SAMPLE - Michigan College Access Network · Web viewOn behalf of the Michigan College Access Network, thank you for hosting a College Application Week event October 29 to November

Site Coordinator Resource Manual

Michigan College Application Week

Dear College Application Week Site Coordinator:

On behalf of the Michigan College Access Network, thank you for hosting a College Application Week event October 29 to November 2 at your school! The goal of College Application Week is to provide all seniors at participating high schools the opportunity to apply to college.

While the focus of College Application Week is particularly on first-generation college students and students who may not otherwise apply to college, we encourage participating high schools to include activities for all students, including freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors who have already applied to college. The involvement of all your students in College Application Week will help your school build its college-going culture at your high school.

This is the second year College Application Week has been implemented in Michigan. We thank you for helping drive this program and we look forward to continuing this tradition across Michigan for years to come.

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October 29 - November 2, 2012


To help you prepare for the event, we are pleased to provide the following resources: Site Coordinator Resource Guide Site Coordinator Checklist Senior Checklist Volunteer Recruitment Materials

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about planning and implementing the event at your school. I will be sure to keep you updated regarding any changes or additional information you may find useful. Be sure to check our website – www.micollegeaccess.org/events/college-application-week for program information for this year’s College Application Week!

We hope that you will share your successes and new ideas with us to strengthen the initiative. If you have questions, contact me at (517) 316-1713 or [email protected].

Thank you in advance for your commitment to this important college access event. Your participation will encourage Michigan students and their families to make college a part of their future.

Sincerely,

Lisa KingAssistant Director, Michigan College Access [email protected]

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mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.micollegeaccess.org/events/college-application-week


WHAT’S IN A NAME? UNDERSTANDING THE WORD “COLLEGE”

College is important – there’s no doubt about it. At least 62 percent of all new jobs in Michigan will require a college education by 2018, and Michigan needs tens of thousands more college graduates to build our economy1. But what does that mean for our students?

Most workforce developers and education leaders use the word “college” to include any type of postsecondary education or education and training beyond high school. That means students have many options when it comes to attending college. But it also means a high school diploma is no longer enough.

On average, four-year college graduates earn more than double the salary of individuals who stopped their education after high school.2 And students who complete some form of postsecondary education are far less likely to be unemployed than those with just a high school diploma.

Every Michigan student should plan to complete some type of education beyond high school. The good news is Michigan’s colleges and universities offer a wide variety of education options to fit the unique needs of all of our state’s students. Options include:

Certificate or Licensing Programs: Certificate and licensing programs are specialized plans of study that are usually intended for students planning to pursue a trade. Most of these programs can be completed in a matter of months, and Michigan’s public community and technical colleges offer several certificate and licensing programs throughout the year. Additionally, some employers and/or trade groups offer such programs.

Associate’s Degrees: Associate’s degrees are typically awarded to students who complete a two-year period of study at a college. These degrees are often required for technical fields, but students can also pursue two-year degrees in business or other professional careers. Students can earn an associate’s degree at any of Michigan’s public community and technical colleges — and associate’s degree students are often eligible for many financial aid programs.

Bachelor’s Degrees: Bachelor’s degrees (or baccalaureate degrees) are typically awarded to students who complete a four-year period of study at a college or university. Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree take classes in their career field and in general education subject areas. Bachelor’s degree students also often qualify for state and federal financial aid programs.

1 According to data from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce.2 According to data from the College Board’s 2010 “Education Pays” report.

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Site Coordinator Resource ManualWe intend for these documents to be a useful guide for Site Coordinators when planning and implementing a College Application Week event. The full and some individual sections of this Resource Manual are available online at www.micollegeaccess.org/events/college-application-week for you to download and print.

Plan Site Coordinator Checklist 5

Key Reminders: Prior to and during College Application Week 9 Sample Schedule(s) for Event Day 10Application Fees and Fee Waivers 11

Student Resource Guide & Checklist 13 College Application Checklist 14Student Interest Survey 21Frequently Asked Questions about Independent and Public Colleges 22Application Personal Statement and Essay 24MI College Average Requirements 25Trade & Vocational School Information 26 Military School Worksheet 28

Creating a College-Going Culture 29 Complementary Activities List 30 Promoting College Application Week at Your School Poster 32 College Application Week Poster Template 33Sample Poster 34Ask Me About It! 35 College Alumni and Family Night 35Sample “Ask Me About It” Poster 36Bingo 37Scavenger Hunt 38

Outreach

Sample Press Release 42Example Social Media Tools 43Sample Newsletter 43Sample Letter to the Editor 44Sample Letter for Students and Families (in English and Spanish) 45

Informative Letter 45Family Follow up Letter on FAFSA 47

An Overview for Teachers, Staff, and Community Members 49Volunteer Resource Guide 50

Recruitment Letter 51 Volunteer Information on College Application Week 52 Volunteer Tasks 53Volunteer Training Agenda 54Thank You Letter 55

Apply Student Sign-In Sheet 57 Submitting the Application – “Now What?” Student Handout 58College Goal Sunday 60College Glossary 61

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MCAN would like to thank the College Foundation of North Carolina and the College Foundation of West Virginia for their help in creating this Resource Guide, of which sections have been adapted from their respective guides.

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PLAN


Site Coordinator ChecklistThis is a recommended planning process and timeline. You are welcome to adjust dates to fit your school best. Use the blank spaces for additional tasks necessary for planning your event. Remember, the earlier you are able to complete these tasks the better!

AUGUSTStatus Recommended

Due Date Task

○ 8/20 Review Site Coordinator Resource Manual. www.micollegeaccess.org/events/college-application-week

○ 8/29 Participate in a site coordinator webinar training.

