Friday, February 17, 2017

Updates - Class of 2018

Deadline to register for April 8 ACT is March 3

Becker College Spring Open House
Saturday March 4
10am - 1pm
Visit www.becker.edu/openhouse

Putney Student Travel Educational Summer Programs
Partnerships with National Geographic and New York Times
www.ngstudentexpeditions.com
www.nytimes.com/studentjourneys

Middlesex Community College Transition Program Information Session
Thursday March 2
Bedford Campus Center
7pm - 8:30pm

Summer at WPI
Frontiers: Pre-College Program: July 9-21 or July 23-August 4
wpi.edu/+frontiers
Launch: August 7-11
wpi.edu/+launch
Other WPI summer opportunities at wpi.edu/+summer

Boston Architectual College Summer Academy 2017
Program Dates: June 26-July 28 
Open Houses
Saturday February 25 from 11am - 12:30pm
Saturday March 25 from 11am - 12:30pm
Thursday April 6 from 5:30-7pm

Bucknell University Summer Academy Experience
Rising juniors or seniors
July 25-July 29
Find more information and the applicatiion link at bucknell.edu/BASE

Marist Summer Pre-College
2017 Program Dates:
New York Session 1: June 25 - July8
New York Session 2: July 9 - July22
Italy: July 9 - July 22
Get more information and apply at www.marist.edu/precollege

Champlain College Young Writers' Conference, May 26-28.
OUR 2017 KEYNOTE SPEAKER, AWARD-WINNING POET AND ESSAYIST NAOMI SHIHAB NYE, is the author of more than 30 volumes, including 19 Varieties of Gazelle: Poems of the Middle East; A Maze Me; Red Suitcase; Words under the Words; Fuel; You & Yours; Mint Snowball; Never in a Hurry: Essays on People and Places; I’ll Ask You Three Times, Are you Okay?; Habibi; and Going, Going.  In addition to receiving numerous fellowships and awards, Naomi’s work has been presented on NPR’s A Prairie Home Companion and The Writer’s Almanac. She was featured in two PBS poetry specials, and has appeared on NOW with Bill Moyers. Born to a Palestinian father and an American mother, Naomi refers to herself as a "wandering poet."

The postmark DEADLINE OF FEBRUARY 24 is fast approaching and the blue lights are flashing. If you have a tale to spin, or a story to share, please visit our website: http://www.champlain.edu/write

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

IMPORTANT: JUNIOR UPDATE

Due to the snow day on Monday 2/13 we have re-scheduled our Junior Parent Night to:

 Monday, March 6, 2017 - 6:30 PM - Westford Academy (PAC).

In addition, we will be making our PowerPoint Presentation available on our Guidance webpage later this week.   

Please see "Junior To Do List" below that we are asking students to complete before our individual college meetings in the coming weeks.

Class of 2018
Juniors

Please complete the following items before scheduling your junior/parent meeting with your Guidance Counselor:

In Naviance, under “About Me”

o            Junior Year Profile
o            Cluster Finder Survey
o            Personality Survey (Do What You Are)

In Naviance, under “Colleges”
    
o       Initial College Search
o   Please save the search so we can review it in your meeting
o       List colleges under “Colleges I’m Thinking About”

Junior Job Shadow Agreement Form – due March 10, 2017
    
o       School to Careers Website
o   Use your Westford Google to login and fill out agreement form
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Register NOW - limited seats available at each test center
o   Sign up for the SAT at www.collegeboard.org
o   March 11 test date @ WA – deadline to register Feb 10
o   May 6 test date – deadline to register April 7
o   June 3 test date – deadline to register May 9
o   Sign up for the ACT at www.actstudent.org
o   April 8 test date – deadline to register March 3
o   June 10 test date – deadline to register May 5

o            AP registration at www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/222335
o   March 5 @ 11:59 pm - Regular Registration Deadline
o   March 17 @ 11:59 pm - Late Registration Deadline
No Exceptions!

Friday, February 10, 2017

Scholarship Opportunities - Class of 2017

NEACRAO Scholarship Opportunity

Each year, the New England Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers awards scholarships to three high school graduates who will be enrolling in a NEACRAO member institution for the fall semester of that year. Each recipient of the scholarship is selected from candidates who are recommended by New England secondary school guidance professionals. Each student who is selected receives $2000 upon proof of enrollment in an NEACRAO member institution.

For complete scholarship information, visit our website.
 https://neacrao.org/about/scholarship-information/

PROCEDURES FOR APPLICATIONS
Scholarship applications must be submitted by March 15, 2017. The NEACRAO Scholarship Committee will review all scholarship applications that are post-marked by March 15th. In the event that no applications are made for the scholarship in a given year, the award set aside for that year shall be distributed in the following year. Application forms are available on our website.

