Preparing+for+College


 * Planning For College---JUNIOR YEAR TIMELINE **

· Take the PSAT’s in October · Plan a family college discussion · Review your courses with your high school counselor: take challenging courses. · Participate in extra-curricular activities. · Research colleges using a variety of sources. · Attend college fairs.
 * // FALL //**

· Review PSAT results with your counselor. · Continue to research and develop a list of colleges. · Take the SAT practice tests online. · Research financial aid. Learn about grants, loans, work study, and scholarships.
 * // WINTER //**

· Make college visits. Check for open house dates. · Take your first SAT. · Line up a summer job, summer volunteer work, and/or a summer college class. · Plan a rigorous senior year class schedule.
 * // SPRING //**

· Continue to make college visits. · Continue to research financial aid. · Decide which teachers you will ask for recommendations. · Talk to college friends who are home for the summer. · Preview college applications and write practice essays. · Be prepared to apply to your choice of schools in the fall.
 * // SUMMER //**

=Senior year college planning calendar= During your senior year, you will finalize your college choice. This year is filled with admission applications, scholarship essays, financial aid information and the need to meet deadlines. Throughout your senior year, continue to build your resume by achieving academic success, as well as participating in extra curricular activities. Colleges are very interested in well-rounded students. The college preparation that takes place during your senior year is filled with a lot of details and paperwork. It is very important that you involve your [|parents] with this process.

**August**
**September** **October** **November** **December** **January** **February** **March** **April** **May** **June** **July** Congratulations! It's time to get ready to start college.
 * Review your career plans and [|decide which type of postsecondary school] is best for you.
 * Save money from your summer job for college.
 * List your top college choices.
 * Request admissions information and school catalogs.
 * Go on college visits.
 * Obtain registration materials and test dates for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and/or ACT assessment.
 * Compare costs of each school that interests you by contacting the colleges by phone, mail, or via their websites.
 * Visit Going2College or other resources for information about career, college, and financial aid resources in your state.
 * Mark your calendar with registration, admissions, and financial aid deadlines and fees.
 * Determine if the schools that interest you have online admission applications. If not, request them by mail now.
 * Meet with school representatives who visit your high school.
 * Look at virtual tours of college campuses online.
 * If you haven't already taken the SAT and/or ACT, register for the test(s).
 * Attend college planning and/or financial aid information nights and college fairs.
 * Ask employers, teachers, and guidance counselors for letters of recommendation to accompany your admissions applications.
 * Take the SAT and/or ACT.
 * __[|Work on your admissions essays]__.
 * If you haven't already done so, attend college planning and/or financial aid information nights and college fairs.
 * Visit your top school choices. If possible, make appointments with faculty, staff, and students.
 * Complete applications for every scholarship for which you may be eligible.
 * Meet with your guidance counselor to develop a college admission and financial aid application plan.
 * Make a folder for each of your college choices.
 * Contact the schools' financial aid offices to determine which forms they require. Some schools may require special forms.
 * Finalize portfolios, audition tapes, writing samples, or other evidence of talent if required for admission.
 * Complete admissions applications by their deadlines.
 * If you haven't already done so, attend college planning and/or financial aid information nights and college fairs.
 * If necessary, register to retake the SAT and/or ACT.
 * Request financial aid forms and applications. Double check the deadlines for submission.
 * Follow up to ensure your employers, teachers, and guidance counselors send letters of recommendation.
 * Sign up for a PIN, to complete your FAFSA online. (Also let your parents know that they will need a PIN.)
 * Finalize admission applications.
 * Urge your parents to file their taxes as soon as possible after January 1. This will ease the financial aid process.
 * __[|Research and apply for other financial aid]__, including grants and scholarships.
 * Watch for early admissions notices (they tend to arrive in December or January).
 * As soon as possible after January 1 and when tax forms are complete (they don't have to be filed until April 15; you can use estimates), [|complete your FAFSA online] (or go to www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov to download a PDF version of the FAFSA). Keep copies of all documents, including your PIN, in a file.
 * If you can't attend financial aid nights, ask if you and your parents can borrow a video of an event from your counselor.
 * Contact the U.S. Department of Education at 800-4-FEDAID for assistance completing the FAFSA and/or plan to __[|attend a College Goal Sunday event]__ (free FAFSA advice) near you.
 * Be mindful of deadlines. Always submit information on time.
 * Research Advanced Placement (AP) or College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams.
 * Watch for the e-mail notice indicating your __[|Student Aid Report (SAR)]__ is ready.
 * Review your SAR for errors and make any corrections as indicated.
 * Rank your top school choices.
 * Attend a College Goal Sunday event.
 * Check with the financial aid offices to ensure your paperwork is complete. Submit tax forms if they request them.
 * Narrow your school choices and make campus visits.
 * Be on the lookout for acceptance letters.
 * Start looking for summer jobs.
 * Compare financial aid award letters.
 * Make your final school decision and mail deposits, as required.
 * Check with the school you've chosen about returning financial aid award letters.
 * Notify the schools you have chosen NOT to attend.
 * Plan for registration, orientation, and housing, and mark your calendar with important dates.
 * Be aware of any summer orientation sessions that you must attend at the school in which you will enroll, and make plans accordingly.
 * Finalize your summer job plans, and make a plan for saving a portion of your summer earnings.
 * Prepare a realistic __[|student budget]__.
 * Follow up with your high school to ensure the counselor forwards your final school transcripts to the college.
 * Plan for college transportation.
 * Notify your high school guidance office of your college selection and any scholarships received.
 * Follow up with the financial aid office to ensure all paperwork is complete.
 * Save money from your summer job.
 * Send “thank you notes” to everyone who helped you plan and prepare for college.
 * Make copies of your financial aid forms, health forms, etc for your files to aid in resolving future issues.

