Planning Calendar for College

College & Career Planning Guide

1 Dundee High School High School Counselor Contact Information: Mrs. Dina Brook, MA, LPC, NCC 734-529-7008 Ext 3022 [email protected]

The Mission of the Dundee High School Counseling Department is to counsel, educate and advocate for students as they pursue their academic and personal goals, meet life’s challenges and deepen their knowledge of self and others.

The Dundee High School Counseling Department assists students and parents in all phases of the post- high school planning process. It is our philosophy that this process is a major step in each student’s growth and independence.

This College & Career Planning Guide is designed to provide Dundee High School students and their families with the information and resources necessary to help make well-informed decisions regarding post -high school planning.

Career Assessments and Exploration Materials Printed materials and computer resources for career development are available. Students may take informal career tests to identify their interest, values and skills. The Michigan Occupational Information System, Career Cruising, Self Directed Search, Occupational Outlook Handbook, and many other resources provide students with valuable information about themselves and help students make career and college decisions.

College Information Admissions information, college academic program catalogs, college view books, videos, applications, web resources, financial aid and scholarship information are all available.

College Entrance Exams ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests preparation materials are available for students to borrow. Information on testing dates and locations are provided. In addition, PLAN and PSAT information is available. Check to see which assessments you should take!

Please call, email or stop by the Counseling Department at any time! Also, check out the Guidance Website. 2 PLANNING CALENDAR FOR COLLEGE SENIOR YEAR

FALL (Sept. – Nov.)

 Participate in individual senior meeting and large group senior meetings. Review your full year schedule and check graduation credits and course requirements. It is your responsibility to schedule any necessary make-up courses.  Prepare your educational resume for use with college applications, scholarships and reference letter requests.  Narrow list of colleges to consider. Goal should be to apply to 3 – 5 schools.  Retake ACT and/or SAT if desired. Check for registration deadlines and testing dates.  Register for SAT Subject Tests if required by the selected college.  Visit some college campuses. Explore classrooms and dorms, and speak to students and faculty members.  Visit with college admissions representatives at Dundee High School and at local college fairs. Check school’s website to see which schools/universities will be visiting.  Request recommendations from teachers and/or guidance counselor. Give teachers and counselor forms for letters of recommendations.  Submit all applications by the date mandated by the individual college or university.  File early action/early decision applications, if appropriate. Early decision deadlines are in November. Specific deadlines for general applications vary with colleges.  Observe DEADLINES for college applications – allow at least TWO WEEKS for high school processing.  Allow at LEAST 8 weeks for a decision from the college or university.  Work hard to maintain or to improve your Grade Point Average (GPA).  Prospective College Athletes must complete the NCAA Clearinghouse.  Research and apply for scholarships – observe DEADLINES!  Apply for your financial aid Personal Identification Number (PIN) at www.pin.ed.gov. The pin number is needed prior to filing FAFSA forms online.

3 WINTER (Dec. – March)  Work hard to maintain or to improve your GPA.  Complete college admissions procedures.  Attend Financial Aid workshop in December/January. Monroe County Community College Financial Aid Night is usually in Dec. or Jan.  Complete online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) www.fafsa.ed.gov  File the FAFSA as soon as possible after Jan 1st but before March 1st. Most schools have a limited supply of aid and some dispense it on a rolling basis as they accept students, it is to your advantage to apply as early as possible.  Parents: Prepare IRS tax returns early-they will be needed to complete the FAFSA in order to determine your student’s financial aid eligibility.  Continue to research and apply for scholarships-observe DEADLINES!  The forms and applications for the Dundee Community Scholarship Foundation Scholarships are made available at this time.  If you are planning to attend Michigan State University, you should complete an application for the Ayers/Willert Scholarship. Mrs. Brook will give one to you. (You must be accepted to MSU to be eligible to apply for the scholarship)  Listen to announcements, check the Student Services Website and visit the Student Services Office for scholarship opportunities.  Submit updated grades/transcripts to colleges when requested.  Acceptance Letters may begin to arrive.

