Current Parent and Student Resources - Garrison Forest School, Inc.
Source: http://www.gfs.org/academics/college-counseling/parent-and-student-resources
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:11
Current Parent and Student Resources - Garrison Forest School, Inc.
Skip To Main Content
Parent & Student Resources
This is your hub for all things College Counseling.
Here you will find relevant articles and recommended books, scholarship information, application resources, upcoming events, and more. Please reach out to College Counseling should you have any questions about any of the information on this page!
Looking for a volunteer or academic enrichment opportunity? Be sure to regularly check the
Enrichment Opportunities
section of the GFS website! College Counseling regularly updates this page with opportunities we hear about that may interest our students. Many of these opportunities are available over the summer, but some occur during the school year.
Winter 2025 Newsletter
Spring/Summer 2025 Newsletter
Fall/Winter 2024 Newsletter
Winter 2024 Newsletter
Helpful Resources
MAIA LEARNING
TESTING INFORMATION & RESOURCES
AIMS College Fair
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
6:00-8:30 PM
Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena (UMBC Event Center)
Learn more and register here
GFS College Admissions Panel
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
6:30 - 7:30 PM
Middle School Auditorium
Join us as we hear from several college admissions representatives from various colleges who will answer questions and help demystify the college admissions process.
Application Resources
Relevant Articles
Past College Counseling Event Videos
Paying for College
Recommended Reading
Interview Tips
Explore Careers & Interests
Virtual Campus Tours
Internships & Academic Enrichment
College Application Timelines
9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
College Search Websites
College Xpress
Colleges That Change Lives
Big Future by the College Board
College Navigator
Niche
College Data Search
Testing
SAT & ACT registration and test centers
CollegeBoard website
(SAT)
ACT Website
Schoolhouse
(free online test prep)
Test Optional Admission
List of Test Optional Colleges
Check out
this article from November 2022
on test optional admission
Undergraduate Honors & Leadership Programs
The NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete
Resources courtesy of the UNCF
College Readiness Toolkit
College Readiness Checklist
HBCU Resource Guide
How to Handle Waitlist Decisions
If you find yourself on a waitlist, College Counseling can help talk you through next steps. We also recommend these articles to reference:
Five Tips for Getting Off The Waitlist And Into The Admit Pile
(Forbes)
What To Do If You're Waitlisted
(College Board's BigFuture)
Final College Decision
Need help weighing the pros and cons for each school where you gained admission?
Use this document
to help you make your final college decision.
What Should Teenagers' Summer Plans Include? Adult Mentors.
Who You Sit Next To Might Matter More Than What You Major In
Dealing With College Admission Disappointment
What Does an SAT Score Mean Anymore?
12 Ways to Reduce Stress During the College Admissions Process
Why Parents Should Let Their Kids Take the Lead During College Application Season
College Admission: One Factor Among Many
University System of Maryland votes to no longer require SAT, ACT scores for admissions
Help Teens Weather the Blow of College Rejection Letters
A New Way to Think About Your College List: the Buyers and Sellers
The Future of Admissions
Handling College Admission Decisions: A Sidecar Parent’s Guide
Ten Things a Teen Needs to Think About Before They Choose a College
Seven Things I Wish I Had Known Before Freshman Year of College
Evaluating Loans and Borrowing for Your College Investment
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
6:30 PM on Zoom
Paul Martin, from the College Money Method, led this workshop, geared towards 11th and 12th grade families, providing information to help evaluate your financing needs and compare various loan options available today, focusing on right-size borrowing based on future financial goals.
Access the record here:
GFS Resource Link
; Password: gfscmm
A Look at Testing in the Changing Landscape of College Admissions
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
6:30 PM on Zoom
We welcomed Phil Pine, Founder and Director of Capital Educators, for an evening webinar where he shared insight on standardized testing in the ever-changing college admissions process.
View the recording here
.
Understanding How Colleges Assess Your Ability to Pay and Aid Eligibility
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
6:30 PM on Zoom
Paul Martin, from the College Money Method, led this workshop, geared towards 10th grade families, detailing the financial factors colleges use to determine your ability to pay with an inside look at their calculations and decision-making process. These insights provide you with early strategies to maximize your eligibility for need-based financial aid well before senior year.