○8//31

Set up a College Application Week committee or team at your school to discuss the timeline of events and activities. This may include school counselors, teachers, students, administrators, parents/guardians, LCAN representative, etc.

○8/31

Discuss with teachers possible tie-in assignments for students related to collegeapplication information and selecting colleges. Feel free to include activities for 9th-11th grade students to prepare them early for applying to college!

○ 8/31Elect to participate each day of College Application Week, or just one day during this week and confirm the event date(s) with the school and district’s master calendar.

○

○

○SEPTEMBER

○ 9/10Review recorded Site Coordinator training webinar found at www.micollegeaccess.org/events/college-application-week. (available after Sept. 10 if unable to participate on Aug. 29)

○ 9/10 Review recorded Michigan College Access Portal training webinar found at www.micollegeaccess.org/events/college-application-week

○ 9/14Plan a schedule for your event(s) – what students/classes will be in the computer lab at what times and / or what other college access activities will be available to students. Share final plans with MCAN.

○ 9/14 Plan and prepare outreach and publicity efforts to get the word out about your event in your community. Discuss with your team possible volunteers and/or speakers to recruit.

Press release to local newspapers and TV stations Invite media and/or a “guest speaker” such as a

community/political/business leader, alumni, college professor, student, parent/guardian, etc. to attend your schools’ event.

Brainstorm locations to hang flyers outside of the high school (public library, churches, coffee shop, etc.)

Encourage business community to wear college clothing/promote week Adding information to school and district website

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Robo calls to parents (if school already has system in place)

○ 9/14Confirm that all seniors have a Michigan College Access Portal account (www.MichiganCAP.org) and have completed their profile and academics/scores section.

○9/21

Recruit volunteers to assist during College Application Week by using the volunteer letter. We estimate you will need at least two volunteers at any given time. MCAN will contact local colleges to invite admission staff to volunteer during your College Application Week event. Volunteers need to understand the application process, consider reaching out to college representatives. MCAN will assist with volunteer recruitment but it is up to your site to confirm all volunteers.

○ 9/21Consider working with Art teacher to create classroom challenge for College Application Week poster design. If limited on time, ask Art teacher to select one or two students to design poster as class project.

○9/21

Add event information to: Morning announcements School website and ISD/RESA website Official school kiosk/outdoor signs School newspaper School newsletter (to staff, parents, community)

○ 9/21 If all seniors are required to take an English course, confirm with teachers that a college essay assignment can be built into week of Oct. 22

○ 9/21 Remind students to consider taking or re-taking the SAT/ACT depending on the institution of interest.

○ 9/21 Encourage all teachers to relate lessons to College Application Week.

○

9/28

Confirm the event date(s) with the school and district’s technology team to ensure the computer labs are ready to go.

If paper applications are needed, request copies via MCAN or your college representative.

Have printer accessible if student is unable to complete the application online

Verify that there are no firewall issues with institutional websites

○9/28

Verify which seniors have not applied to a postsecondary institution and encourage these students to meet with counselors and research colleges and universities on www.MichiganCAP.org.

○ 9/28 Give the “Ask Me About It” flyer to all staff and request they hang it on their door.

○

9/28

Send student and parent letter. Notify both students and parents of evening and/or daytime information session(s) to them assist them in preparing information needed for the event.

Encourage students to visit www.MichiganCAP.org to explore colleges and universities.

Include information about reviewing the list of colleges and universities without application fees during College Application Week

Remind them that students will need a credit card to apply to a college or university with application fees. If a credit card is not possible, the student can print the application and mail it in with a check.

Students can meet with their counselor or college adviser to discuss application fee waivers.

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http://www.MichiganCAP.org/




○○○

OCTOBER

○

10/5

Finalize volunteer list. Confirm the time and place for all volunteers. Provide school visitor/volunteer policy (if applicable) Encourage them to wear college clothing. Share with all volunteers the volunteer guide which can be found at

www.micollegeaccess.org/events/college-application-week Provide any security clearance information.

○10/12

Once the list of volunteers has been finalized, ensure that all volunteers have the necessary security clearance to assist in the school during College Application Week.

○ 10/15 Assist English teacher with College Essay homework assignment to prepare students for College Application Week.

○ 10/15-10/19Host student/parent/guardian event(s) (day and/or night) to assist students and parents/guardians who have questions or need help with the College Application Checklist.

○ 10/22 Remind volunteers of time and place and confirm attendance by sending the volunteer information form. Encourage them to wear college clothing.

○ 10/22 Confirm publicity and/or attendance of guest speakers.

○ 10/22 Confirm all seniors have completed their College Application Checklist.

○ 10/22Remind teachers, counselors, administrators of the day’s schedule and planned activities. Ask them to wear college clothing on event day and decorate their classrooms with “college-going culture” materials.

○

10/26

Ensure your event supplies are ready. Envelopes and stamps for students that need to mail hard copy applications Name tags for volunteers “I Applied!” stickers Pens “I applied! Now What?” student handout Sign-in sheet Sign-out sheet FAFSA handout NACAC Request for Admission Application Fee Waiver form Have High School 6-digit code ready and visible

○ 10/29-11/2 COLLEGE APPLICATION WEEK!

○ 10/29-11/2 Conduct Volunteer Orientation morning of event(s), if necessary.

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○10/29-11/2

Encourage/remind students to complete FAFSA – Hand out FAFSA fact sheet as students leave event

Promote College Goal Sunday site, if applicable.

○○○

November

○ 11/5 Mail NACAC Request for Admission Application Waivers to respective institutions

○ 11/5 Submit student transcripts to respective institutions.

○ 11/9Submit the online College Application Week Site Coordinator Survey. This will be emailed to Site Coordinators on 11/5 and will be available at www.micollegeaccess.org/events/college-application-week

○ 11/9 Send thank you letter to volunteers.

