BCC ACCESS NEWSLETTER               SEPTEMBER 2017

BCC High School CollegeTracks Team

Ms. Aja Simpson Zulfiqar
Program Director
240-740-0428

Ms. Patty Olszewski
Assistant Program Director
240-740-0428
         
WELCOME BACK SENIORS!


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!

FALL WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Stop by CollegeTracks to sign up for workshops today!


         
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 for college this year and every year that you are enrolled in college.

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 2018-2019 FAFSA opens on October 1, 2017. Complete the FAFSA before your earliest college financial aid deadline.
 
Where can I submit the FAFSA? Online at https://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 2016 tax returns.
 
CollegeTracks will help students and families submit the FAFSA beginning in October. Stop by CollegeTracks Room 1007 to make a FAFSA appointment today!!

     
SENIORS DO NOW!
  • Complete your resume
  • Complete Naviance Self-Reflection
  • Email us your college essay draft for review and feedback
  • Solidify your college list
  • Begin completing your Common Application
  • Begin completing your Coalition Application if you are applying to University of Maryland- College Park
  • Create an FSAID for yourself and one parent
  • Identify 3 scholarships that you can apply for
  • Sign up for ACT prep with CollegeTracks if you plan to take the October or December ACT
Schedule an appointment with CollegeTracks TODAY!
    
PREPARING FOR THE ACT:


The September 9th ACT is approaching!

Keep the following tips in mind as you prepare for the test this month:

  • 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.
GOODLUCK SENIORS!
       
MAXIMIZE YOUR COLLEGE OPTIONS!
Some deadlines are just around the corner! Make sure you are using your time wisely this semester so you can enjoy Prom and other Senior activities with your friends during the Spring semester! 

 

  • VISIT COLLEGES - Go on road trips, drive to local colleges, take public transportation to area universities. See what the colleges you are interested in are like. 
  • APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS - Check the CollegeTracks scholarship packet, check your emails from CollegeTracks, and do scholarship searches to access more free money for college!
  • KEEP TRACK OF DEADLINES -
    Make a list of college application and scholarship deadlines in your phone and add calendar reminders so you don't forget important dates!
  • KEEP THOSE GRADES UP -
    Don't forget to focus on your schoolwork and try your best in all of your classes. If you are struggling in a class, make sure you talk to your teacher to get the help you need!
 
$CHOLARSHIP SPOTLIGHT

CLICK HERE FOR THE FALL SCHOLARSHIP PACKET

 Let Ms. Aja or Mrs. Olszewski know if you're applying for any of these scholarships! 

NAME:  Staples for Students Sweepstakes
DUE DATE:  September 16, 2017
AMOUNT:  $50,000 and a trip to Las Vegas to attend Lady Gaga World tour
ELIGIBILITY:  Must Be ag e 13 or older.  Must Be a United states Citizen. Must v isit a participating Staples location and make a  purchase of at least $25 to receive a unique code  which will serve as your entry into the sweepstakes or  obtain  a unique entry code by visiting the sponsor's website.
M ORE INFO:  Click here

NAME:  Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology 
DUE DATE:  September 19, 2017
AMOUNT:  $1,000-$100,000
ELIGIBILITY Available to all high school students. You must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident to apply.  developed in an individual. 
MORE INFO:  Click here

NAME:  Shout it Out Scholarship 
DUE DATE:  September 30, 2017
AMOUNT:  $1,500
ELIGIBILITY: Must be age 13 or older, and a legal resident of the United States. Must enroll in an accredited post-secondary institution or higher education by 2020. Applicants will be asked to submit an online written response to "If you could say one thing to the entire world at once, what would it by and why?". 
MORE INFO:  Click here
  
COLLEGE SPOTLIGHT! 


DID YOU KNOW? 

Frostburg is a medium-sized, 4-year, public university located in Frostburg, Maryland. 

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





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.
 
 

  
SHOUT OUTS
  • B-CC High School administrators and staff, we appreciate all you do to support and encourage students!
  • Congratulations to all of the Seniors who attended Summer Jumpstart Workshops. You rock, keep it up!
  • Thank you to the CollegeTracks volunteers for your help with summer workshops, we couldn't have done it without your support!
  
WHERE TO FIND US?
College and Career Center
Mondays, Tuesdays, 
Thursdays, & Fridays 
9:00am-5:00pm
CONNECT WITH COLLEGETRACKS
@CollegeTracksBcc

                   @bccCollegeTrcks