Access the record here:
GFS Resource Link
; Password: gfscmm
College Kickoff for Juniors and their Families
Thursday, December 4, 2025
7:00 PM on Zoom
The College Counselors provided details on what juniors and their families should be focusing on and what they can expect this year as they embark on their college admissions process.
Access recording here
.
Navigating the New System of College Pricing and Financial Aid
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
6:30 PM on Zoom
Paul Martin, from the College Money Method, led this workshop, geared towards 9th grade families, on fundamental financial aid topics including: eligibility for need-based financial aid, the different ways colleges award aid, and what can a family be doing now to prepare for the cost of college.
Access the record here:
GFS Resource Link
; Password: gfscmm
Navigating College Admission Tests
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
6:30 PM on Zoom
Matty Steiner, from Compass Education Group, presented a thoughtful and pragmatic discussion covering college admissions and the modern testing dilemma, updates on the SAT/ACT digital transition, choosing wisely between tests and formats, crafting your testing timeline, when to submit scores in this test-optional era, and options for approaching test prep.
View the recording here
.
AIMS Paying for College Night
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
7:00-8:00 PM on Zoom
The AIMS schools welcomed Andrew Stickler, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Connecticut College, who spoke on the topics of applying for college financial aid, how colleges determine the family contribution for tuition/fees/cost of attendance, and the difference between grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid. Access the
recording
.
GFS Senior College Night
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
7:00 PM on Zoom
The GFS college counselors discussed the college application process and what to expect in the year ahead. Access the
recording
and
slides.
College Money Method: Building Aid Generosity and Affordability Into Your School List
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
For 11th grade families.
This workshop shared tools to evaluate how generous colleges will be with their need-based and merit-based aid and to calculate your expected awards and costs. The recording is now available on our school resource page.
GFS Resource Link
; Password: gfscmm
College Money Method: Evaluating Financial Aid Offers and Strategies to Appeal
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
For 12th grade families.
This workshop provided a framework to evaluate aid offers and understand your four-year commitment to each college. Guidance on when to appeal and how to do so successfully helps ensure your awards fairly meet your needs. The recording is now available on our school resource page.
GFS Resource Link
; Password: gfscmm
College Money Method: Evaluating Loans and Borrowing for Your College Investment
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
For 11th and 12th grade families.
This workshop offered information to help evaluate your financing needs and compare various loan options available today, focusing on right-size borrowing based on future financial goals. The recording is now available on our school resource page.
GFS Resource Link
; Password: gfscmm
College Money Method: Understanding How Colleges Assess Your Ability to Pay and Aid Eligibility
Monday, January 27, 2025
For 10th grade families.
This workshop detailed the financial factors colleges use to determine your ability to pay with an inside look at their calculations and decision-making process. These insights provide you with early strategies to maximize your eligibility for need-based financial aid well before senior year. The recording is now available on our school resource page.
GFS Resource Link
; Password: gfscmm
Junior College Kickoff
Thursday, December 5, 2024
The College Counselors provided details on what juniors and their families should be focusing on and what they can expect this year as they embark on their college admissions process.
Watch the recording.
A Look at Testing in the Changing Landscape of College Admission
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
We welcomed Phil Pine, Founder and Director of Capital Educators, for an evening program where he shared insight on standardized testing in the ever-changing college admissions process.
Click here for the recording.
College Money Method: Succeeding in the Financial Aid Process
Monday, October 14, 2024
For 12th grade students and their families.
This workshop reviewed the senior-year process to complete timely and accurate financial aid applications and help advocate for your unique circumstances. It included how to find, track and apply for merit aid from colleges. The recording is now available on our school resource page. The recording includes a chapter menu so you can easily navigate to specific topics of interest.
GFS Resource Link
; Password: gfscmm
College Admissions Panel
Thursday, April 25, 2024
The College Counseling Offices of GFS and Boys Latin hosted a panel of college admissions representatives who shared advice and dispelled myths related to the college application process.
View the recording here
.
Athletics Recruiting Chalk Talk
May 17, 2022
For parents of scholar-athletes who were unable to join us,
here is the presentation
by Jessy Morgan, Athletic Director, and Elizabeth Almeter, Director of College Counseling. Together, they chatted about summer recruitment planning and expectations
Scott & Hoffnagle Scholarship Program: For students who will be attending a college in Pennsylvania or Delaware and who currently live within a 50 mile radius of Leola, PA or a 25-mile radius of Wilmington, DE.