○ 11/12 Send follow up letter to students who participated and their families. Congratulate them on being one step closer. Remind them to complete the FAFSA in January.

○ 11/30 Submit CAW participant data to MCAN

○○○

Key RemindersPrior Steps Before Your College Application Week Event

Encourage students to use the Michigan College Access Portal www.MichiganCAP.org to research the right college or university for them, work on essays and manage their portfolio.

Direct seniors to the College Application Checklist to fill out any additional information. Contact students eligible for a fee waiver. Usually those students who are eligible for fee waivers

on college entrance exams are also eligible for college application fee waivers. Remind students to prepare early for their admission essay(s) and encourage teachers to include

classroom activities geared toward writing essays.

Completing College Applications Remind students that information about their addresses and parents will be used to determine

tuition and residency.

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Students may question information they are asked to supply about their addresses and parents residency (i.e., in-state or out-of-state). This private information, such as their SSN, will only be reported to the college(s) where they apply.

A credit card will be required for colleges or universities with application fees. Alternatively students will need to print the application and mail in with a check. Recommend students bring the checks and envelopes with them and offer to mail the applications for them.

Print the confirmation page after submitting the application.

Uploading Essays and Personal Statements Note that some applications will require an admission essay or a personal statement. Please

have students bring their essay(s) with them. Some applications will allow the file to be uploaded. Others may require that the student copy and paste from an existing document (which they may have stored on an external device or emailed to themselves.)

Most essay questions are open-ended, but some may have word minimum and/or maximum limits (which are validated as such). If there is a word limit, it will be specified within the essay question.

Students can save essay(s) to their MichiganCAP profile. MichiganCAP also provides resources to help students get started on their essays.

Transcripts The Michigan College Access Portal allows a student to request a transcript and that it be sent to

a specific college. The request goes through the high schools designated contact person, who then sends the request through Docufide by Parchment. To accomplish this task in MichiganCAP, the student should click on the Portfolio/EDP tab and then Applications. As long as the college is in their College List, they can add the information to their Application page and a Send Request option comes up. This student will have to create an account in Parchment before a request can be made.

Confidentiality Please assure parents and students that all information submitted for online applications is

confidential.

Sample Schedules for the Event Day or Week

During the planning and implementation stages of your College Application Week event, it is very important to keep your school staff apprised of the event schedule. Work with members of your staff to identify the most effective schedule possible for your specific high school. Use the following schedule templates as a guide and make adjustments for your event. You may use the following sample half-block, open, or required senior class schedules.

Sample Half-Block Schedule – 2 computer labs(by block teacher’s name)

Computer Lab A Computer Lab B 8:05 – 8:45 AM Block 1 Kincaid Block 1 Smith 8:50 – 9:30 AM Block 1 Robinson Block 1 Andrews

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9:40 – 10:20 AM Block 2 Fisher Block 2 Synder 10:25 – 11:10 AM Block 2 Hundley Block 2 Hunt Lunch Break 12:05 – 12:50 PM Block 3 Boyd Block 3 Page 12:55 – 1:35 PM Block 3 Hannity Block 3 Anderson 1:40 – 2:20 PM Block 4 Combs Block 4 Lopez

Sample Open Schedule – 1 computer lab (by senior’s last name)

Computer Lab A 8:05 – 8:45 AM A-Co 8:50 – 9:30 AM Cr-Fi 9:40 – 10:20 AM Fl-K 10:25 – 11:10 AM Ke-O Lunch Break 12:05 – 12:50 PM Or-Ru 12:55 – 1:35 PM S-Z 1:40 – 2:20 PM Make-up

Sample Required Senior Class – 1 computer lab (Priority days and Thursday make-up day)

Monday Wednesday Thursday8:05 – 8:45 AM 8:50 – 9:30 AM English 12 (Media Center) English 12 (Media Center) English 12 (Media Center)9:40 – 10:20 AM 10:25 – 11:10 AM Lunch Break 12:05 – 12:50 PM English 12 (Media Center) English 12 (Media Center) English 12 (Media Center)12:55 – 1:35 PM 1:40 – 2:20 PM

Application Fees and Fee Waivers

To see a complete list of colleges and universities that do not require online application fees visit www.micollegeaccess.org/events/college-application-week.

With the average college application fee now around $35, applying to several colleges can be expensive for any student—and prohibitive for families on the lower end of the economic scale. Let your students and their parents know that they may be eligible for waivers of these fees. Students who are eligible for fee waivers for the standard college entrance tests are usually eligible for application fee waivers as well. Encourage students to talk with their school counselor well in advance of College Application Week to discuss need and availability.

Application Fee Waivers Based on Financial NeedWaivers of admission application fees for students with a demonstrated financial need and for whom an

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application fee would create an undue burden are provided at most of Michigan’s public and private colleges and universities. Application fee waivers due to financial hardship are provided to ensure that no student is deprived of the opportunity to pursue admission to the institution(s) of their choice. Application fee waivers must be authorized by high school counselors through the NACAC fee waiver program, if available, or otherwise by high school certification on school letterhead stationery. The school counselor will complete the fee waiver form which should be mailed in with the college application (hard copy) or shortly after the student has completed the online application.

The NACAC fee waiver request form described below should be given out on the basis of family financial hardship. After your student completes his or her waiver, you may be asked to detail the student's financial hardship in writing.

NACAC fee waiver formThe National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) provides a form called the "Request for Application Fee Waiver" to be completed by students with the help of their high school counselor. This document, which you can download from the NACAC site, is updated annually.

