LHS College & Career Newsletter
November 2018, Volume XVI, Issue 2
What College Admissions Committees Are Really Looking For
By: Bettina Weil
Many students applying to college this fall will no doubt fret over every detail of their applications. The truth is, however, that college admissions committees do not treat all aspects of the application equally. So, students should take heed not to worry about things that don’t matter all that much and concentrate on the ones that do.
That conclusion is based on an annual survey of nearly 2,000 independent educational consultants, released this past summer by the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). The survey, What Colleges Look for in High School Students, suggests that while grades and standardized test scores matter, there are a number of significant changes and surprises that challenge common assumptions about college admissions. Number 1 on the list: A challenging curriculum. New to the list: a rigorous high school curriculum. The much-discussed student presence on social media? Not so much.
Many students and parents are surprised to hear that the leading criteria universities want to see isn’t grades (#2) or standardized test scores (#3), but rather evidence that a student took as rigorous a high school curriculum as they could. Colleges want to know that their future students are up for an academic challenge from taking a calculated risk with their coursework while in high school. Grades and scores are important, but it is far better to take on a challenge, show some grit, and if necessary, earn a slightly lower grade. Nowadays, a transcript with easy courses and straight A’s is not well regarded at competitive colleges.
Item #4 in the ranking—the essay—is also the most misunderstood. The essay tends to be more important at smaller and independent colleges. But too many students think the essay is about construction, grammar and format. While these matter—typos and bad grammar should never happen, the essay must show insight into a student’s unique personality or life-shaping experiences. This essay should help the reader—that all-important admission counselor—better appreciate who you are, what shaped you, and what makes you tick. That doesn’t mean a student needs to save the elephants in Africa or go on an expedition to the Himalayas. They’d much rather see students focus on a simple event or a cherished object. Simple and insightful is the magic formula.
There are two new items ranked on the 2018–19 list from IECA. Debuting at #7 is the family’s ability to pay. While some schools are “need blind” in their admissions decisions, usually the most competitive, most are not. Increasingly, colleges take into consideration who can contribute to the school’s bottom line. The other new criterion this year was a student’s character and values (#12). Colleges increasingly contemplate what campus life will be like and how a particular applicant will add—or detract—from the campus. Colleges want to see active participants in campus life, students with special skills or talents, as well as those whose values fit a college’s view of itself. Colleges also seek diversity, striving for a campus made up of those from varied cultural, social, economic, geographic, religious, and occupational backgrounds (#9).
Much has been written in recent years about two areas: demonstrated interest (how an applicant demonstrates a genuine desire to attend) and social media (what a student’s online life reveals). Demonstrated interest varies from college to college, and social media exposure is of less importance than other items.
Every college is unique, so each emphasizes something different in its process of reviewing applications. One of the great benefits of hiring independent educational consultants is their knowledge of such differences and their ability to share this information with students and parents, so that they, in turn, can make informed decisions.
Bettina Weil is the founder and principal of Weil College Advising, based in Westchester. Web site: www.weilcollegeadvising.com Phone: 914.723.8080 Email: info@weilcollegeadvising.com.
Source: https://thehudsonindependent.com/what-college-admissions-committees-are-really-looking-for/
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL STUDENTS
Name of Scholarship: CustomerBlooms Scholarship Contest
Amount: $1000
Deadline: November 28, 2018
Selection Criteria: Create a video under five minutes on the topic: "How ideas help shape the world around us, why education is a critical element to future success, and why you strive for greatness" and upload video to YouTube.
Website or Contact Information: https://www.collegexpress.com/scholarships/customerblooms-scholarship-contest/2025457/
Name of Scholarship: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Xi Alpha Lambda Chapter 2019 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical Contest
Amount: $200 - $500
Deadline: November 30, 2018
Selection Criteria: Students in grades 9-12; submit a 1000 word or less essay addressing the selected essay question regarding Dr. Martin Luther King’s I Have a Dream speech.