SPRING (April – June)  Work hard to maintain or to improve your GPA.  Review college acceptances and confirm financial aid offers.  Determine college choice from your college acceptances. May 1st is the traditional date by which you need to notify colleges of your intentions to attend. Send in a deposit, attend orientations, visitations, etc.  Scholarship applications continue.  Request a final transcript to be sent to your college and National College Athletic Association (NCAA), if applicable.  Take AP exams.  Complete Senior Checkout Forms.  Attend Senior Honors Night.  CONGRATUALTIONS!!!!! You have made it through, now just GRADUATE

4 PLANNING CALENDAR FOR COLLEGE JUNIOR YEAR

FALL (Sept. – Nov.)

 Visit with college representative at Dundee High School and at local college fairs. Pick up free information provided.  Start reviewing college catalogs available in the Guidance Office and on websites. Make a list of approximately 7-10 colleges you might like to attend and request information.  Consult your high school counselor about registering for the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT). PSAT is given in October. This test is mandatory to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program.  Take the PSAT, if necessary, review your results.  Utilize the rich and varied resources of the Guidance Office.  Research the admission requirements and costs of the college you are interested in.

WINTER (Dec. – March)

 Attend Financial Aid workshop in December/January.  Work hard in the classroom to improve grades. Often graduating in the top 10% of the class will offset less than perfect SAT/ACT scores and help students obtain admission to their college of choice.  Begin discussing and gathering information on college, military, trade schools along with post-secondary plans and goals.  Check out Career Cruising to help prepare and research career interests.  Prepare for spring ACT and/or SAT. All juniors participate in the ACT in March as part of the MME.  Plan an appropriate college preparatory schedule for senior year.

5 SPRING (April – June)

 Attend local college fairs.  Re-take the ACT and/or SAT as needed. You may register online. Check for registration deadlines and testing dates. If you scored lower than 18 on the overall Composite score, you should definitely sign up to retake the ACT again in June.  Over spring break, visit some of your potential colleges. The exposure and information gained from these trips is well worth the time.  Identify important factors for college selection and arrange campus visits.  Attend High School Visitation Days sponsored by colleges.  If enrolled in Advanced Placement courses, take AP tests.  Start scholarship search online. Example website: www.fastweb.com  Access the website College View to request college information and applications.  Verify NCAA requirements if you plan to compete in athletics in college. Register and view online www.ncaaclearinghouse.net  Participate in a junior conference and check credit status with your counselor. It is your responsibility to schedule any necessary make-up courses.  Prepare your educational resume for use with college applications, scholarships and reference letter requests.

IMPORTANT JUNIOR YEAR TESTS

 PSAT – Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (October)  ACT - American College Test (6 times throughout the year)  MME – Michigan Merit Exam (March) o Part I is ACT o PART II is Work Keys o PART III Michigan Components  AP – Advanced Placement – (May)

6 College Application Process

College Applications Most colleges have websites and encourage online applications. Approximately 90% of college applications are completed and submitted via on-line.

 Obtain your applications from the college’s website or complete your application on-line. The Student Services office may have hard copies of an application for a college as well.

 Read carefully the college applications and instructions. If you have any questions, bring the application to your counselor for assistance.

 Be aware if you need to send ACT scores directly from the testing agency. Note: If a college or university requires scores directly from ACT or SAT, you are responsible for requesting them from the testing service.

 Note all application deadlines and avoid waiting until the last minute to apply. Keep copies of completed applications and note the date each is submitted.

 Make sure you give yourself, and others who will be supporting your application, enough lead time to do a good job.

 Paper applications need to be completed in INK (either blue or black), printed neatly with no cross outs. Use white-out if you need to make a correction!

 Draft your responses to the questions asked on the application. Be thoughtful, honest and precise as you answer each question. Your application is a reflection of you!

 Sometimes, if you apply to a college on-line, they will waive the application fee.

7 Requesting Transcripts All college applications require a high school transcript, and most have sections for the counselor to complete. Colleges will not accept any transcript that you mail on your own.

Transcripts are requested via on-line to be sent electronically through Parchment - The E-Transcript System.

The website is www.parchment.com or there is also a link to the Parchment website on the Dundee High School webpage under the “Students Section”. . You can also find a link to Parchment on the Dundee High School Guidance webpage.

