Parkville Pathways March 2021
College and Career Info for PHS Students
Is It SpringYet?
Welcome to Parkville High School! We are so excited to work with all of our students and families this year. Each month the counseling office will produce this newsletter to highlight college and career opportunities and information. Counselor contact information is listed at the bottom of this newsletter.
Please follow us on instagram and twitter at @counselphs
SENIORS: 4-Year College Application Corner
Class of 2021 REMINDER:
Seniors! Please keep the counseling office updated with the schools that have accepted you. You can email you counselor, or add the information yourself in Naviance. We want to hear your good news!
Class of 2022 REMINDER
Start doing some research on what schools you may like to attend. Do you want 2 year, or 4 year? Do you want small or big? In-state or out-of-state? Do you know what kind of programs you might be interested in? Use the "Super-Match College Search" in Naviance to get started!
Some "To-Do's" for the 2022's...
MAY/JUNE 2021
• Develop/finish resume in Naviance
• Ask two teachers to write college recommendation letters (add teacher requests in the Colleges tab in Naviance)
• Complete Brag Sheet in Naviance to help teachers and counselor write your letter of recommendation
• Register for the SAT on www.collegeboard.org- test dates are May 8 (deadline to register April 8), and June 5 (deadline to register May 6). Remember, test centers may close or make changes on short notice, including on test day, and they may even close for the scheduled makeup date. Test center data is updated every three hours-be sure to search any closings the night before and morning of your scheduled test. At this time, the decision to offer SATs to all juniors and to offer SATs on Saturdays at BCPS schools has not been made. As information is updated, it will be posted in Class of 2022 Schoology Group. If you need a fee waiver, please email Ms. James
• Due to the pandemic many colleges are remaining Test Optional for the 2022/2023 school year. Check the college’s website for updated information
JULY/AUGUST 2021
• Continue to attend virtual college info sessions and campus drive-through events during summer months
• Write rough draft of college admissions essay
• Continue SAT practice on khanacademy.org
• Register for the SAT offered in August/October (anticipated administration dates are: August 28 and October 2)
• Search for and apply to college scholarships on fastweb.com, collegescholarships.org and in Naviance in the College tab under the scholarship section
Please email Ms. Serico at lserico@bcps.org with any questions...
COLLEGES - What Should You Be Doing Now??
What do I need to be doing now?
Searching for scholarships.
· Read the College SMORE Newsletter to find out about current scholarships and college information.
· Check the Resources/Scholarship section regularly in this Schoology Group.
· Begin checking the scholarship page in Naviance and check there regularly for new additions to the scholarship list. (Students can log into Naviance by using the CLEVER link: https://id.naviance.com/?code=accessdenied)
**Just as with college applications, if you need something from a counselor or teacher for a scholarship application, please make that request at least two weeks in advance of the deadline.
College Applications
If you did not apply for early action deadlines, now is the time to begin your college applications for the regular deadlines in Jan-March. Need help on where to start? Contact Ms. James or your school counselor for help.
· Complete the FAFSA. This is the place all financial aid starts. Even if you don't think you will qualify for federal student aid, many colleges require the completion of the FAFSA in order to make acceptance decisions, offer scholarships and create your financial aid package. Make sure that you have added any schools that you are applying to in the FAFSA.
Ø ** In order to access any MD money, your FAFSA must be done by March 1st and include at least one MD school in your FAFSA list. Go to http://www.fafsa.gov or download the myStudentAid app (iOS or Android) and fill it out from a mobile device.
· Create an MDCaps account to access State of MD Aid, including the College Promise scholarship (information in resource section). https://mdcaps.mhec.state.md.us/MDCAPS/login.aspx?c=-8586565387562627690&ReturnUrl=/MDCAPS/int/FinAid/index.aspx
· To those who have completed their FAFSA's, the MD Higher Education Commission (MHEC) will begin sending out notifications to students via email who are eligible to receive the Guaranteed Access Grant for the 21-22 academic year.
· Join the HELP Session every Wednesday from 2:00 to 3:00 to help with Scholarship and FAFSA.... Join Name: Parkville2021 College Help, or use the SignUp Genius!
Upcoming Events
· Virtual ECAP Information Session for all 10th and 11th graders on April 28 (10:00AM)
· Junior College Information Night March 23 from 6:00-7:30 PM.
*Both sessions will be Virtual and more information will be forthcoming.
