Counseling Services
Telephone 301-840-4614 Hard Copy of Information Below Early College Access
Magruder High School Counseling Services
VISION STATEMENT
Magruder High School counselors serve as advocates for our students. Using a proactive approach, we support and assist our students academically, socially, and in post secondary planning. In collaboration with the Magruder learning community, our students are encouraged to reach their highest potential in becoming well-rounded citizens.
Counseling Services Staff: Counselor assignments made alphabetically
A – CA Ms. Fiallo Nancy_C_Fiallo@mcpsmd.org
CE – DAS Dr. Berman Diane_R_Berman@mcpsmd.org
DAV – G Mrs. Toole Valerie_P_Toole@mcpsmd.org
H – LA Ms. Ragsdale Ruth_L_Ragsdale@mcpsmd.org
LE– MB Ms. White Bernadette_White@mcpsmd.org
Mc – PR Mrs. Goode Marjorie_A_Goode@mcpsmd.org
PU – STO Mr. Bean Robert_A_Bean@mcpsmd.org
STR – Z Mrs. Natonick Jessica_L_Natonick@mcpsmd.org
Registrar – Mrs. Pat Ridgway
Secretary – Mrs. Wendy Hoover
Career Center Coordinator – Mrs. Heidi Garland
CONTENTS:
How to make an appointment with your counselor
Counseling program overview
Graduation Requirements
Counseling Services Calendar
The College Application Process:
Junior “to do” checklist
Senior “to do” checklist
Anatomy of the College Application
What colleges are looking for
Testing: SAT and ACT
Transcript requests
Counselor letters of recommendation
Choosing a College
College websites
Financial Aid
College visits
HOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR COUNSELOR
Magruder counseling services has an open door policy for students before and after school and during lunch. At other times, an appointment is needed unless you have an emergency. To make an appointment, drop by the counseling office and see Mrs. Hoover, the counseling services secretary.
You may also contact your counselor by phone (310 840 4614) or on line. Counselor email addresses are as follows:
Robert_A_Bean@mcpsmd.org
Diane_R_Berman@mcpsmd.org
Nancy_C_Fiallo@mcpsmd.org
Marjorie_A_Goode@mcpsmd.org
Valerie_P_Toole@mcpsmd.org
Ruth_L_Ragsdale@mcpsmd.org
Bernadette_White@mcpsmd.org
Jessica_L_Natonick@mcpsmd.org
COUNSELING PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The counseling department offers the following services for Magruder students and parents:
Academic counseling
College advising
Personal counseling
Career counseling
Group counseling on selected topics
Outside counseling referrals
Coordination of parent/teacher conferences and Educational Management Team meetings
Processing of school transcripts
College letters of recommendation
Work permits
Homework requests
Tutor information
New student enrollment
Processing of college applications
Crisis intervention
AP testing
High School Plus information
Summer school information
Financial aid and scholarship information
Parent Support
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Student must complete 22 credits in the following areas:
Subject Number of credits required
English 4 credits
Math 4 credits, including Algebra and Geometry
Science 3 credits, including Biology and a year of a Physical Science
Social Studies 3 credits: US History, NSL Government, and Modern World
History are required
Physical Education 1 credit
Health .5 credit (one semester)
Fine Arts 1 credit
Technology 1 credit
Program completer 2 credits Foreign Language OR
2 credits Advanced Technology OR
4 credits of a Career Development program
Students must complete 75 hours of Student Service Learning
Students must pass High School Assessments in Algebra, English and Biology.
