Question of the Week

"What is The Academic Common Market?"



The Academic Common Market (ACM) is a tuition-savings program that operates on the premise that if public institutions (private institutions can’t participate) in a student’s home state do not offer a degree program (undergraduate or graduate) that a student intends on pursuing, then he/she may attend a participating out-of-state institution offering the degree of interest through the ACM and be granted a waiver of out-of-state tuition charges. This serves as a cost-saving measure for both parents and students as in-state tuition rates are lower than out-of-state rates. It is also a savings for the state, as these programs do not have to be duplicated here in Maryland. The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) and the state higher education agencies of the sixteen (16) participating states administer the Academic Common Market (ACM) and ACM/Electronic Campus (EC) programs. 

Associate degree programs and non-degree programs are not eligible for ACM benefits. First professional degree programs, such as law, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and optometry are also not eligible for ACM benefits.                                             

The ACM program is not competitive, merit-based, or need-based, but applicants must meet state residency and college program requirements. Some institutions may impose additional acceptance requirements. Students are strongly advised to contact the institution directly for this information. It is the student’s responsibility to remain informed about and abide by the ACM Policies of Maryland AND of the Institution they plan to attend. 

Note:  The ACM is not a financial aid program and it is not affiliated in any manner with scholarships, award money or financial aid packages that students receive.  The ACM program represents a cooperative agreement among 16 states.  The State of Maryland also reciprocates with partnering states.  No funds are involved, reimbursed or exchanged.  

Please see ACM Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and ACM Policies and Procedures (PDF) for additional information. 

Which States Participate in the ACM?:  Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. These states participate at the graduate level only:  Florida, North Carolina and Texas. 

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Effective for the 2012-2013 academic year, as a result of the “General Assembly of North Carolina's Appropriations Act of 2011”, the State of North Carolina will no longer participate in the Academic Common Market program. This policy will remain in effect until further notice. Academic Common Market students who are enrolled in the program and begin study prior to July 1, 2012 in the University of North Carolina System may continue to pay in-state tuition as long as the student (1) remains continuously enrolled full-time in their approved ACM graduate program (defined by institution), (2) remains in good academic standing (defined by institution), (3) maintains home state residency and (4) makes satisfactory progress toward the degree.  

What Program/Majors are available through the ACM for Maryland Residents?:  Numerous undergraduate and graduate degree programs are available to Maryland residents through the ACM. See the links below for a complete list: 

• Undergraduate ACM Programs for Maryland Residents

*** Maryland residents may submit applications ONLY for programs listed in the current ACM inventory.  

Who may apply:  Current Maryland high school seniors and full-time, degree-seeking   undergraduate and graduate students who have been fully accepted or are already enrolled in an eligible program of study that has been selected for the ACM by a participating public college/university.                               

College of the Week: Georgetown University (visiting 10/6/11)



Link: Georgetown University



Georgetown is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit institute of higher learning in the United States. Jesuits have played a significant role in the growth and evolution of Georgetown into a global research university deeply rooted in the Catholic faith. Georgetown’s Jesuit tradition also promotes the university’s commitment to spiritual inquiry, civic engagement, and religious and cultural pluralism. The Jesuits are members of the Society of Jesus, an international religious community which was founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola in the 16th century. Today, Jesuits continue to enrich the university through their work as scholars, researchers, administrators, chaplains and counselors.

Undergraduates at Georgetown receive a liberal arts education steeped in the Jesuit traditions of social justice and cura personalis, or “care of the whole person.” The university is committed to helping students grow intellectually, spiritually and emotionally as well as encouraging them to become thoughtful and caring members of society who contribute to the greater good.

In the classroom, discussions span the universe of human interest. No matter what their academic pursuits may be, all undergraduates explore broad intellectual horizons in one of four undergraduate schools:

• Georgetown College
• School of Nursing and Health Studies
• Walsh School of Foreign Service
• McDonough School of Business

Students are admitted to and receive their degrees from one of the four schools but can take classes offered in any undergraduate school. In fact, students are encouraged to think broadly and take an interdisciplinary approach to their education. Many students major in one school and minor in another, getting valuable experience of studying with students of every major and background.
 Students are encouraged to enhance their classroom learning experience by taking advantage of Georgetown's location in Washington, D.C., holding internships on Capitol Hill, the National Institutes of Health, ABC News, The World Bank, The Smithsonian, Embassies, or with the myriad of non-profit and corporate groups involved with policy-making. Before graduation, 95% of Georgetown students have had at least one internship.

