Maryland and Virginia score at the Top on Advanced Placement (AP) Exams

Once again, Maryland and Virginia claimed top spots in performance on Advanced Placement (AP) exams administered to graduating public school students in 2012, according to the College Board’s 9th Annual AP Report to the Nation.

For the fifth consecutive year, Maryland had the nation’s highest percentage (29.6%) of seniors scoring a passing mark (at least 3 out of 5) on at least one AP exam—up 1.7 percentage points over last year. Virginia placed fifth at 27.2 percent, just behind New York (28%), Massachusetts (27.9%), and Florida (27.3%). This compares with 19.5 percent of all public high school students from the class of 2012 who completed high school with at least one successful AP experience.

In Maryland, more than half of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Class of 2012 (52.3%) received a college-ready score on at least on AP exam—significantly higher than the state of Maryland (29.6%) and the nation (19.5%). In addition, more than two-thirds of 2012 MCPS grads (67.3%) took at least one AP exam while in high school—a district record, which is also significantly higher than the state (48.2%) and the nation (32.4%).

“MCPS students continue to perform extremely well on Advanced Placement exams, demonstrating their desire to be challenged and their readiness for college-level work,” said Board of Education President Christopher S. Barclay.

Note that the county's test-by-test results are provided on the MCPS website (scroll to Tables B1 and B2).

Across the Potomac in Fairfax County, the number of students taking AP exams in 2012 rose by 5.2 percent, with 16,356 students taking a total of 35,759 tests. The highest achievement rates (scores of 3 or better) were in AP Calculus BC (89%), AP Chinese Language and Culture (97%), AP English Language and Composition (79 %), AP French Language and AP German Language (81%), AP Studio Art: 2-D Design (90%), and AP World History (80%). AP Latin: Vergil (44%) and AP Physics B (50%) were among the lowest performing exams in Fairfax County.  A county-wide summary of performance in all subject areas is available on the FCPS website.

According to the College Board, research shows that students who score a 3 or higher on AP exams “typically experience stronger college outcomes than otherwise comparable non-AP peers.” As the AP report clearly demonstrates, high schools have responded by increasing the availability of AP courses and encouraging more students to take AP exams.

A complete copy of the 2013 AP Report to the Nation is available on the College Board website.

Jesuit Colleges and Universities assume Leadership Role supporting Undocumented Students

Santa Clara University

On the eve of upcoming JET college fairs scheduled this week for Baltimore and Washington DC, Jesuit colleges and universities made big news for reaffirming their commitment to support immigrant students regardless of citizenship status in a paper released last week just as Congress begins working on immigration policy.

Following a study funded by the Ford Foundation and conducted by research teams from Fairfield University, Loyola University Chicago, and Santa Clara University, more than two dozen Jesuit colleges and universities pledged a return to their founding missions and vowed to help immigrant students who are in the country illegally.

"At the heart of the Immigrant Student National Position Paper is a call for improved institutional practices at Jesuit institutions in the United States to help these young people flourish on campus and off," said Project Leader Rev. Richard Ryscavage, S.J., director of Fairfield’s Center for Faith and Public Life. "Ultimately, this project presents a way of proceeding on this area of immigration that informs and helps shape the national educational discourse.”

The 39-page study estimated that approximately 65,000 undocumented students graduate from American highs schools every year, many of whom were brought to the U.S. as young children by parents who either overstayed visas or entered the country illegally.  They face a variety of obstacles getting to college as first-generation applicants unfamiliar with the process and fearful of divulging information about their immigration status.

And ineligible for federal or state financial aid, they have few options to pay for college.  For many, the only solution involves the very few scholarship opportunities targeted to undocumented students (Santa Clara University is believed to be the only Jesuit college with such a scholarship).

As a result, only five to ten percent of undocumented students enter postsecondary education.

Accompanying the paper, a one-page statement signed by 25 of the 28 presidents of Jesuit colleges outlines the official AJCU (Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities) position on immigrant students who are here illegally.  The statement includes a vow “to support our students—both documented citizens and not” and underscores that member institutions will “stand in solidarity with migrants, regardless of their immigration status.”

In addition, the Immigrant Student Nation Position Paper recommends that Jesuit colleges:

• Clearly and publicly articulate on websites and elsewhere that they provide access for all students, including the undocumented.
  
• Designate specific admissions staff to be responsible for working with applicants who are undocumented.
  
• Provide training for admissions staff so they understand and can help undocumented students through the admissions process.
  
• Modify application forms so as to be clear that a student does not have to include a social security number or citizenship status to apply.
  
• Clearly identify financial aid that is available for undocumented students and maintain a list of all scholarships intended for these students.
  
• Explore the creation of a “Common Fund” to provide financial aid to undocumented students at all Jesuit colleges and universities.
  
• Design specific staff to support immigrant students and identify legal resources to provide counseling for these students.
  
• Create a database of alumni who were undocumented or who can assist immigrant students with post-graduate careers.

You can learn more about Jesuit colleges and universities by attending a JET (Jesuit Excellence Tour) College Night in your area.  Over the next couple of months, events are scheduled in Baltimore, DC, Buffalo, Phoenix, Cincinnati, Boston, Cleveland, Las Vegas, New York City, and the Pacific Northwest.

Learn what it takes to become a Veterinarian at the 2013 AAVMC College Fair

If you’re a high school student considering pre-professional programs in veterinary medicine or if you’re simply curious about what it takes to become a veterinarian, consider attending the ninth annual Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) Veterinary Medical Career Fair and Information Sessions scheduled for Sunday, March 10, from 2:30 to 5 p.m., at the Westin Hotel in Alexandria.

