September 2007 Bulletin
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STUDENT SERVICES NEWS

DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION

The Department of Student Services is organized to provide services effectively to all families in our school community by four professional school counselors. Counselor responsibilities are as follows:

WELCOME LOYOLA INTERN

Ms Hillary Cleveland, a Master of Education Candidate is completing a 300 hour internship as part of her Master’s Program the first semester. Ms. Wing is her supervising counselor.

THE PSAT TO BE GIVEN AT OHS ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17

The PSAT will be administered to 9 th, 10 th and 11 th grade diploma bound students on Wednesday, October 17th from 7:45-11:15 a.m. OHS pays the entire cost of the test. Preparation materials will be distributed in English classes during late September. For all college-bound students, the PSAT is a good diagnostic tool, as well as good practice for the SAT. Additionally for juniors, it is the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. It is imperative that all college-bound juniors and sophomores take this important test. Because the PSAT is an extremely important test for a variety of reasons, students should do their very best to be fresh and well prepared for the morning. Please make sure your student has a restful evening the night before the test. Please call us with your questions.

COUNSELORS MEET WITH ALL SENIORS

Counselors will present a post-secondary planning packet to all seniors during English 12 classes the first week of October. The packet contains important college and career decision-making information, timelines and resources. Ask your senior for the packet; it is as useful for parents as it is for students. If your senior did not receive this packet, or if you would like another copy, please call us.

The classroom presentation is followed by individual sessions with all seniors. Seniors will meet with his or her counselor by November 1, 2006. Counselors and seniors will discuss colleges, careers, the military and complete a final graduation credit check.

COLLEGE PLANNING NIGHT FOR SENIORS

On Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 6:45 p.m. in the Overlea High School library, a college planning information session is being planned. This evening is specifically directed at parents of seniors, but would benefit the parents of any college-bound student. Discussion and materials will cover testing, applications and recommendations, financial aid and the coordination of the entire process. For more information, call Ms. Wing at 410-887-5243.

FINANCIAL AID NIGHT FOR SENIORS

The Student Services Department will sponsor an evening session to help you and your student with post-secondary planning and decision-making in January. Learn about the financial aid process and how to complete the financial aid form. Free college planning and finance materials will be distributed to all that attend. The FAFSA is the form required by all colleges and universities in the U.S. A college financial aid director will explain how to complete the Free Application for Student Aid. (FAFSA) The exact date will appear in the November PTSA Bulletin.

CCBC ADMISSIONS

Counselors from CCBC will be here in early November to meet with students interested in attending the Community College of Baltimore County. Admissions counselors from CCBC will describe the various opportunities at CCBC including the transfer process, certificate programs as well as obtaining an A.A. degree. To complete the instant admissions process, you will need a copy of your transcript, a completed CCBC application, and $15 for the application fee. Applications may be picked up in the student services office. Students must see Ms. Harbaugh or Ms. Wing to sign up to meet with an Admissions counselor from CCBC.

ACT, SAT OR PLACEMENT TEST?

If a student has successfully completed Algebra II or is currently enrolled in Algebra II, the SAT is recommended. Otherwise, we recommend the ACT. Students who take the SAT should do so in May or June of their junior year and October or November of their senior year. If a higher score is desired, it can also be taken in December and January of their senior year. The January date is the last one that is considered by colleges for fall admissions. And please note that only students applying to four-year schools will need the SAT or ACT. Students planning to attend two-year schools can opt to take a placement test at the school. The ACT and SAT cost around $50 and the placement test, the Accuplacer given at the Community College is free.

FEE WAIVERS AVAILABLE FOR SAT, ACT AND COLLEGE APPLICATIONS

Students who qualify for the free lunch are entitled to two fee waivers for the college admissions tests and many college application fees. We receive a limited amount every year and they are distributed on a first-come basis. Stop by and see your counselor for more details.

SAT DATES AND DEADLINES ACT DATES AND DEADLINES

Test Date Registration Deadline Test Date Registration Deadline

November 03 October 03 October 27 September 21

December 01 October 30 December 08 November 02

January 26 2008 December 26 February 09 2008 January 04

March 01 January 29 April 12 March 07

May 03 April 01 June 14 May 09

June 07 May 06

NOTES:

• Mailed registration materials must be postmarked by the U.S. deadlines.
• Sunday administrations follow each Saturday test date.

GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT

If you qualify for the free lunch program and have a 2.5 GPA in the college prep curriculum or a career/tech prep program, the state of MD may give you $9,500 per year to go to post-secondary school in the state of MD through the Guaranteed Access Grant. . Applications will be available in December. You must submit the application and the FAFSA by March 1, 2008 to be guaranteed money; applications received after March 1 are funded if money is still available.