Create a user account and password on Parchment and follow the prompts.

Follow up to check the status of transcript requests through the Parchment website.

You will also need to request a final transcript at the end of the school year to be sent to the college that you have committed to. You will need to request this final transcript via on-line to be sent electronically again through Parchment – The E-Transcript System.

It is your responsibility to make sure that the college you will be attending in the fall has received your final transcript.

8 Request Test Scores Test scores for the ACT and/or SAT must be sent directly from the testing agency and can be ordered online. The ACT website is www.actstudent.org and the SAT website is www.collegeboard.org .

Essays and Personal Statements An essay or personal statement gives the applicant a voice and therefore becomes an important component of the application. It serves to add insight, evaluate character, expose individuality and convey depth of knowledge, style and mastery of the English language. The essay topic may be a directed question or it may ask the student to describe an event, book, or influential situation. A personal statement differs from an essay in that it is a narrative. Admission officers read many essays. To stand out, the essay needs to be clear, well-written and original. If an essay is required, do not procrastinate in writing it. The earlier you begin, the more time you will have to refine your essay. Let someone read your essay and make suggestions for improvement.

Letters of Recommendation Letters of recommendation may be required as part of an application. If a letter from a counselor or a teacher is required, be sure to notify them well in advance of the application deadline, at least 2 weeks prior to the application deadline. It is also helpful to provide the recommender with a Student Activities Resume. The teacher may return the recommendation to your counselor, or send it directly to the college. In the latter, provide the teacher with a stamped envelope addressed to the college. Teacher and Counselor Recommendations are CONFIDENTIAL.

Expect 6 – 8 weeks to hear from the college regarding your acceptance. Just because you apply to a college, does not mean you have to go there. Keep your options open.

Please come to the Guidance Office if you have any questions.

9 ADMISSIONS FACTORS

MOST COMMON MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 4 years English 3-4 years Math (through Algebra II) 3-4 years Science 3-4 years Social Studies, 2-4 years of a Single Foreign Language. Electives: One Semester of Computer Skills

Still Most Significant Factors in Decision Making Process:  Your Academic Record AND Rigor of Your Curriculum GPA.-Trend of Grades Quality of Courses- Challenging Curriculum (Context of school) ~one of the key separating factors in the review process ACT and/or SAT scores

 Strength of Applicant Pool  Letters of Recommendation  Special Talents or Abilities  Class Rank  Interview if requested  Essay if requested  Extra Curricular Activities – Depth of Commitment – Leadership  Community Service  Work or other meaningful use of free time

As a general rule, college-bound students should take as many college preparatory Math, Science, English, Social Studies and World Language courses as possible. Competitive colleges usually require stronger academic rigor.

Most colleges and universities encourage students to take Honors, and Advanced Placement courses when possible.

It is preferable for students to fill course schedules with a majority of core academic courses each semester, including during their senior year.

10 Your Chances of Admission to Universities and Colleges Each year the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) conducts a survey of colleges to identify the major criteria used to determine admission. Over the past five years, the five criteria below have been consistently identified as the most important.

1. Grades Earned in Academic Courses and Strength of Curriculum 2. College Admission Test Scores 3. Student Essay 4. Personal Accomplishments 5. Recommendations from Teachers and Counselors

Keep in mind that this is summary data and individual colleges can place varied emphasis on the criteria. For example, one college may consider the first three of equal importance, and the last two of less, but equal importance. Another college may clearly place the greatest emphasis on the first, with much less consideration for the others.

A third college only considers the first two criteria, while a fourth only considers the first.

Bottom Line: IT ALL DEPENDS ON WHERE YOU ARE APPLYING SO KNOW THE ADMISSION CRITERIA!

A general guideline is to plan on applying to at least 3- 5 schools:  One of your applications should include a college you clearly anticipate will accept you. This is your safety school.  Study the College Profile and look carefully at the middle 50%, if you meet those criteria, than it is fairly safe to conclude you will be admitted.  Study the Freshman Profile another very helpful guide.  Consult the website of the specific college or university that interests you.