College & Career Representative Visits
Did you know that we typically have over 50 college and university admissions representatives visit Parkville High each fall? These visits give you an opportunity to learn about programs, scholarships and majors at various campuses.
Students in Grade 10-12 can sign up for these visits in the college section on Naviance. You access Naviance through the tile on your main BCPSone page. Once in Naviance, click the College tab at the top and scroll down that page to the bottom left side.
You will receive a reminder message in Schoology as well as a link to the google meet on the morning of the college info session. Please email Ms. Barton with any questions:
Welcome to the March edition of the Mountaineer Minute, an update from your WVU admissions representative.
- Test Optional Applicants
Please encourage students to contact me if unable to submit an ACT or SAT with their application. We offer Test Optional admission for most majors, and have merit awards for Test Optional admits. If already applied, I can assist with changing an applicant to Test Optional, as well.
- Calling All Students, Families, and Counselors
From live Social Media Q&A to academic and admitted events - plan to join us for one of WVU’s many virtual offerings this spring including a Junior Open House for fall 2022 applicants.
2. FAFSA Priority Consideration Deadline
Please remind students to file their FAFSA by WVU’s priority consideration deadline of March 1
3. WVU’s Return to Campus
A one-stop-shop website for all things related to WVU’s COVID response and our Return to Campus this spring.
- ADMITTED STUDENT REMINDER - Housing Self-Selection Portal
The housing self-selection period will close on February 28th and our Housing Assignments Team will begin to manually assign spaces. Please encourage your students to complete the next steps in the admissions process to self-select.
Jamie Miller
Regional Recruiter, Maryland
Admissions and Recruitment
West Virginia Universityhttps://www.wvu.edu/
Are You Interested in the Engineering Program at Rutgers?
Spring 2021 Virtual Information Sessions
The School of Engineering (SoE) welcomes future engineers that want to join a dynamic community of solution seekers that value collaboration, innovation, and diversity of thought. While campus remains closed, we look forward to engaging with you via our virtual events.
If you are an admitted student, the list of admitted student events has been emailed to you.
Department Live Info Sessions
Learn more about our undergraduate curricula, research centers, faculty, and undergraduate opportunities. Each session will feature different department pairs to give you a deeper look at our unique attributes and points of intersection. The event itinerary will include: a school overview, two department presentations, and Q&A.
Register at http://go.rutgers.edu/EngDeptInfo
March 12, 2021
1:30PM-3:00PM: Mechanical and Materials Science & Engineering
3:00PM-4:30PM: Civil and Environmental Engineering
April 16, 2021
12:00PM-1:30PM: Electrical & Computer and Industrial Systems & Engineering
1:30PM-3:00PM: Aerospace and Materials Science & Engineering
3:00PM-4:30PM: Biomedical and Chemical Engineering
Future Engineers Live Chat Sessions
Wednesdays, 10 am to 6 pm (through 4/28/21)
Starting February 3rd, join our active chat sessions and ask your individual questions to a RU engineering student. We will be available all day from 10AM-6PM. Your questions will only be seen by us, so ask anything! Let us help you find your niche at Rutgers University. ALSO, try to log on for our Power Hour from 3 pm to 4 pm when a dean or professor will be available to anwer your questions.
If you want to ask current RU engineering students questions (offline), please email them at ambassador@soe.rutgers.edu.
DateTopic
February 24, 2021Diversity at Rutgers Engineering
March 3, 2021Study Abroad
March 10, 2021Research at Rutgers
March 24, 2021Campus Resources
March 31, 2021Engineering Honors
April 7, 2021Mechanical Eng., Aerospace Eng., Packaging Eng.
April 14, 2021Biomedical Eng., Chemical Eng., Materials Science and Eng., Environmental Engineering
April 21, 2021Electrical & Computer Eng., Industrial & Systems Eng., Civil Eng.
Interactive Student Panels
Coming in March 2021
Applying to colleges, financing your education, gaining relevant work experiences and building meaningful personal and professional relationships are critical considerations in the college search process. During these live events, expect to turn on your mics and cameras and interact with our students as you learn more about how they managed their college selection process and what it's like to be a student at Rutgers Engineering TODAY.
Feel free to learn more about our student ambassadors at http://soe.rutgers.edu/meet-the-ambassadors and email them at ambassador@soe.rutgers.edu.
