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

 

REGISTER FOR THE OCTOBER 10 SAT TEST NOW !    September 9 is the deadline to register for the October 10, 2009 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 Sept. 9 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  -   September 18 is the deadline to register for the October 24, 2009 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. Oct. 2  is the LATE registration DEADLINE – 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.

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:

Sept. 26 - Oct. 31 (to prepare for the November 7, 2009 SAT)

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 will offer a course at Blake H.S. beginning Sept. 26 (to prepare for the November 7 SAT) on Wed (6-9 pm) and Sat. (9-1). They guarantee a 200-point score increase and need based financial aid is available for students who apply & write the 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.

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 sites are clearly stated.  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:
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 - 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 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 "visit schedule" to see a current list of colleges visiting Blake so far (subject to change).

Join the Police Explorers program - Police Explorers are youth between 14-20 years of age; and it is the only youth program that is sponsored by the Police Department. Explorers meet at the Academy every Wednesday from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm, beginning 9/16/09. Not only do Explorers take police related classes, they also gain insights into many law enforcement career opportunities. They earn valuable Student Service Learning Hours by volunteering to assist civic organizations throughout the County. Finally, every Explorer can improve upon the following life-skills: discipline, leadership, respect, trustworthiness and
self-esteem. For more information, including the date and time of an open house, please e-mail charles.carpenter@montgomerycountymd.gov or call (301) 840-2697.

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.  Stipend: $50 per day to cover expenses. 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 12 - April 12, 2010. Application online: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/studentaffairs/sao/page.  For further information call:  Karen Crawford, 301-670-1419 or email: karen_L_crawford@mcpsmd.org.   Deadline for applications:  October 23, 2009.  Paper applications are found in the Career Center. Students who are selected for the page program will be notified by November 15, 2009.

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.

 

SENIOR ORIENTATION - September 24-25, 2009 - The School Counseling staff will be meeting with all senior English classes to discuss the college admissions process and other postsecondary options.  The amphitheatre has been reserved for this Power-point presentation and valuable information will be given to students regarding college testing (SAT/ACT), how to request your H.S. transcript and recommendation letters, adhering to deadlines, etc. 

 

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."

 

COLLEGE NIGHT at BLAKE  - The Blake Counseling Department will sponsor a COLLEGE NIGHT for seniors on Wednesday, October 7 at 6:30 pm .  Students and their parents are strongly encouraged to attend.  The School Counseling Office has planned a PowerPoint presentation on the college application procedures at Blake. Be sure to mark your calendar now for this important informational meeting.

 

KIDS' COLLEGE AT MONTGOMERY COLLEGE - begins October 7, 2009 - A list of enrichment courses for students from Pre-K through Grade 12 are posted online at www.montgomerycollege.edu/youth. These classes are offered after school and on Saturdays on the Rockville & Germantown MC campuses. Included in the list of offerings is Drivers Ecuation and SAT Prep! Check online or call 240-567-7917 or 240-567-7264 for more information.

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COLLEGE INFORMATION SESSIONS (locally):

MIT - Sun., September 13, 2009, 2:00 pm - Bethesda Chevy Chase H. S.. To see a list of all meetings this fall: http://web.mit.edu/admissions/falltravel/.

Boston University - Sun., Sept 13 in Vienna, VA and Mon., Sept. 14, 2009 in Towson, MD - Go online to check times & sign up: www.bu.edu/receptions.

Washington & Lee University (VA) - Wed., September 16, 2009, 7:30 pm - Marriott Bethesda, 5151 Pooks Hill Road, Bethesda, MD. For more info: admissions@wlu.edu or 540-458-8710

Winthrop University Theatre & Dance Master Classes & Scholarship Auditions - Sat., Sept. 19, 10:00-noon - Olney Theatre, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd., Olney, MC 20832. for more info & to register: www.winthrop.edu/admissions/masterclass.

Cottey College (2 yr women's college, MO) - Sat., September 19, 2009, 10:30-12:30, Wheaton Library, Large meeting room, 11701 Georgia Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902, 240-777-0678. Please RSVP: Kristinevans_6@hotmail.com. www.cottey.edu.