The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) produces the Junior/Senior MDgo4it Calendar for students in 11th grade. This 15-month calendar begins in the spring of junior year and continues to the end of senior year. It is designed to assist students with organizing, planning, and tracking the many obligations and important dates as they prepare for postsecondary education options. This includes deadline dates for state student financial aid, SAT test dates, important tips on preparing for postsecondary education, college admission information, and resources on careers. You can access this calendar on MHEC’s website at [|www.MDgo4it.org], under “Preparing for College” (left hand column) and then “Calendar to Assist High School Juniors and Seniors.”
 * CALENDAR FOR COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENTS **

[|www.collegeboard.com] [|www.petersons.com] [|www.careercruising.com] [|www.marylandmentor.com] [|www.careernet.state.md.us] [|www.mymajor.com]
 * HELPFUL WEBSITES **
 * __ College/Career Search __**

[|www.fastweb.com] [|www.collegescholarships.com] [|www.mhec.state.md.us] [|www.studentaid.ed.gov] [|www.fafsa.ed.gov] [|www.hsf.net] – Hispanic Scholarships [|www.blackexcel.org] – African American Scholarships [|www.finaid.org/otheraid/minority] - all minorities [|www.minoritynurse.com] – minority nursing students
 * __ Financial Aid __**

** COLLEGE COMPARISON WORKSHEET ** 4-Year, 2-Year, Co-ed/single sex, Religious affiliation? ||  ||   ||   ||
 * ** COLLEGE NAME ** || College Number One: || College Number Two: || College Number Three: ||
 * DISTANCE FROM YOUR HOME ||  ||   ||   ||
 * SIZE OF SCHOOL ||  ||   ||   ||
 * SIZE OF TOWN ||  ||   ||   ||
 * TYPE OF SCHOOL
 * MAJORS OFFERED OF INTEREST TO YOU ||  ||   ||   ||
 * ACTIVITIES OFFERED OF INTEREST TO YOU ||  ||   ||   ||
 * ADMISSIONS TESTS REQUIRED ||  ||   ||   ||
 * AVERAGE SAT/ACT OF ADMITTED STUDENTS ||  ||   ||   ||
 * AVERAGE GPA OF ADMITTED STUDENTS ||  ||   ||   ||
 * ADMISSIONS TYPE ||  ||   ||   ||
 * ADMISSIONS DEADLINE ||  ||   ||   ||
 * ESTIMATED ANNUAL COST ||  ||   ||   ||
 * RESIDENCE HALLS? ||  ||   ||   ||
 * FACILITIES ||  ||   ||   ||
 * CAMPUS VISIT DATES ||  ||   ||   ||