With more than 6,300 undergraduates from all 50 states and more than 130 countries, Georgetown is a vibrant place to live and learn. Visit the Campus Life section of the University's website to find out more about the dynamic Georgetown community. It includes a wide spectrum of student organizations, sports teams and clubs, student publications and student activism in political and social causes. Community is further fostered through residence life, with more than 80 percent of students living on the University campus.

College of the Week: University of Maryland

Link: University of Maryland

The University of Maryland boasts 78 academic programs ranked in the top 25 nationally and 29 academic programs in the top 10 according to U.S. News and World report. By drawing top-notch faculty, attracting the brightest students and investing in the quality of our academic programs, we are a force to reckon with on a national basis.
Maryland has eleven colleges and schools and Letters and Sciences. As a new student, you'll first find an academic home in your college or school and, from there, your major. Letters and Sciences provides advising for students who are still undecided about their major. Maryland also offers ways to make connections across disciplines, through our special academic programs, certificate programs and academic resources.

Maryland by the Numbers:

• Ranked #18 among U.S. Public Universities
• 100+ majors
• 73 Academic Programs ranked in the Top 25
• 26,000+ Undergraduate Students
• 1:1 Male to Female ratio
• 34% students of color - graduating more African American students than any other Top 20 Public University
• 3,000+ total faculty
• 3,480 international students
• 36 residence halls
• 3 million+ library books
• 1,200 acre campus
• 27 Division I NCAA teams
• 240,000+ alumni
• 335 employers recruiting on campus
• 100% of residence halls and academic buildings with wireless internet
• 1,800 undergraduate students studied abroad this past year
• The Clarice Smith Performing Arts center is the largest performing arts center on any university campus on the east coast, covering nearly 17 acres.
• McKeldin Mall is not only the largest collegiate mall in the United States but it's also wireless.



Question of the Week

"Can you describe the timing of

College Admission testing?"

Two companies in the United States sponsor college admission tests. The College Board offers the PSAT, SAT-I and the SAT-II Subject Tests. American College Testing provides the ACT.

The SAT-I is a three-hour and 45-minute exam designed to measure critical reading, math, and writing skills. The PSAT is the practice test. Severn will automatically register Sophomores and Juniors to take the PSAT on campus. This year's PSAT is October 12.

The ACT is three hours long and measures skills in English, math, reading, and science. A 30-minute Writing Test is an optional component of the ACT. Most colleges require the writing section.

Students are penalized for entering a wrong answer on the SAT-I. Students are not similarly penalized on the ACT; therefore, it is to the student's advantage to answer every question on the ACT.
SAT vs. ACT: Almost all colleges and universities will accept either the SAT or the ACT. Some state their preference. Still others will accept the ACT as a substitute for their SAT Subject Tests requirement. Testing policies will vary from college to college.

Revolution Prep offers test preparation courses at Severn, and some juniors may choose this option for this winter or spring (for more information, please see their website: www.revolutionprep.com).  Financial aid is available to those who qualify.  Other students will find success by reading on their own and by using one of many available books to prepare for and practice taking the SAT.  For the first time this year, Revolution Prep will offer a free mock ACT test to Severn juniors on Saturday, November 12th.   More information will follow in the Binnacle.

Score Choice: The ACT has always given students the option of reporting their best ACT scores by test date. Now this same option is offered by the College Board. Beginning with the class of 2010, students may choose to send SAT scores by test date and SAT Subject Test scores by individual tests. The College Board ruled out allowing students to mix and match their best math, critical reading, and writing scores from the different test dates. However, most colleges will continue to follow this practice if they receive more than one set of scores.

Score Choice is optional. If students do not use it, all scores will be sent to colleges automatically. All scores will still appear on reports sent to students and counselors.

Keep in mind that, regardless of the policy of the College Board, colleges may set their own test requirements. All the more reason for students to follow college application instructions carefully.

Reporting Scores: Severn students are responsible for having their scores sent directly to colleges from the appropriate testing agency. Admission test scores do not appear on a student's transcript.

 Typical SAT/ACT Testing Sequence

Grade	Date	Test
Tenth Grade	October	PSAT
Eleventh Grade	October January+May June	PSAT SAT-I SAT-II Subject Tests ACT (optional)
Twelfth Grade	October November	SAT-I ACT (optional) SAT-I

College of the Week--The George Washington University

The George Washington University

(Visiting Severn School Monday 9/19/11)

Our University actively engages Washington, D.C., and the world. Our location in the heart of Washington places us at the core of U.S. government, policy and law. We sit where the worlds of science, technology, media and the arts converge. Our students and faculty have the unparalleled opportunity to study and work alongside leaders and practitioners in every discipline, to take part in the interchanges that shape our community and the world.