Download and print the NACAC Request for Admission Application Fee Waiver

Suggested annual family income guidelines for this waiver are from about $29,900 to about $46,000, depending on family size. However, income is not the only determining factor in application fee waivers; many are based on the counselor's personal knowledge of family circumstances.

Students are eligible to use the NACAC fee waiver form if:

Student has received or is eligible to receive an ACT or SAT testing fee waiver. Student is enrolled in or eligible to participate in the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch

program (FRPL). Student's annual family income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA

Food and Nutrition Service. Student is enrolled in a federal, state or local program that aids student from low-income families

(e.g., TRIO programs such as Upward Bound). Student's family receives public assistance Student lives in federally subsidized public housing, a foster home or is homeless. Student is a ward of the state or an orphan.

Gap year students, transfer students or individuals choosing to defer applying to college rather than immediately transitioning after high school graduation are not eligible to use NACAC's Request for Application Fee Waiver Form. NACAC recommends that prospective students in these categories contact the admission office of the institution(s) to which they are seeking admission regarding an institutional fee waiver.

Requirements for completing the form:

Students must complete the student section in its entirety. The student’s secondary school counselor, independent counselor or TRIO representative must

verify that the student is eligible to use the form. The high school’s raised seal or stamp must be included on the form.

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http://www.nacacnet.org/studentinfo/feewaiver/Documents/ApplicationFeeWaiver.pdf


The form must be mailed directly to the admission office of the college or university to which the student is seeking admission.

Application Fees

Fee Payment: Credit or Debit Card Required with Online Submission Some colleges accept online applications only if accompanied by credit card payment for the application fee. If a student has a Financial Based fee waiver or needs to pay by check to these institutions, payment should accompany a paper copy of the application mailed to the admission office.

If students would like to apply to any of the schools requiring online payment during college application week and do not have a credit card with them during the event, please inform them that some institutions allow you to save the application details they have filled in and complete the application from home.

Fee Payment: Mailed with Hard Copy of Application Confirmation Page Some colleges accept online applications with or without credit card payment. Students who do not pay at the time they submit the application online are requested to mail their payment via check or fee waiver with a hard copy of their application confirmation page. Instructions are given online at the time the student submits the application.

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STUDENT

RESOURCE

GUIDE

&

CHECKLIST


Senior Checklist- Before College Application Week Create a Michigan College Access Portal Account at www.michigancap.org if you have not

already done so.

Update your MichiganCAP Profile o Hover your mouse over “Portfolio/EDP” then click on “Profile” – Review the

information in your student profile and make sure all the data is up-to-date. Repeat this process after clicking on “Academics and Scores.” By checking this information first, your application process will be easier and take less time.

Explore Postsecondary Schoolso Check out colleges and universities by hovering over Colleges and select College

Search. The College Search feature will help you choose which postsecondary schools best meet your needs. There are several different characteristics you can choose from including Academics & Scores, Size & Environment, Sports & Activities, Cost of Attendance, and Majors. Once you have selected the options that best meet your needs, you may view a list of matching schools.

Save your Favorite Schoolso When you are exploring schools, you can save your favorites by selecting Add to My

College List using the green plus sign to the left of the college name. This way, when you log into your MichiganCAP account, you are linked to this school directly from your profile.

Find out the Application Deadline(s)o While you are researching colleges, find out what deadlines, if any, campuses have for

applications. This information can be found in the College Profile under Calendar & Deadlines. Some schools will not accept applications after a certain date, so if you have a favorite school, make sure to find out early in your search the application schedule.

Identify Application Fee(s) o Many colleges require an application fee when you submit an online application. You

can find this information in the Michigan Postsecondary Handbook (http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mistudentaid/PostSecondaryHandbook_317266_7.pdf). Unless you have a fee waiver from your school counselor, you need to be prepared to enter a credit/debit card number or mail a check once you complete your online application. If you think you may be eligible for an application fee waiver contact your high school counselor.

What if you are required to submit an admission essay or personal statement?o Make sure you write your essay before the event! You can save your essay(s) to your

MichiganCAP profile. Or bring your essay(s) with you preloaded on a disc or flash/jump drive you can use to copy and paste into your online application. Make sure you have a hard-copy as well for back-up. You will be able to upload your essay file or copy and paste it during the online application session.

Read the Introduction and Instructions Page on the Online Application.o Take your time and read this information carefully. Every college has different

requirements and instructions for applicants. The introduction page will offer helpful

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http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mistudentaid/PostSecondaryHandbook_317266_7.pdf

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mistudentaid/PostSecondaryHandbook_317266_7.pdf

http://www.michigancap.org/


hints to guide you through the process specific to each college and keep you informed every step of the way.

SENIOR COLLEGE APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Below is a list of information you will likely need in order to complete your online college application(s). Bring this completed worksheet with you when you are ready to apply. Note that not all college applications require the same information.

NAME: ________________________________________________________________________________

BACKGROUND & RESIDENCY INFORMATION1. Current Mailing Address andCounty of ResidenceIf your mailing address is a Post Office Box, you will also need a physical street address.

2. Social Security Number

3. Place of BirthCityStateCountry4. Are you a U.S. citizen? (Yes/No)

5. If you are not a U.S. citizen, enter your INS SEVIS, if you have one, as well as the following information (if applicable):Permanent Resident NumberVisa TypeNon-Immigrant Visa Number and ExpirationIf you are an international student, have you taken the TOEFL? Date? Score?

6. Date you moved to Michigan This may be your birth date7. Driver’s License Number and Date Issued

8. Dates and locations of places you have lived outside of Michigan in the past five years.

Dates: Location:

Dates: Location:

Dates: Location:

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FAMILY INFORMATION9. Are you eligible for Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits?

