Thomas Stone High School
College and Career Newsletter
Ava Morton
[email protected]
FAFSA OPENS OCTOBER 1, 2016
www.fafsa.gov
Students and (1) Parent or Guardian create a FSAID today.
https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm
If you have questions stop by the Career Center
Financial Aid Night
Thomas Stone High School, Auditorium
Thursday, November 16, 2016 6 pm
5:15 p.m. Computer Labs are open to complete the FSAID for the FAFSA
How to Complete a College Application
Getting Ready to Apply
Be sure you have your Social Security Number and your high school’s CEEB code handy. They will go on all applications. My
Social Security Number is ________-____-________. (Note: Keep your Social Security Number private.) My school’s CEEB code is
211054.
Your Application - Written
Most applications are now done on-line. But if, for whatever reason, you are submitting a paper application, then take note.
Your application is one of the few things that are seen by an admissions officer directly. The appearance of your application is a
reflection on you. Start working on your applications early, as rush jobs are easy to spot. Practice by downloading a copy of the
application and filling it out. Use a black pen and avoid errors. Think carefully about your answers and review them. Ideally, have
a parent check them. Be truthful, be specific, and be accurate; but don’t hesitate to put your best foot forward.
Your Application – On-Line
Fortunately, most colleges are now accepting, or even requiring, on-line applications. If offered, the schools generally prefer
them. This solves the neatness issue, but can cause other problems. It is easier to make and miss mistakes on an on-line
application. You should still download or request a paper copy of the application and fill it out before doing the on-line form. Pay
attention to the on-line instructions. If your browser blocks pop-ups, you may need to disable that feature for on-line
applications. As the deadlines draw near, the websites begin to slow down tremendously and this dramatically affects your time
spent filing them out. Sluggish websites are simply overloaded with applicants, so it pays not to be one of the late ones. Applying
on-line early saves time in the end and reflects on your time management skills as well. Procrastinators are easy to identify in
the application process; they’re the ones on-line at midnight on the deadline day. On the other hand, don’t pull an all-nighter to
be the first on-line applicant at your school of choice. It’s not a race, and there is no advantage to being first.
Transcripts
Many applications will ask for your classes and grades as part of the form. Be accurate and truthful, because they will still obtain
an official transcript in the end. Falsifying anything on the application is a sure way to be rejected.
Often the application will include a form for requesting a transcript, but pay attention to the individual instructions for each
college’s application. Many colleges do not want the transcript initially, but instead will ask for it from accepted students only.
Obviously that would be much later in the process. Other colleges, especially privates, may want it initially. Don’t send things
that the school doesn’t want. Pay attention to their instructions. See Mrs. Prado for more information on TRASNCRIPTS.
Additional Requirements for Some Majors
Pay special attention to whether your intended major has additional requirements, such as portfolios, tapes, or additional letters
of recommendation. This is not uncommon.
Make Copies
In all cases, make a copy of the application (paper or on-line) before sending it. The on-line ones can generally be printed. But
one way or another, save a copy for your files.
Certificate of Mailing
For anything important that you mail, obtain a certificate of mailing (only a little over $1) from the post office. This gives you
proof of the day the item was mailed. Use this for applications, secondary school reports (from your counselor), transcripts, and
anything else you consider critical. When close to deadlines, this is can be valuable insurance.
On-Line Receipt
Most, if not all, on-line applications finish with a receipt or confirmation page as you submit the application. Print and save this
receipt page. It will often indicate that you have paid the application fee by credit card (or whatever) as well. There are generally
other ways to pay the fee if you prefer.
Fees
Application fees generally range from $35 to $95. Four fee waivers are generally issued to applicants who qualified under the
SAT and ACT Fee Waiver programs. The Fee Waiver program is available to juniors and seniors based on economic need. See
Mrs. Prado or Mrs. Ransom for information.
The Common Application(s)
Colleges and universities have worked together to develop and distribute a Common Application. Colleges “join” this effort, and
their membership means that they accept the Common Application and commit to considering it equally to their own. The
advantage to students is obvious, in that you fill out the common application and simply submit it multiple times to any member
schools you are applying to. What’s the downside? Not all colleges accept it. Some colleges will require their own supplement in
addition to the basic common application. You can visit www.commonapp.org for more information and a list of member
institutions (700 this year).