Questions? Contact Ari Kaufman at akaufman@berklee.edu.










Unigo Sweet and Simple Scholarship
https://www.unigo.com/scholarships/our-scholarships/sweet-and-simple-scholarship

Think back to a time when you received a special gift that seemed so unassuming yet made such a strong impact in your life. Was it a present you could open in a box or a humble gesture from a stranger?

Your gift will forever be priceless, but our Sweet and Simple Scholarship can help sweeten that present with a $1,500 award towards your college education. So, for those looking for an easy scholarship, keep it simple - sweet and simple.
Applicants must:
  • Be thirteen (13) years of age or older at the time of application
  • Be legal residents of the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia
  • Be currently enrolled (or enroll no later than the fall of 2023) in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher education
Submit an online written response for the question:
"Not every gift has to be expensive or extravagant. In fact, sometimes it's the sweet and simple things that make a real difference in our lives. Think back and tell us about something you received as a gift and why it meant so much to you." (250 words or less) 

The Sweet and Simple Scholarship winner will be notified by email or phone on or around May 28, 2017.

Summer Opportunities


Find Yourself at Stanford.
 
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies offer highly motivated, intellectually curious students the opportunity to investigate topics not typically taught in secondary schools. Students engage in small classes taught by instructors who are experts in their fields and passionate about teaching. In this setting, students hone their academic skills and form new friendships with intellectual peers.

Learn More

Stanford Sports Business Academy – Grades 10-11
Students get a glimpse into the world of sports and entertainment, with a focus on management, law, negotiation, marketing, and leadership.

Summer Humanities Institute – Grades 10-11
A three-week residential program where students explore the big questions at the heart of the humanities in seminars led by distinguished Stanford professors.

Summer Arts Institute – Grades 9-11
Students come together for a three-week intensive arts program offering academically challenging, interdisciplinary courses in art, visual design, and music.

Artificial Intelligence Laboratory’s Outreach Summer Program – Grade 9
The Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory has opened its lab doors with a summer program aimed at increasing the number of women in science.

High School Summer College – Ages 16-19
High-achieving students to enroll in Stanford’s Summer Quarter and take the same courses as fully matriculated Stanford students and other visiting undergraduates.

Summer Institutes – Grades 8-11
A three-week summer residential program where students engage in single-subject intensive study and benefit from small class size and academically themed residences.

Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) – Grades 10-11
SUMaC welcomes an elite group of talented current students from around the world for intensive study in advanced mathematics.

University-Level Online Math and Physics – Grades 9-12
13 courses are offered throughout the year to give students the opportunity to take an advanced offering of math and physics courses not typically available in secondary schools.

Stanford Online High School – Grades 7-12
Through vibrant, real-time, online seminars, the rigorous curriculum challenges students to reason analytically, think creatively, and argue critically.  Stanford OHS offers a number of enrollment options including taking a single course.























Studying Business? Stand out on your college applications.









There's no denying that competition for acceptance into the best universities is tough. So, why not spend your summer getting ahead! And give yourself something to talk about on your college admissions essay at the same time.
Calling all aspiring business students and future leaders to check out these exciting summer program options:
Need help deciding the best program for you? Contact us at info@summerdiscovery.com or apply today.


New Program Announcement: Penn Summer Prep 2 week Programs









Want to get an Ivy League experience this summer at the University of Pennsylvania? The Penn Summer Prep Program allows ambitious students to enroll in two undergraduate-level modules from across disciplines while benefiting from the rich educational resources of the university.
For students completing grades 9, 10, and 11.
Session A: July 10 – July 22
Session B: July 24 – August 5
Module topics include:
  • Law
  • Biology
  • Creative Writing
  • SAT/College Admissions Prep
  • Neuroscience
  • ...and many more!
Visit the Penn Summer Prep website for more details and to apply today.
Want to learn about 3 week Academies and other special programs at University of Pennsylvania? Check out these summer opportunities:
Questions? Contact us at info@summerdiscovery.com.


Renzulli Discovery Programs for gifted middle school students









Develop your gifted potential and become the world’s next generation of problem solvers and leaders at these top university locations:
Why Renzulli Discovery Programs?

  • Learn from a gifted and talented expert. Our program’s creator, Dr. Joseph Renzulli, is a leading expert worldwide in the field of gifted and talented education.
  • Identify your areas of gifted potential. Prior to the summer, students take an assessment created by Dr. Joseph Renzulli to identify areas of talent, learning styles and interests.
  • Participate in a project-based approach to learning. Students work hands-on to collaboratively solve Real-Life-Problems in areas of interest.
Students pick 1 Enrichment Cluster from the following areas of study:

  • STEM
  • Business & Entrepreneurship
  • Humanities
  • Creative & Performing Arts
Interested? Contact us at info@summerdiscovery.com or apply today.