COUNSELING SERVICES CALENDAR
2011 -2012
JULY
- Schedule changes
- Senior credit review letters
- Conferences with students and parents
AUGUST
- 9th grade student and parent orientations
- Schedule conflicts
- Review summer school grades
SEPTEMBER
- Back to School Night
- Meetings with seniors
- Senior Information Night
- Orientation to counseling services and career center (9th grade)
- Individual college and career advising with seniors
- High School Plus registration
- ACT (10)
- Final schedule changes
OCTOBER
- PSAT (15)
- SAT (1) & ACT (22)
- Hispanic College Fair/College Expo
- High School Assessments
- ASVAB Test
- Interim reviews and conferences
- Individual meetings with juniors (Sign up on Naviance)
- Letters to seniors failing required classes
- College recommendation letters
- Financial Aid Night
NOVEMBER
- Report Cards distributed
- SAT (5)
- Individual meetings with 10th graders
- 10th grade career exploration on Naviance
- Report card review and conferences
- College recommendation letters
DECEMBER
- Interim reviews and conferences
- Registration for 2011 - 2012
- PSAT scores distributed
- College recommendation letters
JANUARY
- SAT (28)
- High School Assessments
- Incoming 9th grade parent meeting
- Report card review and conferences
- Schedule changes for spring semester
- Individual senior conferences
- Tools for Success Parent meeting
FEBRUARY
- Report cards distributed
- ACT (11)
- Registration at middle schools
- Senior fall semester failure letters and parent conferences
- High School Plus registration
- College Information Night
MARCH
- Individual conferences with 9th graders
- 3rd quarter interims and senior letters
- College advising and Senior packet to Juniors
- AP exam registration
APRIL
- Report cards distributed
- College Fair
- ACT (14)
- Senior letters-at risk for not graduating
- H S As
- Report card conferences
- Individual conferences 10th graders
- College advising to juniors
MAY
- AP Exams
- SAT (5)
- High School Assessments
- Awards Night
- College advising and packets to Juniors
- Summer school letters and registration
- 504 plan reviews
JUNE
- Schedule changes for fall and resolving schedule conflicts
- SAT (2) & ACT (9)
- Graduation
COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS
11th GRADE CALENDAR of EVENTS
____ Take the PSAT
____ Attend college programs sponsored by Counseling Services & the Career Center
____ Acquire work experience via a part time job, internship, or community service
____ Complete required student service learning (75 hours)
____ Meet with your counselor to discuss graduation requirements and post high school plans
____ Meet with college admissions representatives in Career Center
____ Do a college search in the Career Center
____ Do a scholarship search in the Career Center
____ Register for an SAT prep course.
____ Research college admissions requirements
____ Get information on the military, if interested
____ Get information on other postsecondary programs, if interested
____ Register for the SAT, ACT or Accuplacer exam
____ Schedule an appointment with your counselor to discuss next year’s schedule
____ Get college applications and information
____ Organize file system for college information
____ Plan college visits
____ Write your resume
____ Attend College Fairs and information sessions
____ Research summer enrichment programs
____ Check on summer school, if needed
12 GRADE CALENDAR of EVENTS
____ Make an appointment for you and your parents to meet with your counselor
____ Request applications from colleges (or get them on line)
____ Register for SAT, ACT, or Accuplacer test.
____ Keep checking scholarship opportunities on Family Connections
____ Review your transcript with your counselor
____ Complete any outstanding student service learning hours
____ Visit colleges and talk to admissions representatives
____ Attend Financial Aid night with your parents
____ Remind parents to fill out the FAFSA after Jan 1
____ Complete college applications by December 1
____ Seek letters of recommendation from counselor and teachers
____ Update your resume
ANATOMY of the COLLEGE APPLICATION
APPLICATION---------------- --------------RECOMMENDATIONS
ADMISSION
TRANSCRIPT --------------- FOLDER --------------STUDENT ACTIVITIES
TEST SCORES -----------------
THE APPLICATION
The application includes simple biographical information such as birth date and family information. Frequently, students are asked to write essays, which are intended to inform the admission committee about student experiences, strengths and weaknesses, and writing ability. The goal of the essay is for the student to present themselves in the best possible light. Originality is definitely a plus. Most college applications are on line and should be sent electronically if possible.
TRANSCRIPT
The transcript is the student’s academic record. This is the most important factor in the applicant’s folder. Many consider the transcript to be the best indicator of later college success. The program of study, specific courses, credits earned and course grades are aspects of the record that admissions officers will consider in evaluating the student’s transcript. Colleges pay special attention to the challenging courses the student has successfully taken. Your transcript provides both an unweighted and a weighted GPA. MCPS does not compute class rank, but a school profile is sent with every college application.
ADMISSION TEST SCORES
Most 4 year colleges require standardized test scores. Either the SAT or the ACT is acceptable at most schools. Test scores are used as a way of predicting whether or not a student will succeed in college. They may also be used to help place students in appropriate courses. Students who plan to take the SAT or ACT may improve their scores but taking prep classes, using test prep computer software, or taking free practice tests.