 * THE BEST ROAD TRIP A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT CAN TAKE: THE COLLEGE VISIT **

Annapolis, MD (November 1, 2002) -- This is the time of year when high school seniors are inundated with college materials and applications. But with so many college choices, what's a student to do? In a word, "visit," said Karen R. Johnson, Maryland Secretary of Higher Education. "There's no better way to get to know a college, university or private career school than a tour of the campus. Colleges have distinct personalities and the best way to get to know them is to visit. You wouldn't buy a car without a test drive. You should also give your prospective college a test run." One of the biggest mistakes students make, experts say, is to arrange college visits around school breaks. "Often times students don't want to miss time from school, so they try to schedule visits around holidays," said Dr. John Sabatini, Assistant Secretary of Academic Affairs for the Maryland Higher Education Commission. "If schools are closed, chances are colleges are too. You want to visit when the college is lively and you can get a real sense of the community." The college visit is the perfect time to use all of your senses: what does it feel like? Sound like, etc.? The Maryland Higher Education Commission has compiled a list of useful tips to make the college visit meaningful and successful.


 * Do your homework: learn as much about the school before you visit.
 * Call in advance to learn about visit options: Colleges now offer so many types of visits such as weekday open houses, tours by students, personal appointments, general information sessions, meetings with faculty, and overnight stays. It's best to make an appointment before making the visit.
 * You can't pick a college by its brochure or website: A campus visit is your chance to get a real feel for the college. A catalog and web site provide a limited view of what the college is really like. Walk around, talk to students, enjoy a class, eat where students eat and visit a dormitory room.
 * Ask questions, questions and more questions: This is your chance to talk to instructors, students, financial aid and admissions officers. You can get answers to questions you might have such as:


 * Are most courses large lectures or small and interactive?
 * What courses are required for first-year students or graduation?
 * Is there space in dorms or is there a housing shortage?
 * What's the social life like? Do most students go home on weekends? Is there a Greek system?
 * What services are offered in the Career Center? Are on-campus interviews or job fairs conducted?
 * How do the students dress?
 * Do I feel comfortable here? Can I make it my home?
 * What about campus diversity?


 * Get information from the school: Pick up school materials such as brochures, campus newspapers, calendars and financial aid forms. Remember to collect business cards for people you may need to contact later.
 * How does the school feel to you? Depend on your feelings. Do you feel comfortable on the campus? Do you like the students and faculty? Spending a day walking around the campus will determine if the school is a good fit.
 * Talk to a mixture of people: Don't just spend time with the tour guide, talk to students, instructors in your area of interest, and admissions officials.
 * Eat the food: No, it won't be Mom's home cooking, but this is the food you will have to endure day in and day out for months at a time. Are there options available to accommodate health or religious diets?
 * Sit in a class: are the classes too big? Too small? How does the instructor relate to the students?
 * Campus security: How safe is the campus? Are personal emergency response telephones strategically placed around campus for easy access? Ask about escort services to dorms after studying at the library or a late-night class.
 * Ask about the housing policy: Ask if housing is guaranteed all four years. If not, is there a service to help you find an apartment?
 * When is the deadline to apply? Does the school make early admission decisions?
 * Find out what financial aid is available and their deadlines. Colleges may have different financial aid deadlines and forms than state or federal government. Pay close attention to those deadlines to ensure every consideration.

Maryland has 56 college and universities and 120 private career schools from which to choose. The MHEC website [|www.mhec.state.md.us] <[|http://www.mhec.state.md.us]> links to all of Maryland's postsecondary schools.


 * __Additional Information regarding Applying to College__**


 * COLLEGE: THE NEXT STEP **


 * //CONTENTS://**
 * Academic common market ||
 * Acceptance letters ||
 * Admissions Types: regular, rolling, early decision, early action ||
 * Admissions Policies ||
 * Applications ||
 * Applications Essays ||
 * Application Procedure at BMHS ||
 * Award letters ||
 * Campus Visits ||
 * CareerCenterResources ||
 * College fairs ||
 * College representatives’ presentations ||
 * Common application ||
 * Evening information meetings ||
 * Fee Waivers ||
 * Financial aid: scholarships, grants, loans ||
 * Grade Point Average & Class Rank ||
 * NCAA eligibility ||
 * Recommendation letters ||
 * Service Hours ||
 * Statewide Programs to Save Money ||
 * Tests, Entrance: SAT’s, ACT’s ||
 * Tests, Placement ||
 * Transcripts: official, unofficial ||
 * Transcripts: requesting them ||
 * Websites ||


 * ACADEMIC COMMON MARKET (ACM)**

The ACM allows Marylandresidents to enroll in certain degree programs at participating out-of-state colleges for in-state tuition. It’s a good way to save money, if you meet the requirements. Applicants must have resided in Marylandfor at least 12 months, and must be accepted to an approved program of study not offered at a Marylandpublic college or university. The ACM application is available at [|www.MDgo4it.org]. At the same site, you will find a list of approved programs at participating colleges.


