College/Career Readiness Preparation
Planning for graduation begins as soon as you enter Springbrook High School. Be sure to take advantage of everything high school has to offer and to plan ahead. Good decisions follow a timetable, so it pays to get yourself organized.
12th Grade - Click Here
Senior To-Do-List
Seniors that Need Additional Support , Please Contact the College Career Center.
Ms. Patterson can be reached by email, in-person and zoom invite.
Dear Class of 2024
Following is a list of important tasks that you can begin: Many of these tasks can wait until the school year begins. Please get in the habit of reading your emails from me, this is how important information will be shared and how colleges with correspond with you.
Support
To stay updated, visit the College and Career Center Website. Information is updated weekly College and Career Center
Keep in touch with Ms. Patterson through email and schedule a zoom or in-person meeting for individual support. I work in the summer.
·Complete your Brag Sheet found in your Naviance account: Go to About Me on the homepage, click surveys from my school and click on the Brag Sheet. Your counselor will use this information to write the counselor's letter of recommendation. It’s not a formal essay but it is expected that it will shed light on what you value about yourself and wish to convey to colleges. Please note that you should not include information that you do not want to be included in your letter of recommendation.
What is a Brag Sheet?
Questions that Counselors have Prepared for Students to Answer in Detail so that Counselors can Write Recommendations for Colleges, Scholarships, Jobs, Apprenticeships/Trades and more.
The Class of 2025 Brag Sheet Google Form
Brag Sheet Deadline: TBA
The Brag Sheet is Now on a Google Form!
Why!
Students will be able to Share the Brag Sheet from the Google Form.
Students will be able to Print the Brag Sheet from the Google Form.
Counselors will have information to write students a strong letter of recommendations.
Take your time and answer each question with details.
Complete your Brag Sheet (Click Here)
Resumes Resources
Please email your School Counselor or Ms. Patterson for additional questions.
How Do You Find the Brag Sheet 2025 in Naviance?
Log into Naviance >Initials in the Circle> Surveys from School
Brag Sheet
Counselor College Meeting
Schedule a meeting with your counselor to discuss your post-high school plans. These meetings can be scheduled at the end of your junior year or during the summer. Parents are welcome to attend.
College List
Create your list by using the Supermatch College Search in Naviance Supermatch College Search or the BigFuture search
Work to finalize your list of schools. Naviance or Big Future can help. Work with your counselor and Ms. Patterson. I strongly recommend that you only put schools on your list that you would attend if accepted. Applying to college is time-consuming and costly.
Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
The standard advice is to request two core teacher letters of recommendation. Each college/university will have a different guideline for the number of required or allowed letters. The requirement is clearly stated on each school’s website. You will be in good shape for most of your applications with the two core teachers and your counselor. REACH OUT if you have questions about the LOR. Email your teacher and ask if they would be willing to write a letter for you. In July, when you officially become seniors you will also make the recommendation in Naviance. Please give your teachers at least 15 business/school days before your college deadlines. https://www.screencast.com/users/Hobsons_Naviance/playlists/College%20Applications%20Video%20Series?mediaSetId=eccfdd78-3854-41a8-b806-15b1bf80bec6
This might also provide some helpful information How to ask for a LOR
To receive a counselor letter of recommendation, you must complete the Brag Sheet found on Naviance, the About Me tab, surveys. Complete this survey before you have your Counselor College Meeting.
Resume
You will find it very helpful to create a resume. Many colleges allow/some require you to attach a resume to your application. You can also use your resume as a collection of data to make it easier to fill out applications. You will need a resume for many scholarship applications.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pIfWvim-po
College Essay(s)An important college process goal is to have at least one completed college essay/Personal Statement when you return to Springbrook in the fall. Please review the summer workshops for the essay writing options.
The Common Application
Create an account on Common Application - this can be done at any time however you cannot add schools to the Common App. until August 1, 2022.
More than 900 colleges use the Common Application.
NOTE: The list of schools you have on Common App must all be added to Naviance in the “colleges I’m applying to “ list.
*You must use your personal email address on the Common App, not your school email.
Match the Common App with your Naviance account (How to video on the home page of your Naviance account) Common App Matching
Sign the FERPA Waiver (found on Common App under “My Colleges” tab FERPA release
In the application you'll be asked if you want to waive the right to review confidential letters of recommendation. What should you know about this waiver?
Waiving your right lets colleges know that you do not intend to read your recommendations, which helps reassure colleges that the letters are candid and truthful.
Some recommenders may decline to write a letter for you if you do not waive your rights. Check with your counselor or teachers to see if any of them follow such a policy.
NOTE: If you are a student who receives Free and Reduced lunch you qualify for a common app fee waiver which can waive your college application fee. You can request a Common App Fee Waiver in the “Profile” section of the Common App tab. To apply for this fee waiver:
Answer “Yes” to the fee waiver statement.
Enter your signature to certify your request.
You may find more information about fee waivers Here
For non-common app schools on your list, please contact College Admission Representative for help with fee waivers
English Language Proficiency
For some schools (UMD ) If English is not your native language, regardless of your citizenship, you must provide the university with verification of your proficiency in English.
Please have an official report of your scores sent directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions by the appropriate deadline. Submitted scores must be less than two years old.
For the University of Maryland (UMD) to receive your scores, please use the reporting Code 5814.
Accepted English Proficiency Tests
Potential Waivers for English Proficiency Requirement
While a passing English proficiency test score is the only absolute way a student can meet the English language proficiency requirement, we may consider waiving the English proficiency test requirement if a student has completed one of the following:
Four years at a U.S. high school without English as a Second Language (ESL),
Standardized Testing PAY ATTENTION TO DEADLINES.
If you use the summer to prepare, check https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/dates-deadlines or http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html to find the late summer/early fall administration dates. The best place to study for the SAT is at KhanAcademy
IMPORTANT: If you plan to apply to the University of Maryland (priority deadline Nov 1) or Early Decision or Early Action to other schools, October 1st is the last day you can take the SAT and meet the November 1st application deadline.
Send ACT scores (www.actstudent.org) or SAT scores (www.collegeboard.org) directly from the testing website to the colleges that you are applying to. Springbrook does NOT send test scores. This is your responsibility!! If you select your schools at the time you register you will get four free test reports sent. Additional score reports are $12 for each school.
How To Get An FSA ID Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj1Pn-shze8
Line by Line FAFSA Completion Instructional Video:
Note that many scholarships require a completed FAFSA for consideration.
Check specific financial aid requirements & deadlines for all colleges.
Planning to attend a college or university in the state of Maryland, sign up for an account on MDCAPS.
Depending on your FAFSA information, you may also qualify for aid from the state of Maryland. You must complete this application to receive the aid. Go to this link to create an account: MDCAPS login page.
Not eligible to complete the FAFSA? You should complete the MSFAA if you plan to attend a college or university in the state of Maryland. The application for the MSFAA can be found on the MDCAPS site: MDCAPS login page.
Some schools require the CSS profile as well. Go to cssprofile.collegeboard.org
Search for scholarships using Naviance: Go to “Colleges” and then “Scholarship Match”.
Request an Official Transcript from the Registrar
Use this form to request your transcripts. You will follow up on this request by requesting your transcript in Naviance.
Check your school email on a regular basis! This is how you will be informed of rep visits, scholarships, internships ETC.
COLLEGE ADMISSION GLOSSARY
EARLY DECISION: A binding agreement in which a student applies in October or November, learns if they are accepted in December or January, and is obligated to matriculate to that college. This is suggested only for students who are academically very strong, know positively which college they want to attend, regardless of the cost to attend.
EARLY ACTION: This differs from early decision in that students are not required to accept admission or withdraw other applications if accepted by the college early. Students may apply to more than one college early action.*
PRIORITY or Early Notification: A program in which a student files his application before the regular decision deadline, usually by November 1, in order to receive an admission decision by early February. Students have until May 1 to decide whether or not they will attend the college.*
ROLLING ADMISSION: A program in which applications are evaluated upon receipt and applicants are notified quickly of the admission decision (usually within 3-4 weeks). Applications are considered until spaces are filled. Submitting your college application early is encouraged.