10. Are you active duty military or a military dependent?If yes, duty station and home of record

11. Are you a military dependent?If yes, expiration date of military ID card and sponsor’s duty station

Note: If you have a legal guardian, answer the questions in #12 for that person and fill in the following information requested on the right side.12. Place and Date of Guardian AppointmentCity and CountyState and CountyFirst Designated Next of Kin/RelationshipSecond Designated Next of Kin/ Relationship

13. Are your mother and father living?

14. Parents’ First, Middle, and Last Names

15. Is your father a U.S. citizen?If not, country of origin?16. Is your mother a U.S. citizen?If not, country of origin?17. Home address of mother and father, if different from yours

18. Dates your parents have been living at the home address

19. Mother’s Employment Information

OccupationEmployerAddressDates EmployedHours per WeekWork Telephone

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FAMILY INFORMATION20. Father’s Employment Information

OccupationEmployerAddressDates EmployedHours per WeekWork Telephone21. Mother’s Educational Background with College Attended, if applicable

22. Father’s Educational Background with College Attended, if applicable

23. Parents’ Marital Status

24. Custody Status – Please select. If parents are separated or divorced Joint custody – Mother and Father Sole custody – Mother or Father Other:25. Emergency Contact Information(other than parent(s) or guardian)NameAddressHome PhoneWork PhoneFamily PhysicianPhysician Phone26. List any siblings by name and age with any colleges attended including dates.

Name Age College Dates

27. Names and relationship of any relatives who attended institutions to which you may apply.

Name Relationship College Dates

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COLLEGE APPLICATION & MISCELLENEOUS INFORMATION28. To what other colleges have you applied or do you plan to apply?

Name(s) Location(s)

29. Intended Program(s) or Major(s)

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

30. High School NameHigh School’s 6-digit codeMailing AddressCityCountyStateCountry

31. Date of Entry

32. Graduation Date

33. Course of Study (i.e., college tech prep, etc.)

34. School Counselor Name

Phone Number Fax Number

Note: Be able to provide the information requested in #30 for other high schools you may have attended.

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ACADEMIC INFORMATION

35. List the courses you are taking during senior year. Please indicate any that are Honors, AP, or IB.

Fall Semester Spring Semester

Other (Summer School, Online, etc.)

36. List any college you have attended with address and dates or courses for which you expect to receive college credit or have received college credit.

37. College Entrance Tests Dates and Scores: (if applicable)

Test Date Score(s)

PSAT

ACT

SAT

SAT Subject Test(s)

COMPASS

ACCUPLACER/CPT

ASSET

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EXTRACURRICULAR, HONORS, and EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

38. Extracurricular Activities:List in order of importance with dates, positions held, honors, and awards.

39. Academic Honors/Awards:List these with names and dates.(i.e., National Honor Society, 2009Algebra II Award, 2008)

40. Employment Information:List any jobs, internships, and volunteer positions with dates, places, hours per week, and a brief description of responsibilities.

41. You may be asked to answer the following questions and provide an explanation for any to which you respond “yes.” Also be aware you may need to provide additional information at a later date.

Have you been convicted of a crime?Have you entered a plea of guilty, a plea of no contest, a plea of nolo contendere, or an Alfred plea; or have you received a deferred prosecution or prayer for judgment continued for a criminal crime?Have you otherwise accepted responsibility for the commission of a crime?Do you have any criminal charges pending against you?Have you ever been expelled, dismissed, suspended, placed on probation, or otherwise subject to any disciplinary sanction by any school, college, or university?If you have ever served in the military, did you receive any type of discharge other than an honorable discharge?

42. During any school year, have you been out of school for reasons other than routine vacations, disability-related reasons, or school-related activities?

43. Has it been 3 months or more since you graduated, or since you have been enrolled in school?

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Student Interest SurveyStudent Interest Survey

Application Request: Select schools to which you would like to apply. Using the chart included and your own GPA and ACT score select:

Two Schools you will FOR SURE get into:1. __________________________________________________2. __________________________________________________

Two schools that you MEET their admission averages: 1. ___________________________________________________2. ___________________________________________________

Two schools whose averages are SLIGHTLY HIGHER than your own: 1. ___________________________________________________2. ___________________________________________________

If you wish to acquire a specialized trade/certificate (cosmetology, Barber, construction, massage therapy) List the program you are interested in below: ______________________________________________________________________________

Are you interested in the Military (Circle response)? YES NO If Yes, Which Branch: ___________________________________________________________________

Have you already applied to at least ONE college? If so which one(s)? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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The following forms can be given to seniors to determine which schools they are interested in and whether they meet the minimum requirements. They are optional.


Applications for Independent and Public Colleges and UniversitiesFrequently Asked Questions

Enrollment InformationWhat is my entering term and year? Most students will select the Fall semester following senior year; however, choose the summer option if you intend to attend summer school prior to Fall enrollment.

What is my entrance status? The following are definitions for each status. Freshman: This will be the first college in which you enroll after graduating high school. Check this even if you have advanced placement (AP) credit, or dual enrollment, or have earned college credit in high school. Transfer: If you are graduating high school in 2013 and going directly to college, you are not a transfer student even if you have college credit.Non Degree: You want to take college course(s) but are not seeking a degree.

What is my desired major? Under First Choice, you can choose your first choice of majors. You may select “Undecided.” Please note that you can change your major during your college program.

AddressCan I list a Post Office Box? You will need to also include a physical address if you use a Post Office Box for your mailing address. Make sure this information is correct. The date the address became your permanent mailing address is the month and year you moved to this location which may even be your date of birth.

Personal InformationWhat types of personal information will I need to provide? Social Security Number: Enter your nine digit social security number. This information is not required, but preferred.

