Blake High School

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

November - December 2016

COLLEGE REPS VISIT THE BLAKE CAREER CENTER - The fall college visits are coming to an end.  Just a few remain in November, but some college admissions representatives may return in the Spring.  These meetings are held in the Career Center and juniors and seniors 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 made appointments can be accessed from Naviance/Family Connections:  http://connection.naviance.com/blake.  Click on "college" tab and "college visits" to see a current list of colleges visiting Blake so far (subject to change). 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.  

ASVAB (ARMED SERVICES VOCATIONAL APTITUDE BATTERY) is a career exploration test administered free to interested tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students.  Blake H.S. offered the ASVAB on November 15 from 7:45-10:30 am. The test helps identify the student’s interests and aptitude in the following areas:  verbal, math, science & technical skills.  When the individual scores are interpreted, students learn how their interests & skills relate to the demands of more than 400 occupations, helping them to identify suitable career options.  The ASVAB is an excellent career exploration tool and we encourage students to take it to determine their strengths.  Taking the ASVAB in no way involves a commitment to the military.  MCPS policy:  ASVAB results are released only to the student and not to the armed services.  Should a student wish to use his/her ASVAB results as part of an enlistment conversation with a military recruiter, he/she can provide his/her scores to the recruiter.  Participants will receive their scores on December 13, 2016 @ 8:30 am in the Media Center.  More about the ASVAB: www.asvabprogram.com and www.March2success.com.  

FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP  - Blake's Financial Aid Workshop was held in October 11 because the FAFSA was made available to students and parents on October 1 this year instead of January 1.  We will host two more daytime workshops on November 16 and 22 for families  during the lunch period in the Career Center.  Bring 2015 tax returns, proof of permanent residency (if not a US citizen) & social security numbers. 

ROBERTSON SCHOLARS PROGRAM at DUKE & UNC CHAPEL HILL - Deadline: December 1, 2016 - 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.

GRADE 11 NAVIANCE LESSON - THE COLLEGE SEARCH PROCESS - The Counseling Staff will meet with all Juniors during their Modern World History class on December 5, 6 or 8, 2016.  These students were first introduced to Naviance in Grade 10 when we did a Career Interest test with them.  This time we will demonstrate how to research colleges that are a good fit based on their GPA and test scores.  We hope that juniors identify college campuses that they want to explore/visit over Spring Break.

ACCUPLACER DIAGNOSTIC OR MCPS ACCUPLACER TEST ADMINISTRATION - January 10, 2017 - Seniors who want to take the Accuplacer on January 10 must sign up online.  Both Juniors and Seniors will be tested during school.  We will assist students with online registration on December 9, 12 and 13 in A103.  Register by logging into Google Classroom using code:  q8yr1n.  Please answer all questions on the Google registration form.  The deadline to complete registration:  December 19 for the January 10 Accuplacer.  Please know that there are links to prep for the Accuplacer included in the Google Classroom. Seniors who have not yet applied online to Montgomery College, should see the Career Coordinator or Ms. Yargici for a copy of the directions immediately.  Your MC I.D. "M-number" arrives approximately 1 week after your online application is submitted.  Don't delay!   

NIH High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HISTEP & HISTEP 2.0) visits Blake at lunch - December 14, 2016 - This is a FREE 6-8 week, full time summer internship for students to explore scientific enterprise, the importance of biomedical research and many STEM-M careers.  They will complete workshops, lectures and hands-on activities.  Eligibility:  must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; 16 years or older by July 5, 2016; minimum cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 (students with a GPA between 2.75 and 3.0 may apply if their grades have shown steady improvement); attend a school where more than 30% of the student body participates in the free/reduced lunch program (Blake HS meets this criteria).  The program is seeking financially-disadvantaged students who are interested in biomedical and healthcare careers.  To cover the cost of transportation to and from NIH a stipend of $2,150 will be provided.  Apply online by January 4 (seniors); February 1, 2017 (juniors). https://www.training.nih.gov/histep  

ALUMNI PANEL – Friday, December 23, 2016, 12:50-1:40, Gr. 11-12 – Graduates from the Class of 2016 have been invited to return to Blake to discuss their transition to college life with our juniors & seniors.  This event is well worth attending, as our students may ask questions of the alums about their experience with the application and admissions process.  Blake students are encouraged to obtain a pass from the Counseling Office to attend the Alumni Panel by December 16, 2016.

ACES Program Comes to Blake!  ACES stands for Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success.  It is a free student support program providing a seamless pathway from high school to college.  The ACES Coach, Mr. Cedric Jennings, will support sophomores & juniors by preparing them for college entrance exams, assist with completing college admissions & financial aid/scholarship applications, coordinating college campus visits, providing student workshops and arranging academic tutoring and support.  To apply online:  www.montgomerycollege.edu/ACES and click "how to apply."  Complete the ACES Student application form including the essay question.  Print and have parent/guardian sign the Program Consent Form.  Bring signed Program Consent Form to Mr. Jennings in the Counseling Office before December 23, 2016.

PSAT INTERPRETATION MEETING - January 5, 2016, 7:00 pm - This year the October 19 PSAT scores will be sent to students electronically on December 12.  Students will receive an email directly from College Board with their PSAT score report.  Therefore, we encourage parents to come to the PSAT Score Interpretation meeting on January 5 to hear what these test scores mean and how students can best prepare for taking the official SAT or ACT in the future.

REGISTER FOR THE January 21 SAT TEST NOW -   December 21 is the deadline to register for the January 21 SAT test.  Register online at:  http://www.collegeboard.org.   Cost is $45.00, and you can charge this on your credit card.  The LATE FEE applies between Dec 22-Jan 10; an extra $28.  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  -   January 13 is the deadline to register for the February 11 ACT test.  Register online at:  http://www.actstudent.org/.    It is recommended that students register for the ACT which costs $42.50 (without the optional writing section.  The fee is charged to your credit card during registration. The LATE registration fee is an extra charge of $27.50 between Jan 14-20. Be sure to include the H.S. Code when registering: 210959. The ACT is not administered at Blake -- check online for nearby locations.