REGULAR ADMISSION: A program used by most schools. Typically, January 1st is the deadline for applications and the student is notified before the first week of April.
OPEN ADMISSION: Most community colleges offer open admission. All students who apply are accepted, but must take a placement test prior to scheduling classes. The test scores are used for college course placement purposes.
*Many colleges accept the majority of their applicants by the early action, priority or early notification deadlines. Early action or priority deadlines are encouraged for students who hope to be considered for merit scholarships awarded by colleges. Be sure to check with each college to determine if there are separate applications to be completed for scholarship consideration.
Springbrook High School Code: 210969
Montgomery College Updates:
Juan Serrano
Recruitment & College Access Specialist
51 Manakee Street SV 116
Rockville, MD 20850
Office 240-567-2288
Cell # 240-814-9680
Juan.serrano@montgomerycollege.edu
www.montgomerycollege.edu/futurestudents
Military:
Military Recruiters Contact Information
Your Local United States Marine Recruiter
SSgt Marshall, Gwaltney
Cell: (240) 344-1174
401 N Washington St, Rockville, MD 20850
SSG, USAREC
Turner, Calvin
Army Recruiter
Silver Spring, MD 1B1W
Cell: 443-515-7925
US Maryland Army National Guard Recruiter, please find the contact below
Staff Sergeant Borkman
Maryland Army National Guard Recruiter
240.805.0153
https://mdguard04.cardtapp.com
https://calendly.com/ssgborkman
Jennifer Evridge, SSgt, USAF
USAF & USSF Enlisted Accessions Recruiter
317 East Diamond Ave
Gaithersburg, MD, 20877
(240)304-4486
Jennifer.Evridge@us.af.mil
Apprenticeship:
Plumbers and Gasfitters Apprenticeship Training Facility
Mr. Chris Biondi
cbiondi@plumbersualocal5training.com
Mid-Atlantic Carpenter’s Training Centers
MCPS Youth Apprenticeship Program - Apprenticeship Maryland - Apprenticeship Maryland is a youth apprenticeship program for students, ages 16 and up, that is designed to lead to sustainable employment and further education based on a student’s selected career. This program was developed in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Maryland Department of Labor (MDoL).
Apprenticeship Opportunities - search opportunities on the MCPS Apprenticeships Page
Job Opportunities:
DogZone
Danie Genschorck
Recruiting & Onboarding Coordinator, DogiZone
DogiZone | Dog Boarding, Dog Training, Dog Daycare | Rockville MD
KidsROAR Camp
Mary Dietz, Program Director (See Attachment)
Kids ROAR LLC
imarydietz@gmail.com KidsROAR.org 301.642.8847
Montgomery Parks(See Attachment)
mocoparks.org/jobs
Riderwood by Erickson Senior Living
Riderwwood.com
Please contact the College Career Center for additional information.
Military Information Session (Virtual)
New Date TBA
Moving Forward College and Career Readiness Series (google.com)
bit.ly/4forward2022
HBCU College Fair
Free On the Spot Interviews (Virtually) Date: TBA
What HBCU Colleges would like to interview with?
2022 MCPS HBCU On-Site Admission Interest Form (google.com)
Alternative Career Fair, *10:30am - 11:30am
Date: TBA
Moving Forward College and Career Readiness Series (google.com)
bit.ly/4forward2022
Montgomery College
Video on How to Apply to Montgomery College
How to MC Application Video, https://youtu.be/Xn7SJssM7w4
Free Online Application
Future Students Webpage, https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/admissions-registration/future-students.html
Scholarships
MC Grants & Scholarships, https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/paying-for-college/financial-aid/types-of-financial-aid/institutional-grants-and-scholarships.html
Federal Grants, https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/paying-for-college/financial-aid/types-of-financial-aid/federal-grants.html
Montgomery Scholars Program Fall 2022: The deadline for applying to the program is TBA
Students interested to learn more about the program can visit the Montgomery Scholars website at https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/academics/honors/montgomery-scholars/.
The Montgomery Scholars application is available through Academic Works at https://montgomerycollege.academicworks.com/ . Students need to sign in with their MC username and password. The Application Guidelines are posted on the program website and attached to this email
Montgomery College Board of Trustee Scholarship
To first access the admissions application, students can go to https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/admissions-registration/application.html, scroll down and look for the red “apply now” button. Students will be able to apply for the scholarship after their admissions application is processed and they have access to their MyMC student portal.
To access the scholarship application, students can go to the scholarship webpage www.montgomerycollege.edu/scholarships and look for the link and information under the BOT Scholarship heading or directly at https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6014296/Board-of-Trustees-Scholarship
Please note that students can complete the scholarship application online, along with submission of the two essays and high school transcript. However, the letter of recommendation must come directly from the person who is making the recommendation via email to botscholarships@montgomerycollege.edu.
The deadline for submission is TBA
Spring
Contact Maryland Department of Economics and Employment Development for job openings.
Maintain good grades and good attendance.
Notify your counselor of your application status as you hear from the colleges.
Request a final transcript to be sent to the college you will attend in the fall.
Notify the colleges you are not planning to attend.
Perfect your job interviewing skills.
Attend job fairs.
Update your resume
Check the job board in the College & Career Center for summer or permanent jobs.
Summary: What Should Seniors Be Doing Now?
APPLICATIONS -Watch deadline dates for colleges/universities and vocational, technical and business schools.
FAFSA, CSS, INSTITUTION financial aid forms.
SAT/ACT - Don't miss the deadlines!
STUDY HARD - This is your last chance to bring up your GPA and colleges can still deny your acceptance if your grades start to fall.
If you don't plan on college at this time - WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO NEXT YEAR? Make an appointment with Mr. Nalda or your counselor and check out options in the College & Career Center.
Make your last two years of high school memorable years.
READ- The more you read the better prepared you are for the world of work and for college.
WRITE- Improve your writing skills as much as you can. The ability to communicate on the job and in college is vital.
DEVELOP good study habits, time management skills, and decision-making skills.
CHOOSE your subjects wisely. Continue taking college prep mathematics, science, and foreign language courses.
Use the following timetable to help organize the tasks to be completed as you begin your countdown to graduation.
Fall
Take the PSAT/NMSQT.
Attend college and career programs sponsored by your career center and guidance department.
Attend college campus trips sponsored by your school.
Complete a vocational aptitude assessment.
Acquire part-time volunteer or job experiences related to career plans.
Monitor your student service learning hours.
Fall/Winter
Meet with your counselor about your progress.
Meet college representatives who visit your school.
Get information on trade and technical schools.
Take career interest inventories.
Early Spring
Consider career goals as you select classes and complete your four-year planning sheet.
Plan next year's program to enhance prospects for employment opportunities and college admissions.
Register for ACT and/or SAT I/SAT II.
Use the computer search programs to identify appropriate colleges, trade, and technical schools.
Consider an internship for the senior year.
Spring
Attend college fairs and school-sponsored programs.
Confer with your counselor and Mr. Nalda about your postsecondary plans.
Attend career information programs.
Spend time in the College & Career Center exploring materials.
Find out about summer enrichment programs.
Assemble a file of materials collected from colleges, trade, and technical schools and those distributed by your guidance department.
Make interview appointments for the early fall if appropriate. Practice interviewing skills.
Become familiar with college and job applications.
Develop your resume/personal references.
Continue earning student service learning hours, if needed. Try to complete this requirement before Twelfth Grade.
Summer
Make an appointment with your counselor or Mr. Nalda for you and your parents to discuss postsecondary plans.
Request applications from colleges, trade, and technical schools. Set up a file system.
