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COLLEGETRACKS TEAM
Ms. Aja Simpson Zulfiqar
Program Director
240-740-0428
Ms. Patty Olszewski
Assistant Program Director
240-740-0428
polszewski@collegetracksusa
.org
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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
Ephrata Z.
What has been the most surprising part of the college applicaiton process? The most surprising part is that the colleges look at everything, not just your GPA. They consider your essay, teacher recs, test scores, activities, etc.
What are you interested in studying in college? I am interested in majoring in engineering management and mathematics.
What colleges are you considering? I am considering a lot of colleges including UMD, UMBC, McDaniel and Towson.
What would you like to do in college that you don't do now? I would like to study abroad. I am interested in learning about other people's values and beliefs and how they see the world from their perspective. I will look for a program in Africa or Europe.
Your advice for other CollegeTracks students?
Don't wait till the last minute to submit your applications. You never know what will happen or what you forgot.
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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Ms. Laurie Thomas
Interesting Fact About Me:
Though I am a righty, I can write in script and play ping pong with my left hand, but not at the same time!
What are your hobbies?
In my free time I love to play tennis and squash. I taught myself how to play tennis at the age of seven by hitting against a brick wall and eventually I practiced enough to make the tennis team in college. My teammates taught me to play squash and encouraged me to try out for our college team - I took a chance and it paid off! Reading, visiting art museums, taking photographs and listening to music are also among my favorite things to do. Hands down, what I love best is to spend quality time with my husband, three children and our dog.
Please describe your career journey.
After attending college and law school and practicing litigation in a large law firm, I used my legal skills to assist residents of Montgomery County who couldn't afford legal services to find transitional housing, educational opportunities and job training. I also became interested in special education and attentional issues when my oldest child was diagnosed with ADHD and learning differences. I turned my sights full time toward obtaining training to coach young people and adults in managing their ADHD, executive function challenges and learning differences. I currently work with individual clients and as Director of Program Support at BroadFutures, a non-profit which provides paid internships to young people with learning, attentional and social challenges. I feel privileged to assist CollegeTracks Scholars pursue their college dreams and fulfill their potential.
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SENIORS, DO NOW!
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- Finalize your college list
- Record your deadlines on your College Matrix
- Submit your FAFSA and, if required, CSS Profile
- Apply for scholarships
Schedule an appointment with CollegeTracks TODAY!
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SHOUT OUTS!
- Seniors - you all are so impressive! Nice work on submitting college and scholarship applications!
- Huge shout-out to the parents and families who show incredible support.
- Our volunteers are awesome for working tirelessly to support students through the college and financial aid processes!
- Thank you to the BCC teachers and counselors who continue to write letters of recommendation for students!
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On Tuesday December 20th, BCC/CollegeTracks is hosting an On-the-Spot admissions event with
Trinity Washington University. Students who sign up will meet with a college admissions staff member, who will make admissions decisions on the same day.
Trinity Washington University
Private university for women
Generous with financial aid
Close enough to commute from home
Scholarship opportunities
To participate you must apply to the university online by December 17th; have copies of ACT/SAT test scores for the college rep; meet with Mrs. Bonner for your transcript. See Mrs. Parmelee to sign up for this great opportunity!
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MAXIMIZE WINTER BREAK
It's tempting to unplug during the entire Winter Break, but it is one of the best times to focus on your college process. Here's how:
- Make progress on your college applications - If you have upcoming deadlines in January and February, work on your applications during break. It's less stressful when you have time to focus.
- Visit campuses - Some colleges may be open while you are off from school. Go to your college campuses! Get a feel for the environment, talk to current students, take a campus tour.
- Apply for scholarships - Use the extra time to look for and apply for scholarship money. Every penny counts!
- Double check to ensure you've submitted supplements - Check your email and application portals to ensure your colleges have all the materials needed to apply (essays, letters of recommendation, test scores, etc.)
- Say thanks - Your teachers and counselors have taken the time to write your letters of recommendation. Take a moment to write a note to them expressing your gratitude.
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ALL ABOUT THE CSS PROFILE
The College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile is an online application, hosted by The College Board, that students use to apply for non-federal financial aid.
Almost 400 colleges and universities require students to submit a CSS Profile in order to be considered for grants and scholarships. Each college has a different deadline for completion of the CSS Profile. Deadlines can be found on each college's financial aid website.
The CSS Profile requires detailed information from students and families in order to be completed.
Only SOME colleges require the CSS Profile.
Click here to see which colleges require it.
Here's a detailed intro to the CSS Profile.
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$CHOLARSHIP CORNER
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Let Ms. Aja or Mrs. Olszewski know if
y
ou're applying for these scholarships!
NAME:
AXA Achievement Scholarship
DUE DATE:
December 15, 2016
AMOUNT:
$2,500 for 300 students; $10,000 for 52 students; 10 of the 52 students will receive an additional $15,000
ELIGIBILITY:
Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident; must be a current high school senior planning to enroll for the entire 2017-18 academic year; must
demonstrate outstanding achievement in school, community or work-related activities.
NAME:
Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship
DUE DATE:
December 31, 2016
ELIGIBILITY:
High school or college student; legal resident of the U.S.; currently in school or planning to start school within the next 12 months.
NAME: 10 Things You Love About You
DUE DATE:
December 31, 2016
ELIGIBILITY:
Must be 13 years of age or older at the time of application; must be legal resident of U.S.; must be currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall 2022) in an accredited college
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