

PHS School Counseling Update
September 15, 2024
School counseling appointment requests
Appointments can be requested using the link at the bottom of this newsletter, but our focus is now on social and emotional needs, academic planning (not changing current schedules from your current requests), and college & career readiness. We will seek to help you be successful in the classes that you have.
Academics
College Planning
Information Sessions
Colleges and other institutions often send recruiters to Pikesville, in order to provide information and answer student questions about their programs. Students can sign up to meet with these institutions on sheets located outside the school counseling office, and they will get passes in their first period classes the day of the info sessions.
Sept 16 @ 8:30: Brandeis University
Sept 17 @ 8:30: Catholic U of America
Sept 18 @ 8:30: Butler University
Sept 18 @ 9:30: Alfred University
Sept 19 @ 8:30: University of Maryland Eastern Shore (FULL)
Sept 19 @ 9:30: Drexel University
Sept 20 @ 8:30: UMBC
Sept 23 @ 9:30: Stevenson University
Sept 25 @ 9:30: Coppin State University (FULL)
Sept 26 @ 8:30: Salisbury University
Sept 27 @ 9:30: St. Mary's College of Maryland
Sept 30 @ 9:30: Johnson & Wales University
Oct 1 @ 8:30: Spelman College
Oct 2 @ 8:30: Alvernia University
Oct 2 @ 9:30: Goucher College
Oct 8 @ 8:30: McDaniel College
Oct 9 @ 8:30: Gettysburg College
Oct 9 @ 9:30: Notre Dame of MD University
Oct 10 @ 8:30: Dickinson College
Oct 10 @ 9:30: Washington College
Oct 15 @ 9:30: Chatham University
Oct 17 @ 8:30: East Carolina University
Oct 17 @ 9:30: Franklin & Marshall College
Oct 21 @ 9:30: Temple University
Oct 28 @ 8:30: Virginia Commonwealth University
Nov 4 @ 8:30: Towson University
Nov 14 @ 9:30: York College of PA
Potomac-Chesapeake College Fair
Monday, Sep 30, 2024, 06:00 PM
Howard Community College, Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD, USA
BCPS HBCU Fair (registration and details coming soon)
Wednesday, Oct 30, 2024, 10:00 AM
New Town High School, New Town Boulevard, Owings Mills, MD, USA
National College Fair
Representatives from two-year and four-year colleges, nursing schools, business schools and trade schools will participate in the Baltimore National College Fair which will be held on Wednesday, October 16 at the Baltimore Convention Center. Officers and enlisted personnel from the various branches of the military services will also be on hand to discuss the military’s enlistment and education programs such as R.O.T.C., the military academies and the GI Bill.
The College Fair, sponsored by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), is a timesaving opportunity for students and parents to gather a lot of information in one day. College admissions representatives will be on hand to answer key questions ranging from acceptance policies to student–faculty ratio. In addition to asking questions, students and parents will be able to set up college interviews, pick up literature and learn about the various financial aid programs available.
Review the list of participating colleges and make a list of the booths you’d like to visit. To make the best use of your time at the Fair, visit nacacattend.org to register for a personal bar code. When you visit the college booths, the reps will scan your bar code, automatically accessing your information. This will leave you more time to engage in one-on-one conversation. You can also use the computers provided at the convention site, but be aware that lines may be long at the registration tables. Your goal is to have as much time as possible to talk with the reps at their booths.
Read through this issue of College Fair Guide. There are many articles, charts, useful hints and items of information which will be helpful to you. The more prepared you are for the College Fair, the more you’ll get out of it.
Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024, 06:00 PM
The Baltimore Convention Center, West Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD, USA
Alfred Street Baptist Church HBCU Fair
Alfred Street Baptist Church invites you to the country's most exciting and largest HBCU Festival! Top 5 Reasons Students Should Attend The ASBC HBCU Festival: 1.Apply onsite and receive same-day admissions decisions! 2.Several opportunities to receive scholarships! 3.Fun & informative HBCU seminars! 4.Engage with HBCU reps and find out why you should attend an HBCU! 5.It's Free! Registration opens September 9th! We look forward to having you join the 2024 HBCU festival!
Saturday, Nov 9, 2024, 10:00 AM
325 S Patrick St, Alexandria, VA, USA
West Point regional info session
You are cordially invited to the United States Military Academy Admissions Event. A unique opportunity to delve into the world of West Point. RSVP to reserve your place for what will be a great opportunity to learn more about the Academy, whether it is the right fit, and how to apply.