 * ACCEPTANCE LETTERS**

Once you begin to receive acceptance letters, we ask that you bring them to the Guidance Office so that we can make a copy. We are asked to keep records of the schools to which our students are accepted, and this will enable us to keep those records. Depending on the type of admission offered at the schools to which you’ve applied, acceptance letters will arrive at different times throughout the school year – some as early as November, and some as late as April. Usually, you will have until May 1 to commit to a particular school. However, you may want to commit earlier than that to be sure to reserve a spot in student housing. Be sure to read your acceptance materials carefully and follow the instructions therein. There will be deadlines for making your commitment.


 * ADMISSIONS TYPES**

There are five different types of admission procedures to college. Not all colleges use all of these. Usually, colleges have either regular or rolling admissions. Some colleges will also offer early decision, while others offer early action. Some may offer neither. You can determine what type of admissions colleges offer by checking [|www.collegeboard.org], [|www.petersons.com], or the website of the specific college.


 * Regular Admission – a student submits an application to an institution by a specified date and receives a decision within a reasonable and clearly stated period of time, but usually not later than April 15.
 * Rolling Admission – a student submits an application to an institution during a specified period of time (usually a period of several months), and receives a decision in a timely manner (usually three to four weeks).
 * Early Decision – a student makes a commitment to a first-choice institution where, if admitted, they definitely will enroll. The deadline for early decision applications is earlier than other types, and students receive their decision earlier also. Students may apply to other institutions, but may only have one early decision application pending at a time. Immediately upon acceptance of an offer of admission, a student must withdraw all other applications and make no subsequent applications. Early decision is good if you are absolutely sure you want to attend one specific school.
 * Early Action – a student applies early to a school of preference and receives a decision earlier than the school’s regular response date. The student is not obligated to accept the institution’s offer of admission, and may apply to other schools without restriction.
 * Wait List – Some colleges use this to make up for the students who decline their offer of admission. If you are wait-listed, you still might receive an offer of admission once the college has received answers from students who were accepted outright.


 * ADMISSIONS POLICIES**

What are colleges looking for in a student? In general, colleges will first look at: the grades you earned, the difficulty of the classes you took, and your scores on entrance tests (SAT’s or ACT’s). They will also consider your activities, your application essay, and your letters of recommendation, but these items usually do not weigh as heavily as the first three. However, some colleges put a great deal of emphasis on your tests scores, while others want to see lots of honors and advanced placement courses. Some would rather see high grades in regular classes rather than C’s in honors. And some colleges base your acceptance on the field of study you have chosen. To find out more specifically what a college is looking for, you are strongly encouraged to talk to admissions officers at the colleges of your choice. Visit them if possible, or call them if you can’t arrange a visit. Admissions office phone numbers are listed on the college websites. Here are some possible questions you can ask:
 * What is most important to you in an applicant?
 * Do you have a minimum required GPA?
 * Do you have a minimum required SAT or ACT score?
 * Would you rather see AP and honors courses or high grades on a transcript?
 * What are you looking for in a senior class schedule?
 * Are there any courses that I haven’t yet taken that would help my chances of admission?
 * I am interested in majoring in ________. Will that make my chances of admission more or less difficult?
 * How important are my extracurricular activities?


 * APPLICATIONS**

Although we still receive a few paper applications from colleges, and you can download paper applications from some college websites, many colleges prefer that you apply online, and some colleges will //only// accept online applications. The most important tip for applications is: don’t miss the deadline!!! This is your opportunity to make a good first impression. Missing the application deadline will send the message that it is not important to you to be accepted to the college. With either paper or online applications, there will be a page that must be submitted to the Guidance Office for completion. This page may be called: Request for Academic Record, Secondary School Report, Secondary School Record, School Counselor Recommendation, etc. See the APPLICATION PROCEDURE AT BMHS for more information about this form. To save time, you may wish to use the Common Application, if you can. See that section of this booklet.