The Common Black College Application has 50 member Historically Black Colleges and Universities for a one-time fee of $35.
Visit http://commonblackcollegeapp.com/ to utilize this program.
Types of Admission
As if the process isn’t already confusing enough, there are several types of admission. Not all colleges offer all types. But it is
important to understand them, then to research what your prospective colleges offer. NACAC offers a flyer you can download at
http://www.nacacnet.org/studentinfo/breakdown/Pages/Applying.aspx
Regular Admission or Regular Decision
This is the standard admission, whereby students submit applications by the college’s regular deadline. Students applying under
regular admission will generally be notified of the decision in March or April.
Early Decision – Binding (ED)
Have you found a college that is overwhelmingly y0our first choice? Are you prepared to commit that if accepted you will
attend? Then if that school offers early decision, it may be right for you. Early decision is binding; that means if the college
accepts you, you MUST attend. Obviously you can only apply under early decision to one college. Usually you will sign a contract
stating that you understand the binding nature of this admission process. Failure to abide by the restrictions can jeopardize your
acceptance to that college and others. Some believe that applying ED can give you an edge at that school, but be very cautious
when using that option.
Early Action – Not Binding (EA)
Often confused with Early Decision, Early Action is an opportunity to apply early (usually by some November date) and to be
notified by around mid-December or January. Under this plan, you can be accepted early, rejected, or deferred to the regular
admission pool. Deferred means they were undecided, but odds of getting in later are generally lower. If accepted under Early
Action, you are NOT obligated to attend and you still have until May 1 to make a decision. You may generally apply for Early
Action to more than one college; however some colleges specify that theirs is a “single school Early Action program”. This has
been true, for example, at Stanford and Harvard. So be sure to research the options carefully as you may be making some sort of
promise.
Restrictive Early Action (REA) – Not Binding
If you select this plan, you may be restricted from filing any other ED, EA or REA applications. However, you will receive a
decision early and you can apply to as many colleges as you wish for regular admission.
Admission Spring Semester
Some colleges are accepting qualified students, but for a semester other than fall. This represents their attempt to remain at full
capacity, knowing they will lose some students after first semester. These students are most likely ones that almost made the
“cut” but had to be denied fall admission. However, it’s still an acceptance, so be grateful.
Delayed or Deferred Acceptance
If you have been accepted at a college, you can sometimes arrange to delay your matriculation (attendance) for a year. This is
often referred to as a “gap year”. The school will look at your reasons, and they will need to have some merit. Acceptable
reasons might be to work to earn tuition money, to travel, or to pursue some particular special internship or program. Any such
arrangement must be explicitly set up with the college.
Rolling Admission
Under this plan, applications are considered as they are received and the student is notified of the decision as soon as it is made.
A student applying to a college that offers rolling admission is not committing to that college if accepted. There is almost no
reason NOT to submit your application early to these schools, as it can only serve to give you an early answer. If accepted, you
can relax knowing that you are in but can still wait to see what your additional options may be.
Open Admission
Open admission colleges, such as community colleges or trade schools, generally admit all interested students with a high school
diploma. However, some community colleges are no longer open admission. Sometimes admission to particular programs is also
more selective and not truly “open.”
DON’T FORGET TO SIGN UP IN THE CAREER CENTER FOR
COLLEGE VISITS DURING COUGAR TIME.
October 3, 2016
Stevenson University
October 4, 2016 Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising
October 6, 2016 Washington College
October 12, 2016 Hollins University
October 13, 2016 St. Mary’s College of Maryland
October 18, 2016 Shepherd University
October 27, 2016 Mount St. Mary’s University
Touring College Campuses
Ideally, touring the college campuses you are considering is the best way to find out if a college is for you. However,
just because you want to attend school out of state doesn’t mean you have to spring for plane tickets to every
University on your Top 10 list. To help whittle down the choices, take a virtual tour at www.campustours.com or
www.campuscorner.com to get started.
College Week Live -- Virtual College Info
Free and available online www.CollegeWeekLive.com
Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) Tours
November 16-November 22, 2016
Grades 9th-12th
Visit: North Carolina A & T University, Winston Salem State University, Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College,
Morehouse College, Bennett College, Florida A & M University, Florida State University and Universal Studio in Disney
World.