Our History
The George Washington University was created in 1821 through an Act of the Congress, fulfilling George Washington’s vision of an institution in the nation’s capital dedicated to educating and preparing future leaders.

Today, GW is the largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. We have more than 20,000 students—from all 50 states, the District and more than 130 countries—studying a rich range of disciplines: from forensic science and creative writing to international affairs and computer engineering, as well as medicine, public health, the law and public policy.

GW comprises three campuses—Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon in Washington, D.C., and the GW Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn, Va.—as well as several graduate education centers in the metropolitan area and Hampton Roads, Va.


Our Commitment
Our mission is to provide an environment where knowledge is created and acquired and where creative endeavors seek to enrich the experiences of the global society. With nine schools and colleges and nearly 100 research centers and institutes, our students receive hands-on experience as they explore nearly any avenue of personal interest.

The depth and breadth of our academic programs, the exceptional qualifications of our full-time faculty, the unmatched experiences of our adjunct faculty and the strengths of our research initiatives allow our students, our faculty and our staff to look at the world beyond the classroom. They allow us to prepare the next generation of leaders.

The GW Experience

The students and professors who pass through our halls will tell you that The George Washington University is much more than an academic institution. It is a place of opportunity. You can learn from renowned professors, meet your best friends and work with some of the most influential organizations in the world. You can become a part of the GW experience.

For each person—from students to faculty, alumni to staff—the GW experience is unique. Interning on Capitol Hill. Biking down miles of trails. Listening to prominent world leaders speak. Leafing through rare book collections at the Folger Shakespeare Library. Watching professional baseball, basketball, hockey or celebrity entertainers. Performing in one of the University’s many student talent organizations. The diversity of the city is an ideal match for the diversity of our University.

Even after commencement on the National Mall, the GW experience continues. Influenced by their experiences, our community members leave, empowered by knowledge that helps them find their place and leave their mark on the nation and the world.

Question of the Week

"Can I miss school to visit a college?"



Severn recognizes that seniors and juniors may need to visit college campuses during the school year.  When planning for these anticipated absences, please complete the following procedures at least three days before your absence.

Directions:

1.  Complete College Visit Permission slip. Have your parents read and sign it.

2.  Inform your teachers of your anticipated absence.

3.  Get all assignments so that you can return to school prepared for your classes.

4.  Avoid, if you can, missing days of tests or when papers/projects are due.

5.  Return the form, initialed by each of your teachers, to the College Counseling Office.

**Consider writing a review of your visit to be posted on our blog to help create a library of college reviews.

College of the Week: College of Charleston

As many as one hundred college representatives will visit Severn School this fall. The College of Charleston kicks off the season with a visit on September 8th at 8:30 am.

College of Charleston



The College of Charleston is a nationally recognized, public liberal arts and sciences university located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in 1770, the College is among the nation’s top universities for quality education, student life and affordability. The College offers a distinctive combination of a beautiful and historic campus, modern facilities and cutting-edge programs.

Students from all 50 states and some 71 countries choose the College of Charleston for its small-college feel blended with the advantages and diversity of an urban, mid-sized university. The College provides a creative and intellectually stimulating environment where students are challenged by a committed and caring faculty of 500 distinguished teacher-scholars, all in an incomparable setting.

The city of Charleston - world-renowned for its history, culture, architecture and coastal environment - serves approximately 10,000 undergraduates and 1,500 graduate students as a living and learning laboratory for experiences in business, science, teaching, the humanities, languages and the arts. At the same time, students and faculty are engaged with the community in partnerships to improve education, enhance the business community and enrich the overall quality of life in the region.

At the College of Charleston, students learn how to succeed and grow, both inside and outside the classroom. This comes from a rigorous exposure to the arts, sciences and humanities, and from dedication to achievement in education, business and other professional careers. It comes from exceptional opportunities to pursue knowledge and conduct research at the undergraduate and graduate level. It comes from a vibrant and enriching campus life that provides meaningful opportunities to become engaged and involved, to make a difference and to become a leader.

While they live and work in one of the greatest cities in the world, our students share many of the same hopes and dreams. They want to discover themselves, find out what they can achieve and create their own future. At the College of Charleston, they learn how to make that happen. In the great liberal arts tradition, a College of Charleston education focuses on discovery and personal growth, as well as preparing for life, work and service in our society.

At the College of Charleston, students learn about themselves, their own lives and the lives of others. They learn how to shape their future and prepare themselves for today’s world. When they graduate, our students are ready for a world in which they can create change and opportunity.

**Sign up for this or any other college rep visit through Family Connection