Register for ACT, SAT I, and/or SAT II.
Stay abreast of all scholarship opportunities.
Review high school records including al graduation requirements.
Complete remaining student service learning hours.
Summary: What Should Juniors Be Doing Now?
SAT/ACT - Plan on taking these at least once this spring.
Sign up for the SAT Prep classes offered s a course at SVHS.
STUDY hard - Keep grades up.
RESEARCH careers - courses/education/skills needed, salary range
SSL hours - Keep involved; scholarships offered for participants.
STAY INVOLVED in extracurricular activities, clubs, and sports.
USE Naviance program for a career search. Visit the College & Career Center.
START college search – Use Naviance and other search sites to make a list of schools. Reach out to your CCIC for assistance.
WRITE or go on-line for information, catalogues, applications.
ATTEND college fairs, visit college campuses.
Need Help From The College Career Center?
Come and see Ms. Patterson for help to fill out these to get into a college!
Do you Need Help from the College Career Center? Welcome to the College Career Center Click Here
_____ Complete/Update Brag Sheet and Resume (Naviance)
_____ Check in with Counselor/College Career Center Updates
_____ Select Career Pathway: College, Apprenticeship/Trades or Military
_____ Continue to Research Majors: Naviance Career Interest Test
_____ Apply to Additional Colleges(If Needed/SuperMatch Naviance College Search)
_____ Register for the HBCU Free College Interviews and HBCU College Fair (Check Emails)
_____ Apply to Montgomery College(Free Online Application) Create MyMC Account
_____ Update/Finalize Common Application/HBCU Common Application
_____ Update/Create College Essay
_____ Match Common Application and Naviance: Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTb7hMVtzco
_____ Request Teacher Recommendations(Naviance)
_____ Update Transcript Request (Counseling Services)
_____ Register for SAT/ACT
_____ Create Application Portal for all Colleges Selections
_____ Record College Acceptance in Naviance
_____ Create FSA-ID/Complete Financial Aid Assessment (Top of Page)
_____ Create your MdCaps/MSFAA/Check Emails Daily for Financial Aid Awards/Updates
_____ Register for Financial Aid Help Session( Check Emails/Scroll Down)
_____ Apply for Senatorial and Delegate Scholarships( Check Emails)
_____ Apply for Scholarships(Naviance and MCPS Emails)
_____ Complete Student Service Hours(SSL 75 for Graduation)
What does the EFC Mean? What is the CSS Profile? Please contact Ms. Patterson if you have any additional questions at Tammy_R_Patterson@mcpsmd.org
11th Grade - Click Here
College/Career Readiness for the Class of 2025
Junior College Fair Permission Slips
Deadline: Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Brag Sheet
Deadline: June 7, 2024
Senior To-Do-List
Seniors that Need Additional Support , Please Contact the College Career Center.
Ms. Patterson can be reached by email, in-person and zoom invite.
Dear Class of 2024
Following is a list of important tasks that you can begin: Many of these tasks can wait until the school year begins. Please get in the habit of reading your emails from me, this is how important information will be shared and how colleges with correspond with you.
Support
To stay updated, visit the College and Career Center Website. Information is updated weekly College and Career Center
Keep in touch with Ms. Patterson through email and schedule a zoom or in-person meeting for individual support. I work in the summer.
·Complete your Brag Sheet found in your Naviance account: Go to About Me on the homepage, click surveys from my school and click on the Brag Sheet. Your counselor will use this information to write the counselor's letter of recommendation. It’s not a formal essay but it is expected that it will shed light on what you value about yourself and wish to convey to colleges. Please note that you should not include information that you do not want to be included in your letter of recommendation.
What is a Brag Sheet?
Questions that Counselors have Prepared for Students to Answer in Detail so that Counselors can Write Recommendations for Colleges, Scholarships, Jobs, Apprenticeships/Trades and more.
The Class of 2025 Brag Sheet Google Form
Brag Sheet Deadline: TBA
The Brag Sheet is Now on a Google Form!
Why!
Students will be able to Share the Brag Sheet from the Google Form.
Students will be able to Print the Brag Sheet from the Google Form.
Counselors will have information to write students a strong letter of recommendations.
Take your time and answer each question with details.
Complete your Brag Sheet (Click Here)
Resumes Resources
Please email your School Counselor or Ms. Patterson for additional questions.
How Do You Find the Brag Sheet 2025 in Naviance?
Log into Naviance >Initials in the Circle> Surveys from School
Brag Sheet
College List
Common Application/College Essay
(Senior Status August 1, 2024)
College Application Deadlines
Early Action Deadlines/Merit/Academic Scholarships
COLLEGE ADMISSION GLOSSARY
EARLY DECISION: A binding agreement in which a student applies in October or November, learns if they are accepted in December or January, and is obligated to matriculate to that college. This is suggested only for students who are academically very strong, know positively which college they want to attend, regardless of the cost to attend.
EARLY ACTION: This differs from early decision in that students are not required to accept admission or withdraw other applications if accepted by the college early. Students may apply to more than one college early action.*
PRIORITY or Early Notification: A program in which a student files his application before the regular decision deadline, usually by November 1, in order to receive an admission decision by early February. Students have until May 1 to decide whether or not they will attend the college.*
ROLLING ADMISSION: A program in which applications are evaluated upon receipt and applicants are notified quickly of the admission decision (usually within 3-4 weeks). Applications are considered until spaces are filled. Submitting your college application early is encouraged.
REGULAR ADMISSION: A program used by most schools. Typically, January 1st is the deadline for applications and the student is notified before the first week of April.
OPEN ADMISSION: Most community colleges offer open admission. All students who apply are accepted, but must take a placement test prior to scheduling classes. The test scores are used for college course placement purposes.
*Many colleges accept the majority of their applicants by the early action, priority or early notification deadlines. Early action or priority deadlines are encouraged for students who hope to be considered for merit scholarships awarded by colleges. Be sure to check with each college to determine if there are separate applications to be completed for scholarship consideration.
What’s your Interest?
The Career Interest Profiler is an online career interest assessment for students based on Holland codes. It allows students to complete an inventory that analyzes their own interests and pairs the results with potential career matches.
Start your College List:
The Naviance Supermatch College Search tool within Naviance makes it even easier for students to explore their options and discover colleges that are a match with their
academic profile and a fit with what they're looking for in a college experience.
The Career Cluster Finder is an inventory that will allow you to match your interests, strengths, and personal qualities with potential career areas or
clusters. Your top career areas will be ranked based on your responses.
Juniors, let's start planning! We enthusiastically invite you all to participate in the following workshops to get a head start in planning for life after high school! Once registered, a zoom to link will be sent to you 2 days before the workshop and 1 day before the workshop again.
College Representative Visits
Every fall and spring admissions reps from around the country and world travel to high schools to meet with students to talk about admissions and to answer any questions students may have. You can find out which schools are visiting by going to the home page of Naviance, clicking on what's new and you will see a list of college visits. You can click on the school, click register, print the page, and use that as your pass from class.
For College Representatives: This fall we will be operating rep visits in a hybrid model. Please schedule all visits through repvisits and if you prefer a virtual appointment, please include the link. Thank you.
College Research Sites - How do I begin my search?
Niche - This site gives you access to tons of statistics as well as student reviews and letter grades for different aspects of student life. You’ll also see lists of the best schools in different categories based on reviews. If you’re looking for a comprehensive overview of what’s offered by colleges, this is a great resource.
My Future - You know you want to go to college; now you have to pick one. Considering the thousands of schools out there, this can be a daunting task. Make it easier to find the right college by researching your options and knowing what to look for.
College Confidential - You can fill out your preferences in over 20 different categories including location, majors, Greek life, party scene, and special services. Based on your answers and how important these factors are to you, you’ll get matched with schools that fit you best
Peterson's - This site is good for learning about application timelines and getting yourself organized for college as well as searching for schools that meet your criteria. There are articles with helpful tips about choosing colleges, applying to college, and getting financial aid and scholarships.
