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Welcome to Junior Year!
Welcome to Junior Year!
Please use this site to stay up to date on all things happening in the College Counseling Office. This main page will be your landing page for any up to date news and information. To learn more about the college application process, financial aid, or scholarships, please select the drop down menu under senior year. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Saba at hsaba@tmapchs.org.
Greetings, 11th graders and families:
You had an incredible time visiting colleges, doing the job shadow programs, and taking the PSAT. Those are key steps to helping you figure out what your post-high school life can look like. To that end, here are some great opportunities for you to take advantage of as you plan for your postsecondary success.
College exposure opportunity (currently open only to 10th & 11th graders):
The 2023 OSSE Scholars Summer Enrichment Program application is OPEN. Check out the website for more information – qualified students should apply HERE.
Scholarship opportunities (open to grades 9th - 11th):
Deadline: November 1
Amount: Up to $2,500
GPA Requirement: N/A
Description: High school students grades 9-12 can apply for this opportunity. Eligible applicants must be US citizens or Eligible Non-Citizens and must submit an essay on why college is important to them.
Maryknoll Student Essay Contest
Deadline: November 14
Amount: Up to $1,000
GPA Requirement: N/A
Description: 6-12th grade students are eligible to submit a scholarship application by writing an essay answering the question, “What is your dream for a better community and world?”.
Prudential Emerging Visionaries
Deadline: November 3
Amount: Up to $15,000
GPA Requirement: N/A
Description: Students between the ages of 14 to 18 who are legal residents of the US are eligible to apply for the Prudential Emerging Visionaries Program with an existing project they have started. The program celebrates young people for their innovative solutions to financial and societal challenges in their communities.
Regeneron Science Talent Search*
Deadline: November 9
Amount: Up to $250,000
GPA Requirement: N/A
Description: Students performing individual research projects can enter the Regeneron Science Talent Search to be awarded one of several scholarships. Eligible applicants must be current high school seniors who have undertaken independent science research projects.
Deadline: November 30
Amount: $5,000
GPA Requirement: N/A
Description: Scholarship open to students of at least 14 years of age who are legal U.S. residents. Applicants must submit an essay about why education and college matter.
Deadline: November 20
Amount: $1,000
GPA Requirement: N/A
Description: High school and college students can apply for the $1,000 November Scholarship from the Niche monthly scholarship series.
United States Senate Youth Program
Deadline: October 29
Amount: $10,000
GPA Requirement: N/A
Description: Juniors and seniors who currently hold a student leadership position and possess a strong interest in government, public service, and history are encouraged to apply for the USSYP. This program includes an opportunity to experience national government in action as well as be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship.
College Preparation Junior year at TMA:
College Preparation Junior year at TMA:
AtAGlance_CollegeAccessTimeline_FINAL.pdfMore about Dual Enrollment
DC Dual Enrollment 2022.pdfMore about Earl Woods
Earl Woods Instructions 2022.pdfWhy College?
Why College?
There are many reasons to attend college, just as there is many reasons not to attend. However, at TMA we believe in providing students with as many opportunities as possible. Going to college and earning a degree can provide students with many opportunities for the future including more options for jobs and higher paying jobs. Please explore the links below to read various reasons that a college education is beneficial.
Is College Worth it? Clearly, New Data Say
College: What it's All About and Why it Matters
Top 10 Reasons Why College is Important
Steps You Can Take NOW
Steps You Can Take NOW
1. Keep your grades up
While this seems obvious, your grades from 9th-11th grade will determine the Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) you will send to colleges via applications in the Fall of your Senior year. Even if you have struggle with good grades in 9th and 10th grade, good grades in 11th grade can demonstrate a trend of effort that colleges can consider in their admissions process. The better your grades are, the more opportunities you will have for college options and scholarships.
2. Be nice to your teachers
Your teachers will be writing your college recommendation letters, so give them good things to write about! Participate in class, be a leader in class, and most of all, ask for help when there are things you don't understand!
3. Study for the PSAT and SAT
Free test prep at Khan Academy. Studies show that 20 hours of Khan is associated with an average 115 point increase. There are also several practice books in the TMA library. Talk to Ms. Barker.
4. Apply for dual enrollment classes at UDC (see information below)
5. Research Schools (see below) and start a preliminary list of schools you want to apply for
6. Participate in something you care about
Whether it's step, flag football, cooking, or painting, colleges are looking for students who dedicate time to a passion of theirs. If you are interested in something career related, find an internship! If arts like music, dance, and theater are more your thing, join a club, start a club, or participate in an already existing program! The college counseling office can assist in researching opportunities that fit your interests and availability.
7. Volunteer and increase Community Service Hours (preferably for something you care about)
TMA teachers and programming offers a lot of opportunities to volunteer. Additionally, it is possible to seek out opportunities that pertain to your interests! Record your service hours online at x2vol. The college counseling office can assist in researching opportunities that fit your interests and availability.
8. Meet with College reps
Admissions Officers from different colleges visit TMA almost every day. You can see who's coming, and sign up on Naviance, or you can see the list below. Get a pass in the morning from Mr. Bruno or Ms. Jackson in room 006.
9. Apply for Junior-specific scholarships (see below)
10. If you are considering options outside of college, check out our "Career Education" page underneath the "Senior" tab.
11. Get familiar with college terms (see below)
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Guide to College Admissions.pdfGuide to College Admissions
Guide to College Admissions
Click on top right to see the entire pdf.
1. Note the section on "Terms You Need to Know" pages 13-19
2. Note the section on "Get Set for Action- Your Junior Year" pages 7-12
Glossaries of College Terms:
Glossaries of College Terms:
College Terms for Parents (English).PDFGlossary- Senior College Night.pdfSocial Media
Social Media
We strongly encourage parents AND students follow one of our accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter to receive reminders and updates! The handle is @tmatalkscollege for all accounts!
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