Cyber Saturdays
Are you a high school or community college student with an interest in computers, coding, gaming and cybersecurity?
At Capitol Technology University, we offer a regular series of Cyber Saturdays that will provide you with the opportunity to explore those activities in a fun, game-like environment.
Capitol Cyber Saturdays typically include challenges such as Cyber Laser Tag, Cyber Treasure Hunt, Virtual Lock Picking, and Capture the Flag. You'll not only have fun, but you'll learn cybersecurity skills along the way. Events also feature presentations from cybersecurity experts and professionals in the intelligence community. We offer these Saturday morning programs regularly throughout the year.
Cyber Saturday events are part of a broad effort to help build the next generation of cyber-defenders and security professionals, a key need in today’s digital economy.
"Capitol is in an ideal position to offer events like these because of our designated Cyber Lab and our faculty who take the time to make learning fun and interesting,” says Cameron Newsome, Director of Admissions. “It gets better and better each year."
The events are free and open to anyone with an interest in computers or gaming, but space is limited. Want to learn more? Contact cybersat@captechu.edu for more information.
Virtual Q&A Series with Engineering Majors
Our engineering majors want to talk to YOU!The college search process is a big often confusing undertaking. With a pandemic throwing a multitude of changes in the mix, we know you have even more questions about things like the search process, what life on a college campus is like, and how studying a hands-on major is even possible now. Who better to answer them than college students who've been there, done that?
Our engineering majors are ready to answer whatever questions you throw at them! Join them for a virtual Q&A session:
- Thursday, March 25 from 7-8 p.m. EST: Majoring in Engineering
While this series is aimed at junior and senior high school girls interests in studying engineering, all high school girls are welcome to attend, regardless of your academic interests! Come ready to ask us your tough questions and we'll do our best to help.
Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program
FAFSA Facts
The 2021 – 2022 FAFSA cycle began on Oct. 1, 2020. The application is available until June 30, 2022 — but be sure to remind your students that some funds are limited, so it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. Students can apply online via fafsa.gov.
Updated FAFSA Resources – Federal Student Aid staff members have been busy updating FAFSA resources for you. You'll find FAFSA resources, updates, and talking points on the Financial Aid Toolkit site. For more information about the 2021–22 FAFSA materials and their estimated availability dates, visit the Financial Aid Toolkit’s “FAFSA Updates” page.
Remember, the Financial Aid Toolkit is for you, the counselor, mentor, or financial aid professional. Send students to StudentAid.gov/fafsa for FAFSA information.
FAFSA - Why YOU Should Apply ASAP!
An influx of college financial aid applications this year means that money could run out for students who don’t file early.
Due to financial strain caused by COVID-19, nearly 40% of families that didn’t previously plan to apply for federal financial aid now expect to do so, according to a recently released survey from Discover Student Loans.
The federal government, states, colleges and other organizations use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to award financial aid. You must complete the FAFSA to be considered for financial aid.
You have 21 months to submit the FAFSA for any given academic year. For the 2021-22 school year, the FAFSA opens Oct. 1, 2020, and closes June 30, 2022. But that doesn’t mean you should wait.
“There is no downside to applying early, but a lot of risk in applying late,” says Manny Chagas, vice president and head of marketing and product at Discover Student Loans.
Here’s why you should file the FAFSA now.
Better shot at more free money
The sooner you submit the FAFSA, the greater your chances are of getting free aid you don’t have to repay, such as grants or scholarships.
Federal Pell Grant money likely won’t run out, but other need-based aid, including that awarded through your school and state, is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Jack Murphy, financial aid counselor at the University of Northern Iowa, named the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant and his school’s tuition assistance grant as examples.
The Federal Work-Study Program also has limited funds, so you’ll want to file the FAFSA early to take advantage of it.
More time to appeal a financial aid decision
Students and parents who are dissatisfied with their aid amounts or have a change in economic circumstances can appeal the financial aid award from their school. To do this, you need to petition your school with a financial aid appeal letter and provide evidence to support your need for more aid. If you wait too long, the aid money could run out.
Those who file the FAFSA early are more likely to receive their school-based financial aid awards with their college acceptance letters. While your federal aid will be the same no matter where you attend college, you can send your FAFSA information to several schools to see which will give you the best school-based aid package. Doing so early will allow you to compare offers and appeal if necessary.
If you apply for the FAFSA late, you not only risk a smaller award to begin with, but you also have less opportunity to “shop around” and submit a successful appeal letter.
