GearUp MD Teachers and Counselors

Links for Teachers and Guidance Counselors
A special note about Internet privacy issues: Many of the sites listed require the user to register. We highly recommend that you read the privacy policy of each site and determine if it meets your individual standards. By listing the site here, we are not endorsing or condoning any privacy policy. Registration at a site must be an individual decision.

Maryland Writing Project

http://www.towson.edu/mwp/

The Maryland Writing Project (MWP) works with teachers and students to improve writing skills. The Project provides in-service workshops, summer academies, and other outstanding services to schools. The MWP is a partner with Towson University and the Walbrook and Digital Harbor High Schools GEAR UP projects. Contact them for more information about their services.

Teacher and Guidance Counselor Resources for Higher Education

The list of all Maryland Colleges and Universities
http://www.mhec.state.md.us/higherEd/colleges_universities/index.asp

FAFSA
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov

This U.S. Department of Education site explains everything you need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It explains how to get started, lets students complete a FAFSA electronically and check the status of an application, and even lets students save incomplete applications for future completion.

Internet Public Library for Higher Education Resources
http://www.ipl.org/ref/RR/static/edu50.00.00.html

The Internet Public Library is a collection of links to other sites. The site provides pathways to many sites in areas such as financial aid, campus tours, college catalogs, and college and university rankings.

Fast Web Scholarships, Colleges and Job Search
http://www.fastweb.com/index.ptml

The Fast Web site contains information about financial aid and the college application process. One especially helpful feature is a specific site for parents discussing tax credits. There are also several "success stories" about students who have received financial assistance. The essential feature is the "free" college scholarship search engine. However, you must register with Fast Web before you can use the "free" search engine. We tried it and the scholarship search worked very well with no problems.

Black Excel
http://www.BlackExcel.org/

Black Excel is a resource specifically targeted to African-American and first-generation college students. The site is highly rated by Snap and other Internet ratings and has many valuable characteristics. A feature of the site is a scholarship gateway and specific help with admissions. If you are seeking information on historically black colleges and universities, this is a one-stop place for all the information.

FinAid! The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid
http://www.finaid.org/

The FinAid! Site has several features such as a college cost projector and financial aid estimator along with a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section. The site also contains information about scholarship frauds and demystifying the financial aid process. You can also request personalized help from the "Ask the Aid Advisor". The student financial aid checklist helps to track progress and makes sure that you will not forget much. The specific site for educators is: http://www.finaid.org/educators/

Nationally Coveted Scholarships and Awards
http://scholarships.fatomei.com/

A list of highly nationally coveted highly competitive and prestigious scholarships.

Minority Scholarship Bulletin Board
http://www.einfonews.com/digitaldivide/minority_scholarships_2.htm

A listing of various scholarships.

Student Guide to Higher Education and Financial Aid in Maryland
http://www.mhec.state.md.us/publications/StudentOutreachKit/MHECGUID.PDF

A comprehensive guide to facts about higher education in Maryland produced by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. This document contains information about universities and colleges. In addition, the document includes information about scholarships and other programs offered by Maryland. It is downloadable in Adobe format.

College is Possible
http://www.collegeispossible.org/

With the right planning and choices, College is for everyone is the motto of this web site. The site has four main categories, Preparing for College, Choosing the Right College, Paying for College, and Adults. The site links to several guides and valuable information helpful to parents, students and counselors. Many of the guides are also available in Spanish language versions.

IPEDS College Opportunities On-line
http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cool/Search.asp

A search engine to help locate a college or university that meets your choice of up to 9 different criteria.

Sites to help prepare for the SAT and ACT

Everything you wanted to know about SAT Preparation and the test.

Everything you wanted to know about ACT Preparation and the test.

The College Board--Prepare for the SAT
http://www2.collegeboard.com/satprep/index.jsp

The official site for SAT Preparation, you can also register online, take a practice test that predicts your score and prepare for the upcoming SAT administrations.

General Resources for Teachers and Counselors

FSA for Counselors
http://fsa4schools.ed.gov/counselors

An online source of information about student aid for college and career school. Features include the High School Counselor’s "Ambassador Tool Kit", federal student aid publications (with instructions on how to print or order them), and videoconferences.

Welcome to ASCA Online
http://www.schoolcounselor.org/

The comprehensive site for school counselors from the American School Counselors Association.

The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA)
http://www.nasfaa.org/ParentsStudents.asp?Tab=ParentsStudents

This Web Site provides information on the financial aid process and directs you to some of the more important and helpful financial aid guidance on the Web.

Parent and Family Involvement
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/pa0cont.htm

A comprehensive site with information for schools about building positive family and school relationships. The site includes ideas about creating school climates supportive of families.

Thinkport
http://www.thinkport.org

This web resource for teachers and parents provides a “road map” to help them help children reach their goals.

The College Track

http://www.thecollegetrack.com/

"The College Track is a three-part documentary television series that presents the stories of students, parents, teachers and community organizations who are expanding our notion of who is “college material.” In conjunction with the 2004 public television broadcast, the production company — Roundtable, Inc. -- is launching a National Engagement Campaign. This website is a planning tool for those who want to participate in the campaign."

Guidance Counselor PowerPoint Presentation for Parent Night

Click here to start PowerPoint presentation

This presentation is intended for parents of high school freshmen and sophomores who are just thinking about attending college. It explains why college is important and attainable, breaking down its costs and benefits as well as defining financial aid options. It gives parents a to-do list to help their children get into the college that is right for them. It also explains Maryland requirements for high school graduation and particular steps a student can take to enhance the opportunities available.

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This site was updated in March 2004. If you have questions, comments, or wish to submit information, please contact
Dr. David Vocke or Dr. Greg Bryant at Towson University.