College Planning

Parent Meetings & College Planning

Attend a College Fair

Visit campuses and take a formal tour

Set up a campus tour online at any specific college you are interested in. Students are allowed to take 2-3 of these days per years as "School Activity" so it doesn't count against their attendance. The form is in the office.

Career research

All students have access to XELLO which is a career and college search site. Students have access from their PowerSchool quick-look-up page in the upper right. All they have to do is click on the square with the arrow in it. All students should know how to access this and did it last year.

Study

Use this year to do well in classes and improve your GPA. Many colleges will give automatic scholarships based on your GPA and SAT score.

SAT/ACT

Practice for the upcoming SAT in April using Khan Academy which is tied to your previous PSAT scores. Juniors might want to take the SAT (sign up using your college board account) or ACT (www.actstudent.org to sign up) on a Saturday this winter as well.

Lunch rep visits

In the Daily Announcements and in multiple classrooms we have the list of what college representatives are coming in at lunchtime to meet with students. This is a great way to learn about a college and programs/scholarships without leaving our school! Ms. Schroder is even offering a reward to those students that attend 3 or more this fall.

Job Shadow

Job shadow in a career interest area. If you don't know of anyone in the career that you're interested in, let me know and I can give you a contact. Students set this up around their schedule and can get "School Activity" for a morning or afternoon to do this.

Military interest?

If interested in the military, parents and students can set up a meeting with a local recruiter. Compare branches and find the best fit.

Set up a meeting with Ms. Schroeder or myself this year

Ms. Schroeder is our College Advisor (shared with Boyne City) and her focus in helping students reach their after high school goals. See her attached bio and her email is bschroeder@rayder.net to set up an appointment this year. Her primary focus is with Seniors and parents, but would like to meet with Juniors and parents as well.

Fall - August through December

Meet with visiting admissions representatives from the schools that interest you at lunch.
Arrange official tours to schools you are considering.
If your child qualifies for Tuition Incentive Program (TIP), make copies and send to colleges of choice.
Retake the ACT or SAT
Identify at least two of the following to write solid recommendation letters for you: a teacher, an extracurricular advisor, a counselor, a principal, or an employer. Give the recommendation forms (brag sheets) to teachers, counselors, etc. at least one month before they are due. Follow up on the progress of these recommendations.
Submit your college admissions applications BY HALLOWEEN and send your transcript using parchment.com. Watch out for deadlines.
Apply for financial aid by completing and submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after OCTOBER 1st.
Contact the coaches from the schools you are considering and include a resume of your accomplishments if seeking athletic scholarships.

Spring - January through May

Using parchment.com to send a final copy of your transcript to the school where you have applied.
Make any needed corrections to your Student Aid Report (SAR) as soon as possible.
Work on scholarships, both local and other. Information in the counseling office.
Review your financial aid award notifications with your parents and make sure you understand the terms and conditions that accompany each kind of aid.
Notify the school(s) by the proper deadline as to whether you are accepting or declining admission.
Notify the financial aid office of any outside scholarships or grants that you have accepted since your initial application.
Be aware of due dates for tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses. Find out how your financial aid will be disbursed and whether you can defer payments until the funds are available.
Respond immediately to all correspondence regarding school, scholarships, and financial aid.
Participate in summer orientation programs for incoming freshman after graduation.
Meet all class registration deadlines.

Start a folder for college materials.
Every college your child applies to requires a username and password – keep these filed on paper or electronically.
When you have a question – call the college financial aid or admissions office.
Encourage your child to make calls and be informed about this process, financials, etc.
Your son/daughter will be getting emails from college regarding deadlines, not you. Don’t be surprised by a deadline!
Don’t hesitate to email or call me - this process can be overwhelming, but very rewarding.

Many colleges will give automatic scholarships based on your GPA and SAT score.

These are a few examples (check out specific college websites to learn more, there are numerous levels of awards):

Central Michigan University's Academic Prestige Award

Oakland University Platinum Presidential Scholar Award

Amount: Full tuition for four years
Requirements
- High school GPA: 3.90 or higher
- SAT score: 1450 or higher
- ACT composite score: 33 or higher

Oakland University Distinguished Scholar Award

Oakland University Academic Achievement Award