BCIT Medford Counseling Department
March, 2021
Dear Students & Families,
We hope that everyone's 2nd semester is running smoothly! With Spring Break approaching, we have included a lot of information in this month's newsletter. We would like to remind families to check their students’ portals for overall progress and updates.
The BCIT Medford Counseling Department is dedicated to support students throughout their high school career. We provide counseling services in all domains ranging from academic to social emotional and career development. We are here for you!
Above all, we wish you to stay healthy and safe. Although we wish we could connect more with you in person, our commitment to supporting you is as strong as ever.
Seniors, during this period of social distancing, we hope you take advantage of the new ways colleges are engaging with students. Please feel free to reach out to your counselor if needed. We are honored to be a part of your college journey!
Please let your counselor know the results of your admissions decisions as well as seniors who are going into the workforce. Stop by the Guidance office and fill out a banner to show off your admissions decision or anticipated employment!
We wish you the best of luck! We are so proud of you.
Counseling Team:
Ms. Amanda Avila (A-F) Ext. 8422 aavila@burlcoschools.org
Ms. Aja Jones (G-M) Ext. 8419 ajones@burlcoschools.org
Ms. Leah Ross (N-Z) Ext. 8498 lross@burlcoschools.org
Mr. Pensabene, Student Assistant Counselor & Anti-Bullying Specialist.
Ext. 8436 jpensabene@burlcoschools.org
Counselors are providing students with the opportunity to schedule appointments via Google Meet during remote learning. The Counseling Department Google Form link is below. As always, counselors are available via email and phone as well.
VIRTUAL ALGEBRA I TUTORING
BCIT will resume offering FREE mathematics tutoring for Algebra I starting on Tuesday, March 23rd, through the end of the school year.
The tutoring will be available virtually from 3:20pm-4:20pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Please click on the link below to sign up to meet with a mathematics tutor. Registration opens one week before the date.
Your well-being is important to us!
Financial Literacy is a graduation requirement!!!!!
Your login and password is your student ID.
Please click the link below to get started.
Graduation Requirements
KEYSTONE CREDIT RECOVERY
If you failed an academic course and need to complete a Keystone, you can register for courses through two avenues: 1-(800) 255-4937 or www.keystoneschoolonline.com.
Please choose courses under the Credit Recovery Catalog and choose the “Online Credit Recovery” course option.
EXAM REGISTRATION:
ASVAB
ASVAB Test Dates:
- Friday, April 23
- Thursday, May 6
*The ASVAB can only be taken in person at BCIT and is limited to 25 students only.
IT IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE
ACT
Test Dates:
- April 17th, register by March 12
- June 12th, register by May 7
- July 17th, register by June 18
Please register at: www.actstudent.org
SAT
Test Dates:
- March 13th, register by February 23rd
- May 8th, register by April 20th
- June 5th, register by May 6th
Please register at: collegeboard.org
**If you are on Free or Reduced lunch, please see your Counselor for an exam fee waiver**
Send scores directly to the colleges you are applying to through your College Board or ACT account. These scores can take several weeks to arrive. SAT scores are not listed on your transcript and must come ‘officially’ through College Board.
BigFuture Days - College Board
- Explore colleges in a way that’s not overwhelming, and show them you're interested.
- Take action on key college planning steps like searching for colleges and exploring careers and majors.
- Listen, learn, and participate in live Q&A and online chat with admissions representatives and current students who have been through it all.
- Download college planning resources, and drop in with questions for a college adviser.
Save the Dates
You can attend any event and more than one. Explore your college options in each region!
BigFuture Days West + Southwest
Tuesday, March 30, 5:00-9:00 PM ET / 2:00-6:00 PM PT
BigFuture Days Midwest
Sunday, April 18, 4:00-8:00 PM ET / 1:00-5:00 PT
BigFuture Days Southeast
Thursday, April 29, 5:00-9:00 PM ET / 2:00-6:00 PM PT
COMMON APP
- Create your account
- Add colleges
- Add recommenders (teachers & counselor)
- Request letters of recommendations
- Complete college essays
- Decide on Early Decision, Early Action, Regular or Rolling deadlines for EACH school.
- Submit your application
Scholarships
Seniors: Scholarship deadlines are approaching!
The scholarship list, scholarship direct links, and scholarship applications are all posted on the BCIT Medford Counseling web site. Hard copies of scholarships are available in the Counseling Office. Scholarships are available for specific colleges, trade and technical schools, community colleges, academic performance, financial need, sports and much more!
Please email Ms. Jones (ajones@burlcoschools.org) for more information & deadline dates.
FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form completed by current and prospective college students in the United States to determine eligibility for student financial aid. You must submit the FAFSA if you want to apply for federal or state financial aid. The FAFSA qualifies you for federal grants, loans or work-study programs.
Students and parents should each register for a FSA ID (required to access certain U.S. Dept of Education online systems and is used to confirm your identity when accessing your financial aid information and electronically sign your documents) at www.fafsa.ed.gov as early as possible.
SPRING 2021 VIRUTAL COLLEGE FAIR
Students can register for free at virtualcollegefairs.org.
Here's your chance to hear firsthand from hundreds of colleges and universities nearby, across the country, and around the world.
Register now and log in using your phone or computer. Select which colleges you're interested in and attend their live and interactive Zoom sessions. Also available are NACAC Meet-Ups on finding your best college fit, paying for college, and more!
TAKE A COLLEGE TOUR!
With students not being able to visit campuses physically, Institutions have provided new virtual tours that can differentiate, convey culture, and tell their unique story.
Prospective students can explore campuses from anywhere on any device using virtual tours and 360 degree technology!
Don't miss out! Click the link below.
Contacts For Immediate Assistance:
SCIP - (609) 835-6180
Police: 911
Non – Emergency Helpline: 211
Mobile Response: (1-877) 652-7624
DCP&P: (1877) 652-2873 (877-NJ-ABUSE)
Burlington County NJ: (856) 222-9400
Intensive Family Support Services: 609-267-9339
NJ Addiction Services Hotline: 1-844-276-2777
NAMI Burlington County NJ: 856- 222-9400
Communicate with your counselor as needed.
Keep us in the loop so we can help you along the way!
Thank you,
BCIT Medford School Counseling Department