BCC ACCESS NEWSLETTER               NOVEMBER 2017
BCC High School CollegeTracks Team

Ms. Aja Simpson Zulfiqar
Program Director

Ms. Patty Olszewski
Assistant Program Director

COLLEGE ESSAY 101
Writing your college essay(s) can be challenging,  but it doesn't have to be. 
Check out the 
8 tips below for advice on writing a stellar essay!
  1. Show your individuality. You are more than a set of numbers!
  2. Proofread...again & again.  Spell Check cannot catch everything.
  3. Keep it simple and concise. Strong essays have a clear focus and supporting details. 
  4. Give yourself time! Don't wait until the last minute. Well-written essays take time to plan and organize.
  5. Tell a story.  Use details and specific examples to compose an essay that readers will understand.
  6. Be yourself!  Your essay should be natural and genuine.  
  7. Accentuate the positive. Demonstrate how you've grown or learned from an experience.
  8. Believe in your story! Pick a topic that interests you.  If you like your story, others will too.
REMEMBER - WE CAN REVIEW YOUR ESSAYS!
EMAIL THEM TO US or SHARE THEM AS ON GOOGLE.
YOU WILL RECEIVE FEEDBACK IN 48 HOURS.
         
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

Michael F.
 
 
What good book have you read lately? Why did it appeal to you?
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah.  It was appealing because it showed Trevor's struggles in his journey of finding himself.

What are you interested in studying in college?  Why are you considering this/these majors?
My study interest in college is exercise science, physical education, or social work.  I am considering these majors because my passion is helping people develop and reach their full potential.  

What colleges are you considering?
Towson, University of Maryland, Salisbury, McDaniel, and Shenandoah.

What steps have you taken in your college application process?
I finished my self-reflection, two of my teacher recommendations, and my Coalition and Common applications.  I am in the process of finishing my college essay. 

Any advice for Juniors?
Learn something new that you didn't know yesterday, don't give up and keep pushing yourself.  When the time comes, trust the CollegeTracks process.
         
MONTGOMERY COLLEGE MYTHS
  
 
Whether Montgomery College is the only college on your list or one of your options, it's important to  understand the facts about MC as you apply to colleges this fall!

Here are just a few!
MYTH
TRUTH
MC is the only college my family and I can afford
Some four-year colleges, even private ones, may be as affordable as MC for you and your family!
If I go to MC, I won't have to study for and take a college entrance exam
MC requires "college-ready" scores on either the SAT, ACT, or Accuplacer tests in order to take college-level classes.
My GPA is too low to go to any college, except MC
Some four-year colleges accept students with lower GPAs. MC enrolls students with competitive GPAs.
MC is the only college that is close by.
There are many four-year colleges close by and in the DC/MD/VA area.
MC is just like high school all over again and it is easy
MC is a college. College is not like high school and will require more work for more challenges courses!
It is easy to transfer from MC to a four-year college like UMD-College Park!
The transfer process is not always as easy as it looks. The GPA you earn at MC will determine your four-year college options!
     
SENIORS DO NOW!

  • Finalize your college list

  • Update your college list on Naviance

  • Send your ACT/SAT scores to colleges you are applying to

  • Follow-up with your teacher to make sure your letters of recommendation have been sent to your colleges

  • Visit colleges during early release and no-school days. Take a campus tour and arrange to meet with an admissions representative!

  • Email us your college essay for review and feedback

  • Complete your FAFSA (see CollegeTracks for details)

  • Apply to at least 3 scholarships
Schedule an appointment with CollegeTracks TODAY!
PHOTO GALLERY



  
FAFSA SEASON  
It's FAFSA season at CollegeTracks!
 
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is one of the first steps in securing financial aid for college!

We can help you and your family complete the family accurately and on time. We are now accepting FAFSA appointments . 
 
 
CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR FAFSA APPOINTMENT TODAY!
 
$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:  Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program
DUE DATE:  November 14, 2017
AMOUNT: Up to $40,000 per year 
ELIGIBILITY:  High School senior, 3.5 GPA or above, demonstrate financial need, 1200 on SAT or 26 on ACT 
M ORE INFO:  Click here

NAME:  Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Compeitition 
DUE DATE:  November
AMOUNT:  $1,000 per year, up to $12,500
ELIGIBILITY: 
Any high school senior who is a citizen of the U.S. may apply (this does not include Permanent Residents of the U.S.). Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial aid.
MORE INFO: Click here

NAME:  Education Matters Scholarship
DUE DATE:  November 30, 2017
AMOUNT:  $5,000
ELIGIBILITY: Legal residents of the U.S. who plan to enroll in a post-secondary institution no later than Fall 2020. Must answer the following question in 250 words or less: "What would you say to someone who says education doesn't matter, or that college is a waste of time and money?"
MORE INFO:  Click here
  
COLLEGE SPOTLIGHT! 


DID YOU KNOW? 

St. Mary's College of Maryland is a public liberal arts, co-ed, non-religious college.  It is one of the  top 5 public liberal arts colleges in the nation (U.S. News & World Report).




Approximately 1,900 students attend St. Mary's.  9 0% of St. Mary's students reside in Maryland. The remaining 10% are from 28 states and 23 nations.




St. Mary's offers 31 academic programs. Popular degree programs are Biology, Economics, English, Political Science, and Psychology.



87% of St. Mary's students live on campus and there are nearly  100 student clubs and organizations.


  
CONNECT WITH COLLEGETRACKS!
            
@bcccollegetrcks
@CollegTracksbcc