Big Future - A good place to find out about colleges if you’re just starting out in your search. It caters to students who might not know where to begin and guides you through the research process. There's a guide called "College Search Step-by-Step" for students who are unsure of how to go about the search process. It will ask specific questions about what you are looking for in a school and give you a "snapshot" of your preferences to help you decide where to apply.
College Insight - If you’re a more scientifically minded person, this site will probably appeal to you. You have the option to start your search with a specific college, a topic that interests you, or with building your own table of different variables to compare schools across any metric you choose.
Unigo - It has a modern design and includes tons of reviews in written and video format from students at the colleges. Based on student feedback, schools are rated on a scale of 1-10 for a bunch of different factors including campus safety, political activity, arts culture, Greek life, intellectual life, and more.
College Navigator - This site (put out by the National Center for Educational Statistics) doesn’t have the prettiest interface, but it’s useful for finding reliable data about any college in the country. If you already know what school you want, you can search for it directly. You can also search by state or even area code. There are filters for degree level and type of college as well, so you can search for just public or private colleges or just 4-year colleges.
Personal Statement remarks from Johns Hopkins University
Class of 2025!!!
MCPS Free SAT for the Class of 2025 on Tuesday, March 19, 2024
See Attachment for Free SAT and ACT Testing Virtually
SAT is going DIGITAL!!
https://www.today.com/parents/sat-changing-high-school-students-2024-t245617
Test Optional for the Class of 2024
https://thecollegecurators.com/test-optional-colleges-for-2023-2024/
University of Maryland College Park is Test Optional for the Class 2024
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/act-vs-sat-how-to-decide-which-test-to-take
SAT vs ACT! Click Here! How to Decide which Test to Take?
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/act-vs-sat-how-to-decide-which-test-to-take
SAT vs ACT Video Click Here!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKNK_6NRE6k
How to Apply to the SAT Test! Click Here!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4Xkg7aL_BA
SAT Practice Websites
SAT Registration & Information: www.collegeboard.org
Khan Academy (FREE SAT Test Prep): www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat
The Princeton Review - Free opportunities and events
SAT Summer Dates
May 4, 2024 and June 8, 2024
There is a College for Everyone: Tips for Finding the "Right Fit"...Even When Grades are Average (Webinar)
With over 2,000 four-year colleges in the US, a “right fit” school is waiting to welcome your student. Topics will include: how recent changes in college admission impact students with “average” grades and test scores; the strategy your student needs to highlight their interests and accomplishments in essays and applications to really set themselves apart from the competition; why GPAs and test scores hold greater weight at certain schools and the meaning behind acceptance rates; and how to find less competitive colleges that have the exact environment (including services for students with IEPs and 504s) and areas of study your teen needs to be happy and successful.
Click here for more information and to register
Testing Information
PSAT
Did you take the PSAT? Check out this document: "So, you took the PSAT, now what?"
SAT Info & Practice
SAT Registration & Information: www.collegeboard.org
Khan Academy (FREE SAT Test Prep): www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat
The Princeton Review - Free opportunities and events
www.march2success.com - Free SAT test prep; pre-test allows for personalized study plan; flash cards; interactive games; great resource!
Saturday School - SAT Prep Courses; discount available to students eligible for FARMs
Montgomery College - SAT Prep Courses
ACT Info & Practice
Registration & Information: www.act.org
ACT Academy (FREE ACT Test Prep): academy.act.org
The Princeton Review - Free opportunities and events
www.march2success.com - Free ACT test prep; pre-test allows for personalized study plan; flash cards; interactive games; great resource!
Saturday School - ACT Prep Courses; discount available to students eligible for FARMs
Montgomery College - ACT Prep Courses
Senior To-Do-List Click Here
Comprender las admisiones universitarias
¿Interesado en aprender sobre el proceso de admisión a la universidad? Participe junto con CDI y la Universidad Carnegie Mellon de una conversación sobre lo que los estudiantes y los padres deben saber. Miguel Alvarez, Director Asociado Senior de Admisiones de la Universidad Carnegie Mellon y Wendy Ayala, directora del programa de becarios de Collegiate Directions, Inc. hablarán sobre cómo encontrar la escuela adecuada, completar la solicitud para la universidad y pagar la universidad. Toda la velada se presentará en español.
19 de Septiembre de 2023 a las 6:30 pm | Northwood High School | más información (folleto)
¿Tiene preguntas? Envíe un correo electrónico a jsemmens@collegiatedirections.org
Gap Year Information
Need A Break After High School? Consider a Gap Year...You May Get Inspired!
What is a Gap Year? A gap year comes under many guises - backpacking, a career gap, a short gap year, travelling, time out, a sabbatical - but they all mean the same thing. It is constructive time out to travel in-between life stages. It usually means travelling, volunteering or working abroad. Often it means all three!
Taking time off after high school before continuing education may be beneficial for some students who need a break...
Get a new perspective on life . . . expand your horizons . . . experience the world in a new way!!!
Whether you get away for a few months or a year, stay closer to home or go to another country - working for an organization that helps people, animals, or the environment all over the world can be a life-changing experience.
Try these organizations for a truly life-changing experience. Some offer a stipend, room & board!
Service Year - serviceyear.org/
AmeriCorps - www.americorps.gov
City Year - www.cityyear.org
Student Conservation Association - www.thesca.org
Gap Year Resources
College & Career Readiness Workshop Videos
Collection of college and career readiness recordings of our workshops hosted by a variety of experts in their field.
https://www.youtube.com/@collegereadiness367/videos
Let’s Get Started! Common Application & College Essay
The Common Application Online for 2022 - 2023 is available online.You can set up an account today, and start planning which colleges you will apply for.
Create your College List in Naviance!
The Naviance Supermatch College Search tool within Naviance makes it even easier for students to explore their options and discover colleges that are a match with their academic profile and a fit with what they're looking for in a college experience.
New Single Sign On! - Click to learn how Learn more about Naviance in MCPS
Log into Naviance> Click Colleges> Click SuperMatch (Upper Left Side)
Select your Essay Prompt! (Only One Essay Needed)
All 2023-2024 Common App Essay Prompts
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
Colleges and Universities Waiving the Application Fee Click Here!
College Terms & What Do They Mean?
Early Decision - This is the early admission program offered by many colleges whereby students must commit in advance to attend a certain college if they are admitted under this program. Students should know for sure that this is the one school they want to attend and feel that they meet the stringent requirements for application. It is a binding commitment.
Early Action - This is another early admission program offered by colleges where students must meet the same early application deadlines. However, upon notification of acceptance, students can wait until they have heard from all their schools about acceptance and financial aid before making a commitment.
Regular Admission - This requires students to apply by a set deadline which varies by college.
Rolling Admissions - This means there is no set deadline, but the earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting accepted, especially if your qualifications are borderline.
Priority Deadline - This is a set deadline for applications whereby students who are accepted are given PRIORITY consideration for admission, housing, scholarships, and other aid.
Common Application - This allows students to fill out one standard application and submit it to many schools. It is available online.
Academic Common Market - This program is intended to allow degree-seeking MARYLAND residents to enroll at certain out-of-state institutions in undergraduate programs of study not offered at a MD public college/university and to pay in-state tuition. This is a cooperative tuition-reduction agreement among Southern Regional Education Board states, of which Maryland is one. If PUBLIC institutions in your home state do not offer degree programs in your field of study, it may be possible to arrange a waiver of out-of-state tuition to attend a cooperating PUBLIC institution in another participating state. These programs may change yearly. For more Information, click here.
Do you Need More Information on Completing the 2022-2023 FAFSA Application?
HELP is AVAILABLE!!!!!!!