Every application has a fee, so keep that in mind when you are deciding how many applications to submit. Here are some from 2011-2012:

FrostburgStateUniversity- $30 MorganStateUniversity- $35 Salisbury&TowsonUniversities- $45 University of Maryland, College Park - $65 Harvard University - $75 University of Delaware - $75

If you talk with a college representative at the college, here at BMHS, or at a college fair, ask if they give out application fee waivers. Some will do it, just for the interest you have shown in their school.


 * APPLICATION ESSAYS**

Not all applications require essays, but for those that do, this is an opportunity to grab the attention of admissions officers through your writing. Some schools will give you specific topics to address in your essay, while others will give you an open-ended topic or allow you to choose from a few topics. Some do’s and don’ts: Do work as hard on your essay as you would on an important graded writing assignment. Do have someone – your parent and/or possibly your English teacher – read over your essay to critique it. Do proofread, proofread, proofread! Spelling and grammar mistakes will not make a good first impression. Don’t write about the importance of a college education. Admissions officers tell us they don’t want to hear that! Don’t write about things that are covered elsewhere in your application. For example, don’t list your activities, grades, honors, etc. Do write about something that tells about you and your personality – something that makes you unique. Do be creative and original. See the appendix for additional tips.


 * APPLICATION PROCEDURE AT BMHS**

1. During the first two weeks of your senior year or sooner (you can turn one into Mrs. Moore before summer break so that she can get a head start on your letter!), complete a Student Activities Form and student request for recommendation form and give it to Mrs. Moore. This form includes your high school activities, awards, honors, work experience, and also your future plans and goals. Basically, it is a resume. 2. Decide on the two teachers you would like to write your recommendation letter (see RECOMMENDATION LETTERS) and ask them to do so. I strongly suggest that you use a “Recommendation Request” form available from Mrs. Moore. This form should accompany, not be in place of, your verbal request. 3. Once you have determined the colleges to which you will apply, go online to look up your application deadlines. 4. **At least ten school days before** you need transcripts or completed school reports, visit Mrs. Moore and Mrs. Craig in the Guidance Office. Complete a transcript request form. Print off and give Mrs. Moore the school report forms (secondary school report, counselor’s report, etc.) that are required for your applications. Be sure your name is on them. 5. There is a $2.00 fee for each transcript you request. 6. We will record the date that your transcripts and other documents are mailed to your selected college(s).
 * //For Scholarship Applications://** Follow the same procedure as outlined above. However, once you have teacher recommendations on file, you do not need to ask for them again.


 * AWARD LETTERS**

Once you have been accepted to a college and have filed the FAFSA, you will receive an Award Letter. This letter will detail for you the amount of scholarships, grants, loans, and/or work-study money you have been awarded by the college. We are required to report to the state the amount of scholarship money earned by our students. You may bring your award letter to the Guidance Office so that a copy can be made, or you may write the amount of scholarship money that you have been awarded on a slip of paper with your name and give that to either Mrs. Moore or Mrs. Craig.

If the college did not award you enough money to attend there, and you really want to go there, you may wish to visit the college financial aid office and speak directly with one of their officers. If there is a financial situation that has arisen that is not reflected on your income taxes, you can explain it to them, and you might be awarded additional aid. There is no guarantee on this, but it won’t hurt to try. Be sure to make an appointment before your visit to be assured you will be able to speak with someone who might be able to help you. For more information about Award Letters, see //Understanding Your Financial Aid Award Letter//, a FastWeb publication in the appendix.


 * CAMPUS VISITS**

Before committing to a college, try to make a campus visit. Summer may provide you with the most opportunities for this, but if possible, try to visit when classes are in session. This will give you a chance to take a look at the other students and get a first impression of what the student body is like. To visit a college on a school day, parents should write a note to the principal ahead of time, requesting approval for the visit. Once approved, the student will be marked present in school, as if on a field trip. For more information about campus visits, see the additional forms in the appendix.


 * GUIDANCE OFFICE RESOURCES**

In the guidance office, students can review college guidebooks, other college-related print resources, and access the internet to do additional research. Students may use these resources after school. If they wish to use them during the school day, just see Mrs. Moore about setting up a time to do so.


 * COLLEGE FAIRS**

The Cecil County Public School Secondary Counselors hold an annual College Fair the first Wednesday in October. This fair rotates among the five high schools. At this fair, you will have an opportunity to talk with and receive information from representatives from over 60 colleges, universities, technical schools, and the military branches. In addition, there will be four half-hour information workshops that you may attend.