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 test fees 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 the College/Career Coordinator 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.

MONTGOMERY COLLEGE OFFERS SAT & ACT PREP CLASSES   Several courses are offered to prepare students for the SAT throughout the school year and ending a week before the test date. The fee is $355 for MD residents (not including the textbook).  To learn more about these test prep courses: http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/wdce/satprep.html or call 240-567-4118.  

ACT/SAT/Accuplacer Prep – free online practice

For the self-motivated student, here are some free practice sites: 

http://www.satpractice.org (Khan Academy - SAT prep-new test)
http://www.number2.com
http://www.collegeboard.com/practice
http://majortests.com
http://www.actstudent.org/testprep
http://www.march2success.com 

https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/students/accuplacer-tests 

http://www.test-guide.com/free-accuplacer-practice-tests.html

For a list of Private Test Prep Companies that offer tutoring for a fee:  https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/schools/blakehs/department/careercenter/SATPrepCourses.pdf

CATALYST PREP BOOT CAMPS - Sherwood H.S. is offering a Boot Camp to prepare students for the March 11 SAT on Sat/Sun, March 4-5, 9:00-1:00.  Blake H.S. will sponsor two spring weekend test prep Boot Camps.  An SAT boot camp on April 29-30, 2017 from 9:00-1:00 to prepare students for the May 7 SAT and an ACT boot camp on May 20-21, 2017 from 9:00-1:00 to prepare students for the June 11 official ACT test.  Cost:  $175 and online payment/registration will be available on:  www.CatalystPrep.com.  These crash courses are meant to boost confidence and momentum by teaching students how to outsmart every type of question.  Participants receive a workbook, self-study materials, diagnostic tests and copies of the essays that have earned perfect scores on these tests.

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND COLLEGE PARK LIFT PROGRAM CLASSES - These are five-week courses to help students prepare for the SAT on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm.  They are offered several times during the academic year:

For the March 11 SAT:  February 4 - March 4, 2017 (registration/payment deadline:  1/20/17

For the May 7 SAT:  April 1 - April 29, 2017 (registration/payment deadline:  3/24/17

The cost is $349 for two experienced SAT instructors, two full length practice tests and small class sizes. For more information, please refer to the LIFT webpage: http://www.precollege.umd.edu/liftsatprep.html .

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/.

BLAKE COLLEGE ADMISSION PROCEDURES  - The "Life After High School -- Collegebound" packet for seniors is linked to the Career Center webpage, as well as to Naviance/Family Connections.  It includes:  How to Process College Applications & Transcript Requests, Sample Resume, Request for Teacher Recommendation Letter and other important information regarding the college application process. As you log into Naviance, notice the left side of the Welcome page. Links to the packet as well as the common application and Blake Career Center can be found there. Don't forget to complete your student and parent reflection forms found under the "about me" tab.

BLACK COLLEGE COMMON APPLICATION - Students can apply to 50 Black Colleges with one application and one $35.00 application fee. Once the application has been submitted online, 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. Check out the HBCUs participating and apply now!  

ON-THE-SPOT COLLEGE ADMISSIONS EVENTS - 

MCPS Historically Black College & University Fair - Friday, February 17, 2016, 6:00-8:00 pm at Richard Montgomery High Schoo, 250 Richard Montgomery Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20852.  Seniors will complete HBCU college applications online and the College/Career Coordinator will prepare their transcripts and test scores for this event. On-site admissions interviews for seniors begin at 5:00 pm and business attire is recommended.  A registration website has been provided with more information:  https://sites.google.com/a/mcpsmd.net/mcps-hbcu/  Be aware that HBCUs accept students from all nationalities.

UPCOMING COLLEGE FAIRS are posted on the Career Center webpage under the "College/Career Fairs" link and below.

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HBCU BUS TOUR OVER SPRING BREAK - April 17 - 22, 2017 - Sponsored by the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College Southern Maryland Chapter, this is an opportunity for young ladies to visit the following college campuses:  N.C. A & T, N.C. Central, Fort Valley State, Tuskegee, Clark Atlanta, Spelman, Fisk, Alabama State, Tennessee State Universities and Meharry Medical College. Cost:  $489 includes transportation, lodging, breakfast and lunch.  To reserve your seat, contact:  Daria Valentine, 301-758-2054 or Crystal Curry 240-394-9006, spelmanhbcutour@gmail.com.  Twitter: @naaschbcutour

 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 to find out about the academic eligibility rules for playing division 1 or 2 sports in college. Students who are eligible for SAT or ACT test fee waivers are entitled to an NCAA registration fee waiver. See Mrs. Moore for details. 

KIWANIS CLUB OF LEISURE WORLD SCHOLARSHIP - Blake's Key Club has a thriving partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Leisure World.  If you are interested in a community service-based club, contact Ms. Stephanie Staub.  In the spring of this school year the Kiwanis Club will offer scholarship opportunities for outstanding seniors who are active members of the Key Club. Join now so you can earn valuable community service hours, feel good that you have helped the community, and become eligible for the scholarships awarded in May.  More details will be posted by the Career Center.

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 or https://www.usajobs.gov/StudentsAndGrads. 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 completely online. Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/StudentsAndGrads to see job listings and apply. A "resume builder" is built into the program to store your resume for application purposes. These positions are competitive so start completing the paperwork early. Some student employment/intern programs exist within NIH (paid/unpaid):  https://www.training.nih.gov/programs