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA 2022- 2023
Create your FSA ID (Student/One Parent)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj1Pn-shze8&t=154s
Complete the 2022-2023 FAFSA Application
www.FAFSA.gov
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUis5lityCQ&t=2s
What Happens After Submitting the 2022-2023 FAFSA Application?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1c1gNefSw78&t=67s
Career Exploration
§ uwannadu.com - explore careers, watch videos of professionals in their field, and more
§ www.onetonline.org - comprehensive tool for career exploration and job analysis; great resource and lots of info!
§ www.thestemnet.com - STEM Workplace Exposure and Career Exploration
§ bigfuture.collegeboard.org - Explore careers; see how others made their choices
§ www.bls.gov/ooh/ - Occupational Outlook Handbook; great resource for in-depth career information
§ montgomerycollege.emsicc.com - Montgomery College's Career Coach; great resource and free to use; explore careers, take an assessment, create a resume, and more!
§ Federal Jobs Network - jobs & scholarships in government
§ InsideCareer - everything about careers, from the real world
§ monster.com - is not only a great job finding resource but has a search function that allows you to find career fairs in your area.
§ futurelinkmd.org - Future Link provides low-income, first-generation-to-college young adults with the tools, skills and resources to achieve lasting economic self-sufficiency. Click on the link to learn more.
§ Common Knowledge Scholarship Foundation - $500-$5,000; take a quiz, show what you know, win scholarships. It's that easy!
§ Courage to Grow Scholarship - $500; Junior or Senior; min 2.5 GPA; 250 words or less why you should win $.
§ Quick Entry Course Hero Scholarship - $1,000; Senior; must be at least 16 years old to enter; create an account and submit a response of up to 1000 words on the monthly topic.
§ $2,000 No Essay Scholarship - $2,000; 9-12 grade; U.S. Cit. or legal res.; register for site; random winner drawn monthly; you can enter once each month for a chance to win.
§ Pulse of Perseverance Scholarship - $1,000; 9-12 grade; read the book, "Pulse of Perseverance: Three Black Doctors on Their Journey to Success" and submit a 250-word essay and 60 second video; see link for essay and video guidelines.
SAT Info & Practice
§
§ SAT Registration & Information: www.collegeboard.org
§ Khan Academy (FREE SAT Test Prep): www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat
§ The Princeton Review - Free opportunities and events
§ www.march2success.com - Free SAT test prep; pre-test allows for personalized study plan; flash cards; interactive games; great resource!
§ Saturday School - SAT Prep Courses
§ Montgomery College - SAT Prep Courses
Resumes
You can also check out ResumeLab. Learn from actionable resume writing guides and tutorials with hints from resume experts. Find easy step-by-step instructions and fix your resume:
§ College Application Resume for High School Students Examples & Template
§ How to Make a Resume with No Experience
§ 50+ Free Resume Templates to download
Other important resources:
§ The College Essay/Personal Statement
§ Sample Student Resume & List of References
§ College & Career Center Suggestions for Success
Colleges Application Sites
The Common Application
www.commonapp.org/ - explore nearly 900 colleges and universities using Common App.
www.commonapp.org/apply/first-time-students - application guide for first-time students
www.commonapp.org/coronavirus - resources and solutions to help students and those who support them during this unpredictable time.
The Common Black Application
www.commonblackcollegeapp.com/ - apply to over 60 HBCUs for one fee. Scholarship opportunities for eligible students.
Please note: Howard, Bowie State, and Hampton Universities are currently not the Common Black Application.
Check their website for the latest list of participating schools.
Naviance:
https://student.naviance.com/sbhs - Naviance is a web-based program that supports students in exploring and developing their postsecondary plans.
Video ~ Reference Guide - Learn how to use and navigate Naviance.
How to log into Naviance, please see video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QS2hVRaN6Y Click Here!
Do you need help logging into Naviance?
Naviance Help Videos
How to Sign into Naviance!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QS2hVRaN6Y
Naviance Login Demonstration
Naviance Help Videos:
Using Google Translate for Naviance (Spanish or other language
Naviance Assessments and Resources
The Course Planner ensures that you are on track in school, are meeting graduation requirements and are taking courses that meet postsecondary interests and plans. You can explore choices, options, and view recommendations from teachers and counselors. This is a requirement for 9-12 graders and can be edited as course selections change.
Naviance Supermatch College Search tool within Naviance makes it even easier for students to explore their options and discover colleges that are a match with their academic profile and a fit with what they're looking for in a college experience.
The Career Cluster Finder is an inventory that will allow you to match your interests, strengths, and personal qualities with potential career areas or clusters. Your top career areas will be ranked based on your responses.
StrengthsExplorer assesses 10 talent themes for individuals and identifies each student’s three strongest emerging talents, such as Confidence, Dependability, or Future Thinker. It provides explanations of these themes, strategies for capitalizing on each, and action items to help students gain insight into their greatest talents – natural patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior – to leverage in the classroom and in life.
The Career Interest Profiler is an online career interest assessment for students based on Holland codes. It allows students to complete an inventory that analyzes their own interests and pairs the results with potential career matches.
Students are invited to register for the following College/Career Readiness Information Session. (See Attachment)
Visit:bit.ly/4forward2022
All workshops are from 11:30 am - 12:00 pm. Links to register and for the flyer will be released soon.
Tuesday, January 25 - HBCU (Historically Black Colleges) Information Session
Tuesday, February 8 - Narrow Down Your College List
Tuesday, February 15 - Military Recruitment Information Session
Tuesday, March 1 - Explore Application Types and Deadlines
Tuesday, March 15 - Resume/Interview Skills
Tuesday, March 22* - Alternative Career Fair (*10:30am - 11:30am)
Thursday, April 7 - College Essay Writing
TBD - Tips on Common Application
Tuesday, April 26 - Intro to Financial Aid and Scholarships
It’s also time to prepare for the SAT, ACT or Both!(See SAT/CT Preparation in your Naviance Accounts)
Start your Bragg Sheet in Naviance
Brag Sheet in Naviance: Home Page> Planner>Task > Brag Sheet
Get to know your College Applications:
The Common Application
www.commonapp.org/ - explore nearly 900 colleges and universities using Common App.
www.commonapp.org/apply/first-time-students - application guide for first-time students
www.commonapp.org/coronavirus - resources and solutions to help students and those who support them during this unpredictable time.
The Common Black Application
www.commonblackcollegeapp.com/ - apply to over 60 HBCUs for one fee. Scholarship opportunities for eligible students.
Fee Waiver Code may be Available. Check their website for the latest list of participating schools.
Apply to 61 Colleges/Universities for $20 (No Application Fee)
www.CommonBlackCollegeApp.com (HBCU Common Application Fee Waiver MDFSI15)
Please note: Howard, Bowie State, and Hampton Universities are currently not the Common Black Application.
Coalition for Access, Affordability, and Success
www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org - the Coalition has developed a free platform of online tools to streamline the experience of applying to college. The initial iteration of the platform—including applications for admission to Coalition schools—is now available for students in high school. The Coalition also offers fee waiver to low-income students.
The Common Application
www.commonapp.org/ - explore nearly 900 colleges and universities using Common App.
www.commonapp.org/apply/first-time-students - application guide for first-time students
www.commonapp.org/coronavirus - resources and solutions to help students and those who support them during this unpredictable time.
College Admissions Terms & What Do They Mean?
Many colleges accept the majority of their applicants by early or priority deadlines. Early action or priority deadlines are encouraged for students who hope to be considered for merit scholarships awarded by colleges. See below to learn more. Be sure to check with each college to determine all deadlines and/or if there are separate applications to be completed for scholarship consideration.
Non-Binding Application Options:
Students are not restricted from applying to other institutions and have until May 1 to consider their options and confirm enrollment.
Early Action (EA) or Priority: students apply early and receive a decision well in advance of the institution’s regular response date.
Students interested in the University of Maryland, College Park should apply by the Early Action deadline of November 1st!
