College Counseling News (Updated: 11/09/21)

THE HIGHLIGHTS

1. first day of Q2

2. Math and Science for Minority Students (MS)2 Program (9th grade only)

3. National Hispanic Institute summer programs

4. Virtual programs 

Q2 Begins Today

Yes, it is here; the first quarter ended last week.  Did you put forth your best effort?  Did you complete most or all of your homework assignments to the best of your ability and turn them in?  Did you actually study for all of the assessments you had or may have this week or next?  And by study, we mean more than cramming the night before or during mid-morning break.

If Q1 did not produce the results you were hoping for, reflect on what mistakes you may have made this first quarter, and think about how you can fine-tune so that you're less likely to make the same mistakes going into Q2.  Remember that your cumulative GPA (9-11th grades) is not yet set in stone.  You still have three quarters remaining this year to "lock In."

**And yes, let us just confirm for you right now that the vast majority of colleges do look at 9th grade on your transcript as they are making admissions decisions, so freshmen do the work now.  Sophomores, as much as you may wish you could turn back time, you cannot, so focus on what is in front of you and make the most of the opportunities that present themselves to do well academically.   

MATH AND SCIENCE FOR MINORITY STUDENTS (MS)2 PROGRAM (9TH GRADE ONLY) 

The Mathematics & Science for Minority Students Program - commonly known as (MS)2- is now accepting applications from qualified ninth grade students.  Andover’s longest-running educational outreach program, (MS)2, advances diversity in the STEM fields by developing the competencies and self-confidence of outstanding high school students of color. The three-summer, residential program challenges students intellectually and exposes them to peers and educators with diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and aspirations.

We have had a few students participate in this program, including a current junior.  When I used to work in college admissions, I attended the college fair they would host for their students, and I can absolutely vouch for the quality of this program and the academic and college access support it provides for its participants.

(MS)2 has been providing African American, Latinx, and Native American students from selected cities (including D.C.), who have demonstrated a financial need, with: 

• Five weeks of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) enrichment

• Full scholarship for three consecutive summers (this program is free, including airfare and transportation to and from the campus)

• Multicultural community of students from across the country

• College readiness - 97% of (MS)^2 graduates attend a four-year college; 83% earn an undergraduate degree

 The program runs this summer from 28 June - 31 July 2022.  

 Eligibility criteria:

• Must have completed at least one full year of Algebra by the end of ninth grade year

• Must be African American or Latinx from Atlanta; Baltimore; Boston; Chicago; Cleveland; Fort Worth, TX; Lawrence, MA; Louisville; Memphis; NYC; and D.C.  American Indian students may be from anywhere in the US. (Clearly, you are eligible for this as a resident of D.C., but should you have any friends in these other cities with whom you’d want to share this opportunity, now you know who else is eligible.)

• Must demonstrate financial need

The application process will require four recommendations (Science teacher, Math teacher, a school official, which would include me, as you college counselor - whoever you think can know you best and write for you before the December deadline; and a supplemental recommendation, which can come from another current or former teacher, advisor, scout leader, faith leader, coach, employer, or other adult who has worked closely with you).  

If you are interested in applying for this program, you need to ask your recommenders in the next couple of weeks so that they have time to write a well considered recommendation on your behalf.

Please know that it is expected that you ask your teachers IN PERSON to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf and email them as well as a reminder. TMA teachers take recommendation writing seriously, and it takes up several hours of time, so you must ask face-to-face.  You are welcome to email your teacher(s) to ask to set up a meeting to discuss their ability and willingness to write for you as well.  Please let me know if you want/need help in how to do that or want us to review the email you wish to send to your teacher(s). 

The deadline to complete and submit this application and all supporting documentation is 31 December 2021.

For more information, visit this website or come see me.  They are also hosting a variety of informational sessions and workshops.  If you are interested in attending any of them, you can register here.

NATIONAL HISPANIC INSTITUTE - GREAT DEBATE (9th graders), LORENZO DE ZAVALA YOUTH LEGISLATIVE SESSION (10th and 11th graders), AND THE COLLEGIATE WORLD SERIES (11th graders)

The programs offered by the NHI are for students who identify as Hispanic/Latinx or for those interested in learning more about Hispanic/Latinx culture.  There are programs available for 9th-11th graders, and most programs are looking for students with a B average or better as well as students who are aspiring community leaders, those involved in service and/or extracurricular activities. 

For more details, visit these sites:

• Great Debate

• Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session

• The Collegiate World

UPCOMING VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON PROGRAMS 

Go to High School, Go to College" Virtual College Fair

The Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. have put together a dynamic must see virtual college fair. Working in partnership with the Eta Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. at Bowie State University; colleges from across the country have agreed to participate in this college fair. The fair will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2021, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm on a virtual platform that you will receive login instructions prior to the event. You ask what makes this college fair dynamic. FREE admission

Glossary Resources for College Terms