Catholic Colleges Scholarship:
The National Catholic College Admission Association (CCAA) First-Year Scholarship is offered annually to college-bound seniors attending one of the National CCAA member institutions in the fall.
UCB Epilepsy Scholarship Program:
A scholarship program for individuals with epilepsy, their immediate family members, or caregivers.
First Financial Credit Union Scholarship Program:
A chance for one graduating senior from GFS to win a $3,000 college scholarship.
Engineering Society of Baltimore Scholarship
: Students from the Baltimore metro area who plan to study engineering at an ABET accredited college may apply for various scholarships.
Coolidge Foundation Essay Contest
: Compete for a chance to win up to $10,000.
Elks National Foundation Scholarship Programs
: Applicants will be considered on scholarship, leadership, and financial need.
Central Scholarship
: Beginning October 15, Maryland residents can apply for over 70 scholarship opportunities to support their college education. Awards range up to $10,000 and can be used for various programs throughout the state of Maryland.
Amplify: The Jewish Media Project
:
Amplify
invites Jewish high school students to explore what being Jewish means to them through writing, photography/video, or social media. The event will take place on Sunday, February 8th, from 12:00–2:30 p.m. at The NCO Club at the Pikesville Armory. During the event, participants will take part in small-group workshops led by subject-matter experts who will guide them in creating projects that express their Jewish identity. A panel of judges will later review the submissions, and six students will receive up to $2,500 in college scholarship money based on their work.
Scholarship Search Sites
Going Merry
Scholarships.com
Finaid
Fastweb
BigFuture
ScholarshipAmerica
Cappex
Bold.org
SCHOLLY
StudentScholarships.org
RaiseMe
United Negro College Fund
College Scholarships.org
HBCU Money Guide
31 Facts about FAFSA for Parents
The Ultimate List of the Nation's Most Generous Colleges ~ Schools that Meet 100% of Financial Need
If you are a Maryland resident and think you may attend college in-state, check out the
Maryland Higher Education Commission
for state and local scholarship opportunities.
Be sure to refer to our
Money Matters Guide
for suggestions on how to research scholarship opportunities and apply for financial aid.
Need help decoding a financial aid award letter? Take a look at
this sample annotated award letter
that breaks down the critical components of a school's financial aid offer.
Dream School: Finding the College That's Right for You. Selingo, Jeffrey, 2025
The Black Family's Guide to College Admission. Herndon-Brown, Shereem and Fields, Timothy L., 2024
The Truth about College Admission: A Family Guide to Getting In and Staying Together. Barnard, Brennan and Clark, Rick, 2023
Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic - and What We Can Do About It. Wallace, Jennifer Breheny, 2023
Who Gets In And Why: A Year Inside College Admissions. Selingo, Jeffrey, 2020
The Price You Pay for College. Lieber, Ron, 2021
College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step. Mamlet, Robin & Christine Vandevelde. Three Rivers Press, 2011
Where You Go is Not Who You Will Be: An Antidote to the College Admissions Mania. Bruni, Frank, 2015
How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success. Lythcott-Haims, Julie. 2015
The Fiske Guide to Colleges. Fiske, Edward B., 2020
I’m Going to College—Not You! Delahunty, Jennifer, 2010
Colleges that Change Lives. Pope, Loren. Penguin Books, 2012
Looking Beyond the Ivy League. Pope, Loren. Penguin Books, 2007
Harvard Schmarvard: Getting beyond the Ivy League For The College That is Best for You. Matthews, Jay. 2003
The Gate Keepers: Inside the Admissions Process of a Premier College. Steinberg, Jacques. 2003
Common Interview Questions
How to Make the Most of Informational Interviews
University of Richmond blog post
Interview Tips
Union College blog post
Interview Tips
Hamilton College blog post
Interview Tips from an Interviewer
Tufts University blog post
Admission Interviews
Northwestern University video
How to Ace a College Interview
Advice from Bentley University
16 Personality Traits
College Match Survey
Explore Majors
You Science
My Next Move
CampusReel
Virtual College Tours
YouTube
can be a great place to search for virtual college tours
Summer Internships for High School Students: A How-To Guide
College Essay Guy
24 Awesome Internships for High School Students
Collegevine
How to Find a High School Internship
U.S. News & World Report
InternWorks
:
Virtual and On-site Internship Programs
Looking for a volunteer or academic enrichment opportunity? Be sure to regularly check the
Enrichment Opportunities
section of the GFS website!
