BCC ACCESS NEWSLETTER
September 2016
COLLEGETRACKS TEAM

  
Ms. Aja Simpson Zulfiqar
Program Director
240-740-0428
 
Ms. Patty Olszewski
Assistant Program Director
240-740-0428

SENIORS, DO NOW!

  • Select your workshop day - Monday, Tuesday or Thursday
  • Work on your Self Relection on Naviance - show us before you submit
  • 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 ACT test? Register by September 16!! 
WELCOME BACK PARTY PICS



SHOUT OUTS!
 
  • Shout out to everyone who attended Summer Workshops!
  • Thank you to all the volunteers who helped our students complete Milestones and prepare for the ACT!
  • We appreciate all the staff who worked with us during the summer and will send students our way!  








     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  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 
tell us which day you will attend Fall Workshops -
Monday, Tuesday or Thursday!
 
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 Ms. Aja or Mrs. Olszewski 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