College InformationWhat should I list for current college courses in progress or planned, including the term (to be) taken, course subject and number (example: BIO 1001), credit hours, and college/university? You will want to list dual enrollment courses; however, do not list AP courses.

Family InformationWhat family information am I required to submit? You will may to answer the following question: Are your father and/or mother living? Also, Legal Guardian Information is the same information requested for father and mother and Emergency Contact Information is required if it is other than parent or guardian.

Activities and InterestsDo I have to list all my activities and interests for each college application? Some colleges and universities may ask this question but it is not required. Be prepared to answer the question by completing your MichiganCAP account.

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Applications for Independent and Public Colleges and Universities include more questions and fields than other college applications. The following information includes frequently asked questions your seniors may have.


Campus Specific InformationWhat additional information will I need to include for each college application? This information varies by educational institution. You can find more information on www.MichiganCAP.org or the institution’s website.

Miscellaneous InformationWhat types of questions will I be asked about my past criminal activity? You may be asked the following questions regarding past criminal activity and may be asked to explain the circumstances. Note that some institutions may request further information at a later date.

1. Have you been convicted of a crime? (Yes or No)2. Have you entered a plea of guilty, a plea of no contest, a plea of nolo contendere, or an Alford

plea, or have you received a deferred prosecution or prayer for judgment continued, to a criminal charge? (Yes or No)

3. Have you otherwise accepted responsibility for the commission of a crime? (Yes or No)4. Do you have any criminal charges pending against you? (Yes or No)5. Have you ever been expelled, dismissed, suspended, placed on probation, or otherwise subject to

any disciplinary sanction by any school, college, or university? (Yes or No)6. If you have ever served in the military, did you receive any type of discharge other than an

honorable discharge? (Yes, No, Currently Serving, or Never Served)

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Choose a Topic That Will Highlight You

Don’t focus on the great aspects of a particular college, the amount of dedication it takes to be a doctor or the number of extracurricular activities you took part in during high school.Do share your personal story and thoughts, take a creative approach and highlight areas that aren’t covered in other parts of the application, like your high school records.

Keep Your Focus Narrow and Personal

Don’t try to cover too many topics. This will make the essay sound like a résumé that doesn’t provide any details about you.Do focus on one aspect of yourself so the readers can learn more about who you are. Remember that the readers must be able to find your main idea and follow it from beginning to end. Ask a parent or teacher to read just your introduction and tell you what he or she thinks your essay is about.

Show, Don’t Tell

Don’t simply state a fact to get an idea across, such as “I like to surround myself with people with a variety of backgrounds and interests.”Do include specific details, examples, reasons and so on to develop your ideas. For the example above, describe a situation when you were surrounded by various types of people. What were you doing? Whom did you talk with? What did you take away from the experience?

Use Your Own Voice

Don’t rely on phrases or ideas that people have used many times before. These could include statements like, “There is so much suffering in the world that I feel I have to help people.” Avoid overly formal or business-like language, and don’t use unnecessary words.Do write in your own voice. For the above example, you could write about a real experience that you had and how it made you feel you had to take action. And note that admission officers will be able to tell if your essay was edited by an adult.

Ask a Teacher or Parent to Proofread

Don’t turn your essay in without proofreading it, and don’t rely only on your computer’s spell check to catch mistakes. A spell-check program will miss typos like these:

"After I graduate form high school, I plan to get a summer job." "From that day on, Daniel was my best fried."

Do ask a teacher or parent to proofread your essay to catch mistakes. You should also ask the person who proofreads your essay if the writing sounds like you.

*Adapted from The College Application Essay by Sarah Myers McGinty.

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Application Personal Statement and EssayWhen you apply to college, you’ll need to complete an essay as part of your application. This is your opportunity to show admission officers who you are and to provide information about yourself that didn’t fit in other areas of your application. The essay also reveals what you can do when you have time to think and work on a writing project

http://store.collegeboard.com/sto/productdetail.do?Itemkey=007115R

3.8-4.0 29-36

Alpena CC Baker College Bay College Delta College Glen Oaks CC Gogebic CC Grand Rapids CC Henry Ford CC Jackson CC Kalamazoo

Valley CC Kellogg CC Kirtland CC Lake Michigan

College Lansing CC Macomb CC Mid-Michigan CC Monroe County CC Mott CC Muskegon CC North Central

Michigan College Northwestern

Michigan College Oakland CC Schoolcraft College Southwestern

Michigan College St. Clair

County CC Washtenaw CC Wayne County CC West Shore CC


Michigan College Average Requirements

Name: __________________________________________________________________

Approximate GPA: ___________________ ACT Score: _____________

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Colleges in Michigan: GPA & ACT TiersGPA & ACT Averages of college freshman class based on information found on institutions’ websites & michigancap.org

*Open Admissions

Ave. GPAAve. ACT

2.5-2.8 16-19

2.8-3.2 18-22

3.3-3.5 21-25

3.5-3.8 23-29

Community Colleges No minimum GPA & ACT requirements.


