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IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS!
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.
What's New with Student Loans
Thursday, January 15th | 6:30 p.m.
Join us for essential insights on federal loan reforms, important plan changes, and actionable steps for navigating student loan repayment effectively. Email dnuckols@umd.edu with questions.
TuitionCents 2026: FAFSA 2026 Walkthrough + Understanding Your Student Aid Index
Thursday, January 15th | 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Experts will guide you through the process of maximizing your potential financial aid eligibility. Presented by The College Funding Coach.
Free Virtual SAT Practice Exam
Saturday, January 17th | 9:00 a.m.
Taking practice tests for primary, secondary, and college admission exams provides students with a baseline score. Finding out where you stand allows you to compare scores and determine your best fit test. Led by Revolution Prep.
Paying for College and Trade School
Saturday, January 17th | 10:00 a.m. until noon
The program is student-focused; ideally, students and parents attend together. The topics are particularly expedient for seniors, but they are also very helpful for younger students as they start to investigate education choices and their costs. Topics include how to make financially wise education decisions, available educational choices and their costs, sources of funds, scholarship search strategies, student loan basics, and a look at real life (focus on financial future).
Paying for College and Trade School
Tuesday, January 20th | 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The program is student-focused; ideally, students and parents attend together. The topics are particularly expedient for seniors, but they are also very helpful for younger students as they start to investigate education choices and their costs. Topics include how to make financially wise education decisions, available educational choices and their costs, sources of funds, scholarship search strategies, student loan basics, and a look at real life (focus on financial future).
What Colleges are Looking for in 2026
Tuesday, January 20th | 7:00-8:00 p.m.
This session will cover how changes to the landscape (including AI, identity-based essay prompts, and testing policies) may impact your process, the top factors colleges consider when selecting students (ranked), a tool to assess your readiness for the college process (and where you may need additional support), and tips around course selection, testing extracurriculars, essays, college lists, rec letters, and more.
UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego & More: Tips from Former UC Admissions Officers
Tuesday, January 20th | 7:00 p.m.
Did you know that UCs receive nearly 250,000 applications every year? Wondering how your child can leave a mark on admissions officers in today's competitive environment? Join Joel Ontiveros (former UCLA Assistant Director of Admission) and Lee Ann Cornell (UCLA alumna and former Director of Admission), for a clear breakdown of the current UC admissions landscape with actionable insights you can use right away.
Montgomery College Paying for College Series:
Scholarships
Wednesday, January 21st | 6:00 p.m.
The Paying for College Series will break down the essentials of financial aid, scholarships, costs, billing, and more. Whether you’re a student, parent, or counselor, these sessions are designed to help you make informed decisions and feel confident about paying for college and career training.
How to Plan College Visits and Research
Wednesday, January 21st | 6:30 p.m.
Join Jordan Kanarek from CollegeWise to learn about how to do your college research to make your college list and how to approach your college visits. Hosted by Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School but open to all MCPS families.
Future-Proof College Majors vs. Degrees: What’s Gaining Value in the AI Age
Wednesday, January 21st | 7:00 p.m.
Families are hearing a lot about AI, yet few are talking about what it means for college planning. Most resources fail to clearly outline how AI is influencing college majors, career readiness, and long-term job security. In this webinar, we will walk through current, research-based trends to help you better understand which skills and academic paths will enable your student to stay competitive in a changing workforce.
Grades, Courses, Rigor: How Colleges Evaluate Transcripts
Thursday, January 22nd | 3:00 p.m.
Your high school transcript is one of the most important parts of your college application, and it’s more than just a list of grades. Colleges look closely at what courses you take, how rigorous your schedule is, and how your academic performance evolves over time. Having a strong understanding of how admissions officers interpret this information helps you make smarter choices as you select your courses and develop your academic profile. Join for a deep dive into transcript evaluation and course planning. IvyWise experts will explain how colleges assess grades alongside course rigor and how you can strategically build a transcript that reflects academic curiosity, intellectual growth, and personal interests.
