October is College Awareness Month 

College Awareness Month - October 2012

At DCPS, we know that high school graduation is not the end of our students’ education – it’s only the beginning of an academic life focused on higher learning, whether at a two-year community college or a four-year university. College Awareness Month is a district-wide effort of DCPS, college access providers, and other partners to promote college as an option for your children.

College Awareness Day - October 10, 2012

On Wednesday, Oct. 10, DCPS will again hold its College Awareness Day as a way to kickoff College Awareness Month.

To generate enthusiasm for college – from preschool to senior year – we’re celebrating our school spirit and pride by wearing and displaying college gear on Wednesday.

DCPS teachers and staff: Please take pictures with your colleagues  and students* wearing your favorite college attire and send them to dcps.communications@dc.gov

(*If you send pictures with students, please make sure they have a media release on file at their schools.)

Tools to help you make smart decisions about college

The college application process can be daunting. But the Office of College and Career Readiness is here to help you. It’s our job to help you and your children learn how you can prepare to be successful college applicants and earn a college degree.

A key component to making a smart college selection is evaluating colleges and universities based on the history of college graduation rates and if the family can afford the potential college after financial aid is calculated.

Below are a few resources which may be of assistance as you navigate the range of colleges and universities available to you and your children. College is possible.  You can make a better informed college decision by using the resources below and seeking guidance from your school counselor, DC College Access Program (DC-CAP) advisor and other trusted counselors and mentors.

• BigFuture College Match includes a range of interactive tools to explore college options and learn more about the financial aid process.
• College Results Online (CRO)  is an interactive, user-friendly Web tool designed to provide students, families and others with information about college graduation rates for nearly any four-year college or university in the country.                       
• College Navigator  [Recommended by the US Department of Education]
• College Affordability and Transparency Center  [Recommended by the US Department of Education]
• Fair Test provides a list of college and universities that do not use or have deemphasized use of test scores to determine admission.

• FinAid! provides students and parents with comprehensive financial aid guidance. 

• National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) provides students and parents with college admission and financial aid guidance.

If you have any questions please email us at occr@dc.gov

SAT Registration Deadline - October 4, 2012

Students may register on the SAT website to take the SAT or the SAT Subject Tests on November 3, 2012. The late registration deadline is October 19, 2012.

The next SAT test date is December 1, 2012.  The registration deadline for the December 1 test is November 1, 2012.  

For additional information regarding SAT test dates, test practice and information about the college admissions process please visit the College Board website at www.collegeboard.org

Preliminary SAT (PSAT/NMSQT) – October 17, 2012

Ninth, tenth and eleventh graders will take preliminary college entrance exams at every DCPS high school free of charge. Ninth grade students will take the Readistep, assessment which is the college preparatory test recommended by College board for ninth grade students and is the first step on the College and Career Readiness Pathway, an integrated assessment system that includes the PSAT/NMSQT®  and SAT®.  Tenth and eleventh graders will take the PSAT/NMSQT, which is a college preparatory test of critical reading, math and writing skills.  

The ReadiStep/PSAT/NMSQT tests are important first steps in preparing for college and the college application process.  All students in grades 9, 10 and 11 should speak with their school counselor regarding the various practice exam options.

Students can also use the College Board Official Student Guide and the TestGear  feature on the Individual Graduation Portfolio (IGP ) to prepare for the PSAT. 

ACT Test Date – October 27, 2012

October 27 is the next scheduled test date for the ACT, which is a test that is accepted by most colleges and universities as a component of the college application. Students may register for the test at the ACT website.  Student should also visit the ACT website to find additional test dates, test registration information and explore the college, career and financial aid planning resources available on the website.

ACT Photo Requirements The ACT requires all students to submit a photo as a part of the registration process.

Visit ACT website »

Washington DC College Fair – November 7, 2012

All 11^th and 12^th grade students in DC are invited to attend the morning session of the 2012 Washington DC National College Fair on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at the Washington Convention Center. Over 200 colleges and universities will be represented. Parents and families are also encouraged to attend.

• Download the press release for the 2012 College Fair »
• Tips for Attending the College Fair
• NACAC has provided a Checklist for the College Fair that will prepare students for conversations with college representatives.

Hours

• Morning session – 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.* please talk to your school counselor regarding your school’s scheduled time and transportation arrangements. 11^th and 12^th grade students
• Evening session – 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Open to all students, parents, veterans and the individuals interested in speaking with college representatives.

Registration

All 11^th and 12^th grade students are required to pre-register for the college fair before attending.

Pre-registering for the college fair will allow students to pre-fill their contact information and provide it to college recruiters so that they can spend more time elaborating on special interests, extra-curricular activities, and accomplishments. It also ensures that college recruiters receive accurate and legible contact information for follow-up.

• More information about the Washington DC National College Fair
• Register for the Washington DC Fair *Make sure you have access to a printer in order to print the registration bar code to give to your school counselor*

Sponsor

 National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)