Website or Contact Information: See attached application at the bottom of this section.
Name of Scholarship: Carson Scholars Fund
Amount: $1000
Deadline: December 3, 2018
Selection Criteria: Students in grades 4-11 with a 3.75 GPA, demonstrate humanitarian qualities in school and community via school or community service above and beyond what is required. One student can be nominated.
Website or Contact Information: If interested in being nominated, complete the nomination form here: https://goo.gl/forms/xC987Y0t5eJM0ajr1.
Name of Scholarship: Win Free College Tuition Sweepstakes
Amount: $2500
Deadline: December 31, 2018
Selection Criteria: Students age 14 or older who plan to attend college
Website or Contact Info: https://www.unigo.com/scholarships/contests-and-sweepstakes/sweepstakes-scholarships (Several scholarships available at this site)
Name of Scholarship: The MoolahSPOT Scholarship
Amount: $1000
Deadline: December 31, 2018
Selection Criteria: Students age 16 or older who plan to attend college
Website or Contact Information: www.moolahspot.com/scholarship
Name of Scholarship: Cirkled In Scholarship
Amount: $2500
Deadline: December 31, 2018
Selection Criteria: Students in grades 8-12; no minimum GPA, nor long essay to write
Website or Contact Information: http://www.cirkledin.com/scholarship
Name of Scholarship: Drive Smart Teen Digital Short Contest
Amount: $100 gift card and up to $10,000
Deadline: January 6, 2019
Selection Criteria: 13-18 years of age, create a 15-60 second digital short
Website or Contact Information: https://drivesmartnow.com/
Name of Scholarship: 2019 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Amount: $500-$10,000
Deadline: January 18, 2019
Selection Criteria: 9-12 Grade students; Write an essay between 700-1000 words that describes an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917.
Website or Contact Information: https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/education/profile-in-courage-essay-contest
Name of Scholarship: Alexander Hamilton Scholars Program
Amount: $500
Deadline: January 30, 2019
Selection Criteria: High achieving Junior (3.0) with a strong record of leadership and community service, and demonstrated financial need
Website or Contact Information: www.hamiltonscholars.org
Name of Scholarship: The Princeton Prize in Race Relations
Amount: $1000 + an all-expenses paid trip to Princeton U.
Deadline: January 31, 2019
Selection Criteria: Students in grades 9-12 working to advance the cause of positive race relations
Website or Contact Information: www.princeton.edu/princetonprize
Name of Scholarship: Savannah College of Art and Design
Amount: $2000 - $4000
Deadline: February 2, 2019
Selection Criteria: Juniors and Seniors interested in art and design including 2D & 3D design, architecture/industrial design, film and animation, graphic design, performing arts, fashion and accessories, and writing.
Website or Contact Information: www.scad.edu/scadchallenge
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SENIORS
Name of Scholarship: Scholarship for Young Hispanic Leaders
Amount: $500-1000
Deadline: November 30, 2018
Selection Criteria: Accepted to a 2-year or 4-year college or university; have at least one parent of Hispanic heritage; have financial need.
Website or Contact Information: https://www.ushli.org/category/scholarships/
Name of Scholarship: The Andrew Flusche Scholarship Contest
Amount: $500
Deadline: November 30, 2018
Selection Criteria: Create a public service advertisement video (PSA) about avoiding distracted driving (e.g. cell phones, passengers, radio, etc.).
Website or Contact Information: https://www.andrewflusche.com/scholarship/
Name of Scholarship: The Suicide Prevention Scholarship
Amount: $1000
Deadline: November 30, 2018
Selection Criteria: Minimum 3.0 GPA; Submit a 500-1,000 word essay discussing the American health system and its relation to suicide, and the need to introduce effective legislation that may help prevent or lower the incidence of suicide in our communities.