Paying for College and Trade School
Tuesday, January 22nd | 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The program is student-focused; ideally, students and parents attend together. The topics are particularly expedient for seniors, but they are also very helpful for younger students as they start to investigate education choices and their costs. Topics include how to make financially wise education decisions, available educational choices and their costs, sources of funds, scholarship search strategies, student loan basics, and a look at real life (focus on financial future).
Free Virtual ACT Practice Exam
Saturday, January 24th | 9:00 a.m.
Taking practice tests for primary, secondary, and college admission exams provides students with a baseline score. Finding out where you stand allows you to compare scores and determine your best fit test. Led by Revolution Prep.
Paying for College and Trade School
Tuesday, January 28th | 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The program is student-focused; ideally, students and parents attend together. The topics are particularly expedient for seniors, but they are also very helpful for younger students as they start to investigate education choices and their costs. Topics include how to make financially wise education decisions, available educational choices and their costs, sources of funds, scholarship search strategies, student loan basics, and a look at real life (focus on financial future).
Building a Compelling Extracurricular Profile with a Former Stanford Admissions Officer
Wednesday, January 28th | 7:00 p.m.
Between school, clubs, sports, and volunteering, many students stay busy. But when it comes to college admissions, being busy is not the same as being compelling. In this webinar, Daniel Chung, former Admissions Officer at Stanford, Rice, and Swarthmore (who has reviewed more than 10,000 applications), will share how your teen can develop a standout activities profile.
From Graduation to Greatness: Learn How a Gap Year will Enhance Your Teen's Growth Trajectory
Wednesday, January 28th | 7:00-8:00 p.m.
The session will include data on the benefits of gap years on a teen’s success in college and in life. The focus will be on how to make the most of the experience – including real life examples featuring MCPS students and alums who have had successful “gap” summer, semester and full-year experiences. Hosted by Walt Whitman High School but open to all MCPS.
University of Pennsylvania: How to Get in and What to Know
Thursday, January 29th | 3:00 p.m.
Are you considering applying to the University of Pennsylvania? Whether you are beginning the college search process or finalizing your list, this is a great opportunity to learn all about UPenn and hear expert tips on how to get in from IvyWise college admissions counselors Kim, former Associate Director of Admissions at UPenn, and Christine, former Assistant Director of Admissions at Georgetown and Yale Universities. Christine and Kim will share insights into the latest application data at UPenn and what the upcoming admissions cycles may look like for those hoping to become Quakers.
National Precollege & Summer Program DC Fair
Thursday, January 29th
The National Precollege & Summer Program Fairs are the premier events where high school families can meet program representatives in-person, explore the most diverse array of summer opportunities, and find the endless possibilities for their summer. The DC fair will include pre-college programs, study abroad, teen travel, community service, and test prep opportunities. All attendees must pre-register.
Greater DMV International University Fair
Thursday, January 29th | 6:00-7:30 p.m.
LOCATION: B-CC HIGH SCHOOL, 4301 EAST-WEST HIGHWAY, BETHESDA, MD 20814
Attend this event to meet representatives of 30 universities from 11 countries.
Exploring Gap Years: What You Need to Know
Thursday, January 29th | 7:00 p.m.
Join for an engaging presentation and live Q&A on the benefits of taking a purposeful and affordable gap year. During this session, families will learn what a gap year is (and what it is not), the benefits of taking gap time after high school, how students can grow through real-world experiences, how to plan a transformational Gap Year on any budget, and how gap years can support long-term academic and career success. This event is hosted by Richard Montgomery High School but is open to all MCPS families.
Junior Year Jumpstart: Building Your Student's Strongest Path Forward
Monday, February 2nd | 12:00-12:45:00 p.m.
Learn how to make smart, strategic choices during junior year that strengthen your student’s academic profile and keep college options wide open. Topics to include building a balanced list, different types of application deadlines, essay development, the SAT/ACT and whether to submit scores, and more.
Standout Stories: Helping Your Teen Build a Compelling College Narrative
Tuesday, February 3rd | 12:00-12:45:00 p.m.
