-Scholarships with deadlines in March and April

-March tasks for Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshman

-Upcoming Events

This interactive session will provide valuable tools and strategies to help students navigate stress, build resilience, and enhance emotional well-being. Separate presentations will be available for elementary and secondary students, ensuring age-appropriate discussions and practical techniques.

CCBC College Fair is co-hosted by Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) and the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC). This special event connects BCPS students with a wide range of colleges and universities from across the country.

Please register in advance for this free event.

Tuesday, March 11

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

CCBC Catonsville

Wednesday, March 12

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

CCBC Essex

The National Hispanic College Fair is coming to CCBC Dundalk on April 30, 2025. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to connect with colleges and universities that actively support Hispanic and Latino students in their higher education journey.

📅 Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
📍 Location: CCBC Dundalk

The National Hispanic College Fair (NHCF) is organized by the National Hispanic College Fairs, a division of the National Educational Services (NES). For over 30 years, NHCF has worked to bridge the gap between Hispanic students and higher education by connecting them with colleges, universities, and scholarship opportunities tailored to their needs.

Students attending the fair will have the chance to meet admissions representatives, learn about financial aid, and explore programs designed to support their success in college.

Are you considering a career in pharmacy? Join the Notre Dame of Maryland University School of Pharmacy for an informational session to learn more about their pharmacy program.

This session will cover:
✔️ Program structure and curriculum
✔️ Admission requirements and application process
✔️ Career opportunities in the field of pharmacy

Join Notre Dame for an upcoming virtual information session. Connect with faculty and students to learn more about the program by clicking the link below

Seniors, you're almost to the finish line, but you still have some responsibilities to finish up before your high school career is over. Here’s what you should focus on throughout the month of March:

1. Start Making College Decisions

First, celebrate your college acceptances! Don't forget to acknowledge your wins and how amazing you are. If you are torn between two or more schools, make time to revisit and review those colleges and conduct a college visit. Once you have made your decision, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/8PyqNPbWwV21Wmge7. Please also bring your acceptance letters to Ms. Weinstock in the School Counseling office so she can make a copy of it for your records.

2. Stay Focused

We all know that Senioritis is real. Do your best to fight it. There is a lot to gain from ending the year with good grades, as you'll be well prepared for final and AP exams.

3. Apply for Scholarships

As always, you should continue to apply for scholarships. Paying for college will require you to pull from a variety of resources, and you can always use extra money to pay for school!

After you are done celebrating this huge milestone, please make sure to bring your acceptance letter to Ms. Weinstock in the School Counseling Office so she can make a copy of it for your records.

Some bachelor degree granting institutions do not require all or most recent U.S. high school graduates applying for fall 2024 to submit ACT/SAT results before admissions decisions are made. Some schools only exempt applicants who meet minimum grade or class rank criteria; others use ACT/SAT scores solely for course placement. Please check with individual schools for details.

Click here for more information: https://fairtest.org/test-optional-list/

You want to select the college that will best satisfy your needs, interests, lifestyle, and personal and professional goals. A good "match" between you and your college will be the key to your success and happiness over the next four years. Establish with your parents the budget for application fees and only apply to colleges that you really would attend if accepted. To help you make that difficult final decision, the following "helpful hints" may assist you in determining which college is right for you.

Colleges offer open house programs in the fall for seniors and their parents. Physically placing yourself on the campus and talking to staff and students gives you a better sense of yourself in that environment.

There are also virtual tours and interactive communication sites with current students on the internet that can help in your search for the college that is the best fit for you.

We will advertise any college fairs that come to the area. College fairs are an opportunity for you to speak with college representatives in person.

Representatives from many colleges schedule visits to Towson High school throughout the first semester. You must sign up ahead of time on Schoology to attend a presentation. Information about the visits will be published on a regular basis through the school counseling office.

Things to Consider When Choosing a College:

-Academic program

-Location (urban, suburban, rural)

-Size (small, medium, large)

-Extracurricular activities

-Housing accommodations

-Actual cost of attending

-Technology resources

-Job placement services after graduation

Athletes

If you are planning to participate in Division I or II sports in college, you must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse ASAP at www.ncaaeligibilitycenter.org.

“Applying Early” Definitions

Many students like the idea of applying to colleges early, having the process completed by Thanksgiving. Below is an explanation of some of the terms used to describe the various ways of applying early:

Early Decision

Some colleges offer an Early Decision deadline. The Early Decision admission deadline is for those students who are certain of their college choice. Application deadlines for early decision deadlines are usually in October or November. A student who applies to a school under an early decision deadline must sign a contract (as do the student’s parents and school counselor) which states that the student will attend that school if accepted. The student also states that they will withdraw any and all other applications submitted to other schools and that they will not submit any others. Applying to a school Early Decision is a serious and binding commitment. You should speak with your counselor and parents before deciding to apply Early Decision.

Early Action

Early Action deadlines are similar to that described above, but the important difference is that your acceptance is not binding. Most early action deadlines are in November and December, and you will usually receive a decision before winter break. You will have until May 1st, however, to decide whether or not you will attend that school. You may still apply to other schools even if accepted under this deadline. Decisions under this deadline are made primarily on the basis of your performance through junior year. .