Cost: $485.00 per person
www.arrowcollegiatetour.com or call Sabrina Crowder 301-505-2204
National Alumnae Association of Spelman College Southern MD Chapter
College Bound 16th Annual HBCU Bus Tour
Young Ladies Only
April 17, 2017 – April 22, 2017
Visit: North Carolina A & T University, North Carolina Central University, Fort Valley State University, Spelman College,
Tuskegee University, Alabama State University, Tennessee State University, Fisk University and Meharry Medical
College.
Cost: $489
Contact: Daria Valentine 301-758-2054 email: [email protected]
Academic Common Market: is a tuition savings program especially for college students who live in the 16 states
that are members of the Southern Regional Education Board and want to pursue a degree not available in your
home state yet pay in-state rates.
Criteria:
•
•
•
select an eligible program for residents of your state
be admitted to the institution offering the program
certify residency in your state. For more info go to www.sreb.org/acm.asp
National College Fairs
These free college fairs are held in 55 US cities each year.
More than 300 colleges will attend these fairs.
Baltimore National College Fair
Monday, October 17: 9 a.m.-noon; 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Tuesday, October 18: 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Baltimore Convention Center
Washington, DC National College Fair
Sunday, October 23: 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
For more information, visit: www.nationalcollegefairs.org.
Testing
Seniors if you are planning to go to a 4-year college in Fall 2017 and you have not taken the SAT
(www.collegeboard.org) or ACT (www.actstudent.org) yet you should see your counselor for advice about which test
you should take and then you will need to register on-line (you will need to pay on-line at the time of registration).
This should be done immediately.
If you are going to a trade, technical school, art or music school you need to check the website of the school to see if
you need to take a test. Many require you take their test only or sometime no test is needed at all.
If you are going to a Community College you will need to take a placement test not the SAT or ACT. Unless you are
going into the Nursing program in which case the ACT is required with a composite score of 21 or higher.
COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION SCHEDULE
ACT
www.actstudent.org
Test Date
Registration Deadline
(Late Fee Required $27.50)
December 10, 2016
November 4, 2016
November 5-18, 2016
February 11, 2017
January 13, 2017
January 14-20, 2017
SAT
www.collegeboard.org
Test Date
Registration Deadline
(Late Fee Required $28.00)
November 5, 2016
October 7, 2016
October 8 –21, 2016
December 3, 2016
November 4, 2016
November 5 –18, 2016
January 28, 2017
December 30, 2016
December 31 – January 13, 2017
October Grade Level Reminders
9th Grade Freshmen:
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High achieving, four-year college bound freshmen should consider taking the PSAT on October 19.
Plan and become involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, etc.
Position yourself for leadership opportunities, ex. SGA officer.
Keep up your grades. Be sure teachers know you care!
If you are struggling with course work, be sure to seek tutoring.
READ as much as you can. Reading has a huge effect on your vocabulary, hence your standardized test results.
10th Grade Sophomores:
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Prepare to take the PSAT October 19. Use the PSAT Official Guide given to you in English class.
This year’s PSAT will be given on Wednesday October 19. This is the last PSAT you will be able to take, and
the test will enable you to be in competition for scholarships. The fee is $15 and it will be given to Mrs.
Lush in the School Store until 7:30 each morning from October 7. We have a limited amount of tests, so
registration is first come, first serve. Once we have registered the maximum amount of students, there will
be no way to register for this test.
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Stay involved in extracurricular activities and leadership roles.
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Keep up your grades and seek tutoring if needed. Make sure your teachers know you are a serious student.
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Visit the Career Center to pick up information left by college reps to gain information about college programs. Use
the Book of Majors to explore college studies and find the colleges that offer those majors. Talk about other
resources available in the Career Center to help you search for prospective colleges.
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Use your Career Cruising account to research and update your career matches. Visit www.careercruising.com
and the other web links on the Career Center webpage to continue your searches.
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Start or continue your resume.
11th Grade Juniors:
 Register for the October 19 PSAT. As a junior, the PSAT qualifies you for the National Merit Scholarship
competition. See your Guidance Counselor for more information. Limited space is available!
