January 12, 2024, Community Update: College and Career Readiness Exams, Early Access Programs and Opportunities for BCPS Secondary Students
Dear Team BCPS Families -
Baltimore County Public Schools has a comprehensive strategy to ensure all students are learning at high levels, have access to and participate in innovative programs, and are prepared to thrive in college, career and the community. Our strategy, which is in alignment with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Pillar 3: College and Career Readiness, includes providing important career and college readiness examinations and robust early access programs and opportunities to secondary students, many at no cost. This includes—
ACT
This year, BCPS is providing students with an opportunity to take the ACT in Grade 11 or 12 at no cost. Students will be provided with a pre-paid, one-time voucher that they will use when they register for the ACT. ACT is a national administration given on Saturday at multiple locations (ACT Test Center Locator). Students may request a voucher from their school counselor.
Tuition Free Program at CCBC
The BCPS Tuition Free Program covers tuition, fees, and books for students in 11th and 12th grades who have met College and Career Readiness Standards, as outlined in the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, for up to four credit-bearing courses or four courses leading to industry credentials at CCBC or other local Maryland universities during the spring and fall semesters. While the program previously provided all secondary students with unlimited access to CCBC courses, changes have been made to better align this program with Blueprint requirements and to ensure students are prepared to successfully complete college coursework. These updates to the Tuition Free Program go into effect at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year. Courses taken prior to the 2024-2025 school year will not count towards the four free courses available to students who have met the College and Career Readiness Standards.
Students who have not met College and Career Readiness Standards, as outlined in the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, are still eligible to take courses at CCBC at a reduced cost of 50 percent per course. Students will pay for the necessary fees and books.
BCPS will also pay for any fees, other than tuition and books, for eligible students who are taking coursework at CCBC or local Maryland universities. For more information on the Tuition Free Program at CCBC, visit the website.
Advanced Placement Exams
BCPS will cover the cost of AP exams for students in 11th and 12th grades who have met College and Career Readiness Standards, as outlined in the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, for up to six exams where the students have also completed the course.
The College Board provides exam fee assistance for AP exam costs for all students, regardless of CCR status, with financial need who complete the Universal Fee Waiver form.
SAT School Day
The SAT School Day will be offered to all Grade 11 students (or other eligible students in the same graduation cohort), districtwide this spring.
PSAT
The PSAT provides an important measure of each student’s readiness for advanced coursework, college and careers, and preparation for future college readiness examinations. The PSAT is administered to all Grade 10 students, at no cost, in the fall of each year. Students in grade 11 have the option to take the PSAT / NMSQT for extra practice prior to SAT Day and to potentially be eligible for National Merit Scholarships at no cost.
CCR Programs Flyer