Some colleges will only provide the average GPA and test scores. This guideline does not apply to the most selective universities in the country such as Duke, Stanford, The Ivy League Universities and many others with top national reputations. These universities may reject many students with qualifications at the very top level of their profile.

11 College Admission Categories & Requirements (Based on data used from Baron’s Profiles of American Colleges)

“Most Competitive Colleges” “Highly Competitive Colleges”

English...... 4 years English...... 4 years Mathematics ...... 4 years Mathematics ...... 3-4 years Foreign Languages...... 4 years Foreign Language...... 2-3 years Lab Science...... 3-4 years Science ...... 3 years Social Studies ...... 3-4 years Social Studies ...... 3 years Academic Electives ...... 2 years Academic Electives ...... 2 years

(Honors & AP courses recommended) (Some honors or AP courses recommended)

Suggested testing range - Suggested testing range - ACT: 29-36 SAT: 1920-2400 ACT: 24-28 SAT: 1650-1860

“Competitive Colleges” Community and Technical Colleges

English...... 4 years Community and technical colleges Mathematics...... 3+ years usually have an open admission policy, Foreign Languages...... 2+ years requiring a high school diploma or a Science...... 2+years GED (General Education Diploma). Social Studies...... 2 years Academic Electives...... 2 years Requirements may be selective for admission to specific programs or (With Art, Foreign Language, Music, etc.) departments.

Suggested testing range – ACT 21-23 SAT 1500 – 1590

12 SAMPLE UNIVERSITY FRESHMAN CLASS PROFILES

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN The middle 50% of the class had:  Unweighted high school GPA of 3.85-4.0 28% had a 4.0 GPA 53% had a 3.9 or higher GPA (academic courses only: grades 10 and 11)  ACT Composite of 30-33  SAT 1 Total of 2040-2260

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY The middle 50% of the class had:  High School GPA of 3.4 – 3.8 (academic courses only: grades 9, 10 & 11)  ACT Composite of 23-28  SAT 1 Total of 1020-1220

CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY The class average:  High School GPA of 3.3 (academic courses only: grades 9, 10 & 11)  ACT Composite of 22

WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY The class average:  High School GPA of 3.3  ACT Composite of 22

EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY The class average:  High School GPA of 3.0  ACT Composite of 20 - 21

ALBION COLLEGE The class average:  High School GPA of 3.5  ACT Composite of 25 CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY The class average:  High School GPA of 3.3  ACT Composite of 22

13 SENIOR COLLEGE APPLICATIONS Ten Most Common Mistakes 1. Apply too early; apply too late. SOLUTION: Submit all applications by the recommended deadline date for your selected college or university.

2. Wait for a higher SAT or ACT Score before applying. SOLUTION: Apply and indicate you are retaking the ACT or SAT. The college will set up your file and hold for the score. They all accept the highest score test date.

3. Spend a vast amount of time preparing your essay. SOLUTION: Consult your English teacher and/or counselor. For some colleges, the essay is of prime importance. For others, it has little significance.

4. Seek recommendations from teachers, family, friends, employers, etc. SOLUTION: Obtain recommendations only when specifically requested by the college. Follow their instructions. Ask in a polite and timely manner.

5. Neglect to complete the Senior Information for College Recommendation. SOLUTION Do a thorough job and submit it to your counselor with your first application. Include all your accomplishments.

6. Forget to sign your application or fail to include a check for the application fee if not completed online. SOLUTION: Submit completed applications to your counselor. Plan on 2 weeks for processing. A big mistake is to take two months to do your part and expect your counselor to complete his/her part (recommendation, transcript and signature) in a day or two.

7. Choose only colleges that are highly competitive and very selective for you. SOLUTION Consider several – at least one of which is a sure admission.

8. Assume that if you are admitted, someone will pay for it. SOLUTION: Have an honest discussion with your parent(s) or guardian(s). Scholarship and financial aid may be difficult to obtain and $15,000-$42,000 per year is a major investment.