Interested in something special? More program highlights.





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The best part about partnering with 14 universities and offering 300+ course options is that we have the perfect program for you!
Did you know about these amazing summer opportunities?
Let us find the best program for you. Contact us at info@summerdiscovery.com or apply today.









Spring College Visit Opportunities

College Open Houses

Gettysburg College Junior Open House
Friday, February 17th
Saturday, April 1st
Friday, April 28th
Registration can be found on our website: www.gettysburg.edu



2017-2018 Common Application Essay Prompts

The Common Application Announces 2017-2018 Essay Prompts

We are pleased to share the 2017-2018 Common Application essay prompts with you. The changes you see below reflect the feedback of 108 Common App member colleges and more than 5,000 other Common App constituents, as well as consultation with our advisory committees and Board of Directors. Students represented the single largest share of constituent survey respondents (59%), followed by school counselors (23%), and teachers (11%).

We were gratified to learn that 91% of members and 90% of constituents agree or strongly agree that the current prompts are effective. In addition, the narrative comments we received helped us see areas for improvement in three of the prompts. Working in close consultation with the counselors and admission officers on our advisory committees, we revised these prompts in a way that we believe will help students see expanded opportunities for expressing themselves. Those revisions appear in italics. You will also notice two new prompts. The first asks students to share examples of their intellectual curiosity. The second is a return to inviting students to submit an essay on a topic of their choice, reframed to help students understand that they are welcome to draw inspiration from multiple sources, not just their own creativity.

The word limit on the essay will remain at 650.

The goal of these revisions is to help all applicants, regardless of background or access to counseling, see themselves and their stories within the prompts. They are designed to invite unencumbered discussions of character and community, identity, and aspiration. To this end, we will be creating new educational resources to help students both understand and approach the opportunities the essay presents for them.


1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. [No change]

2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? [Revised]

3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? [Revised]

4. Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution. [No change]

5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. [Revised]

6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? [New]
7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design. [New]

IMPORTANT: Senior Cap & Gowns

Graduation Caps & Gowns
Seniors who did not order a cap and gown last week, please pick up the “Instructions For Late Cap & Gown Orders" (available on the counter in the Main Office.)  Also, please speak with Mrs. Langille if you have any questions, and please let her know if you will be wearing a sibling's robe so that you can be taken off the "outstanding order" list.

Monday, February 6, 2017

Class of 2018 Updates

MARCH 11 SAT REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS THIS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017.

College Open Houses/Information Sessions

Colgate University Saturday Programs for Spring 2017
February 18
March 4, 11, 18, 25
April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Register at colgate.edu/visit or call 315-228-7401
Registration for Saturday programs begins at 9:30 a.m. Reservations are recommended

Registration is now open for Rutgers School of Engineering tours for the spring semester. There will only be four tour dates for prospective students (students that have not applied for fall 2017 enrollment).

On Friday, February 10 the tour will begin at 12:45 p.m. at the Fiber Optics Building and will include an Engineering Dean's Overview, Student Panel, an engineering departmental visit and a chance to see a Busch Residence Hall. A detailed itinerary will be provided once registered.

On Fridays, March 31, April 14, and April 21, our Knight for a Day tours begin at 10 a.m. at the Visitor Center with an admissions information session, followed by a five-campus bus tour. During the bus tour, families will be able to view one of the first-year residence halls on the Busch Campus. They will also break for lunch (on their own) before heading to the school-specific portion of the day at 1 p.m. Again, a detailed itinerary will be provided once registered.

Department options include one of the following:
•    Biomedical & Chemical/Biochemical
•    Civil/Environmental & Materials Science
•    Electrical/Computer & Industrial Systems
•    Mechanical/Aerospace & Applied Science/Packaging

Families can register for these tours while space is available. To learn more about the engineering tours, please visit soe.rutgers.edu/tours.

Want to learn more about life at Landmark College? Register to visit our campus Saturday, March 4. This event is open to all students who are interested in touring our beautiful Vermont campus, meeting professors, and learning more about how Landmark College can be a key part of their success. Whether you are looking to transfer from another college, pursue an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree from LC, or build skills through a Summer Program, this is your opportunity to experience LC firsthand.

While you’re here, you can:
Go on a campus tour
Attend demonstration classes and hear student stories
Learn about our academic supports, degree programs, study abroad programs, athletics, student life, and more
Learn about Financial Aid—generous scholarships available
Discover Putney, Vermont
See how Landmark College students defy different:

Register here for our March 4 Open House. If you’re unable to attend but would like to speak to an Admissions director, email us at admissions@landmark.edu or call us at 802-387-6718 to register.