How to Obtain a College Application

Apply online via the college website or go to: www.commonapp.org you can use this one application for multiple colleges to save you time. Make a copy of your completed application before you submit it. Also, print your confirmation page/email when you submit the application.

Application Essay

The application essay is a perfect opportunity for you to directly address the college’s admission committee to introduce them to you from a personal perspective. You can share your reasons for applying to a particular college, career goals, insights, and opinions as well as your accomplishments. Through your essay, the committee will be able to assess your communication skills, while acquiring a broader understanding of your attitudes, feelings, imagination and creativity. The essay should help them to distinguish you as an individual from the other applicants.

Arrange with your English teacher to have him/her read the rough draft of your essay and assist you with changes, as needed. Remember, this is a process that takes time. Start early to afford yourself the time to create a well written essay that you will be proud to submit to the admission committee.

Follow-up after Completion of the Application

Check your account on the college website after the application has been submitted online to make sure it has been received. Periodically check your college account to make sure your transcript, letters of recommendation and your SAT/ACT scores have been received before the application deadline. The School Counseling Office does not send test scores. You will receive communication from the college at varying times regarding additional information that may be needed as well as the admission decisions.

Please communicate with your school counselor should you have any questions or need assistance.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Counselor Recommendation:

Your school counselor will automatically write a letter of recommendation for you once you request a transcript via Xello. Complete the Brag Sheet in Xello. Your counselor will use these when completing your recommendation letter.

The counselor will need at least TEN (10) school days to complete the counselor documents before it is submitted to the colleges to which you are applying. Please watch your deadline date to assure that your paperwork will be completed by the date designated.

Teacher Recommendation:

Most colleges require teacher recommendations. Carefully consider two academic teachers; preferably ones who you have worked closely with and that you feel confident will write a complimentary recommendation for you. It may be a teacher from a previous year. After speaking with your teacher, request a teacher recommendation via Common App. If your school is not in Common App, you will request the letter through Xello.

To request teacher letters of recommendation:

1. Speak with your teacher.

2. Sign on to Xello.

3. Click on "College Planning" on the home page.

4. Under college applications, select the institution.

5. Under application checklist, find recommendation letters.

6. Click request.

Official Transcript Permission Form

An essential step in the college application process is to have your high school transcript sent to the colleges to which you are applying. Have your parent/guardian sign the Official Transcript Permission Form, which allows our staff to send your official high school transcript. Designate on your Xello account the colleges to which you want your transcript to be sent. The form is also available in the School Counseling Office. Complete the required information and return the form to the counseling office at the beginning of senior year if you have not already done it during your junior year.

At mid-year, your transcript will be sent automatically to your colleges with your mid-year grades.

After you graduate, one final transcript will be sent to the college that you are attending in the fall. You will need to indicate on Xello the name of the college you plan to attend in the fall.

Please observe all deadline dates. We process a very high volume of applications. Allow at least two weeks for transcript requests to be processed.

Financial aid is any type of money given to help you pay for college or trade school, and it can come in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, or work-study programs. The money can come from state, local, or federal government, individual colleges, or private donors. Financial Aid can be very complex, so be sure to attend any information offered by your school and to reach out to the financial aid offices of schools that you’re applying to if you have questions. You can also view our Financial Aid 101 Smore Here: https://secure.smore.com/n/mkaun

Grants – This type of aid does not have to be repaid, but there may be an obligation regarding grades while in college, selection of major, or employment upon graduation. Grants are awards that may be based on financial need or other eligibility criteria.

Scholarships – Scholarship recipients may have to meet criteria such as academic achievement, extracurricular activities, community involvement, etc. They may also require certain criteria to be met while in college.

Loans – These usually have lower interest rates than commercial loans and must be repaid generally after you have graduated or left college.

Student employment or work aid – This may mean a job that the college located for you or employment you found on your own.

How to Apply For Financial Aid

Use free websites to do scholarships searches. Start your search for scholarships in September of your senior year. Scholarships are available throughout the year. Criteria for scholarships vary widely: academic merit, leadership, service to school and community, talent, financial need, etc.

The FAFSA is the U.S. Dept. of Education’s free application for federal student aide. The form should be done online at: studentaid.gov. Most colleges award financial need monies based on the determination of need on the FAFSA report. You will need a FSA ID to access the FAFSA.

The State of Maryland requires that you complete the FAFSA to be considered for any State financial aid programs. The State deadline is March 1 of your senior year. Information about scholarships available through the Maryland Higher Education Commission can be accessed at: https://mhec.maryland.gov/preparing/Pages/FinancialAid/descriptions.aspx

International and undocumented students are not eligible for federal aid but may still be eligible for aid from the State of Maryland by completing the MSFAA, or institutional aid by contacting the colleges they are applying to. Additionally, there are a number of private scholarships and organizations available to help undocumented or international students.