Representatives from national and international colleges of veterinary medicine will be on hand to offer advice and answer questions about veterinary medical careers and the credentials necessary to attend any of the AAVMC member institutions.

“This continues to be the largest recruiting event in the nation for students interested in veterinary medicine,” explained Lisa Greenhill, AAVMC associate executive director for institutional research and diversity. “Hundreds of students, parents, and advisors attend each year to make important connections to colleges. And this year’s event is shaping up to be the biggest yet!”

Veterinary medical careers can range from companion animal care to military veterinary medicine, shelter practice or options in public health where there are shortages of veterinarians. And some of the best-known programs in the country are expanding to meet these needs—28 accredited vet colleges have increased their class size in recent years, some by up to 50 percent according to Inside Higher Ed.

For high school students, the choice of undergraduate school could possibly fast track acceptance to many of these veterinary medical colleges as opportunities exist for early admission to DVM programs by bypassing completion of the BS.

This year’s AAVMC event will offer four information sessions in addition to the college fair. Dr. Kay Russo, a dairy practitioner from Colorado, will talk about large animal medicine and working in rural areas.  Dr. Jean Richards will conduct a session on working in the military on One Health issues.  Tony Wynne, from the AAVMC office will provide important information for students intending to apply to vet school in the next one to two years, and Jennifer Mailey from Cornell University will talk to high school students about what to look for in an undergraduate program if they are considering applying to vet school.

Colleges participating in this year’s fair (as of today):

• Auburn University
• Cornell University
• Drexel University
• Iowa State University
• Kansas State University
• Michigan State University
• North Carolina State University
• Purdue University
• Royal Veterinary College—London
• Tufts University
• University College Dublin
• University of Glasgow
• University of Tennessee
• Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
• Western University of Health Sciences

“Visitors to the college fair should be sure to ask about summer programs and how to get meaningful veterinary-related experiences while still in high school,” added Ms. Greenhill. “Young researcher programs are also available with undergraduate ‘feeder’ opportunities at some vet schools.”

This is a wonderful event strongly supported by the AAVC—a real step up from the average college fair.  And there are prizes!  “We are debuting another set of limited edition t-shirts this year,” said Ms. Greenhill.  “They can’t be purchased, but students may earn a t-shirt if they ask questions during the sessions or answer questions correctly during the sessions.”  

And no, parents can’t ask the questions!

Students are strongly encouraged to register in advance. Last year’s event was extremely well attended, and registration helps conference organizers do a better job. 

By the way if you can't attend, you can find some amazing information on how to become a veterinarian on the AAVMC website, including tips on how to finance a veterinary education. Check it out!

7 Amazing Scholarships for Hispanic High School Students

To help the nation’s growing population of Hispanic students achieve their college goals, a number of organizations have developed programs and scholarships designed to support the transition to college and offset the high cost of postsecondary education.

Here are a few programs and scholarships still accepting applications this year:

Accenture Scholarship
Offered through the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Foundation, this scholarship is designed to promote Accenture’s commitment to global diversity programs.  Applicants must be SHPE members (free for high school students); accepted to or attending an accredited university in the US, and studying one of the engineering disciplines.  Five $3000 awards are available along with the possibility of an internship with Accenture.  Applications must be received by May 1, 2013.

American Chemical Society Scholars Program
High school seniors entering college and planning to pursue full time study in a chemically-related field are eligible for an ACS Scholars Award.  Along with an application, students must submit an official transcript or grade report, ACT or SAT score report, a copy of a Student Aid Report (SAR), and two letters of recommendation by March 1, 2013.

American Institute of Chemical Engineers
The AIChE Minority Scholarship award is presented to 10 incoming minority college freshmen planning to enroll in a four-year college offering a science/engineering degree.  While students admitted for science and engineering degrees are encouraged to apply for this scholarship, preference will be given to students admitted into chemical engineering programs.  This year’s deadline is June 14, 2013.

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
The mission of the CHCI Scholarship Program is to provide financial assistance that will increase graduation rates among Latino students in postsecondary education.  These opportunities are for students who have a history of performing public service oriented activities in their communities and who demonstrate a desire to continue their civic engagement in the future.  There is no GPA or academic major requirement, but students must demonstrate financial need.  The application deadline is April 16, 2013.  Note that the CHCI publishes a free guide to scholarships, internships, and fellowships for Latino students, which is available online for download.

Esperanza Education Fund Scholarship
The Esperanza Education Fund will award scholarships—ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on financial need—to immigrant students in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, attending public colleges and universities regardless of ethnicity, national origin, or immigration status.  Applicants must submit an electronic application (including two essays), two letters of recommendation, official score reports and transcript by no later than April 1, 2013.

HSF/Walmart Foundation High School Scholarship
The Walmart Foundation High School Scholarship Program is available to graduating high school seniors of Hispanic heritage from selected geographic locations, including Washington DC and Baltimore.  Applicants must complete a FAFSA and must have plans to enroll full time in a degree-seeking program at an accredited 4-year US institution.  Applications are due March 31, 2013.

The Herb Block Scholarship

This scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to high school graduates, first-year college students and adult learners who wish to continue their studies at the DC area’s community colleges.  To be eligible, an applicant must be a permanent resident of DC; Prince George’s or Montgomery Counties in Maryland; Arlington or Fairfax Counties or the cities of Falls Church or Alexandria in Virginia. The Herb Block Scholarship is a “last dollar” scholarship valued up to $8,000 per academic year (not to exceed $16,000 over the life of the scholarship.  Applications for fall semester awards are due July 7^th; applications for spring semester are due November 10^th.

This is the second in a two-part series on scholarship opportunities for Hispanic students.