Event Details:
- Date: 10 October 2024
- Time: 6:00-8:00 PM EST
- Location: Catholic University
Gowan Hall
Washington, DC 20064-0001
United States - RSVP: Washington D.C.
During the Admissions Brief, we will discuss:
- What West Point Offers: Learn why West Point stands as a premier institution for leadership development, academic excellence, and character growth.
- Life as a Cadet: Gain firsthand insights into the daily life of a West Point Cadet, including academics, athletics, and leadership training.
- The Application Process: Understand the steps to apply to West Point and gather valuable tips to enhance your application.
Class of 2025 Info
BCPS Financial Aid night
Monday, Oct 21, 2024, 06:00 PM
New Town High School, New Town Boulevard, Owings Mills, MD, USA
Panther Prep Day
Seniors should plan to be at Pikesville High on October 29 from 7:40 to 11am, for Panther Prep Day, which includes senior mock interviews. Regardless of what day you have your English 12 class, this day is a chance to have your resume reviewed by, and have a practice interview with, a community member.
College Application Coach Class
Mr. Goldman will hold a college application coach class after school through September and October. There is a limit to five students who made appointments. Please use this link to sign up for a coach class appointment:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D48ADAD2FA1FD0-51272031-college
College Application Fee Waivers
While Common App does make blanket application fee waivers available to those who qualify, they added language this year that states that attending a school where all students get free lunch does not automatically qualify a student for a fee waiver.
If you would like to apply for Free & Reduced Meals, click this link.
Scholars Programs requiring a nomination
If you would like to be nominated for one of these college's scholars programs, please let Mr. Goldman know.
University of Virginia: Jefferson Scholars or Walentas Scholars
Stevens Institute of Tech: iSTEM (deadline is Nov 11)
NC State Park Scholars (just apply; no nomination required) (deadline Nov 1)
Davidson College Belk Scholarship
Diversity Overnight Programs
Mr. Goldman posted 20 of these to schoology in June, but a few more are accepting applications:
Oberlin College (Deadline Sept 22)
Hamilton College (deadline Sept 3)
Mount Holyoke College (deadline Oct 11)
University of Rochester (deadline Oct 4)
Miami (OH) (deadline Sept 23)
Olin College of Engineering (deadline for Mr. Goldman to Nominate is 9/18)
Vamonos a Penn State!
¡Vámonos a Penn State!
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re inviting your students on a free bus trip to Penn State University Park on Monday, October 7! The trip includes bus transportation, meals, campus tours, and multicultural activities while learning all that Penn State has to offer.
The bus will service two locations.
Washington, D.C. area The bus stop for Washington, D.C. area students will be at the Greenbelt Metro Station. Students board promptly at 6:30 a.m., and return approximately at 9:00 p.m.
Baltimore, MD area The bus stop for Baltimore, MD area students will be at the National Aquarium. Students board promptly at 7:15 a.m., and return at approximately 8:00 p.m.
Seats are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis! Space is limited.
¡Vámonos a Penn State!
Sincerely,
Penn State Admissions Strategic Partnerships
Upcoming SAT/ACT dates and deadlines
Sept 20: Deadline to register for October SAT and ACT
Oct 5: SAT
Oct 18: Deadline to register for November SAT
Oct 26: ACT
Nov 2: SAT
Nov 8: Deadline to register for Dec ACT
Nov 22: Deadline to register for December SAT
Dec 7: SAT
Dec 14: ACT
Register for SAT at www.collegeboard.org
Register for ACT at www.actstudent.org
Scholarship Opportunities
Paws for Progress scholarship - deadline March 1
It’s with this connection to our schools and community that we are excited to offer a $1,000 scholarship called the “Paws for Progress” to a graduating senior who is planning to pursue a career in veterinary medicine or an animal-related field.
