WMHS ACCESS NEWSLETTER
September 2016
COLLEGETRACKS TEAM

 
    Mrs. Bridget Kasprzak
     Program Director
     240.321.9276
 
    Ms. Lindsey Barclay
     Program Coordinator
     240.221.1699
    Mr. Dominic Chappell
     Program Assistant
     301.284.8169
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
 
 
Rokhy Sidibe
 
What do you plan to study in college? I plan on studying business in college but I don't know what type of business yet.
 
What excites you most about going to college? I am most excited about the freedom that I will gain in college.
 
What colleges did you visit this summer?  What were your impressions? I visited Stevenson University, Towson University, St. Mary's College of Maryland, and Salisbury University.  All of the colleges were pretty cool! 
 
What is one piece of advice you have for high school juniors? One piece of advice I have for juniors is to join CollegeTracks because they help you prepare for college.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

We've added a new feature to our newsletters!  The "Volunteer Spotlight" highlights one of our many generous volunteers, who help students along their college application journeys.

Mrs. Terri Frazier

What is your favorite food? Shrimp and grits

What advice would you give a high school senior?  It's important to set goals and actively research and move towards achieving them.
 
What are your hobbies? I'm not sure these days but in the past I have participated in face painting, quilting, 5Ks, walking, and hanging with my family.
 
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?  Why? The power to change minds.  To empower minds to achieve dreams.  

SENIORS, DO NOW!

  • Complete your resume
  • Solidify your college list
  • Email us your college essay draft for review and feedback
  • Create an FSA ID for yourself and one parent

Schedule an appointment with CollegeTracks to complete these critical steps!

 

PREPARING FOR THE ACT
 


The September 10th ACT is  approaching! Keep the following tips in mind as you prepare for the test .
  • Take a practice test! 
  • Sleep well the night before taking the ACT. 
  • Eat a healthy breakfast.
  • Bring a watch, #2 pencils, a good eraser, a permitted calculator, and snacks on the day of the exam.
  • Have a printed copy of your ACT Admission Ticket and acceptable form of ID.
  • Make a transportation plan to and from the testing location.
Taking the October 22nd or December 10th ACT tests? Sign up for ACT Prep! Space is limited.
SHOUT OUTS!
 
  • Shout out to everyone who attended Summer Jumpstart workshops!
  • Thank you to all the volunteers who helped our students complete Milestones and prepare for the ACT!
  • We appreciate all the staff who stopped by during the summer, with encouraging words and helpful advice!  
COME FIND COLLEGETRACKS!
 


We are in Room A006
(on the ground floor, at the bottom of the steps)

CONNECT WITH COLLEGETRACKS!

  
WMHSCollegeTracks

  
@WMHSCollegTrks

WMHSCollegTrks

  
CollegeTracks 
Watkins Mill HS
 
Join Our Mailing List
     WELCOME BACK            

                                                    
We are thrilled to welcome students back to school and CollegeTracks for the new year!  There is a lot to accomplish and we are excited about helping you complete your college milestones. 

Whether you attended Summer Jumpstart workshops or we haven't seen you in a while, NOW is the perfect time to schedule an appointment with us!  Remember, we can help you:
 


Set up your individual appointment and 
check out our FALL WORKSHOP SCHEDULE!  
SWEETS & TREATS



CollegeTracks SENIORS are invited to "Sweets & Treats," an ice cream social to bring in the new school year! 

Are you a senior who hasn't joined CollegeTracks yet?  We welcome you to learn about how we can help you along your college application journey.
 
WHEN: Friday, September 2nd during STEP
WHERE: CollegeTracks - Room A006
 
SEE YOU THERE!
INTRODUCING THE FAFSA

What is the FAFSA and why do I need to submit it?  The Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  You must submit it  to obtain federal and state financial aid. 
  
Who can submit the FAFSA? U.S. Citizens and legal Permanent
Residents are eligible to fill out the FAFSA.   Other students are also eligible! Find out more from  CollegeTracks staff.
 
When do I submit the FAFSA?  The 2017-2018 FAFSA opens on October 1, 2016. Complete the FAFSA before your earliest college financial aid deadline.

Where can I submit the FAFSA?  Online at  www.fafsa.ed.gov  

What can I do now to prepare for the FAFSA?  (1) Create an FSA ID (federal student aid username and password) for the student and for one parent, (2) Complete the FAFSA4caster   to estimate the amount of financial aid your family may receive, (3) Gather 2015 tax returns.
  
CollegeTracks will be open for extended hours in October to help students and families submit the FAFSA.  Stop by CollegeTracks to make a FAFSA appointment! 
$CHOLARSHIP CORNER
  Let Mrs. K, Ms. Barclay, or Dom know if you're applying for these scholarships!

   

NAME:  Siemens Competition in Math, Science, & Technology
DUE DATE:  September 20, 2016
AMOUNT:  Scholarships for winning projects range from $1,000 to $100,000
ELIGIBILITY: 
High school student in grades 9-12; U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident; individual projects must be submitted by high school seniors; groups of 2 or 3 members do not have to include a high school senior 
MORE INFO: Click here

NAME: Don't Text and Drive Scholarship
DUE DATE: 
September 30, 2016
AMOUNT:  $1,000
ELIGIBILITY:  Must be high school freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior or a current or entering college student of any level; no age limit; must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
MORE INFO: Click here 

NAME: Shout It Out Scholarship
DUE DATE: September 30, 2016
AMOUNT:  $1,500
ELIGIBILITY:  13 years of age or older;  legal resident of U.S. or District of Columbia; currently enrolled (or enroll no later than the fall of 2022) in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher education
MORE INFO: Click here

COLLEGE CORNER
 


Did you know...?
 
 
Frostburg is a medium-sized, 4-year, public university located in Frostburg, Maryland.


Popular majors include engineering, education, communications, psychology, and animal behavior.    

   

The Lane University Center is the hub of student social life and is located in the heart of the Frostburg campus.

 

Frostburg has been named a College of Distinction for its excellence in  student engagement, high-quality teaching, vibrant community and successful graduates.



Sincerely,

Mrs. Bridget Kasprzak, Ms. Lindsey Barclay, & Mr. Dominic Chappell
CollegeTracks Watkins Mill Access Team