Discover how your teen’s classes, activities, and interests come together into a clear, authentic story that resonates with college admissions officers—starting as early as 9th grade. Topics to include extracurriculars, summer programs, passion projects, major and career exploration, and more.
Tutorial de el Formulario FAFSA
Martes, 3 de febrero | 14:00-15:00
Obtén la información que necesitas sobre ayuda financiera para la universidad con el formulario FAFSA.
Planning Productive College Tours
Tuesday, February 3rd | 8:00 p.m.
You know it's important to visit the campuses of the colleges you're interested in, but how can you make your visits productive and efficient? Make sure to see the things you want to see and get your questions answered by planning ahead of time. Learn how with experts from The Princeton Review.
Navigating the Critical Changes in Admissions Testing
Tuesday, February 3rd | 10:00 p.m.
In today’s college admissions landscape, the role of testing evolves rapidly. With the latest changes, families face a new set of decisions: many of the most competitive colleges and universities have moved back to a test-required policy; College Board is now working with a fully adaptive digital version of the PSAT and SAT; the ACT is offering a digital and newly enhanced version of their exam. Having a complete understanding of the nuances is critical for students to maximize their opportunities.
NOTE: The time is correct; if you register for the event and are unable to attend, you will receive a recording.
Testing Demystified: What Parents Need to Know About the SAT and ACT in 2026
Wednesday, February 4th | 12:00-12:45:00 p.m.
Get clarity on today’s SAT and ACT landscape, including timelines, score choice, and how testing fits into your student’s overall college strategy. Topics to include what "test-optional" really means, admission trends in testing, the key differences between the ACT and SAT, how to strategically make a testing plan, and more.
uAspire Webinar Series: FAFSA Follow-Up
Wednesday, February 4th | 2:00-3:00 p.m.
This webinar shares best practices for reviewing the FAFSA Submission Summary (previously called the Student Aid Report), navigating special circumstances, and handling the complexity of verification.
Ask the Experts: Real Answers to Your Biggest College Admissions Questions
Thursday, February 5th | 12:00-12:45:00 p.m.
Bring your questions and get straightforward guidance from our experienced college counselors.
Field Trip to Hood College
Monday, February 9th
Students in grades 10-12 are invited to participate in a field trip to Hood College. We will depart Magruder at 8:15 a.m. and return around 1:30 p.m. Students will tour the campus and have the opportunity to eat lunch in the dining hall. There is no cost for this field trip. Space is limited to 50 students.
Meet-a-Pro: Evelyn Smittenaar, Physical Therapist Assistant
Thursday, February 12th | 6:30 p.m.
Meet-a-Pro is a collaboration between the Montgomery County Career Advising Program and Magruder High School to host discussions with professionals in different fields, bringing information about career options to high school students.
Ms. Smittenaar work as a physical therapist assistant (PTA) in an outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine clinic. This is a job that requires successful completion of an accredited associate degree program, followed by passing a nationally administered licensing exam.
This event is hosted by Magruder High School but is open to all MCPS families.
College Planning Case Study
Thursday, February 12th | 10:00 p.m.
Join for one of five live webinars designed to reframe the conversation around testing timelines, list-building strategies, application workloads, and student well-being. Topics include testing timelines, building a balanced college list, admissions outcomes, and the real workload. Reduce stress, plan early, and take control of your college journey.
MCPS 18th Annual HBCU Fair
Friday, February 13th | 6:00-8:30 p.m.
50 HBCU representatives will share information and answer questions from students and parents about admissions, financial aid, testing, majors and much more. The event will also feature a college prep workshop for middle school students and parents, a discussion on college life, FAFSA completion assistance, scholarship information and more. This event is co-sponsored by Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and the Montgomery County Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
In-Person FAFSA/MDCAPS Completion Session
Wednesday, February 18th | 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Do you need help completing your financial aid applications? Get one-on-one assistance with your FAFSA, MDCAPS or MSFAA applications and get questions answered in person at Magruder High School. Assistance will be available in English and Spanish.
