1. We must make the choices that enable us to fulfill the deepest capacities of our real selves. – Thomas Merton

3. GPA/Academic Performance ACT/SAT Course Selection Rank Essays Recommendations Interests Commitment

4. English4 Years Mathematics (Algebra 1 and above)3 Years Social Studies3 Years Science3 Years Foreign Language (of the same language)2 Years Many colleges may also require additional courses in: Fine and Performing Arts Computer Science

5. CONSIDER COLLEGE CHARACTERISTICS What are you looking for in a college?

6. College is a big investment of time and money Examine college characteristics carefully Does the college have your academic program of interest? What are your personal preferences? CONSIDER COLLEGE CHARACTERISTICS

7. Admission Standards: Knowing the entrance standards of a college will give you some idea of how likely you are to be accepted. Open: all High school graduates accepted. – Typical ACT score averages: 16-21 OCC, MCC, Baker College Liberal: accept some students who are in the lower half of their high school graduating class – Typical ACT score averages: 17-22 Ferris Traditional: majority of students accepted are in the top 50% of their high school graduating class. – Typically ACT score averages: 18-24 CMU, WMU, EMU resource: ACT

8. Selective: majority of students accepted are in the top 25% of their high school graduating class – Typical ACT score averages: 21-26 EX: MSU, Grand Valley State Highly Selective: majority of the students accepted are in the top 10% of their high school graduating class. – Typical ACT score averages: 25-30 U of M, Northwestern Admission Standards

9. SIZE: Large schools may offer…. More areas of specialized study More courses in each area More anonymity More extracurricular activities Larger libraries More lab/computer facilities

10. SIZE: Small colleges may offer…. More personal atmosphere Small classes: teacher knows your name, knows when your absent….. More discussion and fewer lectures More availability to connect with their students

11. Other Important Considerations – Location (type of community) – Costs: scholarship and financial aid – Campus activities/Athletic Programs – Academic reputation – Public or Private – Support Services **SEE WEB for example

12. LIST, COMPARE, AND VISIT COLLEGES Compile information from several resources: – Internet Careercruising.com & college webpages – Catalogs (mailings) – College representatives @ RHS (Fall) – College Night (October @ RHS) – Campus Visits – Counselors and teachers – Parents, students, and alumni – Professions in the field

13. Prepare a college comparison checklist – See back page of packet – Students can make excel sheet Compare strengths of each school Weigh advantages and disadvantages Buyers Mentality LIST, COMPARE, AND VISIT COLLEGES

14. Meet with an admission counselor Verify admission requirements Determine actual college costs Ask about financial aid opportunities Take a campus tour Investigate your interested academic program (s) Attend a class if available Talk with students and faculty Checklist is available in packet and on the web Checklist for a Campus Visit

15. APPLY FOR ADMISSION AND OBSERVE DEADLINES Narrow your choices Review college admissions requirements Know application fees and deadlines Application for admissions application High school transcript Recommendations ACT/SAT test results Know scholarship requirements

16. Summer Preparation Students can continue their college and career research Make a resume – Helpful when given to teachers/coaches/counselors when asked to write letter of recommendation Begin filling out applications Get started on application essays

17. 27% of Students that Start a 4-Year Degree Don’t Return After their First Year 50% of Students Start a 4-Year College, but Don’t Graduate in 6 Years 33% of Students Completed their 4-Year Degree while Attending 3 or More Colleges 22% of Michigan Residents over 25 have a 4-Year Degree

18. FINANCIAL AID Federal, State Aid & Scholarships

19. Financing an Education Investigate all possible resources – Parents – Savings – Summer earnings – Financial aid:www.fafsa.ed.gov Grants Loans Work study Scholarships Apply for financial aid as early as Jan 2010 (FASFA)

20. What is FAFSA? The FAFSA is the : – F=Free – A=Application – F=Federal – S=Student – A=Aid – The FAFSA collects certain personal and financial data used to confirm and calculate the student’s eligibility. – The FAFSA applies the student for state aid as well. – You must complete a FAFSA every year. It is recommended that this is done prior to March.

21. State of Michigan Programs www. michigan.gov/mistudentaid Need based – Michigan Competitive Scholarship – Michigan Tuition Grant – Michigan Educational Opportunity Grant (MEOG) – Michigan Adult Part-time Grant – Michigan Work Study Non-need based – Michigan Merit Award – Nursing Scholarship – Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) – MI-LOAN Ⓡ – Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver

22. MICHIGAN MERIT EXAM (MME) March 9 th thru March 11 th

23. What does MME include? Part 1 of MME: March 9th – ACT plus writing English – 45 minutes & 75 questions Math – 60 minutes & 60 questions Reading – 35 minutes & 40 questions (4 passages) Science – 35 minutes & 40 questions Writing – 30 minutes & 1 prompt

24. What does MME include? continued….. Part 2 of MME: March 10 th – WorkKeys: Reading for Information: 45 minutes – measures the skill people use when they read and use written text in order to do a job. The written texts include memos, letters, directions, signs, notices, bulletins, policies, and regulations. Applied Mathematics: 45 minutes – measures the skill people use when they apply mathematical reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving techniques to work-related problems. The test questions require the examinee to set up and solve the types of problems and do the types of calculations that actually occur in the workplace. This test is designed to be taken with a calculator.

25. Part 3 of MME: March 12 th – Michigan portions Mathematics: 20 minutes Science: 50 minutes Social Studies – Part 1: 50 minutes – Part 2 50 minutes What does MME include? continued…..

26. Can I Retake just the ACT to improve for College Admissions? YES You may retake the ACT on a National Saturday in April, June or October. Pick up ACT packet in counseling office if you want to Retake ACT. You may ALSO re-register online at www.actstudent.org. www.actstudent.org

27. ACT Does it help to take the ACT more than once? ACT research shows that of the students who took the ACT more than once: 55% increased their composite score on the retest 22% had no change in their composite score on the retest 23% decreased their composite score on the retest

28. The best preparation-a solid high school curriculum! Consider taking a preparation class. Pick up test preparation workshop materials in the counseling office and on the counseling webpage. Public Library. Take online practice tests review PLAN ACT PREPARATION

29. SAT The SAT Reasoning Test is a measure of the critical thinking skills you'll need for academic success in college. The SAT assesses how well you analyze and solve problems—skills you learned in school that you'll need in college. Check out www.collegeboard.com for more informationwww.collegeboard.com

30. SAT Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200-800, and the writing section will contain two subscores. The SAT was designed with questions that reflect or show your reasoning abilities, not just the amount of information you've accumulated during school.

31. THANK YOU FOR COMING! Please be sure to read through the packet!