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CLASS OF 2027: NEED HELP WITH FAFSA? I'M YOUR GAL!
COLLEGE & CAREER EVENTS CALENDAR
This page provides details and registration links for all upcoming events. If you are looking for events specifically pertaining to financial aid, CLICK HERE.
UPCOMING EVENTS!
Check back regularly—this page will be updated as new events are scheduled.
UMES Aviation Degree Virtual Info Session
Thursday, October 29th | 5:30 p.m.
Attendees of this session will receive detailed overviews of degree programs, flight training certifications, and specialization options. Presenters will provide insights into industry demand, commercial and private pilot routes, drone technologies, and aviation management roles. In addition, they will go over step-by-step guidance on admission requirements, fees, scholarships, and financial planning. There will also be a live Q&A session with direct access to aviation faculty, flight instructors, and current students.
USG Family Engagement Night
Thursday, October 29th | 6:00-8:00 p.m.
The Universities at Shady Grove invite families to explore college, career, financial aid and dual enrollment opportunities on cammpus. Families will get information on college and career planning, FAFSA and financial aid, dual enrollment opportunities, USG programs, and community and networking resources, as well as meet college and career professionals. Email samaya1@umd.edu with questions.
Mount Cavalry Baptist Church HBCU Fair
Saturday, October 31st | 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
For sixteen years, Mount Calvary Baptist Church has proudly opened its doors to welcome students, families, and representatives from colleges and universities rooted in culture, legacy, academic excellence, athletic achievement, and spiritual values. This gathering brings students and institutions face to face, creating space for meaningful conversations about skills, talents, interests, and long‑term goals. This isn’t just a college fair — it’s a catalyst for empowerment. Join to take part in an experience designed to inspire, connect, and open new pathways.
Montgomery College Snacks & Swag
Tuesday, November 3rd | 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Are you the first in your family to attend college? Join MC for Proud to Be First!, a welcoming event for past, current, and future first-generation students. Build your community, gain valuable insights for success, and celebrate your first-generation journey.
Montgomery College First Gen Success Panel
Tuesday, November 3rd | 1:00 p.m.
LOCATION: MC ROCKVILLE CAMPUS
Hear inspiring stories from first-generation leaders, faculty, staff, students, and community members, and learn about the resources available to help you succeed. Enjoy light refreshments after the panel.
The Secret to Making Student Research Stand Out in the Admissions Process
Tuesday, November 3rd | 6:00 p.m.
If you’ve put real work into a research project, this session is about making it count. Sonia Lal will walk through how to build a winning admissions strategy that showcases your research across the four spots that matter most: your essays, resume, recommendation letters, and interviews—so everything supports the story you’re telling admissions officers about who you are and where you’re headed.
Your Key to College Funding
Thursday, November 5th | 5:30 p.m.
LOCATION: QUINCE ORCHARD HIGH SCHOOL, 15800 QUINCE ORCHARD BOULEVARD, GAITHERSBURG
This in-person financial aid session is intended to help students and families explore ways to pay for college. Learn about scholarships, grants, and financial aid, along with practical steps to make college more affordable. Hosted by Quince Orchard High School but open to all MCPS students and families.
CSS Profile Walkthrough
Thursday, November 5th | 6:00-7:00 p.m.
The CSS Profile walkthrough introduces students and families to the CSS Profile, what you need, how to complete it, and what the next steps are. It introduces each section of the form, outlines the differences between the student and parent sections, covers the necessary documents, and offers guidance on how to report noncustodial parent information. The walkthrough also goes over the CSS Profile dashboard and how IDOC operates There will be time for Q&A and follow-up support.
Paying for College and Trade School
Thursday, November 5th | 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Make education-related financial decisions that support your future goals and vision. This session will cover how to make financially wise education decisions, educational choices and their costs, sources of funds, student loan basics, and lifestyle spending and saving. High school students and families are encouraged to attend together. Presented by the University of Maryland Extension.
Ask Me Anything
Tuesday, November 10th | 1:30 p.m.
Parents and caregivers may join this open Zoom session to ask questions about any college- or career-related topic. Let me know how I can help you!
Cómo pagar la universidad
Miércoles, 11 de noviembre a las 5:30pm
Dirección: Quince Orchard High School, Media Center, 15800 Quince Orchard Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Acompáñenos en Cómo pagar la universidad, una sesión en español para familias sobre becas y otras opciones de ayuda financiera. Conozca los pasos para solicitar apoyo económico y hacer que la universidad sea más accesible para su estudiante.
Montgomery College Paying for College Webinar Series: Financial Aid Programs
Wednesday, November 11th | 6:00 p.m.
The Paying for College Series breaks down the essentials of financial aid, scholarships, billing, and more. These sessions are designed to help you make informed decisions and feel confident about paying for college and career training. During this session, you'll explore the types of aid available—grants, loans, work study—and the steps to apply.