A quarter of parents surveyed by Discover Student Loans say they’ll appeal their financial aid decision because of previous award amounts and pandemic-induced changes in family finances. In speaking about the survey, Chagas emphasizes that there tends to be more money available early in the process, so students should make the FAFSA a priority.
Murphy agrees. “Filing early makes sure you’re in the running to receive as many awards as possible,” he says. “We see students that get [aid] one year, but not the next.”
They don’t lose out on aid because they no longer qualify, Murphy explains. They just waited too long.
More From NerdWallet
Student Events on College - Academics, Research, Affordability, Campus Life, Preparing Your Application, Outcomes, & More!
The college search is already stressful for students and families. This year, it's even more difficult. Amherst, Bowdoin, Carelton, Pomona, Swarthmore, and Williams are putting their competition aside and hosting a series of virtual events for students and families!
North Carolina A&T virtual campus visits
The virtual experience will provide an admissions presentation by their Admissions Counselors. The admissions presentation will cover academics, campus life, athletics, admissions and financial aid information.
They encourage students to connect with them virtually to learn what it takes to become an Aggie, virtually tour their beautiful campus, and learn about their desired academic department through their virtual platforms HERE
Scholarship Opportunities!
Click here to see all of the scholarship opportunities available to our students in Naviance!
The scholarships below are for graduating high school seniors who want to pursue a STEM education followed by a career in the Defense, Intelligence, or Homeland Security communities
Freedom Scholarship
Merit Scholarship
Future Minority Leaders & Technologists STEM Scholarship
Click AFCEA Scholarships to apply!
Horatio Alger District of Columbia, MD, and Virginia Scholarship Program
This award is for high school seniors who reside in the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia and have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and unmet financial need.
Travis Scott Announces HBCU Scholarships
Travis Scott attended the University at Texas before dropping out his sophomore year to pursue his music career. That clearly worked out for him but it’s clear to see he still values higher education.
Ron Brown Scholar Program
United States Youth Senate Scholarship Program 2020–2021
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is pleased to announce an opportunity for two Maryland students to participate in the 2021 United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). Each year, two students from every state are selected to attend a week-long government and leadership program in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. The one-week program, open to high school juniors or seniors, provides an opportunity for students to meet with legislative, executive, and judicial leaders to discuss political issues that affect our nation. Each participant also receives a one-time $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science.
Additional information and guidelines about the program can be found here. Information and the application for Maryland can be found here. Questions should be directed to John Billingslea, Director, jbillingslea@bcps.org
Don't let college closures keep you from "touring" them virtually!
Watch free virtual college tours
These visits give you an opportunity to learn about programs, scholarships and majors at various campuses.
Career Explorer
There are over 900 careers to look into. With My Next Move you can use different interactive tools to see which career may be a good fit for you!
Whether you know what you want to be, will know when you find it, or aren't sure, this website will help you decide what you want to do for a living.
What Can I Do With This Major?
Whether you’re exploring majors or searching for information about your chosen field, this website will help. Learn typical career areas and types of employers that hire in these fields, as well as strategies to make you a more marketable candidate. Continue your research through the websites provided.
Meet Our New Social Worker!
Hi, my name is Bridgette Threat. I am excited to be here at Parkville High. I will be working along with Sergio Haberman in the Dept of Student Support Services to promote students’ positive school adjustment. I look forward to working with you all. Please feel free to email me at bthreat@bcps.org if there is anything I can help you with.
Counseling Department Staff
Dept. Chair & AVID Students: Ms. James, djames4@bcps.org
Counseling Secretary: Ms. Adkins, madkins@bcps.org
ESOL Level 1&2: Mr. Ciorra, aciorra@bcps.org
A-C: Mr. Sherline, lsherline@bcps.org
D-I: Ms. Bardoff, kbardoff@bcps.org
J-M: Ms.Serico, lserico@bcps.org
N-R: Ms. Allen, aallen9@bcps.org
S-Z: Ms. Wolf, ewolf2@bcps.org
School Counseling Intern: Mrs. Brillon, kbrillon@bcps.org
Email: lserico@bcps.org
Website: https://parkvillehs.bcps.org/Students_and_Faculty/school_counseling
Location: 2600 Putty Hill Avenue, Parkville, MD, USA
Phone: 443.809.1243
Twitter: @counselphs