Students who plan on attending Montgomery College are not required to take the SAT or the ACT, but must take another test called the Accuplacer. Scores on this test are used for class placement. For more information, see your counselor or the Career Coordinator.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Teacher and counselor recommendations are an important part of the admission folder at many 4 year colleges. Teachers may comment on the type of contributions the student made to the class, on written and oral work, and on the student’s intellectual curiosity and thinking ability. The counselor can highlight strengths that would differentiate this applicant from other candidates, and comment on the student’s potential to succeed in college. The recommendations give the admissions committee more information about the student’s unique qualities, characteristics, and involvement in extracurricular activities.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Although the student’s academic credentials are the primary factor in determining admission, the student’s involvement in activities can be a significant supporting credential. Out of school activities such as employment, scouting, church groups and volunteer work should not be overlooked. Many college applications request information about a student’s involvement in these activities, including summer experiences. Just being a member in an organization is not an important factor. Rather, the level of involvement and accomplishment is what colleges are looking at. It is better for the student to be involved in one activity and to be a significant contributor than to be superficially involved in several clubs or organizations. Examples of a significant contribution include serving as a Key Club officer, writing regularly or editing the school newspaper, becoming an Eagle Scout, or devoting a significant amount of time to a community service project.
TOP TEN STRENGTHS AND EXPERIENCES COLLEGES LOOK FOR IN
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS:
- A rigorous high school curriculum that challenges the student and includes some AP and Honors classes
- Grades that represent strong effort and an upward trend.
- Solid scores on standardized tests (SAT, ACT).
- Involvement in a few activities, demonstrating leadership and initiative.
- Letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors that give evidence of integrity, special skills, positive character traits, and an interest in learning.
- Special talents or experiences that will contribute to an interesting and well-rounded student body.
- A well written essay that provides insight into the student’s unique personality, values and goals. The essay should be thoughtful and personal, and should demonstrate good writing ability.
- Demonstrated enthusiasm, often exhibited by campus visits and an interview, showing an interest in attending that particular college.
- Out of school experiences, including work and community service that illustrates responsibility, dedication, and development in areas of interest.
- Demonstrated intellectual curiosity through reading, school and leisure pursuits, etc
TESTING: The SAT and ACT
ACT TEST DATES 2011 - 2012
September 10, 2011
October 22, 2011
December 10, 2011
February 11, 2012
April 14, 2012
June 9, 2012
Fee for ACT is $34. For the ACT plus the writing section, the fee is $49.50.
Go to www.actstudent.org for registration deadlines.
SAT TEST DATES 2011 - 2012
October 1, 2011
November 5, 2011
December 4, 2010
January 28, 2012
March 10, 2012
May 5, 2012
June 2, 2012
The fee for the SAT is $49. Some colleges require SAT II subject tests in addition to the SAT. Check on the individual college websites.
Go to www.collegeboard.com for registration deadlines.
WHY SHOULD I PREPARE for the SAT or ACT???
The SAT or ACT are important factors in your college application. College admission is competitive, so successful applicants will do what they can to increase their chance of getting in. The SAT and ACT do not just measure your academic abilities; they also measure your test taking skills, including time management, speed, comprehension, and efficiency. Preparation is essential to mastering these exams!
HOW CAN I PREPARE for the SAT or ACT???
Magruder has a free SAT Prep course offered as a one semester class during the school day. If you are interested in this class, contact your counselor.
Montgomery College offers a 32 hour SAT prep course that includes weekly timed practice tests primarily using resources and textbooks from the College Board. Contact
http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/wdce/mcps/satprep.html
College Board offers test tips and practice problems. Contact: http://www.collegeboard.com
ACT offers an ACT preparation guide, practice problems and an online ACT prep course. Contact: http://www.actstudent.org/index.html
Petersons offers courses for both the SAT and ACT. Practice tests and study guides are available for purchase without course enrollment. Contact: http://www.petersons.com
Kaplan provides workshops, private tutoring and 12 session courses for the SAT and ACT. Contact: http://www.kaptest.com/atschool or call 800 KAP TEST
Tutor Find offers one on one tutoring for the SAT by a certified tutor at the student’s home.
Contact: http://www.tutorfind.com or call 800 64-TUTOR
Summit Education Group offers one on one tutoring in various academic subjects and the SAT.
Contact: http://www.mytutor.com or 800 MY-TUTOR.
MCPS offer a free online test prep program for all high school students, called Truimph College Admissions Online Study Guides and Test Prep. Students can get information about this program and how to access it from their counselor or the College and Career Coordinator., or go to the MCPS home page http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/ , select the Student tab, and follow directions to log in.
More suggestions and resources:
Visit the college and career center.