Sesión presencial para completar la FAFSA/MDCAPS
Miércoles 18 de febrero | 6:30-8:00 p.m.
¿Necesita ayuda para completar sus solicitudes de ayuda financiera? Reciba asistencia personalizada con sus solicitudes FAFSA, MDCAPS o MSFAA y resuelva sus dudas en persona en la Escuela Secundaria Magruder. La asistencia estará disponible en inglés y español.
Free Student ASVAB Test
Thursday, February 19th | 7:45 a.m.
LOCATION: SPRINGBROOK HIGH SCHOOL
The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a timed, multi-aptitude test, which is given at more than 14,000 schools and Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) nationwide. Although the ASVAB test was developed to help people determine the trajectory of a potential military career, there is no military obligation to take it, and the results can be used for your own future exploration.
CLICK HERE FOR THE PERMISSION SLIP
Return permission slip to tammy_r_patterson@mcpsmd.org
Ask Me Anything: Open Zoom
Thursday, February 19th | 9:00-10:00 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!
Financial Aid Award Letters–How to Appeal and Win More Aid
Thursday, February 19th | 7:00-8:00 p.m.
The financial aid award process is tricky. Make sure you're informed so you can advocate for yourself (or your student) if your award is less than you need.
Free Teens Night Out: Career Workshops
Friday, February 20th | 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Staff will showcase different careers for participants to learn about and guide them through the different routes they can take to pursue the careers they want.
Field Trip to Goucher College
Monday, March 9th
Students will have the opportunity to tour Goucher College in Towson, Maryland, hear about their programs and see the campus. Lunch in the dining hall is provided.
This is a reschedule of the trip that was originally planned for December 2nd; all students who already paid and turned in permission slips still have a space. However, EVERYONE must turn in the new permission slip by the new deadline as noted on the link below in order to keep their slot.
Montgomery College Paying for College Series:
You've Applied for Aid...Now What?
Wednesday, March 11th | 6:00 p.m.
The Paying for College Series will break down the essentials of financial aid, scholarships, costs, billing, and more. Whether you’re a student, parent, or counselor, these sessions are designed to help you make informed decisions and feel confident about paying for college and career training.
Ask Me Anything: Open Zoom
Tuesday, March 17th | 12:15-1:15 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!
Ask Me Anything: Open Zoom
Tuesday, March 17th | 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Learn how to approach the application process for highly selective colleges, what they are looking for, and what makes you a competitive candidate. Led by Jordan Kanarek from CollegeWise.
Scholarships Basics and Tips
Thursday, March 19th | 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Searching for scholarships can be a daunting process. Join uAspire to learn more about how you can search more efficiently and effectively.
How to Maximize Merit Aid
Thursday, March 19th | 7:00 p.m.
Topics for this event will include what merit aid is and why it's such a big deal, types of merit aid, how to maximize institutional aid, how to find schools that give merit aid, and private scholarship success tips.
Capitol Technology University: Aviation Visitor's Day
Saturday, March 21st | 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
LOCATION: TIPTON AIRPORT, 7515 GENERAL AVIATION DRIVE, HANGAR 80, FORT MEADE, MD 20755
Capitol Technology University invites prospective students and their parents to explore the world of possibilities that our Aviation Professional Pilot program has to offer. Are you interested in learning more about Capitol Tech's Aviation Professional Pilot program? Attend this program to learn more.
Towson University Health Professions Overview
Tuesday, March 24th, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
This virtual session will be led by Tab Uhrich, Associate Dean, College of Health Professions at Towson University. Ms. Uhrich taught 12 years in K-12, is a tenured professor in TU’s Department of Kinesiology, former Director of Assessment at TU, and a current Associate Dean. Ms. Uhrich will provide an overview of Towson University's academic programs in the College of Health Professions, including undergraduate and graduate levels, followed by a Q&A. She will discuss key information such as which undergraduate majors have a separate admissions process and which majors are good choices as pathways into our graduate programs. Lastly, she will include information about their Institute for Well-Being and student services.