Springfield National College Fair will be a one day event on Monday, April 3 with a morning and evening session.
Monday, April 3, 2017  9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Young Building, Eastern States Exposition Grounds (Big E)
1305 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, MA  01089
*There is a $5 parking fee for cars at the Big E.

Boston National College Fair will be a two day event on Sunday May 7 (2pm - 5pm) and Monday May 8 (8:30am-12:30pm)
Boston Convention and Exhibition Center
Hall C
You should be receiving information from NACAC about the fair and student online registration. It is recommended that students register and print their bar codes (or have it ready on their smart phone) prior to the arriving at the fair in order to maximize their time speaking with the college representatives and not waiting in line for one of the limited computer stations.

For more information on the fair, please visit the NACAC website.

George Mason School of Engineering

The Volgenau School of Engineering at George Mason University offers phenomenal opportunities for students who are interested in engineering, computer science, or information technology. The Volgenau School  of Engineering is hosting two Volgenau Visit Days this spring, and you are invited. These special engineering open house events are reserved for high school juniors, and feature a complimentary luncheon, admissions and academic information session, a tour of campus, and an opportunity to meet with faculty members from our academic programs.
Please RSVP individually for one of two sessions:

Friday, March 3, 2017
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
 
Monday, March 27, 2017
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Your students may RSVP for the date of their choosing by visiting: admissions.gmu.edu/rsvp/vsevisitdays. As there are limited spaces available, please have them RSVP as soon as possible and plan to bring only one additional guest.

The greater D.C. area is home to more than 20,000 information technology companies, and Mason proudly has the second largest concentration of research and development activity in the nation. Mason often stands in the national spotlight for its innovative and entrepreneurial programs, and the Volgenau School of Engineering is no exception. In fact, Affordable Colleges Online recently ranked the Volgenau School of Engineering as the #6 "High ROI College for Engineering Majors," highlighting the value of a Mason education.

Summer Programs

Boston University's College of Communication offers creative high school students the opportunity to develop their cinematic or journalistic storytelling skills at the Academy of Media Production (AMP)
July 10th - August 4th, 2017. In this life-changing, four-week summer experience, AMP students will:

Learn from expert hands-on instruction

Create videos, webcasts, multi-camera productions and more

Discover educational and professional opportunities

Live on campus in Boston and get a sense of college life

Applications are currently being accepted. It's time to AMP UP!

Program Information & Application Materials: bu.edu/amp

Boston University Summer Programs
Applications are now live for the 2017 Summer Term High Schools Programs at Boston University via our website.

This year, we are offering five pre-college programs for your students to choose from. All five provide rigorous and collaborative college life experiences that will enable them to gain a strong sense of their personal and academic potential. Here is a brief overview of our programs:

High School Honors is a six-week residential, commuter, or online program in which students take Boston University undergraduate courses and earn up to eight transferable college credits. Students must be entering their junior or senior year of high school in fall 2017.

RISE Internship/Practicum is a six-week non-credit residential or commuter program in which students conduct scientific research in a university lab under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Students must be entering their senior year of high school in fall 2017. International Students are not eligible for the RISE program.

Academic Immersion (AIM) is a three-week non-credit residential program for students to focus intensively on a single academic topic while enjoying and experiencing life on a college campus. This summer we are offering two AIM tracks: Introduction to Experimental Psychology and Introduction to Medicine. Both tracks combine classroom work in the sciences with experiential learning activities. Students must be entering their junior or senior year of high school in fall 2017.

Summer Challenge is a two-week residential program in which students take two non-credit seminars of their choice and experience life on a college campus. Students must be entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school in fall 2017.

Summer Preview is a one-week non-credit commuter or residential program in which students explore one subject of interest while previewing the college experience. Students must be entering their freshman or sophomore year of high school in fall 2017.

Ronald Reagan Student Leadership Program

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

NEACAC’s Annual Essay Contest for High School Juniors and Seniors

NEACAC’s Annual Essay Contest for High School Juniors and Seniors  

Submit an essay for NEACAC’s Annual Essay Contest. Students from NEACAC-member high schools in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont are invited to submit a 500-word essay on the following topic:

Describe a counselor, teacher, or coach who has had the greatest influence on your decision to attend college. How has this individual impacted your future? What will you do in college or beyond that will make a difference in your community?

There will be six winners – one from each of the New England States – who will each be awarded a $1000 Scholarship. The application for the Essay Contest for 2017 will open on February 1, 2017 and will be available through April 8, 2017. More information and the contest application will be found online at:  http://www.neacac.org/essay-contest-information-application

 Questions? Contact essaycontest@neacac.org.