Visit a bookstore to get practice books
Search the internet for additional test preparation services
SHOULD I TAKE THE SAT, THE ACT, or BOTH????
There is no simple answer to this question. Some students do better on the SAT and some do better on the ACT. Discuss this with your school counselor.
DIRECTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE TRANSCRIPT REQUEST FORM
Complete the Transcript Request Form. Remember to
----Get parent signature
----Complete self evaluation questionnaire
Give Form to the Registrar ---Before school, during lunch, or after school; NOT during class time.
- Transcript request form (white copy for 1st request; yellow copy for additional requests)
- Addressed envelope for each college with stamps (2 or 3 per envelope)
- Do NOT write your own return address. Return address must be Magruder’s
- Include Secondary School Report Form or Counselor Recommendation Form . This is supplied by the college. If it is online, you need to print it and turn in hard copy with transcript request form.
FEES:
- 1 – 3 transcripts, no charge
- 4 – 7 transcripts, $3.00 each
- 8 and up, $5.00 each
Teacher Recommendations: Student is responsible to make arrangements. Give each teacher writing a recommendation a stamped, addressed envelope for each college you are applying to and asking that teacher to write a letter for.
NOTE: Addressed envelope with ONE stamp should be given to the Registrar to send MID YEAR transcript in February. One per college. There is a $1.00 charge per transcript.
FINAL TRANSCRIPT will be sent in June to the college student will be attending. Student to provide stamped, addressed envelope with $1.00 fee. All colleges require a final high school transcript.
ALLOW 20 SCHOOL DAYS FOR THE PROCESSING OF TRANSCRIPTS.
Colonel Zadok Magruder High School
TRANSCRIPT REQUEST FORM
Name _____________________________________ Year of Graduation_______________
Social Security # ____________________________ Student ID# ____________________
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DEADLINE DATE
Permission is granted to Magruder HS to release transcripts to those institutions indicated above. The signature of a parent or guardian is required if the applicant is under 18 years of age. If the applicant is 18 years of age, he/she can sign to release the records. ANY SAT OR ACT SCORES IN THE STUDENT’S RECORD WILL BE SENT AS PART OF THE TRANSCRIPT UNLESS IT IS SPECIFICALLY NOTED THAT THEY ARE TO BE WITHHELD.
Signature of Parent: _______________________________________ Date______________
Signature of Student:_______________________________________ Date______________
Counselor’s Name____________________________ Letter of recommendation ____yes ___no
IMPORTANT: If a teacher recommendation is needed, the student is responsible for making the arrangements.
Please provide the following information:
Name of parent________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________
Home Phone Number __________________________________________
YOU MUST ALLOW 20 SCHOOL DAYS FOR THE PROCESSING OF YOUR TRANSCRIPTS!
DEADLINES TO TURN IN TRANSCRIPT REQUEST FORM:
COLLEGE APPLICATION DEADLINE DUE DATE TO MRS. RIDGWAY
October 1 September 2
October 15 September 15
November 1 October 2
November 15 October 15
December 1 October 28
December 15 November 13
January 1 November 20
January 15 December 8
February 1 January 5
The largest volume of transcript requests occur between November 1 and January 15. Transcipt requests are processed in the order in which they are received. Late and/or last minute transcript requests are in jeopardy of not meeting college deadlines. Please adhere to the above dates.
The Registrar’s Office is open daily for processing transcript requests as follows:
*All lunch periods
* Before school
* After school
COUNSELOR LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
The more information we have about the student, the more thorough job we can do on your letter. Students are advised to get to know their counselor! Please fill out the questionnaire below. Try to give detailed answers. Turn this in to the registrar, Mrs. Ridgway, with your transcript request form.
SELF EVALUATION QUESTIONNAIRE
Please answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper. Turn this in with your transcript request form.
- What type of college appeals to you and what do you hope to gain from college?
- In what school activities did you participate? (Examples-clubs, SGA, sports, theater, etc). Please describe your role in the club/activity and responsibilities.
- What do you like to do when you are not in school? (Examples- hobbies, sports, religious affiliated activities, etc)
- If you work or volunteer, please describe what you do. What have you learned from these experiences?
- Describe your academic strengths.
- In what areas do you feel a need to improve?
- Describe a life experience which has had a significant impact on you.
- List 3 adjectives which best describe you. How would you describe your personality?
- What is your anticipated major in college (if you know), and what is your career goal or area of interest?
- What else would you like a college to know about you?