9. Wait for your senior year grades to raise your GPA. SOLUTION: Admission decisions are made on the basis of grades earned 9-11. Grades earned in your sophomore and junior year are weighed heavily. The university will place you on hold if senior year grades can make a difference. Do not wait to apply. 10. Expect a quick decision from the university. SOLUTION: Patience. Some review the entire applicant pool and notify all students in April or May. Others admit on a rolling basis and notify up to 1-3 months after receiving the application. All Michigan colleges and universities admit on a rolling basis. However, an increasing trend is “slow rolling admissions” and “deferred status”. After submitting an application in the fall you are told in March/April/May that you are qualified but not admissible due to more qualified applications and will be placed on a waiting list that holds little hope. 14 Common Admissions Terminology & Definitions

• Rolling Admission – An admission procedure by which the college considers each application as soon as all required materials have been received. The college then notifies each applicant of acceptance or rejection as soon as possible.

• Candidates Reply Date – A policy among subscribing institutions that permits students to wait until May 1 to choose, without penalty, among offers of admission/financial aid.

• Wait List – A term used by institutions used to describe a process in which they may initially delay offerings or deny you admission. Rather, the institution extends to you the possibility of admissions in the future. Colleges offer admission to wait list candidates if insufficient numbers of regularly admitted candidates accept their offers of admission.

• Deferred Application - The practice of some colleges of allowing an accepted student to postpone enrollment for one year

Selective Admissions Options

• Early Action – An application process which permits students to make application to an institution of preference and receive a decision during the senior year, well in advance of the normal response dates in the spring. The candidate is not committed to enroll at that particular institution.

• Early Decision – An application process in which a commitment is made by the student to the institution that, if admitted, the student will enroll. Only a student who can make a deliberate and well-reasoned first choice decision should apply under an Early Decision plan because the institution will require a nonrefundable deposit well before May 1. This is a binding commitment from the student. Financial Aid Terms • Aid Package – a combination of aid (possibly including a scholarship, grant, loan, and work) determined by a college financial aid office. • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – The application required for students to be considered for federal student financial aid. Obtain a FAFSA form or electronic filing information from the Guidance Dept (usually

15 available in November). The FAFSA is processed free of charge. FAFSA is used by most state agencies and colleges. Identify Important Factors in Choosing a College In choosing a college, the first things you'll probably consider will be the type of academic program and the availability of the major—or majors—you are most interested in. Here are some other things to think about as you compare colleges. How you rank these other factors will depend largely on your personal preferences and needs. Number your top five factors by importance below.

Location Financial Aid

distance from home deadline(s) required forms Environment % of student pop. receiving aid scholarships type of school (2-year or 4-year) part-time employment school setting (urban, rural) opportunities location and size of nearest city co-ed, male, female Housing religious affiliation residence hall requirements Size availability types and sizes enrollment food plans physical size of campus Facilities Admission Requirements academic deadline(s) recreational test(s) required other average test scores, GPA, rank special requirements Activities

Academics clubs, organizations sororities/fraternities majors offered athletics, intramurals special requirements other  accreditation—recognized by regional or national accrediting bodies as meeting its Campus visits objectives student-faculty ratio when to visit typical class size special opportunities College Expenses

tuition, room and board 16 estimated total budget

application fee, deposits

COLLEGE CAMPUS VISITS

Please plan to make some visits to college campuses. It is easy! Go to the college’s web site and sign up for a FREE college tour! You won’t regret it. There is such a huge difference between MSU’s campus and EMU’s campus (even though their school colors are both green and white!!)

 Read college catalogs and brochures  Plan your visit one or two weeks in advance  Prepare a list of questions AND be ready to answer the questions, “Why do you want to attend our school?”  Bring your high school transcript and know your PSAT, ACT or SAT scores  Be on time  Talk to an admissions counselor while touring  Discuss your chances for success  Identify career planning services  Read the school newspaper  Attend classes  Meet with a professor in an academic area of interest  Eat a meal in a dining hall  Stay overnight if possible  Read bulletin boards  Investigate transportation options  Talk with students on campus

17 COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS

ACT (AMERICAN COLLEGE TEST)

 Battery of tests which includes English, Mathematics, Science, Reading and Writing. Optional Writing portion should be taken.

