College and Career
August 26, 2020 Issue #2
The PSAT is Crucial for Sophomores and Juniors
I. What is the PSAT?
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying (Scholarship) Test (PSAT/NMSQT) measures the educational skills students have developed. These include:
§ Critical reading skills
§ Mathematics problem-solving skills
§ Writing skills
The PSAT/NMSQT is the best preparation for the SAT. Students take the PSAT as juniors to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation's scholarship programs. Taking the PSAT is the only way students can qualify for this scholarship program.
Sophomores have a tremendous opportunity because taking the PSAT as a sophomore gives students the edge of familiarity with the test that can render scholarships a year in advance.
II. How to Prepare
For information about preparing for the PSAT please read below and also go to the following website:
I'm a (10th, 11th, 12th) grade student. Do I need to join the CCGC?
Listen here as Ms. Muhammad discusses the College and Career Google Classroom:
University of North Alabama -Virtual on 9-8-2020 at 1:30 p.m.
- The application fee for UNA is WAIVED through October 23rd.
- UNA has test-optional applications for those who face testing difficulties due to COVID-19.
- Scholarships start at a 21 ACT (w/ a February 1 deadline)
- Students can get in with a 2.2 Grade Point Average (GPA) and an 18 on the ACT
Below is the link for students to sign up for the virtual visit on 9/8 at 1:30 pm. The Zoom link will be sent a few days before the meeting to those who register. Thank you!
Mississippi State Virtual Visit on 9-1-2020 at 1:30 p.m.
Virtual Visit with Mississippi State University-Sparkman
Hosted by Jaye West
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM Tuesday, Sep 1 2020 (UTC-05:00) Central Time (US & Canada)
Meeting Information:
Meeting link: https://msstate.webex.com/msstate/j.php?MTID=m0c48f1340a90674a4650b6730d720ccb
Meeting number: 120 123 7765
Password: 1878
Calhoun Community College Virtual Visit 9-3-2020 at 1:30 p.m.
- Calhoun Community College will open its Fall 2021 application process on October 1st.
- Their scholarship application will open November 1st and close February 1st.
- Students must have an ID, partial transcript, and a FAFSA on file in order to qualify for scholarships.
- The Calhoun campus is open for students to turn in ID’s and other important documents. Students can take a picture of their ID and email it to jade.chappell@calhoun.edu and Jade will get it processed and on their account if they do not want to come in person. Students with questions can call or text Ms. Chapell at 256-469-8502
- September 3rd session is: meet. Sign up here
Vanderbilt University
THE SCHOLARSHIP CORNER
Scholarship Highlight #1: Better Bureau of North Alabama
The Better Business Bureau of North Alabama is pleased to announce our 2020 scholarship program. Both junior and senior students are eligible. The local scholarship is for $1,000 each. (The number of scholarships awarded will be determined by the scholarship funds received.) Judges will select the scholarship recipients based on their overall personal integrity and character, their personal achievements, contributions to their communities and schools, and academic accomplishments. The scholarship guidelines are as follows:
· There is no cost to enter;
· Applicants must complete our online application form;
· Applicants must write an essay between 300 and 400 words;
· A current official transcript is required;
· 150 Entries will be accepted based on the order in which they are received by BBB.
· Deadline for completed forms and essays is Friday, September 18, 2020, before 3:00 PM;
· After judges evaluate entries, scholarships in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded to students selected. The scholarship will be made payable to the college or university of which the student enrolls. The Scholarship Fund will determine the number of scholarships awarded.
Scholarship Highlight # 2: ASF Foundation
The ASF Foundation has a great scholarship opportunity available for this school year! They've provided some information below about their Student Ambassador program, and they need your help getting the word out to your students!
Interested students must fill out their interest form (linked here) no later than September 8 to be considered an Ambassador for the 2020-21 school year.
Here’s what students should know about the program:
- Who are the Student Ambassadors?
- Student Ambassadors are 9th-12th grade Alabama students with an interest in becoming leaders in their communities.