11. Will you be a first generation college student?
CHOOSING A COLLEGE
How do students finally decide which colleges to apply to? Ask yourself the following questions:
- What type of college would I like to attend? Liberal arts? Business? Engineering? Trade or technical? What is my tentative choice of a major?
- In what geographical area do I want the college to be? How far do I want to be from home?
- Do I want to attend a small college or a large university? A two year or four year program? Coeducational or single sex institution?
- In what environment do I want to be? Urban? Rural? Suburban? Will I live on campus or live at home and commute?
- What are the costs? How will these costs be met?
- What special services do I require?
Once you have had an opportunity to review these questions and come up with tentative answers, it is time to visit your school counselor again. The counselor can help you do a college search based on these answers and your grades, test scores and interests. You can then make a list of colleges that meet your criteria and are consistent with your academic profile.
There are numerous college websites that can assist you in your search.
COLLEGE WEBSITES
http://connection.naviance.com/magruder/
Family Connection- Research colleges, sign up for college visits, compare data from previous Magruder students who have applied and been admitted to colleges. You will need a password, which you can obtain from the Magruder College and Career Center. Your counselor or College and Career Coordinator can help you learn how to use this website.
http://www.fastweb.com
Fast Web – free scholarship database
http://www.nacac.org
National Association for College Admission Counseling- Information and resources
http://www.ed.gov - United States Department of Education
http://www.collegeboard.org – College Board Online. SAT registration. Services on assessment, admission, placement, financial aid, etc.
http://www.petersons.com – Peterson’s. Details on accredited colleges. Database of scholarships
http://www.act.org - American College Testing. ACT registration. Services for college bound students and parents.
http://www.campustours.com – virtual college tours, webcams, interactive campus maps, college videos, and pictures.
http://www.collegeexpress.com – CollegeExpress – advice on college admission. College profiles. Tips on getting in, campus life, athletics, and how parents can get involved.
http://www.nextstepmagazine.com – college matching, step-by-step planning, career search.
http://www,review.com – Princeton Review- Test preparation. Comprehensive information and ratings for 1200 four year colleges and universities.
http://www.collegeparents.org – College Parents of America. National membership organization dedicated to helping parents prepare and put children through college.
http://www.finaid.org – Information about types of financial aid and how to apply for it.
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov – Free Application for Federal Student Aid – Website for free application for need-based financial aid. Submit during student’s senior year, after Jan 1.
http://www.ncaa.org – For athletes. National Collegiate Athletic Association.
PLANNING FOR COLLEGE COSTS
College can be affordable- the key is good planning.
Don’t rule out college because of costs. Financial aid is available which can provide money to help pay tuition and fees, room and board, meals, books, personal expenses, etc
When should you apply? As soon as you receive information in the fall of your senior year. Watch DEADLINE DATES! Be on the alert for FAFSA materials, usually available in December.
TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID
GRANTS - Based on financial need and do not have to be repaid.
LOANS – Available for students and parents. Student loans are low interest, repayment does not begin until 6 months after graduation. Payback duration up to 10 years.
WORK STUDY - Student employment program; work part time for the college.
SCHOLARSHIPS - Usually designated for good academic ability (merit based), athletic skills, other special talents; do not have to be repaid.
For help in researching and applying for financial aid and scholarships, students and parents are encouraged to make an appointment with Mrs. Garland, the College and Career Information Coordinator.
COLLEGE VISITS
Visiting the colleges you are seriously considering is essential! (You wouldn’t buy a house without seeing it first, would you?). Here are some tips to make the most of your visit.
- Read the school catalogue or browse its website so you won’t ask questions that can be easily looked up.
- Call ahead to schedule an interview, a tour, and a dorm stay (if available).
- Sit in on a class you’re interested in.
- Find out if professors teach the classes, or if they delegate that duty to a graduate student.
- Find out if the department for your possible major is considered to be strong or weak. Ask about the placement rates of graduates in the major to graduate schools and to employment.
- Talk to students and teachers in the department you are most interested in.
- See if laboratories, computer centers and other facilities are well equipped.
- Read the school newspaper, bulletin boards, and other information sources to pick up general information and a feel for the “atmosphere” on campus.
- Browse through the library and book store.
- Visit a dorm and find out about housing options. If possible, stay overnight.
- Eat a meal in the student cafeteria.
- Check into student services like health care, counseling, career development, job placement, etc.
- Visit the campus center/student union and find out about activities on campus, including clubs and organizations, recreation facilities, entertainment, etc.