2014-2015 ACT TEST DATES & REGISTRATION

TEST DATE REGISTRATION LATE REGISTRATION DEADLINE (Regular fee) (Late fee required)

September 13, 2014 August 8, 2014 August 9-Aug, 22 2014 October 25, 2014 September 19, 2014 Sept. 20 – Oct. 3, 2014 December 13, 2014 November 7, 2014 November 8-21, 2014 February 7, 2015 January 9, 2015 January 10-16, 2015 April 18, 2015 March 13, 2015 March 14 – 27, 2015 June 13, 2015 May 8, 2015 May9 -22, 2015 DUNDEE HIGH SCHOOL CODE: 231-280

REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.ACTSTUDENT.ORG

COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS

18 SAT 1 (SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE TEST)  Battery of tests which includes critical reading, mathematics and writing.

2014-2015 TEST DATES & REGISTRATION

Deadline Late Registration TEST DATE (Regular Fee) (Late fee required) October 11, 2014 September 12, 2014 September 26, 2014 November 8, 2014 October 9, 2014 October 24, 2014 December 6, 2014 November 6, 2014 Nov. 21, 2014 January 24, 2015 December 29, 2014 Jan. 9, 2015 March14, 2015 February 13, 2015 February 27, 2015 May 2, 2015 April 6, 2015 April 17, 2015 June 6, 2015 May 8, 2015 May 22, 2015

SAT SUBJECT TESTS  Required only if requested by the college or university.  Each test measures what you know in various subject areas.  Each test is one hour in length.  May take 1, 2, or 3 tests on SAT dates.  Register online.

DUNDEE HIGH SCHOOL CODE: 231-280

Register ONLINE at www.collegeboard.com

19 COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION FOR STUDENTS WITH CATEGORICAL DISABILITIES

Students with current, documented disabilities, who have been professionally diagnosed or reconfirmed as physically or learning disabled within the past three years, may be eligible for accommodations.

Professional diagnoses may include:  Attention deficit disorder  Developmental reading disorder  Developmental arithmetic disorder  Hearing impairment  Motor impairment  Visual impairment

Access the eligibility information online at www.act.org for ACT www.collegeboard.com for PSAT, SAT & AP

20 STATEMENT OF STUDENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

Students have the right to pull information from colleges and universities concerning their admission and financial aid policies. Prior to applying, you should be fully informed of policies and procedures concerning application fees, deposits, refunds, housing and financial aid.

To defer responding to an offer of admission and/or financial aid until you have heard from all colleges and universities to which you have applied. Should you be denied this right: (1) immediately request the college/university to extend the reply day (2) notify your counselor and ask him/her to notify the President of the MACAC (Michigan Association for College Admissions Counseling).

For additional assistance, send a copy of your admission notification letter and all correspondence to:

Executive Director, NACAC 1631 Prince Street Suite 210 Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Students have the responsibility to be aware of the policies (deadline, restrictions, etc.) regarding admissions and financial aid of colleges and universities of your choice. Students also have the responsibility to complete and submit required material to colleges and universities, to meet all application deadlines, to follow college application procedures of your high school, AND to check whether or not the Universities applied to requires official test scores be sent DIRECTLY by the testing agency.

TO NOTIFY THE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES WHICH HAVE OFFERED YOU ADMISSION OF YOUR ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF THEIR OFFER AS SOON AS YOU HAVE HEARD FROM ALL TO WHICH YOU HAVE APPLIED, OR BY MAY 1, WHICHEVER IS EARLIER.

21 Financial Aid and Scholarships An Overview Financial aid is money given, earned or lent to help students pay for their education. It is designed to supplement the amount the student and parents contribute. There are four types of financial aid – grants, scholarships, work study and loans. Most financial aid packages will include a combination of these four. Grants and scholarships are considered “free money”. Work-study and loans are “self-help” programs.  Grants – money given, usually because of financial need  Scholarship – money awarded for exceptional academic achievement, outstanding talent or skill, and/or financial need  Work-study – money earned by working at a part-time job provided by the college  Loans – money borrowed that must be repaid.