Financial Aid 101: The Basics of College Financial Aid
Thursday, November 12th | 7:00 p.m.
Learn the language of financial aid and practical strategies for understanding college costs, planning ahead, and evaluating affordability throughout the college search.
Destination MICA: Open House
Saturday, November 14th | 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
This event is your chance to see what life is like studying at one of the most influential art and design hubs in the United States. Destination MICA is one of the strongest opportunities of the year for students who are serious about pursuing art and design at the college level, and a valuable way for you to support their college search with a direct, on-campus experience. You can build a customized schedule of sessions and activities that align with your interests; tour MICA, attend hands-on studio demos, meet with faculty, enjoy lunch on campus, and more!
Alfred Street Baptist Church HBCU Festival
Friday and Saturday, November 13th & 14th
LOCATION: 6805 INDUSTRIAL RD, SPRINGFIELD, VA
Over 70 colleges and universities will be represented during the two-day event (virtual on Friday from 4:00-8:00 p.m.; in-person on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.). Many will provide on-the-spot admission decisions, conduct music auditions, waive application fees, offer scholarships, etc.. Additionally, seminars and exhibitor presentations will be held to help students navigate the college application process, seek financial aid opportunities and acclimate them to campus life.
Understanding Accommodations and Other Support for College Students
Tuesday, November 17th | 6:30 p.m.
More than one in five college students report having a disability, yet the accommodations and support available in college differ significantly from high school. Learn what colleges do—and don't—provide, the documentation needed to request accommodations, and how the approval process works. The session will also explore other academic and non-academic resources available to students, including tutoring, academic coaching, peer mentoring, wellness services, and specialized support programs.
FAFSA/MHEC ONE APP and MDCAPS In-Person Assistance
Wednesday, November 18th | 6:30-8:00 p.m.
In-person help with creating accounts for FAFSA, MHEC One-App, and MDCAPS, as well as to complete and submit your FAFSA, will be available in the Magruder Career Center. Drop in anytime between 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. Bring a laptop or tablet.
How to Find Scholarships That Your Child Can Actually Win
Thursday, November 15, 2026 | 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Searching for scholarships can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. Get the resources you need to be efficient and proactive to make sure you have the money you need to afford your college journey!
9th Grade Field Trip to Stevenson University
Monday, November 30th | 9:00-2:00 p.m.
Magruder 9th graders are invited to this field trip co-sponsored by the Montgomery County Career Advising Program to Stevenson University, where they will get a tour of a college campus and hear from faculty and students about what it's like.
The True Hidden Costs of College for Students with Disabilities
Wednesday, December 9th | 6:30 p.m.
College is increasingly expensive, but for students with disabilities, the true cost can be much higher than the advertised Cost of Attendance, with additional expenses that financial aid doesn't cover. Discover the hidden costs families frequently overlook and strategies to help plan for and pay for them.
Tutorial de el Formulario FAFSA
Miércoles, 9 de diciembre | 7:00 p. m.
El tutorial de FAFSA guía a los estudiantes y las familias a través de toda la FAFSA por sección, describiendo qué información es necesaria, detallando los puntos débiles comunes y cómo responder preguntas. Esta presentación también brinda una idea de lo que viene después de la FAFSA. Además de presentar brevemente el Resumen de presentación de la FAFSA (anteriormente llamado SAR) y la verificación, también brindamos oportunidades para preguntas y respuestas y soporte de seguimiento.
FAFSA/MHEC ONE APP and MDCAPS In-Person Assistance
Tuesday, December 15th | 6:30-8:00 p.m.
In-person help with creating accounts for FAFSA, MHEC One-App, and MDCAPS, as well as to complete and submit your FAFSA, will be available in the Magruder Career Center. Drop in anytime between 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. Bring a laptop or tablet.
Ask Me Anything
Thursday, December 17th | 9:30 a.m.
Parents and caregivers may join this open Zoom session to ask questions about any college- or career-related topic. Let me know how I can help you!
Paying for College Without Sacrificing Retirement
Thursday, December 17, 2026 | 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Topics will include whether it's worthwhile to complete financial aid forms, cost reduction tactics and strategies, using tax-efficient money and versatile financial vehicles, and more.
FAFSA/MHEC ONE APP and MDCAPS In-Person Assistance
Thursday, January 14th | 6:30-8:00 p.m.
In-person help with creating accounts for FAFSA, MHEC One-App, and MDCAPS, as well as to complete and submit your FAFSA, will be available in the Magruder Career Center. Drop in anytime between 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. Bring a laptop or tablet.
