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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.
Magruder Alumni Panel Session
Tuesday, January 6th | During 3rd period
Juniors and seniors are invited to attend an alumni panel and hear from Magruder alums about their college experiences and ask questions about what you should know now to get ready for college!
Start Early, Stress Less and Stand Out: Insider College Admissions Advice for 8th-11th Graders
Thursday, January 8th | 6:30 p.m.
Perfect for parents of 8th–11th graders, this free webinar with expert college consultant Renee Minnich 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.
Research Tips for Evaluating College Fit
Tuesday, January 13th | 8:00 p.m.
Join experts from The Princeton Review as they discuss research tips that will help you make the most of your research time and know what to consider and prioritize as you learn about potential colleges and universities.
In-Person FAFSA/MDCAPS Completion Session
Wednesday, January 14th | 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.
College Match Onboarding Session
Thursday, January 15th | During lunch in the Career Center
Match by Concourse is an online platform where universities apply for students, flipping the script on admissions. With Match by Concourse, students create a profile and upload your latest academic transcript. Colleges will review your anonymous profile and make admission offers. Most admission offers will include personalized scholarship awards. Then, you'll select offers for which you like to receive admission materials. If you haven't started your college applications yet, if you just want to explore possibilities without the commitment of a huge amount of time and effort, or if you're just curious, this is for you!
Ask Me Anything: Open Zoom
Thursday, January 15th | 2:00-3:00 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!
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.
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.
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.
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 & alums who have had successful “gap” summer, semester and full-year experiences. Hosted by Walt Whitman High School but open to all MCPS.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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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