We kindly ask that you share this scholarship opportunity with area students, particularly those interested in veterinary medicine, animal science, or related fields. The application process is straightforward, and we are eager to support a student who shares our passion for animals and community service. We self-funded the $1000 award, but are collecting for a second place scholarship of $500. So far, we have raised $200 and are certain we will reach our goal! We would love to be able to get our scholarship information out to as many schools as possible to share with your students. If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to contact me!
https://bold.org/scholarships/paws-for-progress-scholarship/
Boston University Trustee Scholarship - Deadline Dec 1
I am pleased to announce the 49th annual Boston University Trustee Scholarship Competition. For more than four decades, the Boston University Trustee Scholars Program has attracted students with outstanding academic ability from around the world. Trustee Scholars rank at the top of their classes and demonstrate exceptional leadership in their schools and communities. Scholarship recipients are selected by a faculty committee from a competitive pool of applicants after rigorous review. The Trustee Scholarship covers full undergraduate tuition plus orientation and mandatory undergraduate student fees for four years. I invite you to encourage your highest achieving students to apply for the Trustee Scholarship. To be considered, students must submit their application for admission with one Trustee Scholarship essay by December 1, 2024. More information about the Trustee Scholarship can be found on our website.
If you have any additional questions, please contact my office at 617-353-2300 or admissions@bu.edu.
Best wishes,
John C. McEachern
Executive Director of Admissions
Ursinus College Ables Scholarship
Greetings from Ursinus College, a small liberal arts school located 30 miles outside of Philadelphia! As the college application season is right around the corner, I am writing to let you know of an incredibly exciting scholarship opportunity for your students!
The Abele Scholars Program at Ursinus is a great fit for higher achieving students in and out of the classroom with demonstrated financial need. To be eligible, a student will need to be a U.S. citizen residing in any of the 50 U.S. states or Washington, D.C., have a high school GPA of 3.0+, and have a SAI of $40,000 or less.
Throughout their time at Ursinus, Abele Scholars will receive support with special programming such as mentorship and workshops. They will also receive:
- $40,000 - Annual and renewable $10,000/year scholarship
- $3,000 - Enrichment funds for study abroad, internships, etc.
- $2,000 - Startup costs (like a laptop, books, dorm supplies)
- $8,000 - Maximum payment toward student's federal direct loans upon completion of the program
...For a total of $53,000 per student!
More information about our Abele Scholars Program is available on our website.
Social-Emotional Resources and events
Career-related Info
Class of 2026 Info
Oct 29: Panther Prep Day
Like last year, the 11th graders will get to choose whether they wish to spend Panther Prep Day taking the PSAT, the ASVAB, or going on a field trip to CCBC. More information will be discussed in English 11 classes. Students who take the PSAT will need to be able to access their College Board accounts.
Upcoming SAT/ACT dates and deadlines
Jan 3: Deadline to register for February ACT
Feb 8: ACT
Feb 21: Deadline to register for March SAT
Mar 8: SAT
April 18: Deadline to register for May SAT
May 3: SAT
May 22: Deadline to register for June SAT
Jun 7: SAT
Register for SAT at www.collegeboard.org
Register for ACT at www.actstudent.org
SAT Registration fee waiver is available from the student College Board account.
If you would like to apply for Free and Reduced Meals, click here.
Service Learning Opportunities (Mr. Babcock is SSL coordinator)
B&O Railroad Museum
My name is Sam Hughes, and I am the Volunteer and Outreach Manager at the B&O Railroad Museum. We are currently collecting volunteers for those needing service hours for our Polar Express Production starting on November 29th!
Most shows take place on weekends, with shifts lasting from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm or 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm, with food and beverage provided on site.
Volunteers for this event help make it all happen – from the cozy and exciting holiday atmosphere to the warm and friendly visitor assistance. Volunteer roles include greeting guests, assisting with the train boarding, helping operate the lights for the live performance (just a switch, nothing fancy!) and the snow machine, helping with kid’s holiday craft table, and more.
This would be great for students interested in any of the following fields: theater, history, museums, library sciences, or service industry.
All volunteers must be at least 16 years old, and all training will be provided.
Students can sign up directly here or find more information directly from our website here.
Classes of 2027 & 2028
On Panther Prep Day October 29, the 10th grade students will take the practice PSAT and the 9th graders will also take a less official practice PSAT. All students need to have a college board account, and they will have time with school counselors in their English classes to set this up. But to prepare, all students need to have their own email address (not bcps.org)
Application for 2025-2026 magnet programs begins
The application process for BCPS magnet programs will begin at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 10, with the release of magnet applications for the 2025-2026 school year. A magnet brochure describing program offerings is available online.
BCPS encourages students and their families to attend the annual Magnet EXPO! This year’s event will be held from 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Saturday, September 28, at the CCBC Essex Wellness and Athletic Center, 7201 Rossville Blvd., Rossville 21237.