Khan Academy
is a great tool for keeping high school skills and topics sharp over the summer or learning concepts in greater depth.
Try expanding your mind into higher education with these sites offering free, college level courses.
These are
Massive Online Open Courses
(also known as MOOC’s):
Edx
:
www.edx.org
Udacity
:
www.udacity.com
Coursera
:
www.coursera.org
NovoEd:
www.novoed.com
Yale University Open Online Courses:
oyc.yale.edu/
What should I do if I need to miss a school day to visit a college?
I am interested in playing a sport in college; what should I know?
I may be interested in a Service Academy; how is that application process different from applying to colleges/universities?
What should I do if I'm interested in a Gap Year?
Will I earn college credits for my AP courses?
If a student must miss classes in order to visit a college, they should fill out a
College Day Request Form
and obtain signatures from Mrs. Almeter or Ms. Bogdan, their advisor, as well as teachers whose classes they're missing. They must then turn in the completed form to the Dean of Students Office at least 48 hours before they depart for their college visit. Signing the form confirms that students understand they must complete all academic obligations before leaving campus. When students are visiting colleges, they should follow our COVID-19 protocol travel guidelines and keep the Health Center informed about travel. The most up to date travel guidelines may be found here. As a reminder, students will not be allowed to learn virtually if quarantined due to travel.
NCAA Eligibility Center: For college-bound student-athletes
Attending one of the five service academies affiliated with the armed forces of the United States is great preparation to serve as a military officer while gaining a top-notch college education. The application process for nominations and applying to Service Academies and ROTC programs is detailed and on a separate timeline. Items need to be planned in advance, prior to senior year.
During the spring semester of junior year (or before), students should meet with their college counselor expressing interest. Service academies have very specific admission requirements including congressional nominations (with the exception of the United States Coast Guard Academy) and physical fitness tests. Summer program offerings provide a glimpse into service academy life prior to the intensive application process.
Since each academy and nominator may have different deadlines, a student should research in advance and prepare accordingly. This includes requirements for teacher recommendations, often from a math and science teacher.
Federal Service Academies
United States Military Academy (West Point, NY) –
www.westpoint.edu
United States Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD) –
www.usna.edu
United States Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO) –
www.usafa.af.mil
United States Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, NY) –
www.usmma.edu
United States Coast Guard Academy (New London, CT) –
www.uscga.edu
The term “gap year” refers to a year between high school and college where students elect to spend a year volunteering (nationally or internationally), working or traveling. Taking a gap year has long been a tradition in Europe and is gaining popularity in the United States. Students apply to college during their senior year, gain acceptance and make an enrollment deposit to the school of their choice in May of the senior year. A formal request to defer admission for a gap year is made by the student to the admissions office with details about the plan for the student’s time away. Most colleges are open to deferment, particularly when the plan for the interim year is well thought out. After the gap year, students enroll in the college to which they were admitted during their senior year. GFS College Counseling supports with an interest in a gap year for personal growth; we do not support a gap year intended to strengthen a student’s resume in an attempt to submit another round of admissions applications at the end of the gap year.
While a gap year is not for everyone, this section provides resources for education and exploration. Please feel free to discuss the possibility of a gap year with our college counselors.
Gap Year Resources and Descriptions
compiled by Middlebury College.
There can be many benefits to challenging yourself with AP coursework in high school. AP courses help to prepare you for the rigor of college and, in the college admission process, admissions representatives appreciate seeing a student challenge themself with rigorous courses. You may even earn college credit or placement for AP scores.
Use this tool
to find colleges that offer credit or placement for AP scores.