Trade/Vocational School InformationTrade schools, or vocational schools, offer programs that focus on providing graduates with the job-specific skills needed for their chosen career path. Rather than requiring students to study a diverse curriculum made up of different subjects, trade schools emphasize only those fields that are relevant to the student’s future profession.School name Location(s) Website

International Academy of Design & Technology

Detroit http://www.iadt.edu/Detroit

The Art Institute of Michigan

Novi, Troy http://www.artinstitutes.edu/detroit/

Everest Institute Dearborn, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Southfield

http://www.everest.edu/programs/complete_list/state/MI

Sanford-Brown Dearborn, Grand Rapids http://www.sanfordbrown.edu/Kaplan Career Institute

Dearborn, Detroit http://www.kaplancareerinstitute.com/Pages/MicroportalHome.aspx

Michigan Institute of Aviation and Technology

Detroit http://www.miat.edu/

Stautzenberger Institute

Allen Park http://www.sitoday.net/allenpark/

South University Novi http://www.southuniversity.edu/novi.aspxRoss Medical Education Center

Ann Arbor, Brighton, Davison, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Madison Heights, New Baltimore, Port Huron, Portage, Redford, Roosevelt, Saginaw

http://www.rossmedicaleducation.com/

Northwestern Technological Institute

Southfield http://www.northwesterntech.edu/

Career Quest Learning Centers

Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lansing

http://www.cqlc.edu/

ITT Technical Institute

Canton, Dearborn, Grand Rapids, Swartz Creek, Troy

http://www2.itt-tech.edu/campus/

Dorsey Schools Farmington Hills, Madison Heights, Roseville, Saginaw, Southgate, Waterford-Pontiac, Wayne-Westland

http://www.dorsey.edu/

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http://www.dorsey.edu/

http://www2.itt-tech.edu/campus/

http://www.cqlc.edu/

http://www.northwesterntech.edu/

http://www.rossmedicaleducation.com/

http://www.southuniversity.edu/novi.aspx

http://www.sitoday.net/allenpark/

http://www.miat.edu/

http://www.kaplancareerinstitute.com/Pages/MicroportalHome.aspx

http://www.kaplancareerinstitute.com/Pages/MicroportalHome.aspx

http://www.sanfordbrown.edu/

http://www.everest.edu/programs/complete_list/state/MI

http://www.artinstitutes.edu/detroit/

http://www.iadt.edu/Detroit


Trade schools offer classes to focus on careers in:

Accounting Administrative Assistant

Animal Care Animation Audio Production

Aviation Mechanic

Baking & Pastry Business Business Administration

Business & Computer Technology

Business Management

CADD Cardiovascular Technology

Communication Studies

Computer Programming

Computer Repair

Computer Security Computer Support Computer Technician

Computer Information Technology

Construction & Building

Construction Management

Counselor Training Criminal Investigations

Criminal Justice

Culinary Arts Culinary Management

Dental Assistant Design Diagnostic Medical Sonogram

Dialysis Technician

Digital Media & Design

Digital Photography Electrician Engineering

Environmental Technology

Environmental Training

Fashion Buying Fashion Design Fashion Marketing & Merchandising

Fitness and Nutrition

Flight Schools Graphic Design Health Care Aide

Health Care Management

Health Information Technology

Health Services Administration

Help Desk HVAC Information Systems

Interior Design Internet Design & Web Development

Internet Marketing Legal Legal Assistant

Legal Office Administration

LPN Marketing Massage Therapy

Master of Business Administration

Medical Assistant

Medical Information Management

Medical Insurance, Coding & Billing

Medical Office Administration

Medical Office Specialist

Motion Graphics

Music Production & Recording Arts

Networking and System Administration

Nursing Nursing Assistant

Office Administrator

Paralegal Patient Care Technician

Personal Trainer Pharmacy

Phlebotomy Photography Project Management Psychology Radio/Television Broadcast

Renewable Energy

Retail Merchandising & Management

Secretary Training Social Sciences Software Technology

Technology Management

Telecommunications

Television Production

Ultrasound Technician

Veterinary Technician

Video Game Design

Video Production Visual Communications

Web Design Wind Energy

28


Military Education WorksheetGo to military.com and click on the GI Bill to answer these questions

1. Under the new Post- 9/11 GI Bill, how much of your college education will the government pay if you serve…..

a. 36 months? _________b. 30 months? _________c. 12 months? _________

2. If eligible for full benefits, Name 5 things that will be paid for (and maximum amount paid when applicable)

a. ________________________________________________________________b. ________________________________________________________________c. _________________________________________________________________d. __________________________________________________________________e. __________________________________________________________________

3. What is the Yellow Ribbon program?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. What criteria do you have to meet in order to qualify for the Yellow Ribbon program? _______________________________________________________________________

Practice for the ASVAB Test

www.4tests.comclick on Professional examschoose ASVAB under military

(Close any popups)

Take the practice exam. Remember if you want to see what the answer was, click on view answer.

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http://www.4tests.com/


Creating a College-Going Culture

Now that students know what information will be required for their applications, it is time to keep enthusiasm high in the time leading up to application week.

Students who have expectations from their parents, school, and community that college is the next step after high school see college as the norm. However, the idea that college is the next step after high school may seem unrealistic for those students who are from one or more of the following groups: low achievers, middle to low-income levels, underrepresented minorities, disabled youth, and families where no one has attended college before.3

The following resources are examples of ways to build a college-going culture in your school and community.

3 http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/collegeed/collegeEd-create-college-going-culture.pdf

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The following are complimentary sample activities adapted from the College Foundation of North Carolina Educator’s Toolkit and the West Virginia Toolkit. You are encouraged to find activities appropriate for your school.

http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/collegeed/collegeEd-create-college-going-culture.pdf


Purpose To create a college-going culture in your school by:

o Encouraging students to complete college applications o Initiating or culminating the college application process for seniors o Providing awareness to the entire school about the college application process o Celebrating the academic achievements and college aspirations of seniors

Activities Create a “College Wall.” Seniors write the names of the colleges to which they have applied on

banners or strips of construction paper to hang in a main hallway. Highlight college names when acceptances are received. Utilize art teachers (if available) for additional promotional materials to create a “college-going culture” on the walls of your school.