 Keep up your grades. Seek tutoring if you need help. Study hard and aim for that A or B!
 Set up or add to your personal file or bin which includes awards, articles, prizes, etc. earned. Be sure to update
your resume.
 Visit the Career Center often as college reps are still scheduling visits to your school. Sign-up to speak to the reps
and begin creating your list of prospective colleges. Check for college fairs available to you at
www.gotomyncf.com to register.
 Highly selective colleges are hosting information sessions for students and families. Check the posters and flyers in
the Career Center and cafeteria as well as checking the website of your prospective colleges for dates and times.
12th Grade Seniors:
 If you are four-year College bound, make sure you are registered for the appropriate college entrance exams
required by your prospective colleges. Missed deadlines will cost you heavily this year as there are no stand-by,
walk-in, test takers permitted by SAT or ACT. Visit Mrs. Prado or the Career Center for more information.
 Sign-up in the Career Center to speak to prospective college reps and use the many resources of the Career Center
to narrow your choices. Check the posters, flyers and the colleges’ website for important dates, times, and other
information.
 Continue to work on completing your college applications gathering all the required documents and
recommendations. Make sure you apply by the early action or priority dates. Remember selecting the early
decision date locks you into a binding contract to attend that college. Keep a copy of your completed applications.
Use the sample college application essay books available in the Career Center to help you polish application
essays.
 Attend college open houses and information sessions to find out if your choice is a good fit for you.
Continued: October Grade Level Reminders
 Remember to ask for any separate applications that are needed for financial aid opportunities. Many colleges have
early fall deadlines for specific merit scholarships. Check with the financial aid office and/or their website for
available scholarships. Some of these merit and service scholarships require a nomination from your high school
counselor or another high school recommender.
 Make sure you attend all information nights being held at your high school. Financial Aid Night will be held on
different dates in November and December at each of the six Charles County high schools. Thomas Stone’s
Finanncial Aid Night is November 16 at 6 pm. Feel free to attend a session at any of the high schools.
NCAA Eligibility Center Information
Any junior wishing to play collegiate sports at the Division I or Division II level needs to register with the National Collegiate
Athletic Association (NCAA) Initial-Eligibility Center at this time. Visit www.eligibilitycenter.org for all the pertinent
information you will need to compete in college. Remember ACT/SAT test scores are reported directly from the testing agencies
to NCAA Initial-Eligibility Center. When registering for the exams, include “9999” in the send score reports section.
Want to Play College Sports? You MUST Know Your Core Course GPA.
Thomas Stone High School has teamed up with CoreCourseGPA.com to provide custom online software to all student-athletes
to assist in tracking their progress towards meeting NCAA initial eligibility requirements.
CoreCourseGPA.com calculates core course GPA for both the Division I and II, provides corresponding minimum SAT/ACT scores,
and a detailed report of core course credits earned and needed. All student-athletes are encouraged to activate their FREE
membership to begin tracking their core course GPA and learn more about important recruiting topics. The sooner, the better every semester counts!
Activate Your FREE Membership
Step 1: Go to www.CoreCourseGPA.com
Step 2: In the “New Member Account Creation” box, enter:
School ID: __211054_____
School Code: ___710105062__
Don’t have the GPA or college entrance exam scores needed for a four-year college?
Think junior colleges! Think community colleges! Many community and junior colleges across the country have full athletic
programs including tackle football. Visit the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association’s website at www.njcaa.org and
find out where you can use your talents while building your academic skills for transfer to a four-year college or university
program.
See Mr. Bohne, 10th Grade Guidance Counselor for details on NCAA eligibility information or visit www.eligibilitycenter.org.
Military News
Military Service Academies
You can earn an officer commission in the United States armed forces through one of the federal service academies, also
referred to as military academies. The academies are colleges for the undergraduate education and training of commissioned
officers for the United States armed forces.