Georgia Tech University - Sun., September 20, 2009, 2:00 pm - National Cathedral School, Washington, DC. Register at: www.admissions.uga.edu/infosessions.

Tufts University (MA) - Mon., September 21, 2009, 7:30-9:15 pm - Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, 2660 Woodley Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008. RSVP: TuftsonTourRSVP@tufts.edu (subject line: Washington, DC), include your name & number attending the info session.

Duke University (NC) - Tues., September 22, 2009, 7:00 pm - Rockville High School, 2100 Baltimore Road, Rockville 20851. To register: www.admissions.duke.edu.

Dartmouth College (NH) - Wed., September 23, 2009, 6:30 pm - National Museum of the american Indian Smithsonian Institute, 4th & Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC OR Sun., October 4, 2009, 2:00 pm - Towson Library, 320 York Road, Baltimore, MD. RSVP: http://inyourcity.dartmouth.edu/infosessions, 603-646-2875

Brown University (RI) - Thurs., September 24, 2009, 7:00 pm or Tues., October 13, 2009, 7:00 pm - Sept. info session to be held at Georgetown Day School, High School Forum, 4200 Davenport St., NW, Washington, DC 20016 or Oct. info session at Washington-Lee H.S Auditorium, 1301 North Stafford Rd., Arlington, VA 22201. http://www.brown.edu/Administration/admission/gettoknowus/brownnearyou.html

Colgate University (NY) - Sat., September 26, 2009 - National Cathedral School in Washington, DC or Sun., September 27, 2009 - Gilman School in Baltimore, MD. To make reservations: www.colgate.edu/ColgateConnection.

Columbia University (NY) - Tues., September 29, 2009, 7:30 pm - Introduction to Columbia @ Georgetown Prep School, Figge Theatre, 10900 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, MD 20852. Register online: http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/admissions/events/intro.php.

Yale University (CT) - October 1, 2009, 7:00 pm - Walt Whitman High School Auditorium, 7100 Whittier Blvd., Bethesda, MD 20817. For directions and registration: http://admissions.yale.edu/events. All welcome.

Lehigh University (PA) - October 4, 2009, 5:00 pm - Georgetown Preparatory School, Hanley Athletic Center, 1900 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, MD 20852. All welcome...no registration needed.

Washington University in St. Louis (MO) - Wed., October 7, 2009, 7:30-8:30 pm - Bethesda Marriott, 5151 Pooks Hill Rd., Bethesda, MD, 301-897-9400. Or Wed., October 21, 7:30-8:30 pm, The Westin Tysons Corner, 7801 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA, 703-893-1340. No reservation needed.

California Institute of Technology - Wed., October 14, 2008, 7:00-8:30 pm - Walter Johnson H.S. Auditorium, 6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814. All are welcome.

New York University - Sat., October 17, 2009, 10:00 a.m. - Tysons Corner Marriott, 8028 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182. Especially for seniors.

Tulane University (LA) - Wed., October 21, 2009, 7:00 pm - Hyatt Regency Bethesda, One Bethesda Metro Center 20814. Call 1-800-873-WAVE to RSVP.

Washington & Lee University (VA) - Sun., October 25, 2009, 7:00 pm - Hilton McLean Tyson's Corner, 7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, VA. Phone 540-458-8710 or admissions@wlu.edu.

Montgomery College Scholars (MD) - Sat., October 31, 2009, 11:00-1:00 pm at the Theatre Arts Building, Rockville Campus- Information session for parents & students will provide honors program curriculum, study abroad experience in Cambridge, merit scholarships, application & selection process, transfer counseling, Smithsonian internship opportunities & answers to your questions. Contact: Maria Adams Davidson at 240-567-5039 or Maria.Adams@montgomerycollege.edu.

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PSAT REGISTRATION -      This year, the PSAT will be administered on Wednesday, October 14 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 and freshmen who take the official PSAT, the fee is $13. 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 10/15/09. 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.

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.

UMBC MEYERHOFF SCHOLARS PROGRAM - Deadline for nominations:  Oct. 15, 2009 - 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.

U.S. SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINATIONS - Deadline:  October 16, 2009 - 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 16, 2009.  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.