Regular Decision: students submit an application by a specified date and receive a decision in a clearly stated period of time.
Rolling Admission: institutions review applications as they are submitted and render admissions decisions throughout the admission cycle.
Binding Application Options: Students are responsible for determining and following restrictions.
Early Decision (ED): students make a commitment to a first-choice institution where, if admitted, they definitely will enroll. The application deadline and decision deadline occur early.
This is regardless of cost, financial aid, and/or other factors. Once committed, you are expected to attend.
Counselors will review these this type of application with students and parents/guardians to ensure understanding.
Priority Deadline - This is a set deadline for applications whereby students who are accepted are given PRIORITY consideration for admission, housing, scholarships, and other aid.
Academic Common Market - This program is intended to allow degree-seeking MARYLAND residents to enroll at certain out-of-state institutions in undergraduate programs of study not offered at a MD public college/university and to pay in-state tuition. This is a cooperative tuition-reduction agreement among Southern Regional Education Board states, of which Maryland is one. If PUBLIC institutions in your home state do not offer degree programs in your field of study, it may be possible to arrange a waiver of out-of-state tuition to attend a cooperating PUBLIC institution in another participating state. These programs may change yearly. For more Information, click here.
Scholarships in Naviance:
Log into Naviance> Click College> Click Scholarships in Upper Right Corne
Important Websites
·
Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) "College 411:Student Guide to Higher Education & Financial Aid In MD"
12th Annual Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU College Fair)
The Common Application | Common App Tips | Common App PowerPoint
The Coalition Application | Coalition App PowerPoint
MCPS College & Career Center resource
Maryland Colleges and Universities
Maryland's Academic Common Market : Receive in-state tuition for unique majors at out of state colleges
FAFSA Link https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa
Financial Aid Calculator - Fafsa4caster
Please contact Ms. Patterson for additional information at Tammy_R_Patterson@mcpsmd.org
Make your last two years of high school memorable years.
READ- The more you read the better prepared you are for the world of work and for college.
WRITE- Improve your writing skills as much as you can. The ability to communicate on the job and in college is vital.
DEVELOP good study habits, time management skills, and decision-making skills.
CHOOSE your subjects wisely. Continue taking college prep mathematics, science, and foreign language courses.
Use the following timetable to help organize the tasks to be completed as you begin your countdown to graduation.
Fall
Take the PSAT/NMSQT.
Attend college and career programs sponsored by your career center and guidance department.
Attend college campus trips sponsored by your school.
Complete a vocational aptitude assessment.
Acquire part-time volunteer or job experiences related to career plans.
Monitor your student service learning hours.
Fall/Winter
Meet with your counselor about your progress.
Meet college representatives who visit your school.
Get information on trade and technical schools.
Take career interest inventories.
Early Spring
Consider career goals as you select classes and complete your four-year planning sheet.
Plan next year's program to enhance prospects for employment opportunities and college admissions.
Register for ACT and/or SAT I/SAT II.
Use the computer search programs to identify appropriate colleges, trade, and technical schools.
Consider an internship for the senior year.
Spring
Attend college fairs and school-sponsored programs.
Confer with your counselor and Mr. Nalda about your postsecondary plans.
Attend career information programs.
Spend time in the College & Career Center exploring materials.
Find out about summer enrichment programs.
Assemble a file of materials collected from colleges, trade, and technical schools and those distributed by your guidance department.
Make interview appointments for the early fall if appropriate. Practice interviewing skills.
Become familiar with college and job applications.
Develop your resume/personal references.
Continue earning student service learning hours, if needed. Try to complete this requirement before Twelfth Grade.
Summer
Make an appointment with your counselor or Mr. Nalda for you and your parents to discuss postsecondary plans.
Request applications from colleges, trade, and technical schools. Set up a file system.
Register for ACT, SAT I, and/or SAT II.
Stay abreast of all scholarship opportunities.
Review high school records including al graduation requirements.
Complete remaining student service learning hours.
Review the College Application Packet.
Summary: What Should Juniors Be Doing Now?
SAT/ACT - Plan on taking these at least once this spring.
Sign up for the SAT Prep classes offered s a course at SVHS.
STUDY hard - Keep grades up.
RESEARCH careers - courses/education/skills needed, salary range
SSL hours - Keep involved; scholarships offered for participants.
STAY INVOLVED in extracurricular activities, clubs, and sports.
USE Naviance program for a career search. Visit the College & Career Center.
START college search – Use Naviance and other search sites to make a list of schools. Reach out to your CCIC for assistance.
WRITE or go on-line for information, catalogues, applications.
ATTEND college fairs, visit college campuses.
WRITE- Improve your writing skills as much as you can. The ability to communicate on the job and in college is vital.
DEVELOP good study habits, time management skills, and decision-making skills.
CHOOSE your subjects wisely. Continue taking college prep mathematics, science, and foreign language courses.
Use the following timetable to help organize the tasks to be completed as you begin your countdown to graduation.
Fall
Take the PSAT/NMSQT.
Attend college and career programs sponsored by your career center and guidance department.
Attend college campus trips sponsored by your school.
Complete a vocational aptitude assessment.
Acquire part-time volunteer or job experiences related to career plans.
Monitor your student service learning hours.
Fall/Winter
Meet with your counselor about your progress.
Meet college representatives who visit your school.
Get information on trade and technical schools.
Take career interest inventories.
Early Spring
Consider career goals as you select classes and complete your four-year planning sheet.
Plan next year's program to enhance prospects for employment opportunities and college admissions.
Register for ACT and/or SAT I/SAT II.
Use the computer search programs to identify appropriate colleges, trade, and technical schools.
Consider an internship for the senior year.
Spring
Attend college fairs and school-sponsored programs.
Confer with your counselor and Mr. Nalda about your postsecondary plans.
Attend career information programs.
Spend time in the College & Career Center exploring materials.
Find out about summer enrichment programs.
Assemble a file of materials collected from colleges, trade, and technical schools and those distributed by your guidance department.
Make interview appointments for the early fall if appropriate. Practice interviewing skills.
Become familiar with college and job applications.
Develop your resume/personal references.
Continue earning student service learning hours, if needed. Try to complete this requirement before Twelfth Grade.
Summer
Make an appointment with your counselor or Mr. Nalda for you and your parents to discuss postsecondary plans.
Request applications from colleges, trade, and technical schools. Set up a file system.
Register for ACT, SAT I, and/or SAT II.
Stay abreast of all scholarship opportunities.
Review high school records including al graduation requirements.
Complete remaining student service learning hours.
Review the College Application Packet.
Summary: What Should Juniors Be Doing Now?
SAT/ACT - Plan on taking these at least once this spring.
Sign up for the SAT Prep classes offered s a course at SVHS.
STUDY hard - Keep grades up.
RESEARCH careers - courses/education/skills needed, salary range
SSL hours - Keep involved; scholarships offered for participants.
STAY INVOLVED in extracurricular activities, clubs, and sports.
USE Naviance program for a career search. Visit the College & Career Center.
START college search – Use Naviance and other search sites to make a list of schools. Reach out to your CCIC for assistance.
WRITE or go on-line for information, catalogues, applications.
ATTEND college fairs, visit college campuses.
10th Grade - Click Here
College/Career Planning for Rising Juniors
Messages from The College Career Center
Why is College Career Readiness Important Now?
College Career Readiness is critical in 9th – 12th grades because it prepares and equips students with the skills necessary to navigate life after high school.