The United States operates five service academies:
 United States Military Academy - West Point, New York
http://www.usma.edu
 United States Naval Academy - Annapolis, Maryland
http://www.usna.edu
 United States Coast Guard Academy - New London, Connecticut
http://www.uscg.edu/opportunity/
 United States Merchant Marine Academy - Kings Point, New York
http://www.usmma.edu
 United States Air Force Academy - Colorado Springs, Colorado
http://www.academyadmissions.com
How to Receive an Appointment to a Military Academy
Applicants to all service academies, except for the United States Coast Guard Academy, must obtain a nomination to the school
either through a Senator or Representative, the Vice President, or the President. Applicants to the Coast Guard Academy
compete in a nationwide competitive process for nominations. Applicants are encouraged to seek nominations from ALL
nominating sources.
Contact Information:
Visit the websites to determine their nomination process, application deadlines and interview dates.
Representative Steny Hoyer – www.hoyer.house.gov -Applications deadline is 10/11/16.
Ms. Stephanie Carey, Liaison to Rep. Steny Hoyer – [email protected]
Registering with Selective Service-Attention all 17 and 18 year old male students: If you are not registered with
Selective Service, you must do so within 30 days of turning 18. You MUST register. This is not a school requirement,
it’s the law. If you fail to register, it will affect your ability to receive Federal college loans, grants and student aid. In
addition, it will affect your ability to receive job training or to gain citizenship. It will even curtail opportunities to get
many good jobs in the future. Register online at www.sss.gov.gov or fill out a registration card at any U.S. Post Office.
Juniors and Seniors who would like to take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational
Aptitude Battery) on November 4th, please sign-up in the Career Center.
Free Test Preparation for the ASVAB: www.March2success.com
Research Jobs & Careers
www.careeronestop.com
BrainTrack’s Career Guide http://www.braintrack.com/colleges-by-career This guide offers indepth career profiles as well as degree and wage statistics for over 300 occupations that commonly
require college or university education.
What can I do with this major? Go to www.ccboe.com/majors
Employment Information: The Maryland Job Service is located at 175 Post Office Road in Waldorf,
Maryland. Office hours for Job Service referrals are from 8:00 am-3:00 pm daily. Maryland Job
Service: 301-645-8712 or go online at www.careernet.state.md.us
DOD Launches New Website to Help Youth Explore Pathways for Their Future:
http://www.myfuture.com
SCHOLARSHIPS
October Deadline:
AES Engineering Scholarship
Eligible: Seniors
Criteria: Scholarships are intended for our future leaders across a wide spectrum of fields of study. You are not
required to be taking Engineering course to be eligible. AES believes that a high point average should not be the only
criteria for determining who deserves to get helped. For that reason we are offering a scholarship that will be
awarded on the basis of character, as determined by evaluated essays submitted.
See web-site for essay topics: www.aesengineers.com/
Award: $500
Deadline: 10/6/16
Coca-Cola Scholars Program
Eligible: U. S. Citizen, high school senior, planning to attend an accredited post-secondary institution
Criteria: Demonstrated leadership, commitment to community, academic achievement, employment
Award: $10,000 - $20,000
Deadline: 10/31/16 students apply on-line www.coca-colascholars.org
Horatio Alger Association Awards
Eligible: High School Seniors graduating in 2017
Criteria: GPA 2.0+, students must demonstrate integrity, hard work, academic achievement, participation in their
community, and plan to pursue bachelor’s degree, also demonstrates financial need.
Award: various
Deadline: 10/25/16, apply online at https://scholars.horatioalger.org/
Wendy’s High School Heisman Award
Eligible: Seniors
Criteria: Students with a B average and who participate in a school sport and are dedicated to being school role
models
Award: Heisman Patch, Bronze Medal, up to 10,000 for students High School
Deadline: 10/03/16 apply online at www.wendyshighschoolheisman.com
Tau Lambda Lambda Chapter, Omega Psi-Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Eligible: Seniors
Criteria: Essay: "What would you propose to substantially reduce the incidence of gun violence in the United States
and around the World without taking away the legal rights of law abiding citizens to acquire and possess firearms?"