MC SCHOLARSHIP CONFERENCE - October 17, 2009, 9:00-2:30 - The fourth annual Scholarship Conference will be held on Saturday, October 17th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the Montgomery College's Germantown campus in the High Technology and Science Center building, located at 20200 Observation Drive Germantown, Maryland 20876.  This is a free event held to provide college-bound students with the opportunity to receive a wealth of information on financial aid and scholarship opportunities. The highlight of the conference will be the keynote address,  by Marianne Ragins, the author of "Winning Scholarships for College: An Insider's Guide," which provides scholarship information and shares Ms. Ragins' experience with earning more than $400,000 in scholarships. In addition, the conference will include information booths and workshops by representatives from Montgomery College, local colleges and universities, and scholarship organizations. For complete information about the conference and to REGISTER, please visit http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/scholarshipconference/.

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 College Expo on October 20 and the Hispanic College Fair on November 10, 2009. Permission forms are available in the Career Center. Other college fairs are listed for parents and students to consider attending on their own.

Baltimore National College Fair -   Monday & Tuesday, September 21-22, 2009 @ Baltimore Convention Center , Baltimore , MD. , Sept. 21= 9:00 a.m.  to 1:00 p.m., & 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sept. 22 = 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Canadian Colleges Fair - Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 7-9 pm - Twenty Canadian Colleges will host exhibits at this college fair to be held at the Marriott Burkshire Conference Hotel, 10 West Burke Avenue, Towson, MD 21204, 410-324-8100. Please RSVP at http://www.connect2canada.com/event/rsvp_canadian_college_fairs/.

Greater Washington, DC National College Fair - Tuesday, September 29, 2009 @Washington Convention Center, Washington DC from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., & 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

National Christian College Fairs - Monday, October 19 - 7:00-9:00 pm, @ McLean Bible Church, 8925 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182. For more information: www.nccf.us or 888-423-2477.

College Expos Fair – Tuesday, October 20, 2009 @ Discovery Sports Center , Gaithersburg , MD 9:45-12:45 and 6:30-8:30 pm.  (Blake will take interested seniors to this event from 10:00-12:00.  Students must complete the permission form and return it to the Career Center by October 13  to participate.  Valuable evening workshops offered on financial aid, athletic recruiting, and the importance of early college awareness.  Parents of sophomores, juniors & seniors are encouraged to attend this fair with their student during the evening hours!

Washington DC Performing and Visual Arts College Fair -  Sunday, October 25, 2009 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center,  Washington DC from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Hispanic College Fair – Tuesday, November 10, 2009 @ Universities at Shady Grove Conference Center , Gaithersburg , 9:30-12:30, MCPS high school field trip for MCPS Latino juniors & seniors.  Permission forms required one week in advance; free bus transportation.

College Fair & Symposium (Hosted by Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (MD-4) - Saturday, November 14, 2009, 8:30-2:30, at Bowie State University, 14000 Jericho Road, Bowie, MD (301) 860-4000. For more info visit: www.DonnaEdwards.house,gov or call 301)516-7601

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PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF THE COMMUNITY AWARDS - Deadline: Nov. 2, 2009 - These prestigious awards recognize students who have demonstrated exemplary community service. An eligible student is in Grade 5-12, legal resident and has engaged in volunteer activity that occurred, at least in part, after Sept. 1, 2008. Apply online by Nov. 2, 2009: http://spirit.prudential.com (access key: spirit); fax the signature page to 1-615-627-9685; and submit a printout of the application to Mrs. Moore in the Career Center. Each school will review the applications of its students and select one candidate. For more information: 1-800-253-7746 or email: spirit@principals.org.

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 5, 2009 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 8 @ 8:30 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 10, 2009 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, 2010.

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 U and Dillard U              Gaithersburg HS      
November 23, 2009              Hampton U                                         Rockville HS 
December 2, 2009                Morgan State U                                Walter Johnson HS
December 9, 2009                University of Md. Eastern Shore    Springbrook HS
December 17, 2009               Norfolk State U                               Einstein HS
February 11, 2010                 Bowie State U                                   J.F. Kennedy HS  
February 17, 2010                 UNCF/NAACP/MCPS College Fair  Richard Montgomery HS
March 10, 2010                      Coppin State U                                 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, 2010 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.

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 at www.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.

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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