The National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC) holds regional fairs in our area: at the Baltimore Convention Center and at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. NACAC also holds fairs for colleges for Visual and Performing Arts, and has one in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. The NACAC fairs are larger than our county fair, and encompass a wider selection of colleges. For more information about NACAC fairs, and for tips on attending a college fair, go to [|www.nacacnet.org].


 * COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVES’ PRESENTATIONS**

Several colleges throughout the region send admissions representatives to Bo-Manor High School to speak directly to our students. These presentations normally last about a half-hour and are scheduled during the school day throughout the fall months. When a representative is scheduled, announcements will be made and students will have an opportunity to sign up to attend the presentation. Sign-up sheets will be available in the guidance office.


 * COMMON APPLICATION**

The Common Application is a good idea for a student who is applying to two or more schools who accept the Common Application. The student completes basic application information on the Common Application, and then copies it (or electronically submits it) to more than one school. There is usually an additional supplemental part required by the receiving school, but it can still save time. Many of the colleges who use the Common Application are private schools, but it is certainly worth the time to check the list of schools to see if more than one school that you are applying to uses it. For more information, and a listing of over 400 schools that use the Common Application, go to [|www.commonapp.org/].


 * EVENING INFORMATION MEETINGS**

There will be opportunities for you to gain more information about colleges at evening meetings next year. The above mentioned **Cecil County College Fair** will be one of those. At this event, you will have an opportunity to meet with college representatives, and to attend workshops on the following topics: **Financial Aid, NCAA Eligibility, and the College Application Procedure**. Each December, there will be a **Financial Aid Night** for parents of juniors and seniors. Attending these meetings will give you lots of valuable information. Specific dates will be provided through “Connect Ed” phone calls.


 * FEE WAIVERS**

If you've participated in the College Board's SAT Program Fee-Waiver Service (students who participate in the free and reduced meals program), you may also be eligible to waive application fees at the colleges to which you're applying. Go TO [|www.collegeboard.org], > For Students > Apply to College > The application > Admission Tips > College Application Fee Waivers, and follow the link to see a list of colleges that do not charge an application fee or will consider waiving the fee if you've received an SAT Program fee waiver.

If you talk with a college representative at the college, here at BMHS, or at a college fair, ask if they give out application fee waivers. Some will do it, just for the interest you have shown in their school.


 * FINANCIAL AID: SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS, LOANS**

Financial Aid comes in three types: scholarships and grants (do not have to be repaid), and loans (do have to be repaid). Most scholarship money comes from the individual schools to which you apply. These scholarships are usually based on grades or talent (athletic or artistic). Grant money can also come from the schools or from the federal government. Grants are typically based on financial need. Loans can come from the federal government or from individual banks. Some loans are based on financial need, but pretty much anyone can get a loan for college. Student loans have a limit placed on them – parent loans do not. In addition to the aid provided by the schools and the government, there are scholarship contests. These are administered by various organizations, and can be based on need, grades, talent, service, or a combination of all of these.

How are you considered for financial aid? To be considered for scholarships, grants, or loans, parents must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This must be done as soon as you can after you receive your W-2 information for the previous year, but no later than March 1. Some schools have a February 1 deadline for aid consideration. This will not be the year to procrastinate about doing your income taxes! Once you have been accepted to a school and filed the FAFSA, you will automatically be considered for any scholarships, grants, loans, or work-study programs that they have. But don’t miss deadlines, because once the money is given away, you won’t get it, even if you qualify for it.

For more information about the FAFSA, go to [|www.fafsa.ed.gov]. On this site, there is a financial aid calculator where you can estimate what your “Estimated Family Contribution” (EFC) will be. You can also apply for a PIN number so that when the time comes, you can file the FAFSA online. The PIN serves as your electronic signature. Be careful to avoid the fafsa.com website –this site will try to charge you--the FAFSA is meant to be free! Also be sure to check out the sheet in the appendix titled “Important Financial Aid Information Specific to Maryland.” It highlights key information regarding financial aid from the state.

There is another financial aid form that may benefit some students. It is called CSS/Profile and is available through the College Board. This service is used by some colleges and scholarship programs, and allows you to submit information about family debt (the FAFSA doesn’t consider debt – just income, assets, and number of students in college). To find out more about this program and to see if it is right for you, go to [|https://profileonline.collegeboard.com]. There is a fee for using this service, but it may qualify you for more aid if you are applying to participating schools.