Website or Contact information: https://protectingpatientrights.com/suicide-prevention-scholarship/
Name of Scholarship: AXA Foundation Achievement Scholarship
Amount: $2500-$25,000
Deadline: December 14, 2018 or the first 10,000 applicants (whichever comes first)
Selection Criteria: Well-rounded, ambitious student with outstanding achievement in school, community, or work related activities
Website or Contact Information: www.axa-achievement.com
Name of Scholarship: The Dozoretz National Institute for Mathematics and Applied Sciences Program at Norfolk State University
Amount: Full tuition, fees, room and board, and a stipend (renewable each year)
Deadline: December 15, 2018
Selection Criteria: Plan to attend Norfolk State U.; 3.3 GPA, 1200 SAT or 23 ACT & four credits in math & science; interest in majoring in a STEM related field.
Website or Contact Information: https://www.nsu.edu/dnimas
Name of Scholarship: The Norfolk State University/Eastern Virginia Medical School Joint BS/MD Program
Amount: not stated
Deadline: December 15, 2018
Selection Criteria: Plan to attend Norfolk State U.; 3.4 GPA, 1200 or above on the SAT, rank in top 10% of class; interested in pursuing a career in the medical field.
Website or Contact Information: https://www.nsu.edu/dnimas/evms-joint-program
Name of Scholarship: Burger King Scholars Foundation
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: December 15, 2018
Selection Criteria: 2.5 cumulative GPA, leadership, community service, Burger King employee or child of an employee
Website or Contact Information: https://bkmclamorefoundation.org/
Name of Scholarship: James W. McLamore WHOPPER® Scholarship Award
Amount: $50,000
Deadline: December 15, 2018
Selection Criteria: 3.3 cumulative unweighted GPA, 25 ACT or 1220 SAT, leadership role in community service, athletics or student government, demonstrate substantial work experience, and plan to attend a 4-year college or university.
Website or Contact Information: https://www.scholarsapply.org/burgerkingscholars/information.php
Name of Scholarship: The Footlocker Scholar Athletes Program
Amount: $20,000
Deadline: December 15, 2018
Selection Criteria: Student athletes with an unweighted 3.0 GPA, strong leadership skills in sports, school, and community.
Website or Contact Information: https://footlockerscholarathletes.com/
Name of Scholarship: The Central Maryland Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Freedom Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: December 21, 2018
Selection Criteria: 2.0 GPA, 550 Math SAT, major in science or engineering supportive of national defense; counselor nomination
Website or Contact Information: http://afceacmd.org/scholarship
Name of Scholarship: The Central Maryland Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Merit Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: December 21, 2018
Selection Criteria: 3.5 GPA, 650 Math SAT; plan to major in science or engineering supportive of national defense
Website or Contact Information: http://afceacmd.org/scholarship
Name of Scholarship: The AFSCME Family Scholarship Program
Amount: $2000 renewable for four years
Deadline: December 31, 2018
Selection Criteria: Senior whose parent or grandparent is a full, dues paying member of AFSCME
Website or Contact Information: http://www.afscme.org/members/scholarships
Name of Scholarship: Denny’s Hungry for Education Scholarship
Amount: $1000
Deadline: December 31, 2018
Selection Criteria: 2.5 GPA; submit a 300-word essay on how Denny’s can impact childhood hunger in your community
Website or Contact Information: http://www.ushli.org/hungry_for_education.html
Name of Scholarship: Wesleyan University Hamilton Prize for Creativity
Amount: Four-year full tuition scholarship worth more than $200,000
Deadline: January 1, 2109
Selection Criteria: Submit an original work of creative written expression, including short fiction, poetry, slam poetry, and song lyrics, as well as excerpts from longer works of fiction, creative nonfiction, screenplays, or theatrical plays, and any other form of creative written expression.