Start Early, Stress Less and Stand Out: Insider College Admissions Advice for 8th-11th Graders
Tuesday, January 19th | 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Perfect for parents of 8th–11th graders, this free webinar will share insider strategies to reduce stress, navigate recent admissions changes, and help your student stand out in today’s competitive college landscape. In this session, you’ll discover how admissions are changing and what it means for your child, what factors matter most in college acceptance decisions, how to build a strong narrative through high school achievements, ACT/SAT prep tips (should your child take the tests or skip them?), and strategies for building a balanced list and finding hidden gem colleges.
REGISTRATION COMING SOON
Ask Me Anything
Wednesday, January 20th | 10:30 a.m.
Parents and caregivers may join this open Zoom session to ask questions about any college- or career-related topic. Let me know how I can help you!
Montgomery College Paying for College Webinar Series: Scholarships
Wednesday, January 20th | 6:00 p.m.
The Paying for College Series breaks down the essentials of financial aid, scholarships, billing, and more. These sessions are designed to help you make informed decisions and feel confident about paying for college and career training. During this session, you'll explore scholarship opportunities and tips for submitting strong applications.
Mental Health at College: What Is and Is Not Provided
Tuesday, January 26th | 6:30 p.m.
According to the 2024–2025 Healthy Minds Study, roughly one-third of college students report moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety or depression. Learn what colleges provide—and don’t—around mental health, including counseling, accommodations, wellness initiatives, peer support, and crisis response. The session also highlights critical gaps in mental health services that families should consider during the college search, along with strategies for navigating these gaps once on campus.
Ask Me Anything
Monday, February 8th | 12:30 p.m.
Parents and caregivers may join this open Zoom session to ask questions about any college- or career-related topic. Let me know how I can help you!
FAFSA/MHEC ONE APP and MDCAPS In-Person Assistance
Tuesday, February 9th | 6:30-8:00 p.m.
In-person help with creating accounts for FAFSA, MHEC One-App, and MDCAPS, as well as to complete and submit your FAFSA, will be available in the Magruder Career Center. Drop in anytime between 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. Bring a laptop or tablet.
Montgomery College Paying for College Webinar Series: You’ve Applied for Aid—Now What?
Tuesday, March 9th | 6:00 p.m.
The Paying for College Series breaks down the essentials of financial aid, scholarships, billing, and more. These sessions are designed to help you make informed decisions and feel confident about paying for college and career training. During this session, you'll understand what you must do after submitting your FAFSA and/or MD One App applications.
Gap Year for Students with Neurodivergence
Tuesday, March 9th | 6:30 p.m.
Is your neurodivergent high school student academically capable of college but not quite ready to thrive there? A structured gap year can give students time to build the executive functioning, self-advocacy, confidence, and independence they need to transition successfully to college and adulthood. Join Caitlin Garman, LICSW, from BroadFutures to explore how gap year programs and hands-on work experiences can help neurodivergent students develop these skills, regain motivation, and clarify their goals. Parents will leave with practical strategies to assess their student’s readiness and consider whether a gap year is the right next step.
Roadmap to College: What Students Should Do Each Year of High School to Stand Out
Wednesday, March 10th | 6:30-7:30 p.m.
The college admissions process is more competitive than ever. In this webinar, we’ll share essential strategies for navigating the changing landscape and positioning your student for success. Join to learn how admissions are changing, what factors matter most, how to build a strong narrative, get test prep tips, and how to start early to move a "dream" school into the "target" range.
REGISTRATION COMING SOON
Ask Me Anything
Monday, March 22nd | 9:00 a.m.
Parents and caregivers may join this open Zoom session to ask questions about any college- or career-related topic. Let me know how I can help you!
Ask Me Anything
Thursday, April 15th | 1:30 p.m.
Parents and caregivers may join this open Zoom session to ask questions about any college- or career-related topic. Let me know how I can help you!
Montgomery College Paying for College Webinar Series: Understanding My Costs & Bill
Tuesday, May 4th | 6:00 p.m.
The Paying for College Series breaks down the essentials of financial aid, scholarships, billing, and more. These sessions are designed to help you make informed decisions and feel confident about paying for college and career training. During this session, you'll learn how to read your college bill and what your financial aid covers.
Ask Me Anything
Tuesday, May 11th | 10:00 a.m.
Parents and caregivers may join this open Zoom session to ask questions about any college- or career-related topic. Let me know how I can help you!
Montgomery College Paying for College Webinar Series: How to Avoid Having Your Courses Deleted for Nonpayment
Thursday, June 10th | 6:00 p.m.
The Paying for College Series breaks down the essentials of financial aid, scholarships, billing, and more. These sessions are designed to help you make informed decisions and feel confident about paying for college and career training. During this session, you'll get practical advice on staying enrolled and managing payment deadlines.
PAST EVENT RECORDINGS
PAST EVENT RECORDINGS
Recordings to past events are made available whenever possible. Please browse the past events below.
(UC deadlines, basics, and trends)
(walkthrough of the UC application)
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