Except for merit-based scholarships, financial aid is generally awarded on the basis of financial need. Financial need is the difference between the cost of attending a college (tuition, fees, room and board) and the amount a family can afford. Since college costs differ, the student will be eligible for different amounts of aid at different colleges. While the whole financial aid process can be very confusing, help is available. Each college financial aid office is there to assist students and parents. Also, every year Dundee High School hosts a College Financial Aid Night in December to explain the process.

Financial Aid For need-based financial aid, you must complete and submit the necessary forms. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the federal government form that is used to determine how much a family can afford to pay. The FAFSA asks for information on income, assets, etc. This information is then applied to a formula to determine the amount a family should be able to pay – their Estimated Family Contribution or EFC. The FAFSA should be completed as soon after January 1st as possible and before February 15 of the student’s senior year. The website is www.fafsa.ed.gov . Remember this is a FREE application. Do not be confused by other websites that charge a fee to complete the application. To be eligible for aid each year during college, students and parents must reapply every February.

22 In addition, some colleges have their own College Financial Aid Application Form. This form is generally included with the application for admission. Follow instructions carefully for each institution and pay attention to details.

Scholarships Most of the large scholarships are awarded by the colleges and universities themselves. Check their websites and contact the financial aid offices for information on scholarships offered to incoming students. Most scholarships have very specific eligibility criteria.

Many private organizations offer scholarships. Students and parents are encouraged to check the Dundee Student Services website throughout the school year as information is frequently updated. The Dundee Local Scholarships become available usually in February. The Dundee Local Scholarship applications and instructions are posted on the Dundee Student Services website.

When looking for scholarships, keep the following in mind:  Start early. Begin looking for scholarship options during junior year, and be ready to complete applications in the winter of senior year. Finding and applying for scholarships takes a great deal of time and effort. Network for scholarship opportunities.  Apply for every appropriate scholarship. Smaller, local scholarships are often much easier to earn than those sponsored by large organizations and businesses.  Plan ahead. Allow adequate time to obtain letters of recommendation and transcripts.  Follow directions completely and accurately. Have someone proofread applications.  Be organized. Keep all scholarship information in a file box and make copies.

Scholarship Scams The Federal Trade Commission cautions students and their parents to be aware of scholarship scams. (http://ftc.gov/scholarshipscams). To avoid being a victim of fraud, here are some guidelines to follow:  Rely on opportunities offered by the government, universities and organizations that are familiar to the guidance counselors.  Don’t pay fees; don’t give a credit card number or bank account number.  Money back guarantees and other attractive incentives are tip-offs that it may a fraud. 23 Additional Post- High School Options

Military Services The four branches of the military are the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marines. There are also opportunities in the Coast Guard, the National Guard, Merchant Marines, and the Reserves. ROTC programs are available for those students who want to attend college before entering the military. The military offers qualified applicants a good salary, benefits and free job training.

Vocational and Technical Schools Vocational and technical schools offer training in areas such as broadcasting, cosmetology, computer programming, court reporting, mechanics, medical fields, skilled trades, and other fields. These programs often have on-the-job apprenticeship training. You can find a list of accredited schools by state and/or program at www.rwm.org/rwm.

Service Programs AmeriCorps is a national service program for individuals interested in contributing to their community. AmeriCorps workers help in communities with education, public safety and environmental needs. Students can work for AmeriCorps before, during or after going to college. For more information, go to www.americorps.gov.

24 DEVELOPING AN EDUCATIONAL RESUME You can use your educational resume for use with college applications, scholarships and reference letters requests. Include the following: Extracurricular School and Community Activities Highlight Leadership Roles Describe Volunteer Commitment – include the amount of time spent Include Athletic Involvement List Awards or Honors List Employment Experiences List Supplemental Educational Experiences

______SAMPLE RESUME

John Doe 12345 Nixon Road Dundee, Michigan 48131 734-777-7777

Objective: To attend a college where I am challenged and can grow intellectually. I hope to be prepared to attend graduate school and to function in an international environment after I graduate from college.