College/Career Readiness Planning/Opportunity Guide Students 9th - 12 Grades
Opportunity Guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_URTCcIRB3j9oD5Bni1HNwlSaadEQTaC/view
College Planning Timeline for All Grade Levels pages 27 - 30 Scholarship Information pages 21- 23
Two Day Financial Aid Literacy Workshop (See Attachment)
All About Majors/Careers (See Attachment)
Student Service Hour Resources:
As a reminder, students may visit the following quick links to find SSL resources:
SSL opportunities - https://bit.ly/SSLOpportunities and https://bit.ly/VirtualSSL2020
SSL forms, resources, and guidelines - https://bit.ly/SSLHubMCPS
SSL program overview - https://bit.ly/SSLOverview2020
Step-by-step directions for viewing student SSL record on StudentVUE - https://bit.ly/SSLonVUE
Naviance Log In: Naviance Login through MCPS Email: https://youtu.be/7QS2hVRaN6Y
Career Interest Profiler
Career Test
https://www.loom.com/share/050531d7c76643dabd53b8cd2742995e
College Search
Supermatch/College Search
https://www.loom.com/share/f0773b82a58040abb69a8b722ee4d353
Academic Success Week
This series of online events, curated for 9th to 12th grade students across the country, will include the above presentations as well as a new program called “The Digital SAT: What You Need to Know.” I have included a flyer here with clickable links to register for each event. I have also pasted a chart of all events with links at the bottom of this email. Please feel free to share this with your students.
College Tours Virtual and In-person: Visit Colleges/Universities for In-Person College Tours
University of Maryland College Park Virtual College Tour
https://www.admissions.umd.edu/visit/virtual-visit
University of Maryland Baltimore Campus Virtual College Tour
https://about.umbc.edu/visitors-guide/
Towson University Virtual College Tour
https://www.towson.edu/visit/virtual-tour.html
Virtual College Fair
https://www.nacacfairs.org/attend/attend-virtual-college-fairs/
Free Virtual College Career Readiness Summer Workshops
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1j5cuSOPi-d3duNUsODsHO8LU3wBUlzhYt8eY8f5oFQM/edit?usp=sharing
Scholarship Opportunities:
$2,000 No Essay Scholarship - $2,000; 9-12 grade; U.S. Cit. or legal res.; register for site; random winner drawn monthly; you can enter once each month for a chance to win.
Pulse of Perseverance Scholarship - $1,000; 9-12 grade; read the book, "Pulse of Perseverance: Three Black Doctors on Their Journey to Success" and submit a 250-word essay and 60 second video; see link for essay and video guidelines.
31 - STOP THE BLEED® Frontline Families Scholarships - $1,000 awards; grades 9-12; open to high school students who have a parent or guardian who has been on the frontline this past year (food delivery and supply chain workers, paramedics, EMT/EMS, firefighters, police, teachers, nurses, doctors, military); write an essay or make a short video telling their family’s story – what their parent(s) or guardian(s) have been doing on the frontline and what they have learned from that.
31 - STOP THE BLEED® National Scholarships - multiple awards of $500, $1,500, and $3,000 plus Stop the Bleed Training Kits for the school; grades 9-12; submit a video or essay.
30 - Cirkled In “No Sweat” Scholarship - $2,500 award; currently enrolled in 8th - 12th; ages 13 and older; legal resident of the United States or the District of Columbia; create an account and tell your complete story through your profile; no GPA or minimum income requirement.
SAT/ACT Preparation
Which Test Should I Take?
§ Should You Take the ACT vs. SAT? (Kaplan) ACT vs. SAT Comparison (Princeton Review)
SAT Registration & Information: www.collegeboard.org
Khan Academy (FREE SAT Test Prep): www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat
The Princeton Review - Free opportunities and events
www.march2success.com - Free SAT test prep; pre-test allows for personalized study plan; flash cards; interactive games; great resource!
Registration & Information: www.act.org
ACT Academy (FREE ACT Test Prep): academy.act.org
The Princeton Review - Free opportunities and events
College Career Planning
Career Exploration
Moving Forward College & Career Readiness Series for Juniors
Juniors, let's start planning! We enthusiastically invite you all to participate in the following workshops to get a head start in planning for life after high school! Once registered, a zoom to link will be sent to you 2 days before the workshop and 1 day before the workshop again.
Unless noted, all workshops are from 11:30 am - 12:00 pm.
Tuesday, March 15 - Resume/Interview Skills
Tuesday, March 22* - Alternative Career Fair (*10:30am - 11:30am)
Thursday, April 7 - College Essay Writing
Thursday, April 21 - Tips on Common Application
Tuesday, April 26 - Intro to Financial Aid and Scholarships
Click here for the flyer - Click here to register
Career Planning Tools in Naviance
The Career Cluster Finder is an inventory that will allow you to match your interests, strengths, and personal qualities with potential career areas or clusters. Your top career areas will be ranked based on your responses.
StrengthsExplorer assesses 10 talent themes for individuals and identifies each student’s three strongest emerging talents, such as Confidence, Dependability, or Future Thinker. It provides explanations of these themes, strategies for capitalizing on each, and action items to help students gain insight into their greatest talents – natural patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior – to leverage in the classroom and in life.
The Career Interest Profiler is an online career interest assessment for students based on Holland codes. It allows students to complete an inventory that analyzes their own interests and pairs the results with potential career matches.
Career/Major Websites:
uwannadu.com - explore careers, watch videos of professionals in their field, and more
www.onetonline.org - comprehensive tool for career exploration and job analysis; great resource and lots of info!
www.thestemnet.com - STEM Workplace Exposure and Career Exploration
bigfuture.collegeboard.org - Explore careers; see how others made their choices
www.bls.gov/ooh/ - Occupational Outlook Handbook; great resource for in-depth career information
montgomerycollege.emsicc.com - Montgomery College's Career Coach; great resource and free to use; explore careers, take an assessment, create a resume, and more!
Federal Jobs Network - jobs & scholarships in government
InsideCareer - everything about careers, from the real world
monster.com - is not only a great job finding resource but has a search function that allows you to find career fairs in your area.
futurelinkmd.org - Future Link provides low-income, first-generation-to-college young adults with the tools, skills and resources to achieve lasting economic self-sufficiency. Click on the link to learn more.
Do continue a foreign language. Maryland State Universities require two to three years of foreign language.
Do take the PSAT to get familiar with this kind of test and to qualify for National Merit Scholarships.
Do begin talking with your parents about college or other options. But don't rule out anything yet. Do visit some local colleges (even if you're not really interested in them) to get a sense of size and atmosphere.
Do visit the College & Career Center. You can take a Career Interest Inventory to begin your career planning this year.
Do learn to take good class notes.
Do participate in extracurricular activities. There is something at Springbrook for everyone and colleges look for students with a variety of interests.
Don't assume that English grammar will have no practical use if you become a scientist or an accountant. You have to write in any career you choose.
Don't find any excuses to miss class. Attendance in class has a direct relationship to success.
Don't assume that your talent in a sport, the band or yearbook will compensate for weak grades. Don't get an after school job if it means you can't get your homework done.
Summary: What Should Sophomores Be Doing Now?
START thinking about life after high school.
TAKE an interest assessment test, then research career interests.
TAKE challenging courses and KEEP grades up.
BECOME involved in clubs, sports and other extracurricular activities.
CONTINUE your volunteer work.
CONSIDER taking an SAT prep course.
Do continue a foreign language. Maryland State Universities require two to three years of foreign language.
- Do take the PSAT to get familiar with this kind of test and to qualify for National Merit Scholarships.
- Do begin talking with you parents about college or other options. But don't rule out anything yet. Do visit some local colleges (even if you're not really interested in them) to get a sense of size and atmosphere.
- Do visit the College & Career Center. You can take a Career Interest Inventory to begin your career planning this year.
- Do learn to take good class notes.
- Do participate in extracurricular activities. There is something at Springbrook for everyone and colleges look for students with a variety of interests.
- Don't assume that English grammar will have no practical use if you become a scientist or an accountant. You have to write in any career you choose.
- Don't find any excuses to miss class. Attendance in class has a direct relationship to success.
- Don't assume that your talent in a sport, the band or yearbook will compensate for weak grades. Don't get an after school job if it means you can't get your homework done.
Summary: What Should Sophomores Be Doing Now?
