BCC ACCESS NEWSLETTER                     January 2018
BCC High School CollegeTracks Team
 

    
Ms. Aja Simpson Zulfiqar

         
IF YOU HAVE NOT COMPLETED YOUR FAFSA, SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY.   Click Here
         
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
 
Tinsae D.

1. What is the most surprising part of the college application process?
The most surprising part is the amount of advertising that colleges put out through emails and mail.  Another part is that there is a school out there for everyone.
2. What do you think you're interested in studying in college? 
I am interested in studying biology in college because I have deep interest in understanding living things of the world.
3. How did you decide which colleges to apply to?
My decision was mainly based on my family's financial situation and also the opportunities presented at various colleges before and after graduating.
4. What activities, beyond your academics, have you made time for this semester?
I have tried to make time for playing my favorite sports which are soccer and cycling. This was because I realized I need to exercise more since I was spending most of my time completing school work and stressing about the college process.
5. Your advice for other CollegeTracks students?
Come to the College and Career Center as often as you can because there will always be something to do to make your college process much easier.  Even if you think you are done, coming and talking to the CollegeTracks staff will really help ease the college stress.
         
Searching & Applying for Scholarships!!
 
Scholarships are FREE MONEY for you to attend college. There are tons of scholarship opportunities and you should apply for them to reduce the amount of money that you and your family will have to pay for your college education.
  
Click here for the CollegeTracks Scholarship Packet! 


There are two main sources of scholarships:  
  • Scholarships from colleges: Many colleges offer scholarships based on merit (such as a high GPA or strong test scores), financial need, or athletic ability. Check your college's financial aid websites for information on scholarship opportunities, eligibility, requirements, and applications.
  • Scholarships from private or outside organizations:
    Private groups offer money for different reasons, including community involvement, service experience, ethnicity and location. Pick up a CollegeTracks Scholarship Packet for a list of scholarships for which you are eligible!

Similar to college applications, scholarship applications may require that you complete application forms, write an essay, ask for letters of recommendation, and submit additional materials.  Know your deadlines and plan ahead so you submit your applications on time. 


 

WE CAN HELP YOU FIND AND APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS. 
     
SENIORS DO NOW!

 

  • Bring your college acceptance letters to CollegeTracks!

  • Visit colleges during early release and no-school days

  • Take a campus tour and arrange to meet with an admissions representative

  • Submit your FAFSA and, if required, the CSS Profile

  • Claim your MC account
  • Complete any necessary financial aid paperwork
  • Apply to at least 3 scholarships
Schedule an appointment with CollegeTracks TODAY!
     
Maryland State Aid

The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) is a board representing Maryland colleges and universities.  It offers financial aid to students attending college in Maryland.  There are several financial aid opportunities for students, including:


 Senatorial Scholarship:
The minimum annual award is $400 and the maximum award is $11,250.  To qualify, students and their  parents must be Maryland residents; students m ust enroll at a two-year or four-year Maryland college or university, as a full-time or  part-time, degree-seeking undergraduate student or attend certain private career schools ; students  must demonstrate financial need (as determined by the FAFSA); students  must take the SAT or the ACT.


Delegate Scholarship:
The minimum annual award is $200.  The maximum annual award is $11,250. To qualify, students and their parents must be Maryland residents; students must demonstrate financial need (as determined by the FAFSA); students must enroll at a two-year or four-year Maryland college or university as a full-time or part-time, degree-seeking undergraduate student, or attend certain private career schools.  

Guaranteed Access Grant (MGAG):
Students who complete the FAFSA and meet specific income and GPA requirements may be eligible for this need-based grant, with a maximum award amount of $17,900.  Talk to CollegeTracks about this!

Educational Assistance Grant (EAG):
Students who complete the FAFSA and meet the student need requirements may be eligible for this need-based grant, with a minimum award amount of $400 and a maximum award amount of $3,000.  Talk to CollegeTracks about this!

Click here to learn more about 
MHEC's financial aid opportunities.

     
CHECK YOUR MESSAGES!

YOU are expected to read your messages DAILY.
  If you receive a message that you don't understand or if you need help, please show it to CollegeTracks. 
We are here to help!
  • Colleges, Federal Student Aid, and scholarship organizations may be sending you messages that you need to read. 
  • Sometimes there is critical information you need to know and items that require action.
  • If you have not received decision letters, colleges may be missing documents or information from you! 
REMEMBER TO CHECK YOUR EMAIL INBOX, YOUR COLLEGE APPLICATION PORTALS, AND YOUR MAILBOX AT HOME FOR MESSAGES! 

 
PHOTO GALLERY


 
$CHOLARSHIP SPOTLIGHT

CURRENT SCHOLARSHIP PACKET IS IN YOUR EMAIL

 Let us know if you're applying for any of these scholarships! 

NAME:  Ron Brown Scholarship
DUE DATE:  January 9, 2018 $10,000 annually ($40,000 for 4 years)
AMOUNT:  $10,000 annually ($40,000 for 4 years)
ELIGIBILITY:  Grade 12,  African-American,  Exhibits leadership potential
and participates in community  service activities,  applicant must be a US
citizen or hold a permanent  resident visa card
MORE INFO:  Click here

NAME:  Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship
DUE DATE: January 11, 2018
AMOUNT:  $2,500-$15,000
ELIGIBILITY: 
In grade 12, Asian or Pacific Islander, citizen of the United States or legal permanent resident, minimum GPA of 2.7, submit one letter of recommendation, must apply for FAFSA by February 15th
MORE INFO: Click here

NAME:  Central Scholarship
DUE DATE:  Application Opens on January 1, 2018
AMOUNT:  Up to $10,000 per year
ELIGIBILITY: Maryland resident in grade 12 with a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Family income is below $90,000 per year, or $66,000 for students pursuing career and technology training. Must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident.
MORE INFO:  Click here

Click here for scholarships that do not require U.S. citizenship!
  
COLLEGE SPOTLIGHT! 

DID YOU KNOW? 

McDaniel is a private, selective liberal arts and sciences college, located in Westminster, Maryland.  
  
  
Students have the opportunity to create a personalized undergraduate education - The McDaniel Plan.  
  
Students can study at the McDaniel Europe campus in Budapest, Hungary.
  
SHOUT OUTS

  • Seniors - thank you for sharing your acceptance news with us!
  • Shout out to the seniors and their families who have completed the CSS Profile
  • Thank you to the administrators and teachers who bring students to CollegeTracks to get help along their college journeys!
  • We appreciate the students who bring their friends to join CollegeTracks! 
  
CONNECT WITH COLLEGETRACKS!
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