Field Trip to the U.S. Naval Academy
Friday, April 10th
Students will have the opportunity to tour the United States Naval Academy and learn what it's like to apply for an attend a military academy for college. Participation is limited to 50 students; priority will be given to students in the JROTC program.
Field Trip to Maryland CareerQuest
Thursday, April 16th
Maryland CareerQuest is at Live! Hotel and Convention Center in Hanover, MD. This is an amazing opportunity for students to obtain valuable information and inquire about various career opportunities and the training and education they require, without having to attend a traditional four-year institution. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to develop a broader understanding of how they can turn their passions and genuine interests into an actual career.
Smart Student Loans–How to Borrow Without Risking Your Future
Thursday, April 16th | 7:00-8:00 p.m.
This session will cover understanding the total cost of loans, federal direct loans and repayment, Parent PLUS loans and repayment, private loans and repayment, and student loans vs. HELOC. Presented by The College Funding Coach.
NACAC College Fair
Thursday, April 22nd
The NACAC College Fair is the biggest college fair on the east coast. Each year, all MCPS schools take 11th grade students to the fair, which is attended by reps from over 300 colleges and universities around the world. This is an extremely important opportunity for students to take advantage of.
PERMISSION SLIP COMING SOON
Ask Me Anything: Open Zoom
Thursday, April 23rd | 1:30-2:30 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 Series:
Understanding Your Costs and Bill
Monday, May 4th | 6:00 p.m.
The Paying for College Series will break down the essentials of financial aid, scholarships, costs, billing, and more. Whether you’re a student, parent, or counselor, these sessions are designed to help you make informed decisions and feel confident about paying for college and career training.
Hidden Gems – Colleges That Deliver Big Returns on Investment
Thursday, May 21st | 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Discover the hidden gems that deliver outsized returns on your investment and set students up for long-term success. Not all great investments come with a flashy name, and when it comes to college, some of the best-kept secrets offer the strongest payoffs. Whether you’re focused on minimizing student debt, maximizing earning potential, or simply getting the best bang for your buck, this session will help you uncover underrated schools or programs with great relative returns.
Montgomery College Paying for College Series:
How to Avoid Having Your Courses Deleted
Wednesday, June 11th | 6:00 p.m.
The Paying for College Series will break down the essentials of financial aid, scholarships, costs, billing, and more. Whether you’re a student, parent, or counselor, these sessions are designed to help you make informed decisions and feel confident about paying for college and career training.
Build Your College List With Cost in Mind–A Mid-Year Planning Guide
Thursday, June 18th | 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Plan ahead as you start to think about your college list and learn the benefits of considering cost while building your list. Presented by The College Funding Coach.
The College Seesaw—Balancing Dreams with Financial Reality
Thursday, July 16th | 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Choosing a college isn’t just about where your child wants to go. It’s about what your family can afford without disrupting the parent or child’s financial future. Learn how to set clear financial boundaries, identify schools that offer significant scholarship money, navigate the emotions of saying "no", what tools to use to do your research, and more.
In-State Tuition for Out-of-State Students—Legal Loopholes and Strategies
Thursday, August 20th | 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Is your child dreaming of attending an out-of-state college, but the cost seems insane? The biggest issue in college planning is safeguarding your family’s financial future while supporting your child’s aspirations. This is incredibly challenging when your child is interested in attending an out-of-state school. This session will share essential knowledge and strategies for making out-of-state college more affordable.
FAFSA 2026–What You Need to Know Before Filing
Thursday, September 17th | 7:00-8:00 p.m.
This session will provide an overview of FAFSA changes and what you'll need to file on time.
Demystifying the CSS Profile–What High-Cost Schools Really Ask
Thursday, October 15th | 7:00-8:00 p.m.
This session will go over what the CSS Profile is, which schools require it, and what you need to submit it.
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!
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.
PAST EVENT RECORDINGS
PAST EVENT RECORDINGS
Recordings to past events are made available whenever possible. Please browse the past events below.
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This session's panel includes an MCPS Career Advisor and college counselors from McDaniel College and UMD.
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This session's panel includes college counselors from McDaniel College and George Washington University.
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