Website or Contact Information: www.wesleyan.edu/hamiltonprize
Name of Scholarship: Ithaca College & the Roy H. Park School of Communication Park Scholar Program
Amount: Full tuition, room, board, stipends for living expenses, books, and $2500 for technology purchase
Deadline: Admissions application – January 2, 2019; Scholarship application – January 15, 2019
Selection Criteria: Plan to attend Ithaca College and major in communications; have a commitment to service and excellence in education
Website or Contact Information: www.ithaca.edu/parkscholars
Name of Scholarship: Washington U. in St. Louis Scholarships
Amount: $3,000 to full tuition + stipend
Deadline: January 2, 2019
Selection Criteria: Some are academic while others are need based
Website or Contact Information: https://scholars.wustl.edu/
Name of Scholarship: GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program
Amount: $10,000 renewable
Deadline: January 4, 2019
Selection Criteria: Plan to attend a 4-year college or university; 3.0 GPA; demonstrate leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship
Website or Contact Information: http://www.reaganfoundation.org/GE-RFScholarships.aspx
Name of Scholarship: Maryland School Counselor Association
Amount: $500
Deadline: January 4, 2019
Selection Criteria: Submit a 300-500 word essay written in recognition of a school counselor (elementary, middle, or high) who has helped you in a significant way.
Website or Contact Information: http://www.mscaonline.org/
Name of Scholarship: Prince George’s County Delta Alumnae Foundation, Inc.
Amount: undetermined
Deadline: January 5, 2019
Selection Criteria: at least a 2.0 GPA or higher
Website or Contact Information: http://pgcacdst.org/2018-2019-youth-program-applications (there are several different scholarships available on their application)
Name of Scholarship: Ron Brown Scholars Program
Amount: $40,000
Deadline: January 9, 2019
Selection Criteria: African-American; excels academically, exceptional leadership potential; community service, financial need
Website or Contact Information: www.ronbrown.org
Name of Scholarship: Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund
Amount: $2500-$20,000
Deadline: January 10, 2019
Selection Criteria: at least a 2.7 GPA; be Asian American or Pacific Islander planning to attend college
Website or Contact Information: http://www.apiasf.org/scholarship_apiasf.html
Name of Scholarship: Maryland JCI Senate Foundation
Amount: $1000
Deadline: January 11, 2019
Selection Criteria: Attend a college, university, or technical school
Website or Contact Information: http://www.usjcisenate.org/index.php/scholarship-program
Name of Scholarship: Maryland Mensa 2018-2019 Scholarship Essay Contest
Amount: $500 - $1000
Deadline: January 15, 2019
Selection Criteria: Submit an essay explaining career, academic, and or vocational goals
Website or Contact Information: www.mensafoundation.org/scholarships
Name of Scholarship: The Washington Crossing Foundation
Amount: $500-$5000
Deadline: January 15, 2019
Selection Criteria: Planning a career in government service
Website or Contact Information: www.gwcf.org
Name of Scholarship: St. John’s University - Scholarships
Amount: $2500-$5000
Deadline: January 15, 2019
Selection Criteria: Plan to attend St. John’s University
Website or Contact Information: http://www.stjohns.edu/admission-aid/scholarships/catholic-scholarships
Name of Scholarship: Southern Methodist University Nancy Ann and Ray L. Hunt Leadership Scholars Program
Amount: $42,000/year for four years
Deadline: January 15, 2019
Selection Criteria: High academic achievement and leadership capabilities; Scholars usually average 1330-1440 SAT, 29 ACT, and rank in top 25% of class.
Website or Contact Information: http://smu.edu/apply for the admissions application & https://www.smu.edu/Academics/Hunt for the scholarship application.
Name of Scholarship: Northeastern University Torch Scholars Program
Amount: Full tuition, room, and board
Deadline: January 15, 2019 for nomination; January 1, 2019 for admissions application
Selection Criteria: First generation students with leadership abilities, highly motivated, but have had significant life challenges that have prevented them from reaching their full potential, and low-income.
Website or Contact Information: http://www.northeastern.edu/torch/; see your counselor to be nominated for this scholarship.
