1. Stevenson Class of 2014 SENIOR MEETING

2. 5 STEPS FOR COLLEGE PLANNING1
Ensure you are on track to graduate 2
Know what colleges want 3
Search for colleges that are a good fit 4
Apply to colleges that interest you 5
Develop a plan to pay for college

3. STEP 1 - Ensure you are on track to graduate
Stay on track with the PLANNING CALENDAR FOR SENIORS
Review your transcript and check your credits
Make sure that you have fulfilled your VPAA and SENIOR MATH-RELATED CREDITS
STEP 1 - Ensure you are on track to graduate

4. STEP 2 - Know what colleges want
QUALITY & RIGOR of classes INCLUDING SENIOR YEAR
STEP 2 - Know what colleges want

5. Actual quote from MSU Admissions Officer
“I am currently reviewing your application to Michigan State University. Your senior year is academically very weak. At MSU, we like to see at least 3 core academic classes in a student’s senior year While I understand your interest in (arts), to be considered for admission to MSU you will need to have at least 3 academic classes in second semester of your senior year”
Actual quote from MSU Admissions Officer

6. STEP 2 - Know what colleges want
Your academic performance i.e., your grades and rank in class
STEP 2 - Know what colleges want

7. STEP 2 - Know what colleges want
Test scores – ACT, SAT, AP
STEP 2 - Know what colleges want

8. FOR INFORMATION ON COLLEGE CREDIT AVAILABLE FROM YOUR AP TEST SCORES
GO TO
FOR INFORMATION ON COLLEGE CREDIT
AVAILABLE FROM YOUR AP TEST SCORES

9. What are the next test dates?
Should I retake the ACT?
How do I do that?
Go to
What are the next test dates?
10/26 & 12/14

10. Getting ACT Scores to Colleges
Does my school require scores directly from ACT?
Check with the college
How do I do that?
Order score report IF you didn’t put the school’s code down when you tested
Go to
How much is it?
$11 per school
Getting ACT Scores to Colleges

11. STEP 2 - Know what colleges want
ADDITIONAL FACTORS SUCH AS:
Extracurricular activities
Essays
Letters of Recommendation (if provided)
Your interest in the school
STEP 2 - Know what colleges want

12. What about Foreign / World Language?

13. DON’T BE DISAPPOINTED…
Make sure that your schedule is one that prepares you to be a SUCCESSFUL college student
DON’T BE DISAPPOINTED…

14. STEP 3 – Search for colleges that are a good fit for you

15. STEP 3 – Search for colleges that are a good fit for you
There are many factors to consider when choosing a college.
Make sure you do your research so that you know you are picking one that will be a good fit FOR YOU
STEP 3 – Search for colleges that are a good fit for you

16. STEP 3 – Search for colleges that are a good fit for you
Learn about the colleges through Websites
Schedule a visit to the college
See a presentation here at Stevenson from a representative of the school
STEP 3 – Search for colleges that are a good fit for you

17. Three Good Reasons to Attend Macomb Community College
Macomb Community College is ranked in the top 10 Community Colleges in the United States.
Largest granter of Associates degrees in MICHIGAN
Over $16 Million in Financial aide awarded annually
Annual enrollment = 743,000!

18. THE PROGRAMS Accounting/Finance Architectural Technology
Automotive Technology
Business Management
Cisco Networking
Climate Control/Heating and Cooling
Communication/Radio & TV
Construction Technology
Crime Lab Technician
Culinary Arts
Early Childhood Studies
Electronic Technology
EMT/Paramedic
Firefighter/Paramedic
Hospital Pharmacy Technician
Hospitality Management

19. Respiratory Therapist
Restaurant Management
Surgical Technologist
Theater Arts
Veterinary Technician
Web site Programmer
IT Specialist
Law Enforcement
Legal Assistant
Medical Assistant
Molecular Biotechnology
Nursing
Photography and Digital Imaging
Physical Therapist Assistant
These are just 30 of the 200 Associate degrees or Career Education Certification Programs!

20. COST MACOMB Tuition: $89/credit hour 4 credit class = $356.00
30 credit/year = $2,670
Oakland U. Tuition : $353/credit hour
4 credit class = $1,412
30 credit/year = $10,590
Michigan State Tuition $12,674 + Room & Board $8,526 = $21,764

21. STEP 4 – Apply to Colleges that interest you
CREATE AN ACCOUNT AT PARCHMENT TO SEND YOUR TRANSCRIPTS
Register AT

22. STEP 4 – Apply to Colleges that interest you
NARROW YOUR CHOICES
Sign up on Docufide/Parchment to send your transcripts
Visit college websites to complete online applications
If essays are required, have someone proof read
REMEMBER… everything on the application represents you
Submit a request on Parchment to have a transcript sent to each school you apply to
Send ACT scores directly to the schools that require this
Complete all NCAA requirements if you are hoping to compete as a college athlete
See your counselor with questions you may have

23. STEP 4 – Apply to Colleges that interest you
REMINDERS
Submit all applications for schools you are serious about by Halloween
MSU Early Notification – If ALL application materials are in by October 11, you will be notified of acceptance by November 15.
U of M –materials in by 11/1, notification by 12/24
Forms that require counselor input should be given to your counselor at least 10 days prior to the due date

24. STEP 5 – Develop a plan to pay for college
Look at the costs for each school
Do your FAFSA so the school can determine any GRANTS, LOANS or SCHOLARSHIPS that you may be eligible for
Pursue additional scholarships

25. STEP 5 – Develop a plan to pay for college
THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP IS TO FILL OUT THE FAFSA
It’s FREE
Use your family tax info
Submit online after January 1 (but before March 1 in order to be eligible for the greatest amount of state aid

26. Scholarships

27. Do not pay for this service
Scholarships
Visit both the UCS Scholarship site and others such as those listed in your handout
Don’t miss deadlines
Proofread carefully
Don’t miss any required information
Do not pay for this service

28. Got Questions???
Visit your counselor….