Meet the College Counseling Team
Elizabeth Almeter
Director of College Counseling
e
lizabethalmeter@gfs.org
Janice Bogdan
Associate Director of College Counseling
janicebogdan@gfs.org
Jenny Kneebone
College Counseling Assistant and Registrar
jennykneebone@gfs.org
Skip To Main Content
Parent & Student Resources
This is your hub for all things College Counseling.
Here you will find relevant articles and recommended books, scholarship information, application resources, upcoming events, and more. Please reach out to College Counseling should you have any questions about any of the information on this page!
Looking for a volunteer or academic enrichment opportunity? Be sure to regularly check the
Enrichment Opportunities
section of the GFS website! College Counseling regularly updates this page with opportunities we hear about that may interest our students. Many of these opportunities are available over the summer, but some occur during the school year.
Winter 2025 Newsletter
Spring/Summer 2025 Newsletter
Fall/Winter 2024 Newsletter
Winter 2024 Newsletter
Helpful Resources
MAIA LEARNING
TESTING INFORMATION & RESOURCES
AIMS College Fair
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
6:00-8:30 PM
Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena (UMBC Event Center)
Learn more and register here
GFS College Admissions Panel
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
6:30 - 7:30 PM
Middle School Auditorium
Join us as we hear from several college admissions representatives from various colleges who will answer questions and help demystify the college admissions process.
Application Resources
Relevant Articles
Past College Counseling Event Videos
Paying for College
Recommended Reading
Interview Tips
Explore Careers & Interests
Virtual Campus Tours
Internships & Academic Enrichment
College Application Timelines
9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
College Search Websites
College Xpress
Colleges That Change Lives
Big Future by the College Board
College Navigator
Niche
College Data Search
Testing
SAT & ACT registration and test centers
CollegeBoard website
(SAT)
ACT Website
Schoolhouse
(free online test prep)
Test Optional Admission
List of Test Optional Colleges
Check out
this article from November 2022
on test optional admission
Undergraduate Honors & Leadership Programs
The NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete
Resources courtesy of the UNCF
College Readiness Toolkit
College Readiness Checklist
HBCU Resource Guide
How to Handle Waitlist Decisions
If you find yourself on a waitlist, College Counseling can help talk you through next steps. We also recommend these articles to reference:
Five Tips for Getting Off The Waitlist And Into The Admit Pile
(Forbes)
What To Do If You're Waitlisted
(College Board's BigFuture)
Final College Decision
Need help weighing the pros and cons for each school where you gained admission?
Use this document
to help you make your final college decision.
What Should Teenagers' Summer Plans Include? Adult Mentors.
Who You Sit Next To Might Matter More Than What You Major In
Dealing With College Admission Disappointment
What Does an SAT Score Mean Anymore?
12 Ways to Reduce Stress During the College Admissions Process
Why Parents Should Let Their Kids Take the Lead During College Application Season
College Admission: One Factor Among Many
University System of Maryland votes to no longer require SAT, ACT scores for admissions
Help Teens Weather the Blow of College Rejection Letters
A New Way to Think About Your College List: the Buyers and Sellers
The Future of Admissions
Handling College Admission Decisions: A Sidecar Parent’s Guide
Ten Things a Teen Needs to Think About Before They Choose a College
Seven Things I Wish I Had Known Before Freshman Year of College
Evaluating Loans and Borrowing for Your College Investment
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
6:30 PM on Zoom
Paul Martin, from the College Money Method, led this workshop, geared towards 11th and 12th grade families, providing information to help evaluate your financing needs and compare various loan options available today, focusing on right-size borrowing based on future financial goals.
Access the record here:
GFS Resource Link
; Password: gfscmm
A Look at Testing in the Changing Landscape of College Admissions
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
6:30 PM on Zoom
We welcomed Phil Pine, Founder and Director of Capital Educators, for an evening webinar where he shared insight on standardized testing in the ever-changing college admissions process.
View the recording here
.
Understanding How Colleges Assess Your Ability to Pay and Aid Eligibility
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
6:30 PM on Zoom
Paul Martin, from the College Money Method, led this workshop, geared towards 10th grade families, detailing the financial factors colleges use to determine your ability to pay with an inside look at their calculations and decision-making process. These insights provide you with early strategies to maximize your eligibility for need-based financial aid well before senior year.