- START thinking about life after high school.
- TAKE interest assessment test, then research career interests.
- TAKE challenging courses and KEEP grades up.
- BECOME involved in clubs, sports and other extracurricular activities.
- CONTINUE your volunteer work.
- CONSIDER taking an SAT prep course.
Student-Facing,General, Naviance Student
Direct Link: https://www.screencast.com/t/oC2qMirDS
9th Grade - Click Here
College Career Planning for Ninth Graders
College Career Readiness Information for the
Class of 2025
Why is College Career Readiness Important Now?
College Career Readiness is critical in 9th – 12th grades because it prepares and equips students with the skills necessary to navigate life after high school.
College/Career Readiness Planning/Opportunity Guide Students 9th - 12 Grades
Opportunity Guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_URTCcIRB3j9oD5Bni1HNwlSaadEQTaC/view
College Planning Timeline for All Grade Levels pages 27 - 30 Scholarship Information pages 21- 23
Naviance Log In: Naviance Login through MCPS Email: https://youtu.be/7QS2hVRaN6Y
Career Interest Profiler: Career Test: https://www.loom.com/share/050531d7c76643dabd53b8cd2742995e
College Search: Supermatch/College Search https://www.loom.com/share/f0773b82a58040abb69a8b722ee4d353
Academic Success Week
This series of online events, curated for 9th to 12th grade students across the country, will include the above presentations as well as a new program called “The Digital SAT: What You Need to Know.” I have included a flyer here with clickable links to register for each event. I have also pasted a chart of all events with links at the bottom of this email. Please feel free to share this with your students.
College Tours Virtual and In-person: Visit Colleges/Universities for In-Person College Tours
University of Maryland College Park Virtual College Tour
https://www.admissions.umd.edu/visit/virtual-visit
University of Maryland Baltimore Campus Virtual College Tour
https://about.umbc.edu/visitors-guide/
Towson University Virtual College Tour
https://www.towson.edu/visit/virtual-tour.html
Virtual College Fair
https://www.nacacfairs.org/attend/attend-virtual-college-fairs/
Free Virtual College Career Readiness Summer Workshops
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1j5cuSOPi-d3duNUsODsHO8LU3wBUlzhYt8eY8f5oFQM/edit?usp=sharing
Scholarship Opportunities:
$2,000 No Essay Scholarship - $2,000; 9-12 grade; U.S. Cit. or legal res.; register for site; random winner drawn monthly; you can enter once each month for a chance to win.
Pulse of Perseverance Scholarship - $1,000; 9-12 grade; read the book, "Pulse of Perseverance: Three Black Doctors on Their Journey to Success" and submit a 250-word essay and 60 second video; see link for essay and video guidelines.
31 - STOP THE BLEED® Frontline Families Scholarships - $1,000 awards; grades 9-12; open to high school students who have a parent or guardian who has been on the frontline this past year (food delivery and supply chain workers, paramedics, EMT/EMS, firefighters, police, teachers, nurses, doctors, military); write an essay or make a short video telling their family’s story – what their parent(s) or guardian(s) have been doing on the frontline and what they have learned from that.
31 - STOP THE BLEED® National Scholarships - multiple awards of $500, $1,500, and $3,000 plus Stop the Bleed Training Kits for the school; grades 9-12; submit a video or essay.
30 - Cirkled In “No Sweat” Scholarship - $2,500 award; currently enrolled in 8th - 12th; ages 13 and older; legal resident of the United States or the District of Columbia; create an account and tell your complete story through your profile; no GPA or minimum income requirement.
SAT/ACT Preparation
Which Test Should I Take?
§ Should You Take the ACT vs. SAT? (Kaplan) ACT vs. SAT Comparison (Princeton Review)
SAT Registration & Information: www.collegeboard.org
Khan Academy (FREE SAT Test Prep): www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat
The Princeton Review - Free opportunities and events
www.march2success.com - Free SAT test prep; pre-test allows for personalized study plan; flash cards; interactive games; great resource!
Registration & Information: www.act.org
ACT Academy (FREE ACT Test Prep): academy.act.org
The Princeton Review - Free opportunities and events
Career Exploration
Moving Forward College & Career Readiness Series for Juniors
Juniors, let's start planning! We enthusiastically invite you all to participate in the following workshops to get a head start in planning for life after high school! Once registered, a zoom to link will be sent to you 2 days before the workshop and 1 day before the workshop again.
Unless noted, all workshops are from 11:30 am - 12:00 pm.
Tuesday, March 15 - Resume/Interview Skills
Tuesday, March 22* - Alternative Career Fair (*10:30am - 11:30am)
Thursday, April 7 - College Essay Writing
Thursday, April 21 - Tips on Common Application
Tuesday, April 26 - Intro to Financial Aid and Scholarships
Student-Facing,Naviance Curriculum, Naviance Student
This video provides an overview of the Series. Watch the entire series by going to the following link: https://www.screencast.com/t/qgTo4lvBE8
Career Planning Tools in Naviance
The Career Cluster Finder is an inventory that will allow you to match your interests, strengths, and personal qualities with potential career areas or clusters. Your top career areas will be ranked based on your responses.
StrengthsExplorer assesses 10 talent themes for individuals and identifies each student’s three strongest emerging talents, such as Confidence, Dependability, or Future Thinker. It provides explanations of these themes, strategies for capitalizing on each, and action items to help students gain insight into their greatest talents – natural patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior – to leverage in the classroom and in life.
The Career Interest Profiler is an online career interest assessment for students based on Holland codes. It allows students to complete an inventory that analyzes their own interests and pairs the results with potential career matches.
Career/Major Websites:
uwannadu.com - explore careers, watch videos of professionals in their field, and more
www.onetonline.org - comprehensive tool for career exploration and job analysis; great resource and lots of info!
www.thestemnet.com - STEM Workplace Exposure and Career Exploration
bigfuture.collegeboard.org - Explore careers; see how others made their choices
www.bls.gov/ooh/ - Occupational Outlook Handbook; great resource for in-depth career information
montgomerycollege.emsicc.com - Montgomery College's Career Coach; great resource and free to use; explore careers, take an assessment, create a resume, and more!
Federal Jobs Network - jobs & scholarships in government
InsideCareer - everything about careers, from the real world
monster.com - is not only a great job finding resource but has a search function that allows you to find career fairs in your area.
futurelinkmd.org - Future Link provides low-income, first-generation-to-college young adults with the tools, skills and resources to achieve lasting economic self-sufficiency. Click on the link to learn more.
Tips For Ninth Graders
Do take college prep courses and challenging elective courses.
Do set your goals so that they are attainable.
Do take a foreign language.
Do make yourself read at least one unassigned book each month. Avid readers do better.
Do make an appointment with your counselor to discuss your career plans.
Do visit the College & Career Center to become more familiar with the resources there.
Do work hard. Remember the grades earned in ninth grade count!
Don't expect skills in computer games to convince colleges that you understand computers.
Don't assume that "Sports Illustrated" and "Seventeen" magazines are among the classics.
Do your homework and come to class prepared.
Don't miss class unless absolutely necessary. A good attendance record goes hand in hand with a good student.
Don't settle for a "C" when you can do "B" work.
Summary: What Should Freshmen Be Doing Now?
START developing good study habits.
WORK on time management skills.
STUDY hard.
TAKE challenging courses.
BECOME involved in your school clubs, sports, etc.
VOLUNTEER and work on SSL hours.
Scholarships
$2,000 No Essay Scholarship - $2,000; 9-12 grade; U.S. Cit. or legal res.; register for site; random winner drawn monthly; you can enter once each month for a chance to win.
Pulse of Perseverance Scholarship - $1,000; 9-12 grade; read the book, "Pulse of Perseverance: Three Black Doctors on Their Journey to Success" and submit a 250-word essay and 60 second video; see link for essay and video guidelines.