For the most information about Financial Aid, come to the Financial Aid night in December (specific date to be announced). A representative from Cecil College will be there to explain the process and answer questions. He or she will even sit down with parents individually and walk them through the entire process – whether you are interested in Cecil or not. Also, check out FastWeb publications in the appendix: //Quick Guide to Financial Aid Terms, FAFSA: Step by Step, Introduction to the Student Aid Report (SAR), Scholarship Guide, Scholarship Scams Tip Sheet// and more//.//

For scholarship contest information, check out the Cecil County Counselors’ Financial Aid Guide. Students receive a copy of this publication in the winter. Next year’s edition will be distributed to all seniors in November. Also be sure to listen for announcements at school and check the BMHS guidance website regularly.


 * GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA) AND CLASS RANK**

Your “unweighted” grade point average is determined by adding together the point totals for all the grades for all the courses you have completed so far in high school, and dividing by the number of credits you have earned. (Although they appear on your transcript, courses taken prior to high school are not included in your GPA.) If you have taken any honors or Advanced Placement courses in high school, “weight” is added to your GPA. .035 x the number of weighted credits earned = the weight added to your GPA. This number is your weighted GPA. Your class rank is determined by your weighted GPA. The GPA and Class Ranks calculated in September of your senior year will be the ones we report on your college applications.


 * __NCAA ELIGIBILITY__**

In order to participate in intercollegiate athletics at a Division I or Division II school, you must meet NCAA Eligibility Requirements. This includes earning at least a 2.0 in your core academic courses, SAT or ACT scores at a level proportionate with your GPA, and completion through at least Algebra II in math. You must also register with the NCAA Clearinghouse. For specific information about requirements, steps you need to take to register and to register go to //[|www.**eligibility**center.org].// You can also learn valuable information by attending the NCAA Eligibility Workshop at the Cecil County College Fair in October.


 * RECOMMENDATION LETTERS**

You will need two recommendation letters from teachers for most of your college applications. You may need one or two recommendation letters for scholarship applications also. At the beginning of the school year (or towards the end of junior year), all students who will be applying to colleges or for scholarships need to complete a “Student Activities Form.” You must complete this form as soon as you can and return it to Mrs. Moore. It will be kept on file for teachers and Mrs. Moore to use when writing your letters, so it needs to be on file before asking for your letters to be completed. It is your responsibility to choose two teachers and to ask them for letters of recommendation. Ask teachers who know you, and who you believe have a good opinion of you J. Also, ask teachers who are known for being able to write a good letter! We can give you some tips on that in the Guidance Office. Of course, English teachers are a good bet since they are natural writers. **Recommendation letters are private correspondence between the writer and the college or scholarship committee to whom they are addressed. Do not ask to see your recommendation letters. Do not open sealed envelopes that contain your recommendation letters.** Give teachers plenty of time to prepare your letter (at least two weeks). Know your deadlines, and ask in time. Please also be sure to give Mrs. Moore at least one copy of their recommendations so that she has them on file for easy access. **There is a $2 charge for every transcript that gets sent along with a college application; however, there is no charge for sending them with a scholarship application.**


 * SERVICE HOURS**

Many of the scholarships contests open to seniors list volunteer service as one of the criteria for the scholarship. In our experience, we have found that students who have volunteered have a better chance of winning those awards. Some awards may be small - $500 or so – but every little bit adds up. If you haven’t done so already, consider getting involved in some kind of volunteer activity. It would be a productive way to spend your time. Possibilities: Union Hospital, any nursing home, Cecil County Help Center, Parks and Recreation, SPCA. Or go to [|www.volunteermatch.org] and find out what’s out there!


 * STATEWIDE PROGRAMS TO SAVE MONEY**

The Maryland Higher Education Commission designates certain community college programs as statewide programs. Students may enroll in any of these programs at the same rates as in-county residents if a particular program is not offered by the local community college or if the student cannot enroll due to an enrollment limit. These programs are subject to change, and can be found online at: [|http://www.mhec.state.md.us] > Higher Education in Maryland > Academic Programs > Two Year Public Designated Statewide Programs.