Resources for Undocumented Students: https://www.smore.com/5pw2h

MARCH DEADLINES

Paws for Progress -- deadline 03.01.25

Build a Better Future -- deadline 03.03.25

Central Scholarship -- deadline 03.03.25

HOLA at Microsoft Scholarship | Global Diversity and Inclusion at Microsoft -- 03.03.25

Oregon Ridge Nature Center Council Scholarship -- deadline 03.07/25

Ladies of Vision Charities, Inc. (MULTIPLE SCHOLARSHIPS) -- deadline 03.31.25

Bedford Elementary School / The Robyn Kiah-Simmons Memorial Scholarship (applicant must be a former student of Bedford ES) -- deadline 03.28.25

Christina A. Connolly Memorial Scholarship Fund -- deadline 03.28.25

The Women's Traffic and Transportation Club of Baltimore Scholarship -- deadline 03.30.25

2025 Patapsco River Chapter of The Links -- deadline 3.30.35

ESPBC Memorial Scholarship -- deadline 03.31.25

Wave of Promise - Bereaved Sibling Scholarship -- deadline 03.31.25

APRIL DEADLINES

TABCO Scholarships (there are 3) -- deadline 04.01.25

Senator Johnny Ray Salling Maryland 6th District Senatorial Scholarship -- deadline 04.01.25

Dundalk High School Class of 1967 Scholarship Fund (Dundalk HS and Sollers Point HS students only) -- deadline 04.04.25

Eastern Technical High School Allied Health Dr. Mark A. Kukucka Scholars Scholarship (Eastern Tech HS Students Only) -- deadline 04.04.25

Elain House Memorial Scholarship (Lansdowne HS students only) -- deadline 04.04.25

Lorraine W. Long Scholarship Fund (Dundalk HS students only) -- deadline 04.04.25

Lead for Tomorrow in Education Scholarship Fund -- deadline 04.04.25

Pikesville High School Class of 1969 Arnold Potler Memorial Scholarship (Pikesville HS

Stephen M. Moore Memorial Scholarship (Woodlawn HS students only) -- deadline 04.04.25

Woodlawn High School Class of 1970 Scholarship (Woodlawn HS students only) -- deadline 04.04.25

Les Gemmes Inc. College Bound Student Scholarship -- deadline 4.15.25

Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc -- Business, Economic, Entrepreneurial, and Financial Literacy (BEEF) • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) -- deadline 04.18.25

19th Annual Point Breeze Credit Union Scholarship -- deadline 4.30.25

Rockville Model Railroad Scholarship -- deadline 4.30.25

Maryland Central Scholarship -- deadline not announced

The Maryland Department of Human Services Scholarship -- deadline not announced yet

The School Counseling Office will be holding Junior Conferences this Spring! This is a great way for students and parents to understand more about the college application process. Stay tuned for more information.

1. Prepare for the SAT! Towson High School will be holding SAT Day on April 2nd.

2. Plan either virtual or in person college visits.

3. Identify admissions criteria for your top colleges. Visit their admissions page and start figuring out what they want to see. If you haven’t already made a list of your top schools, start now. Research and gather the admissions criteria to figure out which schools are realistic and which schools would be a reach for you. That way, you can have an idea of where you stand academically and where you need to be if you want to gain admission into a particular school.

4. Plan a strong senior year schedule. Colleges want to make sure you’re continually challenging yourself throughout your high school career. Ensure you have a strong, balanced schedule your senior year by planning it out now. High school seniors have a tendency to fight senioritis, and it can begin as early as the end of your junior year. Just remember that your grades during your senior year impact admissions decisions just as much as your freshman, sophomore and junior years of high school.

5. Apply for scholarships!

1. Choose Challenging Courses

Colleges and Universities like to see students taking a rigorous course load. This shows that you're motivated, eager to learn, and willing to challenge yourself. The best way to predict your success in college is to see how well you perform in the toughest high school courses, like AP classes. Add more challenging classes each year of high school, demonstrating your continued growth.

2. Keep Your Grades Up

Of course, simply registering for tough classes isn't enough. You'll also need to perform well in these classes. In every class you take, try your best to do as well as you can. Pay attention in class, take notes, and do your homework. If you're struggling, communicate with your teacher and ask for extra help. See the attached peer tutoring schedule in this newsletter as well as the coach class schedule.

3. Explore Extracurricular Activities

It's also important to be involved with extracurricular activities. Whether it's a club, sport, or organization, find something that you have a genuine interest in and stick with it throughout high school. Colleges prefer to see that you commit to a few activities, take on leadership roles, and add value whenever possible. Please see the attached list of clubs and organizations offered at THS below.

4. Build Relationships

Make sure you prioritize building relationships with your teachers and school counselor. You will have to ask them for letters of recommendation when it's time to apply to colleges. Your school counselor is also going to be one of the best resources for you as you decide on post-secondary options.

5. Start Learning about Colleges and Careers

It's never too early to start learning about colleges and careers! Begin thinking about what you like to do, what areas you excel in, and how these talents and interests might translate to a college major and a future career. Attend college fairs and start considering what you're looking for in a college. Talk to your parents, school counselor, and other adults in your life about their careers and about potential careers related to your passions.