland Eastern Shore, 6-8 pm @ Springbrook H.S

February 15, 2012 HBCU College Fair @ Blair H.S., 6-8 pm (2/17 snow date) .

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.

ROBERTSON SCHOLARS PROGRAM at DUKE & UNC CHAPEL HILL - Deadline: December 1, 2011 - Are you an extraordinary H.S. leader with outstanding academic potential and character? Students who demonstrate their ability to use their leadership skills towards making an impact in their community and world should consider applying for this program. Robertson Scholars awards approximately 36 full scholarships per year -- 18 to Duke and 18 to UNC Chapel Hill, support for research, study abroad & a laptop computer for each scholar. To learn more: www.robertsonscholars.org. Interested seniors must complete both the college admissions application form, as well as the scholars program application.

GATES MILLENIUM SCHOLARS (GMS) PROGRAM - deadline for applications January 11, 2012 - If you are a minority in the senior class with significant financial need (Pell grant eligible) who will be a full-time freshman in college next Fall, please consider applying for the Gates Millenium Scholars program online: www.gmsp.org. Here are the requirements:

- African, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander or Hispanic ethnicity

- U.S. citizen or permanent resident

- minimum cumulative H.S. GPA 3.3 or have earned a GED

- demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service & extracurricular activities

- meet Federal Pell Grant eligibility criteria (determined by Fafsa4caster:  www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov)

This renewable, need-based scholarship provides financial support throughout the student’s undergraduate career and into graduate school for those who choose to study in one of these seven disciplines:  computer science, education, engineering, library science, math, public health or science.  GMS scholars are mentored throughout college to assure them every opportunity to attain their degree.

Nominator should be an educator (principal, teacher or counselor) writing about the student’s academic record.  Recommender should be a person writing about the student’s community service and leadership activities. If you qualify for this scholarship opportunity, please select a nominator and recommender and ask that they begin their portion of the application well before the deadline.

APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITY - Applications will be accepted in person for Steamfitters' Apprenticeship Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration Process Piping & Environmental Systems field in January 2012 dates, times & locations are as follows: Jan 4, 8:00-noon at Maryland location, Jan 5, 8:00-noon at Maryland location, Jan 6, 8:00-noon at Maryland location, Jan 11, 8:00-noon at Virginia location, Jan 12, 8:00-noon at Virginia Location and Jan 13, 8:00-noon at Virginia location. Address for Maryland location: UA Mechanical Trades School, 8509 Ardwick Ardmore Rd, Landover, MD 20785, 301-341-1555. Virginia location: UAM Steamfitters Local Union 602, 7552 Accotink Park Rd, Springfield, VA 22150, 703-569-0602. Requirements: Min age 18 by 8/15/2012; H.S. diploma by 6/30/2012 or GED by 12/31/2011. $50 application fee due at time of application.

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 2012. Application deadline: February 1, 2012. Application fee: $30. 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.

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 36 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. 

MARYLAND STATE POLICE CADET PROGRAM - The Cadet Program is an opportunity for responsible young men and women to work for the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division. They make a competitive salary while gaining knowledge of the MD State Police way of life and are on track to becoming a State Trooper at the age of 20.5 yrs old. Qualifications include: Age 17-19, U.S. citizen, valid driver's license, H.S. diploma or GED, excellent moral character, clean drug and criminal history. Application process takes an average of 4-5 months of testing and background investigation. Apply before H.S. graduation, before 18th birthday and attend an Applicant Orientation: www.mdsp.org.

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/.