School Attended: Dundee High School Grades 9-12 Academic Awards:  Senior Scholar  Honor Roll: Grades 10 & 11 Other Accomplishments:  Student Ambassador: Grades 9 & 10  National Honor Society Member: Grade 11 Athletics:  Varsity Football, Grades 11 & 12  Junior Varsity Hockey, Grades 10-12 Community Service:  American Red Cross Blood Drive: Grades 11 & 12  Dundee Caring and Sharing Food Gathering: Grade 9  Salvation Army: Grades 9 & 10 Leadership:  Dundee Yearbook Editor  Junior Class President Employment:  Intern: Crown Fixtures, Inc., Summer after Grade 11  Wendy’s: Grade 11 & 12  Bob’s Lawn Service: Grade 11

25 INTERNET RESOURCES

Career Resources BrainTrack www.braintrack.com Bureau of Labor Statistics www.bls.gov/k12 Career Cruising www.careercruising.com Mapping Your Future www.mappingyourfuture.org/ Occupational Outlook Handbook www.bls.gov/oco O*NET www.toonline.org Self-Directed Search www.self-directed-search.com

College Information ACT http://www.act.org College Board www.collegeboard.com College Profiles www.collegeprofiles.com Adventures in Education www.adventuresineducation.org College Bound www.collegebound.net College Data www.collegedata.com College Net www.collegenet.com College is Possible www.collegeispossible.com College Quest www.collegequest.com College Search http://cbweb1.collegeboard.org/csearch/ College View www.collegeview.com College 411 www.college411.org Common Application https://www.commonapp.org Education Trust College Results www.collegeresults.org Fair Test www.fairtest.org Go College www.gocollege.com Inside College www.insidecollege.com Know How To Go www.knowhow2go.org Michigan Association of www.macrao.org Collegiate Registrars & Admissions (MACRAO) Michigan College Access Portal www.mican.org Michigan College Guide www.michigancollegeguide.com Michigan Occupational Info. System www.mois.org NCAA www.ncaaclearinghouse.net Princeton Review http://www.princetonreview.com/ Peterson’s www.petersons.com U.S. College Search www.uscollegesearch.org Virtual College Tours www.campustours.com

26 SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID WEBSITES

For additional scholarship websites see the Dundee High School website under Scholarship and Financial Aid Information.

Americorps www.americorps.org Career Cruising www.careercrusuing.com Coca Cola Scholars www.coca-colascholars.org Fast Aid www.fastaid.com FastWeb www.fastweb.com FAFSA www.fafsa.ed.gov Federal Student Aid http://studentaid.ed.gov Federal Student Guide http://studentaid.ed.gov/guide Free Scholarship Search www.freshinfo.com Gates Millennium Scholars www.gmsp.org Go College www.college.com Kodak Eastman Scholarships www.kodak.com Jackie Robinson Scholarship www.jackierobinson.org Marines Scholarship www.marine-scholars.org Michigan College Goal Sunday www.micollegegoal.org Michigan Student Aid www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid Michigan Promise Scholarship www.michigan.gov/promise National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators – www.nasfaa.org Sallie Mae www.salliemae.com Scholarships Search www.scholarships.com Selective Service System www.sss,gov Michigan Student Aid Programs https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid Thurgood Marshall Fund www.thurgoodmarshallfund.org U.S. Department of Education www.ed.gov/finaid.html

Military Services Air Force www.airforce.com Army www.army.mil Coast Guard www.uscg.mil Marines www.usmc.mil Navy www.navy.mil

27 Professional Websites

Architecture www.acsa-arch.org Dental www.ada.org Engineering www.nspe.org Game Design www.igda.org Interior Design http://www.asid.org Information Technology http://www.aitp.org Law www.abanet.org Medicine www.aamc.org Nursing http://www.aacn.nche.edu Pharmacy http://aacp.org Physical Therapy www.apta.org Public Relations http://www.prsa.org Sport Management www.nassm.com Veterinary www.aavmc.org

Students with Special Needs

Asperger Foundation College Guide www.aspi.org/college Association on Higher Education & Disability www.ahead.org Attention Deficit Disorder Association www.add.org Children & Adults with ADD www.chadd.org Colleges w/Programs for Students with LD www.college- scholarships.com/learning_disibilities.htm

LD Online www.ldonline.org Learning Disabilities Association of America www.ldanatl.org National Center for Learning Disabilities www.ncid.org