Notes from the College Career Center

FAFSA (Federal Aid)

Eligible students planning to attend a college, university, or trade school can begin to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).  This includes students applying to Montgomery College.  Students need to complete the FAFSA form to be considered for federal student aid such as federal grants, work-study funds, and loans.  In addition, the state of Maryland and colleges use FAFSA information to determine a student’s eligibility for state and school aid. 

MDSIS (State Aid)

MHEC (Maryland Higher Education Commission) is moving from the Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS) to the new Maryland Student Information System (MDSIS) to process state financial aid.   

Class of 2027 Seniors applying for Maryland State financial aid for the first time for the 2027–2028 school year, SHOULD NOT create an MDCAPS account.  Instead, you will create an account in MDSIS, MHEC’s new system, once that is available.  New MDSIS accounts will be available beginning in January 2027.

Please review the SVHS Financial Aid Guide for Seniors for more information on how to apply, financial aid resources, and more

All seniors applying to college should be using the SVHS College Application Guide!  It is important that you follow all of the steps and in order!

Here are a few tips to share that may help you with applications:

• In the Common App, refer to the following slideshow for assistance with your Honors & Activities section(s).

  • The Common App Activities & Honors Sections - slideshow guide

• Whenever you add a new school you plan on applying to in the Common App, don’t forget to request letters of recommendation from your teachers! 

  • You can request the same teacher again that you used before for these newly-added schools.

• Don’t forget to adjust your application deadlines in Naviance!  (Step 4 in the the guide)

  • Common App can sometimes default to regular decision deadlines in Naviance.  

  • This is important because if you have a November deadline, but your Naviance has it listed as January, your counselor and teacher(s) may think they have more time than they actually do to complete and submit!

Feel free to reach out to Mr. Nalda or your counselor if you have any questions.

Juniors & Seniors are invited to participate in college rep visits to SVHS to learn more about colleges and universities.  Representatives come to SVHS to share important information about their school and answer questions.  

To attend a college visit, students must register in Naviance (click to learn how) and have permission from their teacher in order to attend.  It is the responsibility of each student to make-up any work they may miss.  Unless noted, visits will take place in the College & Career Center, Room #2408.

Next Week’s College & Career Center Visits:

Click here to learn more and see who is scheduled to visit SVHS this Fall!

• November 12 - Elks Most Valuable Student Award - 500 awards ranging from 1,000-30,000 per year for four years; senior; U.S. Citizen; judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need; top 20 national finalists traditionally win a leadership trip to interview for up to $30,000. 

• November 12 - The Cooke College Scholarship Program - multiple awards of up to $55,000/year to attend a four-year school; senior; min. 3.75 GPA (un-weighted); judged on persistence, service to others, and leadership; essays, letters of recommendation; financial need (will consider applicants with family income up to $95,000); students can apply via Common App.   

• November 20 - National Honor Society (NHS) Scholarship* - (*deadline is 5pm on 11/20) 600 awards ranging from $3,200 - $25,000; senior; active NHS member in good standing; currently enrolled at a school with an affiliated NHS chapter; planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. college or university; student membership must be verified by an active NHS advisor at an affiliated NHS chapter. 

Click here to see the SVHS Scholarships Page for more opportunities.

MCPS & MICUA - On the Spot Admissions Event 

On November 20 and December 4, MCPS will be hosting an on-the-spot, instant decision event with several Maryland Independent Colleges and Universities. This is an event where prospective students can meet with an admissions rep via Zoom and receive an immediate decision, which will sometimes include a scholarship. 

The following schools will be participating:

Friday, November 20, 2026  |  8 am - 1 pm

• Capitol Technology University

• Goucher College (9:30 - 1 pm)

• McDaniel College

• Notre Dame of Maryland University

Friday, December 4, 2026  |  8 am - 1 pm

• Hood College

• Mount St. Mary's University

• Washington Adventist

• Notre Dame of Maryland University

• St. John’s College

Click here to learn more and to register

Maryland Private College Application Days - Application Fees Waived!

Last chance to apply to Maryland’s private colleges with no application fees!

Ready to explore your future at one of Maryland’s private colleges or universities? In partnership with the Maryland State 

Department of Education (MSDE), join us for Private College Application Day and apply to MICUA institutions with no application fees!

Please note: Fees are automatically waived for most schools, no code needed. 

• Johns Hopkins University: use code MDAPPLYDAY.

• Loyola University Maryland: select the Maryland Private College Application Day fee waiver in the Common App.

Remaining Date:  

November 9, 2026

This is your chance to take the next step without the usual costs—don’t miss out!

Click here for more information

Other Opportunities 

Montgomery College Paying for College Webinar Series

Students and their families will receive information on the essentials of financial aid, scholarships, billing, and other college funding topics. These sessions are designed to help students, parents, and counselors make informed decisions and confidently navigate the cost of college and career training.

All sessions are at 6 p.m. via Zoom.  Upcoming sessions:

• November 11 – Financial Aid Programs:  Explore the types of aid available – grants, loans, work-study- and the steps to apply.

Click here to register

24th Annual Alfred Street Baptist Church HBCU Festival

The 24th Annual ASBC HBCU Fest is coming November 13–14, and you do not want to miss it!

Whether you're a student searching for the right college, a parent planning for your student’s future, or a counselor helping students reach their goals, the ASBC HBCU Fest is your opportunity to connect, explore, and GET AHEAD!

Admissions. Scholarships. Connections. Opportunity.

With 70+ colleges and universities participating over two action-packed days, students can:

✨ Meet college representatives face-to-face

🎓 Get on-the-spot admission decisions

💸 Have college application fees waived

🏆 Discover scholarship opportunities

📚 Learn about programs, majors, and campus life

🤝 Build connections that can open doors to their future

Click here for more information and to register

MC Cafecito: HVAC Information Session

Are you looking for a career that offers great pay and advancement opportunities? Are you a problem solver that enjoys mechanical and technical challenges?  Johnson Controls is partnering with Montgomery College to help you succeed in our industry-accredited HVAC program. 

Join us to learn more about your next steps in this exciting career.

Tuesday, November 17, 2026  |  6pm - 7pm

Montgomery College Rockville Campus  |  Homer S. Gudelsky Institute for Technical Education  |  Room # GU 224

Light refreshments will be served.  

Click here for more information and to register  |  Click here for the flyer

Monthly Newsletter 

SVHS College & Career Center Newsletter

• November, 26-27 Issue