Name of Scholarship: Discover Student Loans Scholarship Award
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: January 31, 2019
Selection Criteria: Student who will be entering college in the fall of 2020
Website or Contact Information: https://www.discover.com/student-loans/scholarships/award.html
Name of Scholarship: Kids’ Chance of Maryland
Amount: Varies
Deadline: July 1, 2019
Selection Criteria: Students who have had a parent suffer from a catastrophic or fatal accidental injury or occupational disease while working for a Maryland employer.
Website or Contact Information: http://www.kidschance-md.org/
The Common Black College Application
Save time and money with the Common Black College Application. Students can apply to 50 HBCU’s for a one-time fee of $35. Students can apply online at http://commonblackcollegeapp.com/.
COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS WORKSHOPS & OPPORTUNITIES
Youth @ Work/SYEP 2019 Job Readiness Training Program in collaboration with the Prince George’s County Summer Youth Enrichment Program for students ages 15-19 is hosting Q & A sessions at Prince George’s Community College on November 17, and December 15 at 10am. Registration for job readiness training opens December 1, 2018. For more information, visit www.pgcc.edu/go/youthatwork.
Johns Hopkins University is hosting its 2nd annual Humanities Overnight Program in the spring of 2019 (March 4-5, 2019) for strong academically talented juniors in English, history, sociology, or languages and interested in pursuing humanities in college. This is an expenses-paid program to learn more about the humanities experience at Hopkins. If interested in being nominated, please see your counselor before December 3, 2018.
Steamfitters Local 602 JATC is accepting applications from graduating seniors interested in a career in pipefitting, welding, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration on January 7th, 9th, and 11th from 8am-11am at their Maryland location in UA Mechanical Trades School in Landover, MD. There is a $50 application processing fee due at the time of application. Applicants should be prepared to test on the same day as when the application is submitted. For more information visit: www.steamfitters-602.org or call 301-341-1555.
Costco (Beltsville, MD) – Stocker: Stocks and straightens merchandise for sale in the warehouse. Clears and cleans aisles, and assists members. Apply online at: Costco.
United Parcel Service (UPS, Laurel, MD) – Part-time package handler: This is a physical, fast-paced position that involves continual lifting, lowering and sliding packages that typically weigh 25 - 35 lbs. and may weigh up to 70 lbs. Apply online at: https://www.jobs-ups.com/job/-/-/1187/9909630.
TGI Fridays (Laurel, MD) – Part-time host/hostess. Apply online at: https://www.indeed.com/cmp/T.g.i-Fridays/jobs.
Five Below (Laurel, MD) – Part-time holiday sales associate: Apply online at: Five Below.
Panera Bread (Laurel, MD) – Part-time associate for cashier, line associate (Salad & Sandwich Maker/Prep), dining room & dishwasher, and more opportunities. Must be at least 16 years of age. Apply online at: https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=1053e7652f52ba8b&tk=1cs4i7u3o52vd800&from=company.
DSW (Laurel, MD) – Part-time sales associate. Apply online at: https://careers.dswinc.com/job/Laurel-Sales-Associate-Part-Time-Job-MD-20707/462515400/?feedId=22900&utm_source=Indeed&utm_campaign=DSW_Indeed
Staples (Laurel, MD) – Part-time sales associate. Apply online at: https://careers.staples.com/ShowJob/Id/419288/Sales%20Associate.
Arby’s (Laurel, MD) – Part-time restaurant team member. Apply online at: Arbys.
THE SCHOOL COUNSELING OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED NOVEMBER 26-30, 2018 FOR THE GRADUATION CERTIFICATION PROCESS
Laurel High School Counseling Department
Email: tcollins@pgcps.org
Website: http://laurelhscounseling.weebly.com
Location: 8000 Cherry Lane, Laurel, MD, USA
Phone: 240-547-4810
Twitter: @LHS_Counseling6