Access the record here:
GFS Resource Link
; Password: gfscmm
College Kickoff for Juniors and their Families
Thursday, December 4, 2025
7:00 PM on Zoom
The College Counselors provided details on what juniors and their families should be focusing on and what they can expect this year as they embark on their college admissions process.
Access recording here
.
Navigating the New System of College Pricing and Financial Aid
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
6:30 PM on Zoom
Paul Martin, from the College Money Method, led this workshop, geared towards 9th grade families, on fundamental financial aid topics including: eligibility for need-based financial aid, the different ways colleges award aid, and what can a family be doing now to prepare for the cost of college.
Access the record here:
GFS Resource Link
; Password: gfscmm
Navigating College Admission Tests
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
6:30 PM on Zoom
Matty Steiner, from Compass Education Group, presented a thoughtful and pragmatic discussion covering college admissions and the modern testing dilemma, updates on the SAT/ACT digital transition, choosing wisely between tests and formats, crafting your testing timeline, when to submit scores in this test-optional era, and options for approaching test prep.
View the recording here
.
AIMS Paying for College Night
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
7:00-8:00 PM on Zoom
The AIMS schools welcomed Andrew Stickler, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Connecticut College, who spoke on the topics of applying for college financial aid, how colleges determine the family contribution for tuition/fees/cost of attendance, and the difference between grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid. Access the
recording
.
GFS Senior College Night
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
7:00 PM on Zoom
The GFS college counselors discussed the college application process and what to expect in the year ahead. Access the
recording
and
slides.
College Money Method: Building Aid Generosity and Affordability Into Your School List
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
For 11th grade families.
This workshop shared tools to evaluate how generous colleges will be with their need-based and merit-based aid and to calculate your expected awards and costs. The recording is now available on our school resource page.
GFS Resource Link
; Password: gfscmm
College Money Method: Evaluating Financial Aid Offers and Strategies to Appeal
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
For 12th grade families.
This workshop provided a framework to evaluate aid offers and understand your four-year commitment to each college. Guidance on when to appeal and how to do so successfully helps ensure your awards fairly meet your needs. The recording is now available on our school resource page.
GFS Resource Link
; Password: gfscmm
College Money Method: Evaluating Loans and Borrowing for Your College Investment
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
For 11th and 12th grade families.
This workshop offered information to help evaluate your financing needs and compare various loan options available today, focusing on right-size borrowing based on future financial goals. The recording is now available on our school resource page.
GFS Resource Link
; Password: gfscmm
College Money Method: Understanding How Colleges Assess Your Ability to Pay and Aid Eligibility
Monday, January 27, 2025
For 10th grade families.
This workshop detailed the financial factors colleges use to determine your ability to pay with an inside look at their calculations and decision-making process. These insights provide you with early strategies to maximize your eligibility for need-based financial aid well before senior year. The recording is now available on our school resource page.
GFS Resource Link
; Password: gfscmm
Junior College Kickoff
Thursday, December 5, 2024
The College Counselors provided details on what juniors and their families should be focusing on and what they can expect this year as they embark on their college admissions process.
Watch the recording.
A Look at Testing in the Changing Landscape of College Admission
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
We welcomed Phil Pine, Founder and Director of Capital Educators, for an evening program where he shared insight on standardized testing in the ever-changing college admissions process.
Click here for the recording.
College Money Method: Succeeding in the Financial Aid Process
Monday, October 14, 2024
For 12th grade students and their families.
This workshop reviewed the senior-year process to complete timely and accurate financial aid applications and help advocate for your unique circumstances. It included how to find, track and apply for merit aid from colleges. The recording is now available on our school resource page. The recording includes a chapter menu so you can easily navigate to specific topics of interest.
GFS Resource Link
; Password: gfscmm
College Admissions Panel
Thursday, April 25, 2024
The College Counseling Offices of GFS and Boys Latin hosted a panel of college admissions representatives who shared advice and dispelled myths related to the college application process.
View the recording here
.
Athletics Recruiting Chalk Talk
May 17, 2022
For parents of scholar-athletes who were unable to join us,
here is the presentation
by Jessy Morgan, Athletic Director, and Elizabeth Almeter, Director of College Counseling. Together, they chatted about summer recruitment planning and expectations
Scott & Hoffnagle Scholarship Program: For students who will be attending a college in Pennsylvania or Delaware and who currently live within a 50 mile radius of Leola, PA or a 25-mile radius of Wilmington, DE.