- What responsibilities will I have as an Ambassador?
- Ambassadors have a year-round project; to have as many of their classmates and peers as they can sign the pledge to never drive distracted or under the influence.
- Ambassadors have monthly projects, a “Call to Action.” Mentors of the Student Ambassador program will assign the Call to Action at the end of the previous month; for example, they will assign November’s Call to Action at the end of October to give the Ambassadors the entire month to complete their task. These Calls to Action can range from creating a social media post, to volunteering at your local nursing home.
- Ambassadors are to interact with the Student Ambassador social media pages. At least once a month, Mentors will post an “Interactive Question” that will be labeled as such. Keep a lookout for those questions and make sure you leave your answer!
- Why should I be a Student Ambassador?
- Not only is the Student Ambassador program a great opportunity for each Ambassador to work on their personal growth in many areas, but each active Ambassador qualifies to be considered for an ASF Foundation academic scholarship! These will be awarded at the end of the school year.
- Is there a way to guarantee I will receive a scholarship?
- The more involved you are in the Student Ambassador program, the more likely you are to receive a scholarship from the ASF Foundation! Ambassadors receive a number of points for each Call to Action they complete, each Interactive Question they answer, and for each peer they get to sign the pledge. Different tasks will have different point values, so it is worthwhile for you to do your best to complete as many as you can!
SCHOLARSHIP HIGHLIGHT #3: Evans Scholars Program for CADDIES
Strong Caddie Record:
Applicants must have caddied, regularly, and successfully, for a minimum of two years and are expected to caddie at their sponsoring club the year they apply for the Scholarship. Due to COVID-19, we expect caddie loops in 2020 will be negatively impacted for this year's applicants. 2. Excellent academics: Applicants must have completed their junior year of high school with above a B average in college preparatory courses. Due to COVID-19 the ACT and SAT will be optional for 2020 applicants. 3. Demonstrated financial need: Applicants must clearly have a need for financial assistance. 4. Outstanding character: Applicants must be outstanding in character, integrity, and leadership
SCHOLARSHIP HIGHLIGHT #4: The GATES FOUNDATION
The scholarship is open to exceptional, Pell-eligible, minority, high school seniors who are student leaders. Ideal candidates will have an outstanding academic record in high school (top 10% of graduating class), demonstrated leadership ability, and exceptional personal success skills.
VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIR
5 Reasons to Register for the ALACRAO Virtual College Fair
Here are 5 great reasons why this event is a great fit for you:
· More convenient: no travel/no time limit. The virtual college fair will remain posted for you to explore at your own convenience.
· Expert presentations on the college search and college application process with time for your specific questions to be answered. Topics will include: College Search Process 101-Finding your Fit, Navigating the Financial Aid Process, Admissions During COVID-19. Watch live and come back to watch again on demand.
· Safer Way to Connect: Colleges will be available for a one-on-one chat to help you learn more about their institution. Check out the college booth for an agenda of their own presentations on topics like the honors program or residence life.
· Great Search Tools: Search colleges specifically by name or search by attributes like campus size or majors offered.
· Choose Your Screen: Attend this virtual college fair from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.
Register today at https://alacrao.swoogo.com/virtual
Thursday, Sep 17, 2020, 06:00 PM
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Upcoming Events
- 9/1/2020 @ 1:30 p.m.: University of Mississippi Virtual Visit
- 9/3/2020 @ 1:30 p.m.: Calhoun Community College Virtual Visit
- 9/8/2020 @ 1:30 p.m.: University of North Alabama
- 9/17/2020 @ 6:00-9:00 p.m. Virtual College Fair
- 10/1/2020 FAFSA Opens
- 10/14/2020 PSAT
- 10/19-10/23rd: College Applications Week
Please stay in touch!
Email: dmuhammad@mcssk12.org
Website: https://www.mcssk12.org/Page/13047
Location: 2616 Jeff Road Northwest, Harvest, AL, USA
Phone: 256-837-0331