Award: $1,000-$5,000
Deadline: 10/21/16
See Career Center for application
Hispanic Heritage Foundation/ Colgate-Palmolive Essay Competition
Eligible: students 16 years of age and older having at least one biological parent of Hispanic descent
Criteria: short essay
Award: $2,500-$15,000
Deadline: 10/15/16 www.colgate.com/hazlau
November Deadline:
MD School Counselor Association Scholarships
Eligible: High School Seniors
Criteria: The Maryland School Counselor Association is offering a $500 scholarship to a high school senior for the best
essay written in recognition of a school counselor (elementary, middle or high school) who has helped the candidate in
some significant way. In a 300 – 500 word essay, the candidate should give specific examples of how the counselor
helped make a difference in the candidate’s life.
Award: $500
Deadline: November 30, 2016
Ron Brown Scholar Program
Eligible: Minority Seniors
Criteria: academic achievement, leadership, community service, financial need
Award: 10,000 for 4 years https://www.ronbrown.org/section/apply/program-description
Deadline: 11/1/16 to include colleges 1/9/17 regular deadline
December Deadline:
Eligible: Seniors
AXA Achievement Scholarship ambitious students; awarding more than $1.3 million outstanding, significant service
projects or business projects, https://www.scholarsapply.org/axa-achievement/
Deadline: 12/16/16
January Deadline:
Foundation for Individual Rights in Education
Eligible: Seniors
Criteria: essay on freedom of speech on college campuses
Award: $1,000-$10,000
Deadline: 1/1/17 https://www.thefire.org/student-network/essay-contest/
Princeton Prize in Race Relations
Eligible: 9-12th graders
Criteria: actively involved in a volunteer activity within the last 12 months that has a significant positive impact on
race relations
Deadline: 1/31/17
Award: $1,000 www.princeton.edu/PrincetonPrize
Junior Achievement Essay Competition
Eligible: 9-12th grade students
Criteria: write a 1,000 to 1500 word essay.
Award: $10,000-$20,000
Deadline: 1/23/17 http://www.myja.org/essay/
February Deadline:
National Co-op Scholarship Program
Eligible: Seniors
Criteria: GPA 3.5+, one page essay, to qualify for the merit co-op scholarship, students must complete all the required
admissions material and be accepted for the 2017-2018 academic year at one or more of the ten NCCE Partner
Colleges & Universities. Apply at http://www.waceinc.org/scholarship/scholonlineapp.html
Award: $6,000 renewable
Deadline: 2/14/17
National Society DAR Scholarships
Multiple scholarships, pursuit of degrees in diverse disciplines including history, law, nursing, and education. For
information and applications: http://www.dar.org/national-society/scholarships/general-info
Deadline: 2/10/17
Dr. Elvear B. Johnson Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Scholarship
Eligible: Seniors
Criteria: GPA of 3.0+, demonstrate community and extracurricular involvement, and plan to attend a 4 year
university or college in Fall 2017 as a full time student majoring in education, science, technology, engineering, or
mathematics. Email for application: [email protected].
Award: $500
Deadline: 2/28/17
March Deadline:
Create-A-Holiday-Card Scholarship Design a greeting card and win a $10,000 scholarship, high school students, apply:
http://www.gallerycollection.com/greetingcardscontests.htm?location=static-lower
Eligible: 14 years of age and older
Deadline: 3/2/17
Automotive Scholarship Gateway
Eligible: Seniors
Criteria: career in the automotive industry
Deadline: 3/31/17 Apply online at www.automotivescholarships.com.
Legacy of Life Scholarship
Eligible: Graduating Seniors
Criteria: Essay on “Organ & Tissue Donation: Persuade Someone to Give the Gift of a Lifetime:” 1,000 word
persuasive argument on the topic, fiction or non-fiction, with sources cited, www.BeADonor.org for details.
Award: $5,000-$1,000
Deadline: 3/31/17 See Ms. Morton in the Career Center for the application
April Deadline:
VFW Patriotic Audio Essay Competition
Eligible: 12 grade students
Criteria: Must be enrolled in a public, private or parochial school or home study program.
Award: Grand Prize $30,000
Deadline: 4/30/17 https://www.vfw.org/Scholarship/
First Freedom Student Competition
Eligible: 9th-12th grade students
Criteria: Submit an essay or video; see the website for topic and application,
http://www.studentscholarshipsearch.com/scholarships/americas-first-freedom-student-competition.php
Award: $2,500
Deadline: 4/13/17
May Deadline:
Sun Trust Scholarship
Eligible: High School Seniors, One winner will be chosen every two weeks from Sept 14 through May 12 2017.