Catholic Colleges Scholarship:
The National Catholic College Admission Association (CCAA) First-Year Scholarship is offered annually to college-bound seniors attending one of the National CCAA member institutions in the fall.
UCB Epilepsy Scholarship Program:
A scholarship program for individuals with epilepsy, their immediate family members, or caregivers.
First Financial Credit Union Scholarship Program:
A chance for one graduating senior from GFS to win a $3,000 college scholarship.
Engineering Society of Baltimore Scholarship
: Students from the Baltimore metro area who plan to study engineering at an ABET accredited college may apply for various scholarships.
Coolidge Foundation Essay Contest
: Compete for a chance to win up to $10,000.
Elks National Foundation Scholarship Programs
: Applicants will be considered on scholarship, leadership, and financial need.
Central Scholarship
: Beginning October 15, Maryland residents can apply for over 70 scholarship opportunities to support their college education. Awards range up to $10,000 and can be used for various programs throughout the state of Maryland.
Amplify: The Jewish Media Project
:
Amplify
invites Jewish high school students to explore what being Jewish means to them through writing, photography/video, or social media. The event will take place on Sunday, February 8th, from 12:00–2:30 p.m. at The NCO Club at the Pikesville Armory. During the event, participants will take part in small-group workshops led by subject-matter experts who will guide them in creating projects that express their Jewish identity. A panel of judges will later review the submissions, and six students will receive up to $2,500 in college scholarship money based on their work.
Scholarship Search Sites
Going Merry
Scholarships.com
Finaid
Fastweb
BigFuture
ScholarshipAmerica
Cappex
Bold.org
SCHOLLY
StudentScholarships.org
RaiseMe
United Negro College Fund
College Scholarships.org
HBCU Money Guide
31 Facts about FAFSA for Parents
The Ultimate List of the Nation's Most Generous Colleges ~ Schools that Meet 100% of Financial Need
If you are a Maryland resident and think you may attend college in-state, check out the
Maryland Higher Education Commission
for state and local scholarship opportunities.
Be sure to refer to our
Money Matters Guide
for suggestions on how to research scholarship opportunities and apply for financial aid.
Need help decoding a financial aid award letter? Take a look at
this sample annotated award letter
that breaks down the critical components of a school's financial aid offer.
Dream School: Finding the College That's Right for You. Selingo, Jeffrey, 2025
The Black Family's Guide to College Admission. Herndon-Brown, Shereem and Fields, Timothy L., 2024
The Truth about College Admission: A Family Guide to Getting In and Staying Together. Barnard, Brennan and Clark, Rick, 2023
Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic - and What We Can Do About It. Wallace, Jennifer Breheny, 2023
Who Gets In And Why: A Year Inside College Admissions. Selingo, Jeffrey, 2020
The Price You Pay for College. Lieber, Ron, 2021
College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step. Mamlet, Robin & Christine Vandevelde. Three Rivers Press, 2011
Where You Go is Not Who You Will Be: An Antidote to the College Admissions Mania. Bruni, Frank, 2015
How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success. Lythcott-Haims, Julie. 2015
The Fiske Guide to Colleges. Fiske, Edward B., 2020
I’m Going to College—Not You! Delahunty, Jennifer, 2010
Colleges that Change Lives. Pope, Loren. Penguin Books, 2012
Looking Beyond the Ivy League. Pope, Loren. Penguin Books, 2007
Harvard Schmarvard: Getting beyond the Ivy League For The College That is Best for You. Matthews, Jay. 2003
The Gate Keepers: Inside the Admissions Process of a Premier College. Steinberg, Jacques. 2003
Common Interview Questions
How to Make the Most of Informational Interviews
University of Richmond blog post
Interview Tips
Union College blog post
Interview Tips
Hamilton College blog post
Interview Tips from an Interviewer
Tufts University blog post
Admission Interviews
Northwestern University video
How to Ace a College Interview
Advice from Bentley University
16 Personality Traits
College Match Survey
Explore Majors
You Science
My Next Move
CampusReel
Virtual College Tours
YouTube
can be a great place to search for virtual college tours
Summer Internships for High School Students: A How-To Guide
College Essay Guy
24 Awesome Internships for High School Students
Collegevine
How to Find a High School Internship
U.S. News & World Report
InternWorks
:
Virtual and On-site Internship Programs
Looking for a volunteer or academic enrichment opportunity? Be sure to regularly check the
Enrichment Opportunities
section of the GFS website!
