WHS ACCESS NEWSLETTER                                        September 2020
Wheaton High School CollegeTracks Team

Ms. Cait Belney 
Program Director
973.664.7652

Ms. Ertrell Harris
Program Coordinator
301.321.3325

Ms. Genesis Sevilla
Program Assistant


Have a general question? Feel free to contact us at [email protected].
 
Follow WHS CollegeTracks Online 
Deadlines, News, and Announcements are only one click away!


Code: kiordf3

 
 WHAT'S INSIDE? 
 
       WelcomeBack
WELCOME BACK SENIORS!
We are so excited to work with you throughout the entire college process. There is a lot to accomplish, but don't worry! We are here to support you along the way. 


       VirtualSupport
Virtual College Application Support

Even though we are virtual, CollegeTracks will still be able to help through virtual office hours and 1-on-1 meetings.

SeniorToDo
Senior To Do List
  • Complete your resume and brag sheet on Google Classroom.
  • Start on your college essay and submit to Google Classroom for review and feedback.
  • Review your college list with us.
  • Begin completing your Common Application for schools that require it.
  • Create an FSA ID and MDCAPS account for financial aid purposes. See Financial Aid 102 in Google Classroom for instructions.
  • Identify 4 scholarships to apply for.
  • Bookmark our website. Access our website here!

 TestOptional       
TEST OPTIONAL COLLEGES
R

As a result of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, colleges recognize students do not have access to taking the SAT/ACT which is usually required for college admissions.

 

This means that many colleges are test optional for Fall 2021 applicants, meaning they do NOT require test scores for admission.

 

Here is an updated list of schools that are currently test optional.

FAMQUESTION
FAMILY QUESTION OF THE MONTH


MaximizeCollegeMaximize Your College Options!

 

  • VIRTUAL COLLEGE TOURS: Multiple colleges have created virtual tours online, so students can still see the campus and get a feel for the school. This is a great way to get to know about the colleges you're interested in.

  • APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS: Check out the CollegeTracks Scholarship Packet, check your emails from CollegeTracks, and do scholarship searches to access more money for college. Also, Naviance has a large scholarship list as well! 

  • TRACK YOUR DEADLINES: There are multiple deadlines in the college application process. Make a list of these deadlines and utilize your college matrix and virtual to do list, so you don't forget important dates.

  • STRIVE FOR A 2.5 UNWEIGHTED GPA OR ABOVE!: Don't forget to focus on your schoolwork and try your best in all your classes. If you are struggling in a class, make sure you talk to your teacher to get the help you need.

 

Scholarshipsss

 Let us know if you're applying for any of these scholarships! 
 

NAME: Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
DUE DATE: 9/21/20
AMOUNT: Up to $25,000
ELIGIBILITY: No application required. No citizenship eligibility required. Must be a senior in high school or in college. Essay between 800 and 1600 words required. One entry per student per contest.
MORE INFO: Click here

NAME: Shout it Out Scholarship 
DUE DATE: 9/30/20
AMOUNT: $1500
ELIGIBILITY: Be a high school student. Must be U.S. Citizen or permanent resident. Must submit a 250 word or less essay on the following topic: "If you could say one thing to the entire world at once, what would it be and why?"
MORE INFO: Click here

NAME: Because College is Expensive Scholarship
DUE DATE: 9/30/20
AMOUNT: $500
ELIGIBILITY: Grades 11-12. Must be US citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa. Must be planning to enroll in college within the next 24 months. One entry per person. "Like" them on Facebook for an extra entry.
MORE INFO: Click here


CollegeSpot

University of Maryland
College Park


Location: College Park, Maryland
Application Deadlines:
November 1 (Priority) | January 20 (Regular)

FUN FACTS

1. UMD-College Park is a very large research university that has over 40,000 students.

2. There are over 90 different undergraduate majors. Some include: Criminology, Aerospace Engineering, Human Development, and Public Policy.

3. UMD has its very own Zen garden. The Garden of Reflection and Remembrance is a place that many visit just to have a calm place to visit on campus.

4. UMD has over 800 clubs, sports, fraternities, and sororities, so getting involved on campus will be easy.


Learn more about UMD here!
Wheres_Waldo
HOW TO FIND US?

CollegeTracks staff are available to communicate with students and parents via text, email, social media, or by phone. 

Our hours are as follows:
Monday-Friday
9:00am-5:00pm

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need any form of support!

www.collegetracksusa.org