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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.
Getting Your Teen Ready for a Business Major
Tuesday, November 25th | 7:00 p.m.
A business major can open doors to endless career possibilities, but how do you help your student choose the right path? Join experts Carlos Gooden (Former Application Reader at USC and UC San Diego) and Anita Doddi (Former UChicago Academic Advisor) to gain real strategies on how to navigate this competitive process.
Clark Construction Crafting Futures Event
Monday, December 8th | 8:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
REGISTRATION CLOSES DECEMBER 1st
Get ready to gain hands-on experience at the Skilled Trades Expo, and learn about rewarding construction careers from industry professionals shaping our region. Join Clark Construction, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, and dozens of local trade contractors for a dynamic, hands-on event exploring in-demand, high-paying careers in the skilled trades.
Creativity in STEM: What Sets Applicants Apart at MIT, Stanford, and Other Top Programs
Monday, December 1st | 7:00 p.m.
For years, getting into a top STEM program meant acing exams and stacking up technical skills. But, unfortunately, that’s no longer enough. As fields like AI, biotechnology, and environmental science drive the next wave of innovation, selective colleges such as MIT, Caltech, and Stanford are seeking students who can pair creativity with technical expertise to solve real-world challenges. If your student is serious about STEM, this is a conversation you can’t miss.
Field Trip to Goucher College
Tuesday, December 2nd
Students in grades 10-12 are invited to participate in a field trip to Goucher College. We will depart Magruder at 9:30 a.m. and return around 2:00 p.m. Students will tour the campus and have the opportunity to eat lunch in the dining hall. The cost for this trip is $11.00; please email jennifer_lyons@mcpsmd.org if the cost is a burden for your family. Space is limited to 50 students.
Balancing Junior Year Pressures with Smart College Planning
Tuesday, December 2nd | 7:00 p.m.
By this point in junior year, grades, course rigor, and activities are beginning to tell a story that colleges will read closely. The second half of 11th grade offers valuable opportunities to strengthen your teen’s story, and it’s not too late to make a big impact. Speakers, Julie Brasseaux (former Tulane Regional Senior Assistant Director of Admissions) and Renee Bischoff (former Admissions Officer at Northwestern), have reviewed thousands of college applications and will share the key insights your family needs.
Admissions 101
Wednesday, December 3rd | 6:30 p.m.
Geared for juniors and their parents, this event will give you the info you need to get started thinking about college in a sensible, organized way. Join Jordan Kanarek of Collegewise and Kanarek Consulting will discuss the college application process, covering what admissions officers look for beyond grades and test scores, how to build a strong application, and how to navigate deadlines.
College Planning for Teens with ADHD: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Wednesday, December 3rd | 7:00 p.m.
ADHD can result in missed deadlines, uneven performance, and unpredictable distractions, but beneath those challenges often lies deep curiosity, creativity, and enormous potential for growth. With the right support, those qualities can truly come to life in college admissions. In this live webinar, Jessica Nelson (former Associate Director at Landmark College, a national leader in ADHD and learning support) and Christina Mangano (former educator and ADHD-focused counselor) will help you plan for the path ahead.
Inside Admissions: How Colleges Decide—and When You Should Start Preparing
Thursday, December 4th | 6:00 p.m.
Confused about when to start the college process—or what actually matters most?This session will separate fact from fiction about applications, essays, extracurriculars, and the timeline that really counts. You’ll learn when to begin exploring colleges (and when not to), how priorities shift from 9th to 12th grade—academics, testing, and activities, common mistakes families make starting too early (or too late), what colleges actually look for when most applicants are “qualified”, and how parents can guide without adding stress.
Summer Activities Colleges Love
Thursday, December 4th | 8:00 p.m.
It may be cold outside, but it's time to start planning your summer! This is the time of year when summer opportunities open up for high school students. Target your plans and maximize your options with this free webinar from The Princeton Review.
APs, IB, Dual Enrollment: How to Help Your Teen Select the Best Courses for College Admissions Success
Monday, December 8th | 7:00 p.m.
Should your teen take AP, Honors, or IB? Is it better to get an A in a regular class or a B in an AP course? Choosing the right high school classes can be daunting, but we're here to help! With course selection deadlines coming up, now is the perfect time to plan ahead to build a strong academic profile for future college applications.
Meet-a-Pro: Karen Jordan, Veterinarian
Tuesday, December 9th | 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. This event is hosted by Magruder High School but is open to all MCPS families.
Mastering UC Admissions: Expert Strategies Revealed
Tuesday, December 9th | 7:00 p.m.
With UC applications for the Class of 2026 now submitted, those students are eagerly awaiting their decisions. For younger students hoping to attend a UC, this is the perfect time to get a head start. From confusing GPA calculations to major-specific admit trends, UC admissions can feel like a mystery. But when you learn from those who’ve read thousands of UC applications, you can help your student apply with confidence.
Ask Me Anything: Open Zoom
Wednesday, December 10th | 12:30-1:30 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!
In-Person FAFSA/MDCAPS Completion Session
Wednesday, December 10th | 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.
Advanced Placement 101
Wednesday, December 10th | 6:30 p.m.
Taking AP courses is a great way to challenge yourself and boost your high school transcript with college-level work. Join us to learn more about how the AP Program works, how to earn college credit for taking AP courses, and what strategies will help you prepare for AP exams in May.
How to Maximize Merit Aid
Thursday, November 20th | 7:00 p.m.
Topics will include whether it's worth filling out the financial aid forms, cost reduction tactics and strategy, how to use tax-efficient money and versatile financial vehicles, and other lesser-known tactics.
Crack the AP Code: Everything You Need to Know for 2026 Exams
Thursday, December 11th | 8:00 p.m.
Is your child ready to succeed on this year’s AP exams? This webinar will demystify the evolving Advanced Placement program, highlighting curriculum updates and a broad transition to digital exams. Learn how to assess your child’s current academic standing, identify their goals, and help them build their best pathway forward.
Montgomery County Recreation College Sports Recruiting Panel
Saturday, December 13th | 3:00-6:00 p.m.
LOCATION: BAUER REC CENTER, 14625 BAUER DRIVE, ROCKVILLE, MD 20853
Many teenagers dream of playing sports at the college level but often lack the information needed to make that dream a reality. Featuring current and former college coaches and athletic directors, this panel will educate both parents and teens on the recruiting process, tuition assistance, and how to successfully navigate the path to collegiate athletics.
All About Scholarships
Tuesday, December 16th | 6:30 p.m.
Join to learn how financial aid can help you cover the cost of college. This presentation will help students and families identify scholarship and grant sources, including from the state of Maryland, get tips for completing applications, and hear answers to frequently asked questions.
UVA Corps of Cadets Presentation
Thursday, December 18th | During lunch
Come to the Career Center to hear a presentation about the University of Virginia's Corps of Cadets by 2025 alumnus Dylan Sommervell.
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Magruder Alumni Panel Session
Tuesday, January 6th | During Colonel Time
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.
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.
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.
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. This event is hosted by Magruder High School but is open to all MCPS families.
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.
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.
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!
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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