WHS ACCESS NEWSLETTER               SEPTEMBER 2018
Wheaton High School CollegeTracks Team



Ms. Lindsey Barclay
College Access Director
240.221.1699


Ms. Wendy Simmons
Program Coordinator 
301.327.4997


         
Fall Workshop Calendar
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.

Remember, we can help you:


         

NEW! WHS ONLINE REGISTRATION  
Now is the perfect time to attend our Fall workshops and ACT Prep! Register now and save time next week.


         

BACK-TO-SCHOOL KICK-OFF WEEK FOR SENIORS!
TUESDAY,  SEPTEMBER 4th - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7th
Who: Class of 2019 Students
What: Stop by CT office to learn about the college process, register for workshops & ACT prep, and enjoy a sweet treat!
Where: 1007
Time: During lunch and after school

WHS FINANCIAL AID NIGHT FOR FAMILIES!
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th
Who: WHS Students & Families
What: Learn about the process of receiving financial aid for college. Event hosted by Mrs. Cynthia Hammond-Davis, College and Career Information Coordinator at Wheaton High School  
Time: 7:00pm
Questions? Email Mrs. Hammond-Davis or stop by 1003.
         
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
Mary O.

What tasks have you completed with CollegeTracks this summer?

I attended ACT Prep, registered for the September ACT, created my college list, submitted my Brag Sheet, created my FSA ID, and got my Coalition and Common App started. Also finished my resume and a draft of my college essay.

What is your favorite part about coming to CollegeTracks?

My favorite part about coming to CollegeTracks is getting to see my friends and having the opportunity to finish all the required tasks before school starts.

What advice do you have for other 12th graders who have not started their college process with CollegeTracks?

My advice is to start your college search sooner than later because high school will eat up your time-especially when you know that you will be busy.
         
SENIORS DO NOW!
Schedule an appointment with CollegeTracks TODAY!
         
INTRODUCING THE FAFSA! 

What is the FAFSA and why do I need to submit it?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid. 

The FAFSA is FREE and can only be completed on  https://fafsa.ed.gov

B eware of websites that may look similar to the FAFSA website. 

The FAFSA is required 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 may also be eligible! Find out more from CollegeTracks staff.
 
When do I submit the FAFSA? The 2019-2020 FAFSA opens on October 1, 2018. Complete the FAFSA before your earliest college financial aid deadline! 
 
Where can I submit the FAFSA? Online a 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) Gather the documents and information  needed to complete the FAFSA, including the 2017 tax returns. (3) A ttend the Wheaton High School Financial Aid Night on September 26th  to learn about the financial aid process.
 
CollegeTracks will help students and families submit the FAFSA starting October 1, 2018!

     
PREPARING FOR THE ACT:


The September 8th 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.
GOOD LUCK 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 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 money for college!
  • TRACK YOUR DEADLINES -
    Make a list of college applications and scholarship deadlines in your phone and add calendar reminders so you don't forget important dates!
  • STRIVE FOR A 2.5 GPA OR ABOVE! -
    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!
 
$SCHOLARSHIP SPOTLIGHT$

CLICK HERE FOR THE FALL SCHOLARSHIP PACKET

 Let Ms. Barclay or Ms. Wendy know if you're applying for any of these scholarships! 

NAME:  Staples for Students Sweepstakes
DUE DATE:  September 15, 2018
AMOUNT: $25,000 - $50,000 
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. If you do not want to make a purchase,  obtain 
a unique ent ry code by visiting the sponsor's website.
M ORE INFO:  Click here

NAME:  Shout it Out Scholarship 
DUE DATE:  September 30, 2018
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 of 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

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

  
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
  • Welcome back Wheaton High School administrators and staff. It's great to see new and returning faces. We look forward to collaborating for student success!
  • Congratulations to all of the Seniors who attended Summer Jumpstart Workshops and ACT Prep. You rock, keep it up!
  • Thank you to the CollegeTracks volunteers and tutors for your help with summer workshops and ACT Prep, we couldn't have done it without your support!
  
WHERE TO FIND US?
Room 1007
Mondays, Tuesdays, 
Thursdays, & Fridays 
9:00am-5:00pm
CONNECT WITH COLLEGETRACKS!
        @CollegeTracks                 @WHSCollegTrks                 @CollegeTracks            @CollegeTracksWheaton