Award: $1,000
Apply online: www.offtocollege.info no purchase necessary to enter to win
By School
To be eligible for scholarships offered by individual schools, the student must apply and be planning to attend that particular
college or university.
Black Male Teachers needed. Are you a Black Male who is a senior in high school and want to go to college out of
state for FREE and want to become teacher? The CALL ME MISTER program is offered by 4 historical black colleges in
South Carolina, Benedict College, Chaflin University, Morris College and South Carolina State University.
https://www.clemson.edu/education/callmemister/ details online or call 1-800-640-2657.
Boston University Trustee Scholarship Competition four year, full tuition scholarship to BU, top 10% of the senior
class, very active leaders in school and community, also Alexander Graham Bell Scholarship for students interested in
engineering, the School of Education Presidential Scholarship; and the Dr. Martin Luther King Scholarship for students
dedicated to community service. See College & Career Advisor
Harvard University is offering free tuition to families of HONOR STUDENTS if their income is less than $60,000 per
year. Visit www.fao.fas.harvard.edu or call 617-495-1581.
UMBC
Meyerhoff Scholarship Program
Eligible: High School Seniors Criteria: Minimum 600 Math SAT, GPA 3.0+ and aspire to obtain Ph.D or MD/Ph.D in
Math, Science, Computer Science, or Engineering. Displayed commitment to Community Service,
Award: tuition, mandatory fees, room & board for up to four years. Deadline: Students interested in being
considered for nomination must see College & Career Advisor by 10/10/16.
Villanova University Presidential Scholarship, renewable, merit-based award covering full tuition, room, board and
fees, GPA 4.19, SAT 1450/1600, ACT 33/36, must submit a completed application for admission by 1/15/16, see your
College & Career Advisor, Villanova Scholarship, awarded on the basis of exemplary academic achievement and
accomplishments outside the classroom, top 5% of graduating class or GPA 3.85, SAT 1380/1600, ACT 31/36, Award:
beginning at $1000 per year http://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/enroll/finaid/scholarships_grants/need-basedgrants.html
Washington College (MD)
National Honor Society
Eligible: High school senior who is a member of the National Honor Society.
Award: $12,500- $50,000
Deadline: for more information call 800-422-1782x7700.
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
U.S. Department of State Announces
Scholarships for American High School Students to Study Abroad
The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) offers merit-based scholarships to U. S. high-school
aged students for overseas study of seven critical foreign languages: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Korean,
Persian (Tajiki), Russian and Turkish. The NSLI-Y program is designed to immerse participants in the cultural life of
the host country, giving them invaluable formal and informal language practice and sparking a lifetime interest in
foreign languages and cultures. Applications for summer 2017 and academic year 2017-2018 programs are due
November 5, 2016. Visit www.nsliforyouth.org for more information.
The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad Program offers scholarships to American high
school students to spend the 2017-18 academic year in countries that may include Bosnia & Herzegovina, Egypt,
Ghana, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mali (semester), Morocco, Oman, South Africa, Thailand, Tunisia, and Turkey.
This post 9/11 program focuses on increasing understanding between people in the U.S. and countries with significant
Muslim populations. Visit www.yes-abroad.org for more information.
The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program (CBYX) was established in 1983 to celebrate GermanAmerican friendship based on common values of democracy. Secondary school students, ages 15-18, live with host
families, attend local schools, and participate in community life in Germany. Young professionals (undergraduates)
and high school graduates of vocational studies, ages 18-24, study and participate in practical training. Scholarships
are now available for academic year 2017-18. For more information and application deadlines, visit the organization in
charge of recruitment for your state at http://www.usagermanyscholarship.org/news-andevents/article/?article_id=8448
The American Youth Leadership Program offers opportunities for American high students and educators to travel
abroad on a three- to four-week-long exchange program to gain first-hand knowledge of foreign cultures and to
collaborate on solving global issues. Several different organizations implement this program, and each has organized
an academic and experiential educational exchange focused on dialogue and debate, leadership development, and
community service. Recruitment areas and application deadlines vary, so please check the
http://exchanges.state.gov/us/program/youth-leadership-programs website for more information.