Khan Academy
is a great tool for keeping high school skills and topics sharp over the summer or learning concepts in greater depth.
Try expanding your mind into higher education with these sites offering free, college level courses.
These are
Massive Online Open Courses
(also known as MOOC’s):
Edx
:
www.edx.org
Udacity
:
www.udacity.com
Coursera
:
www.coursera.org
NovoEd:
www.novoed.com
Yale University Open Online Courses:
oyc.yale.edu/
What should I do if I need to miss a school day to visit a college?
I am interested in playing a sport in college; what should I know?
I may be interested in a Service Academy; how is that application process different from applying to colleges/universities?
What should I do if I'm interested in a Gap Year?
Will I earn college credits for my AP courses?
If a student must miss classes in order to visit a college, they should fill out a
College Day Request Form
and obtain signatures from Mrs. Almeter or Ms. Bogdan, their advisor, as well as teachers whose classes they're missing. They must then turn in the completed form to the Dean of Students Office at least 48 hours before they depart for their college visit. Signing the form confirms that students understand they must complete all academic obligations before leaving campus. When students are visiting colleges, they should follow our COVID-19 protocol travel guidelines and keep the Health Center informed about travel. The most up to date travel guidelines may be found here. As a reminder, students will not be allowed to learn virtually if quarantined due to travel.
NCAA Eligibility Center: For college-bound student-athletes
Attending one of the five service academies affiliated with the armed forces of the United States is great preparation to serve as a military officer while gaining a top-notch college education. The application process for nominations and applying to Service Academies and ROTC programs is detailed and on a separate timeline. Items need to be planned in advance, prior to senior year.
During the spring semester of junior year (or before), students should meet with their college counselor expressing interest. Service academies have very specific admission requirements including congressional nominations (with the exception of the United States Coast Guard Academy) and physical fitness tests. Summer program offerings provide a glimpse into service academy life prior to the intensive application process.
Since each academy and nominator may have different deadlines, a student should research in advance and prepare accordingly. This includes requirements for teacher recommendations, often from a math and science teacher.
Federal Service Academies
United States Military Academy (West Point, NY) –
www.westpoint.edu
United States Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD) –
www.usna.edu
United States Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO) –
www.usafa.af.mil
United States Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, NY) –
www.usmma.edu
United States Coast Guard Academy (New London, CT) –
www.uscga.edu
The term “gap year” refers to a year between high school and college where students elect to spend a year volunteering (nationally or internationally), working or traveling. Taking a gap year has long been a tradition in Europe and is gaining popularity in the United States. Students apply to college during their senior year, gain acceptance and make an enrollment deposit to the school of their choice in May of the senior year. A formal request to defer admission for a gap year is made by the student to the admissions office with details about the plan for the student’s time away. Most colleges are open to deferment, particularly when the plan for the interim year is well thought out. After the gap year, students enroll in the college to which they were admitted during their senior year. GFS College Counseling supports with an interest in a gap year for personal growth; we do not support a gap year intended to strengthen a student’s resume in an attempt to submit another round of admissions applications at the end of the gap year.
While a gap year is not for everyone, this section provides resources for education and exploration. Please feel free to discuss the possibility of a gap year with our college counselors.
Gap Year Resources and Descriptions
compiled by Middlebury College.
There can be many benefits to challenging yourself with AP coursework in high school. AP courses help to prepare you for the rigor of college and, in the college admission process, admissions representatives appreciate seeing a student challenge themself with rigorous courses. You may even earn college credit or placement for AP scores.
Use this tool
to find colleges that offer credit or placement for AP scores.
Meet the College Counseling Team
Elizabeth Almeter
Director of College Counseling
e
lizabethalmeter@gfs.org
Janice Bogdan
Associate Director of College Counseling
janicebogdan@gfs.org
Jenny Kneebone
College Counseling Assistant and Registrar
jennykneebone@gfs.org