The Takoma Park Maryland Library will offer three great -- and free -- programs for college-bound students and their parents on three evenings in October -- Oct. 7, Oct. 14 and Oct. 21. Come to one, two or all three programs!
The programs feature nationally-recognized experts, who will offer guidance to students applying to college. Please register! Go to takomapark.info/library/registration.html or call 301-891-7259. All programs are presented by the Takoma Park Maryland Library with the support of the Friends of the Library.
On Oct. 7 at 7 p.m., Dr. Ilhan Cagri and a trained colleague will share their experiences and insights on both the verbal and math components of the current SAT format, introduced in spring of 2005.
Dr. Cagri received her PhD in Linguistics at the University of Maryland. As a Faculty Research Associate at the University of Maryland School of Languages, she is currently conducting a research project on second language acquisition. She has taught and designed SAT preparation classes for Montgomery County Public Schools, in private schools and as a private tutor. Parents and students have found her insights practical and helpful.
On Oct. 14, at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Herm Davis will discuss college financing options, including the financial aid timetable, scholarships, loans, work study, college savings plans, the FAFSA application and more.
One of the nation's foremost college aid authorities, Dr. Davis heads the National College Scholarship Foundation and directs College Financial Aid Counseling and Education Services, Inc. During his 35 years of working in the field of financial aid he has authored several financial aid publications including College Financial Aid for Dummies. He has also developed a computer scholarship database, consulted for several scholarship foundations and for the Petersons' Financial publications. Dr. Davis has undergraduate degrees in business and education, a Masters Degree in guidance and counseling, and a PhD from George Washington University in Higher Education.
On Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m., Dr. Lori Pott-Dupre will present an overview of the college selection process. What schools might provide the right fit – academically, financially and personally – for you? Topics include sorting out your personal criteria and goals and the admissions process.
Dr. Lori Potts-Dupre grew up in the Washington, D.C. area. She earned the B.S. and M.Ed. degrees at the University of California, Davis in Applied Behavioral Sciences, and her PhD in education at the University of Maryland, College Park. In 1994 she was appointed as Faculty Research Associate at the National Center for Postsecondary Governance and Finance, where she investigated governance issues in higher education. She also coordinated admissions for the Francis Scott Key and Banneker programs at College Park, and taught in the Honors program.
Lori opened her college consulting practice in Takoma Park, Maryland in 1997. She has evaluated over 350 campuses nationwide, and continues to visit and evaluate dozens of colleges every year. She attained the CEP (Certified Educational Planner) designation, the highest standard in the profession, in 1999. In the fall of 2003 she was appointed as a commissioner to the American Institute of Certified Education Planners. She enjoys visiting campuses, volunteering with local youth organizations, and spending time with her family.