 * TESTS: ENTRANCE (SAT’s, ACT’s)**

Almost all four-year schools require that applicants take either the SAT’s or ACT’s to be considered for admission. Two-year colleges do not require these tests, however, if you have taken them and scored well enough, you may be exempt from the two-year college’s placement test. SAT’s and ACT’s are each offered seven times per year, and students can take these tests as many times as they wish. If you plan to take it in the fall of your senior year, be aware that it takes about three weeks after the test for your scores to be reported to the colleges you have designated. So taking the SAT’s in October or the ACT’s in September would be your best choice. Some colleges (very few) require applicants to take SAT Subject Tests in addition to the SAT Reasoning Test. Check with your colleges to determine if you need to take these additional tests. To prepare for entrance tests, go to [|www.collegeboard.org] (for the SAT) or [|www.act.org] and try their practice tests and questions. For more information about the SAT’s and ACT’s, see the FastWeb Test Prep Bulletin in the appendix. Check the websites for registration deadlines, and to register online. If you participate in the free or reduced meal program, see Mrs. Moore to obtain a fee waiver.


 * TESTS: PLACEMENT**

Whether you choose a two-year college or a four-year college, you will have to take placement tests to determine the level of math, reading, and English classes you will be eligible to take as a first-year student. Some colleges may exempt you from these tests if you had a high score on the SAT’s or ACT’s. The purpose of the placement test is to see if you are ready to do college level work. If you do not pass these tests, you will have to take remedial college classes. These classes cost the same as other college classes, but they do not count toward your degree. To avoid failing college placement tests, make the most of your senior year courses, and brush up on your skills before taking the test. The Cecil College Readiness Test, offered to all juniors in December, is one example of a college placement test.


 * TRANSCRIPTS, OFFICIAL AND UNOFFICIAL**

With every college application you submit, you must also send a transcript. A transcript is a record of all the classes you have taken in high school and the grades and credits you received in each. Your transcript also shows your SAT scores and AP scores. The guidance office works very hard preparing each and every transcript so that it is completely accurate. Colleges want “Official” transcripts. That means that the transcript is placed in a sealed envelope and something is stamped or written on the seal to show that you have not opened it before it is sent in. If you would like to see your transcript, you may request an “unofficial” one – same courses, same grades: it’s just not sealed in an envelope. //Please do not open official transcripts!// Colleges will not accept transcripts that have been opened.


 * TRANSCRIPTS: REQUESTING THEM**

As is outlined in the “Application Procedure at BMHS,” you must request transcripts ahead of the time you will need them. You will need transcripts for your college applications, your NCAA Eligibility application, and scholarship applications. A transcript is not something that can be produced on the spot – it must be prepared (current courses and grades and other information must be typed on it), stamped with the official school seal, signed, and sealed. Also, information about where and when you are sending the transcript must be entered into a logbook. This takes time, and often, many requests are made at the same time. Therefore, we ask that you **allow 10 school days from the time of your request to the time when your transcripts are ready for you**. That means you must know your deadline dates and make your requests ahead of time. This is not difficult! Once you decide where you are applying, simply go to the college website and look up the application deadline date. Or, choose a deadline for yourself – ahead of the college’s deadline – and make your requests accordingly. The same goes for scholarship and NCAA deadlines. If you do not follow this procedure, we can’t guarantee that your transcripts will be ready when you need them.(**reminder:** There is a $2 charge for every transcript that gets sent along with a college application; however, there is no charge for sending them with a scholarship application).


 * WEBSITES OF HELP**


 * * [|https://profileonline.collegeboard.com] – financial aid
 * [|www.act.org] – ACT’s
 * [|www.careercruising.com] – college search, scholarship search, career search
 * [|www.ccps.org/bmhs] > Guidance Office
 * [|www.collegeboard.org] – SAT’s, College search, financial aid information
 * [|www.Commonapp.org] – The common application
 * [|www.fafsa.ed.gov] – financial aid
 * [|www.fastweb.com] – scholarship search, college tips and more
 * [|www.MDgo4it.org] – Maryland Higher Education Commission, financial aid, Academic Common Market
 * [|www.mhec.state.md.us] – Statewide designated programs at 2-year colleges
 * [|www.mymajors.com] – college major search
 * [|www.nacacnet.org] – College Fairs and tips
 * [|www.ncaapublications.com] – athletic eligibility in college
 * [|www.petersons.com] – college search
 * [|www.volunteermatch.org] – volunteer opportunities ||

The above information was adapted from Mrs. Varlas's (a school counselor at Elkton High School) very detailed and helpful College Planning Webpage.