For more information on exchanges sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, please visit
www.exchanges.state.gov
SCHOLARSHIP and COLLEGE Information on-line
www.mhec.state.md.us
www.finaid.com
www.blackstudents.blacknews.com
www.studentaid.ed.gov
www.meritaid.com
www.MDgo4it.org
www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov
www.mapccs.org
www.going2college.org
www.myscholly.com – mobile app that provides students with a fast and simple way to find scholarships for college (created by
Christopher Gray, a Coca-Cola Scholar!)
www.fastweb.com – create a profile and let fastweb do the research for you
www.cashcourse.org – information for college students to stay financially informed
www.cksf.org – educational & scholarship opportunities for students of all levels
www.cappex.com – free website where you learn which colleges want you, before you apply
www.scholarships.com – free college scholarship search and financial aid information
www.scholarshipamerica.org – provides information and resources for your scholarship search
www.meritaid.com – free source for $11 billion in merit aid scholarships from 1,000s of colleges
www.knowhow2go.org – complete information on college prep, whether in middle school or seniors
www.latinocollegedollars.org – scholarship information for Latino students
www.thurgoodmarshallfund.net – provide scholarships, programmatic and capacity building support to the 47 public Historically
Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
www.apiasf.org/scholarship_apiasf.html – the nation’s largest non-profit organization devoted to providing college scholarships for
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI)
www.collegefund.org – provides Native students with scholarships and financial support for the nation’s 33 accredited tribal
colleges and universities
www.dellscholars.org – Dell Scholars Program recognizes academic potential and determination in students that have a definite
need for financial assistance
www.uncf.org – awards 10,000 students each year through 400 scholarship and internship programs so that students from lowand moderate-income families can afford college tuition, books and room and board
www.chegg.com – connect with scholarships and learn about colleges
HOW-TO PROGRAMS AND BOOKS
http://www.scholarshipworkshop.com/students/using-the-scholarship-toolbox.html
www.scholarshipacademy.org – offers curriculum to help students identify tailored scholarship options and build solid scholarship
profile
Merit Scholarships
Contact the Financial Aid Office of your prospective colleges to see if separate applications for aid are due this fall. Early October
dates are common. UVA, Davidson, Emory U., and NYU, to name a few, have merit deadlines this fall. Some of these
scholarships require a counselor or principal nomination. Don't miss out on these financial opportunities. Ask your prospective
colleges' financial aid office for merit scholarship applications. Online: www.meritaid.com
“My College Dollars” Launched by MTV, Get Schooled and the College Board, a Facebook application that utilizes information
from a user’s Facebook profile – including age, gender and state – to connect students with targeted financial aid opportunities.
VISIT THE MY COLLEGE DOLLARS FACEBOOK APP. http://mycollegedollars.hyfnrsx1.com/
GI Transferability Bill Post 9/11 GI Bill family transfer option allows service members to shift their benefits to their families. For
more information, see www.defenselink.mil
Career One Stop Search more than 7,000 scholarships, fellowships, loans, and other financial aid opportunities:
http://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/ACINet.aspx
Financial Aid information
Seniors! Planning on going to college? Wondering how to pay for it? Don’t know where to start?
Checkout this link from the U.S. Department of Education to get an cost estimate:
http://collegecost.ed.gov/netpricecenter.aspx
It cannot be said enough: There is plenty of FREE information and help do not pay for scholarships, scholarship
searches or FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application completion.
For FAFSA the only website to go to is http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. On this site you can access help by clicking contact
and then you have three choices: you can e-mail, call toll free, or live chat. Some general questions can be answered by
the Ms. Morton, College & Career Advisor at T.S.H.S. Career Center or you can contact the local community
college, College of Southern Maryland, for assistance.
Financial Aid Night
Thomas Stone High School, Auditorium
Thursday, November 16, 2016
5:15 p.m. Computer Labs are open to complete the FSAID for the FAFSA
A Representative from College of Southern Maryland’s financial aid office will be speaking about Scholarships, grants,
loans, work-study and the FAFSA and answering your questions.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its
programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Patricia Vaira, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Pamela K. Murphy, Title
IX/ADA/Section 504 coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-9326610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.