College and Career

College and Career Information

In addition to student’s assigned school counselor, Ayanna Franklin is Kenwood High School’s college and career counselor. She works with students in grades 9-12 and their families as they navigate the world beyond high school. Students can make an appointment to see Ms. Austin in room 109 by filling out a pink appointment request slip in the counseling office. Ms. Franklin can also be reached at afranklin6@bcps.org, 443 809-5925, or through Schoology. Ms. Austin is at Kenwood High School Tuesday-Thursday.

College Resources

Why Go To College?

Generally, more education earns you a higher salary. Checkout the numbers here.

College Planning Information

Kenwood High School uses Naviance for college planning, career assessments, and to process transcript and letter of recommendation requests for college applications. Students and parent/guardians can access Naviance by clicking on the Naviance tile in BCPS One. Parents and students are strongly urged to add a current email address to their Naviance profile, as most college and career related information is emailed through Naviance. Students can access Naviance by clicking on the Naviance tile in BCPS One.

Naviance has a wonderful college search tool called SuperMatch that can help identify colleges which may be a good fit. SuperMatch can be found on the College home page in Naviance. College Raptor is also a great tool that allow students to enter GPA, test scores, and financial info to receive a list of schools ranked by safety, fit or reach with estimated out of pockets costs after financial aid is applied.

Note that college applications are NOT submitted through Naviance. When it comes time to apply, the actual application is to be completed on the college website or Common Application Website, if the school accepts the Common Application. Students must follow the instructions below to request that transcripts and letters of recommendation be sent to their college(s).

The Common Application is one application that can be sent to multiple colleges. If you are applying via the Common Application, you must link your Naviance and Common Application account so your school counselor can submit required documents to your college(s). View this video for a tutorial.

Gradeby Grade College Preparation Checklist

Senior College Planning Guide – This packet is a one-stop information guide for seniors!

Top_10_College_Application_Mistakes

Activity Tracker to keep organized for your resume and/or college application(s).

For Parents

Off to SchoolKit - Parents can fill out if they have a student applying to college or leaving for college, which topics they’re most interested in, and what specific information they’re looking for. Then, click “Create Your Schoolkit” and parents will receive a page of expert tips and resources fit to them and their needs. Once the Schoolkit is saved, it’ll be sent to their inbox so it’s right at their fingertips.

Paying for College – Financial Aid and Scholarships

FederalStudent Financial Aid – What it is and how to get it.

FAFSA and FSAID – In order to receive need-based grants, federal loans, and many scholarships, students MUST complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Before you start the FAFSA, the student and a parent each need an FSA ID. Visit Federal Student Aid website to create one student and one parent FSA ID.

Beginning October 1^stof the student’s senior year, visit the FAFSA website to complete the FAFSA. Students must complete the FAFSA by March 1^st to be eligible for State of Maryland financial aid. Students must have a valid social security number to submit the FAFSA (students who don’t can complete the MSFAA, see below). Never pay to complete your FAFSA. Students will receive a financial aid award letter from each school listed on their FAFSA after submitted the application.

FAFSA4caster is an early eligibility estimator that can help you plan ahead when it comes to paying for college. This can be done at any time.

Video Walk-Through of the 2019-2020 FAFSA so you know what to expect.

MSFAA (Maryland State Financial Aid Application - Qualified children of undocumented immigrants who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA due to citizenship status, may be able to submit the MSFAA to be considered for State need-based aid.

State of Maryland Financial Aid - The State of Maryland provides a number of need-based grants and scholarships. Students complete the FAFSA or MSFAA by March 1^st of their senior year to be considered for any State financial aid programs and then create an MDCAPS account.

Cost Comparison Calculator – Use this tool for comparing the actual cost of attending college after you’ve received your financial aid award letters.

Scholarships, which are awarded based on merit, skill or unique characteristics and do not have to repaid, can found from many sources, including parent/student employers, foundations, faith and community organizations, local businesses, civic groups, professional organizations, unions, ethnicity-based groups, financial aid office at college, PTSA groups at previously attended schools, etc. Students must seek out scholarships opportunities and pay close attention to deadlines and instructions.

There is a large list of scholarships in Naviance (click on the colleges and then scholarships and money from the drop-down menu and choose either Scholarship List to view local scholarships or National Scholarship Search). Students can also search for scholarships through various online search engines, such as the ones listed below. Note that you should NEVER have to pay to apply for a scholarship or access a list of scholarships.

Central Scholarship Bureau

SallieMae

Scholarship Monkey

Cappex

U.S. Department of Labor

Baltimore County and Maryland College Promise – Qualifying students can attend CCBC for free. Visit website for more information.

College Admission Testing – SAT & ACT

All Kenwood students will take the PSAT and SAT once a year during the school day.

Most four-year colleges require the SAT or ACT and some also require SAT Subject Tests. If you were not happy with your SAT and or ACT scores or have not taken an SAT or ACT test yet, we recommend you take an SAT prep course at school if it is offered or at CCBC. Free online prep is available at the Kahn Academy and at CollegeBoard or ACT Student.

ACT/SAT Comparison NEED LINK

Early College Access Programs

All BCPS students can take up to four classes at CCBC (Community College of Baltimore County) at 50% off tuition or tuition free, if eligible. The credits earned in these courses may be transferable to four-year colleges and universities. Visit CCBC’swebsite and speak to Ms. Austin for more information.

Career Resources

Naviance – There are a number of career exploration tools in Naviance (log in by clicking on the Naviance tiles in BCPS One and then choose Explore from the dropdown menu under Careers).

CCBC – Offers a number of job skills and workforce training programs in in-demand fields that can quickly get you the certification or license you need to enter the job market. CCBC also can help students obtain a registered apprenticeship.

BaltimoreCounty Job Connector ToolKit – Provides occupational data such as salary and credential requirements in targeted industries in Baltimore County.

BaltimoreCounty Career Centers – offers services for job seekers.

Maryland Workforce Exchange – job search and career development tool.

ASVAB Career Exploration Program - Developed by Department of Defense, this is a free comprehensive career site.

Mapping Your Future - multi-lingual tool kit on career planning.

Occupational Outlook Handbook – provides job descriptions, required education, and future opportunities.

Job Corps – Residential education and job training program for young people.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships that provide hands-on learning and often on-the-job pay are offered through:

ABC Baltimore

Baltimore Electricians, JATC LU#24

Baltimore Utilities, Bureau of Water and Waste Water

Baltimore Laborers Training Center (BLTC)

Heat & Frost Insulators & Asbestos Workers Local #24

Independent Electrical Contractors Chesapeake

Ironworkers, L.U. # 16

Maryland Association of Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Contractors

Mid-Atlantic Carpenters (MACTC) LU#101

Operating Engineers L.U. #37

Plumbers & Steamfitters L.U. #486

Sheet Metal Workers L.U. #100

Military

If you are considering enlisting in the military, it’s important to do research about the different job opportunities, benefits, and requirements of each branch. Visit the following websites to learn more:

www.nationalguard.com

www.goang.com

www.airforce.com

Explore military careers at: www.todaysmilitary.com

Everyone who joins the military must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. It determines if you can enlist and which branches and jobs you are eligible for. Sample ASVAB questions and tips to prepare for the test can be found here on their website.