Provide pre-college application activities for all students in your school prior to and during your College Application Week event. Use KnowHow2GO.org web resources or Michigan Campus Compact College Positive Volunteer Toolkit (http://compactaccess2success.com/) to incorporate grade level appropriate activities for 9th – 11th grade students, as well as seniors who have already applied to college. You may organize workshops during Student/Family precollege evening events, during homeroom with students, or during the actual College Application Week. Some examples include:

o 9th grade: Decision making, learning styles, study habits, HS transcript and academic planning, connection between school and careers, how to qualify for a scholarship, colleges and the degrees offered, college admission criteria, setting up a MichiganCAP account etc.

o 10th grade: Progress check, extracurricular activities, earning college credit during HS, world of work, college costs and ways to pay, college visits (online), PSAT, etc.

o 11th grade: Money management, finding scholarships, admission process, college entrance tests, preparing to apply, writing personal statements and essays, etc.

o 12th graders who have already applied to college: what to expect in college, resume writing, FAFSA, searching for scholarships, finding the right college for you, setting up a MichiganCAP account if not already done so.

Coordinate writing workshops for personal statements or essays. English teachers can use tips within the Michigan College Access Portal to encourage students to work on admission or scholarship essays.

Complete a sample application with your students. Teachers can go over the correct grammar and language to use on a college application. Additionally, stress the importance of using appropriate email addresses.

Widely publicize students’ college applications. Interview seniors about their college plans and send the articles to local newspapers, as public service announcements on local radio, as intercom/homeroom announcements, as ads in the school newspaper; or create a special section in the school newspaper that gives the names of seniors and their prospective colleges announcing applications submitted and acceptances.

Involve teachers and staff. During College Application Week, ask teachers to share their college experience, wear their alma mater gear and post signs on classroom doors advertising where they went to school. Promote the idea of college, not a specific school

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http://compactaccess2success.com/


October 29-November 2, 2012

[insert high school name/logo]

Questions? [insert site coordinator name, email, phone, and office

location]


Complementary Activities – Promoting College Application Week in Your School Community. Purpose

To promote College Application Week events to the school community by: o Disseminating information by phone, mail, email, website, flyers, meetings, and word of

mouth o Holding special events/meetings prior to the event o Recruiting volunteers from students’ families and community organizations o Hosting guest speakers during the event

Activities Bring together a planning committee to decide on the options throughout the week and brainstorm

additional activities, then make assignments and deadlines. This committee may include different groups such as faculty, staff, families, student groups, and community members. The committee should begin as early as August identifying activities to be implemented throughout the fall to promote College Application Week in October and November.

Set goals for the number of seniors participating, number of volunteers, etc. Remind everyone of these goals and the importance of reaching as many people as possible in order to promote a college-going culture in your school community.

Hold special event(s) such as a College Alumni Parent Night and “Ask Me About It!” (see details included on pg. 34) or schedule visits to your school prior to and during College Application Week by college admission professionals, first year college students, and/ or community and business leaders.

Hold one or more “Senior Meetings” with school staff to facilitate communicating high expectations regarding College Application Week and pre-event activities to students. Often, principals hold these types of meetings to communicate information.

Send email reminders to all parents, students, and school staff in addition to the official Student / Family letter. Also, include information in the school newsletter and post fliers around the school and community about your College Application Week event.

Invite a “Guest Speaker” to your College Application Week event as part of a kick-off ceremony to elaborate from personal experience on the importance of applying to and completing college. This guest speaker could be a prominent member of your community, alumnus from your school who is currently in college or recently graduated, and / or a parent advocate for college.

Recruit volunteers from students’ families and community organizations. Be creative! Send the volunteer letter to your Local College Access Network, volunteer groups, Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, church groups, businesses in the community, banks, etc. Your Local College Access Network will be able to help you establish a point of contact.

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33



WHO? Class of 2013 and students interested in learning more about college

WHAT? Seniors across the state apply to at least one college or university with the support of school staff and volunteers.

WHERE? (NAME OF SCHOOL, ROOM NUMBER OR LOCATION)

WHEN? (DATE AND TIME OF EVENT)

WHY? Studies show that if you continue your education beyond high school you: Will make more money in your lifetime Are less likely to be unemployed Are likely to have better health and live

longer

Completing college applications online is a faster and more efficient way to apply.

WHAT NOW? Go to www.MichiganCAP.org to create your user account, start or update your Profile. Visit www.micollegeaccess.org/events/college-application-week to complete the College Application Checklist.

For more information or questions please contact:(SITE COORDINATOR NAME)

[Add high school logo or mascot]

34


35


Complementary Activities – “Ask Me About It!”

Purpose To identify staff members by their institutions of higher education.

To engage students in dialogue with faculty and staff members regarding college access, college preparation, application, etc.

Activities Have the entire faculty and staff display an 8 ½” x 11” poster that lists alma maters

(colleges and/or universities where they completed degrees). Post college signs and display them all year.

Create a scavenger hunt during a specific time-frame (i.e., during homeroom) and allow students to complete the challenges (use the scvngr phone app if possible) for as many different schools as they can find, the school farthest away, the school with the most alumni, etc. Award small prizes.

Explore the KnowHow2Go University virtual tour in the classroom while teachers share their college experience.

Preparation E-mail a sample sign like the one included in this Handbook to all faculty and staff and

designate a posting date. Scavenger hunt- provide copies to every home room. Bingo- provide copies to every home room.

Complementary Activities – College Alumni Family NightPurpose

To familiarize families and students with community and four-year public and private colleges and universities

To provide networking opportunities

Activities Have staff and parents represent the colleges and universities. Ask parents and staff to

wear college and university shirts and hats and display flags or other items of interest to represent their institutions of higher education.

Invite college admission offices to send materials for display or to send admission staff to attend.

Preparation Schedule an evening, possibly in conjunction with a PTSA meeting. Reserve a space and

make a promotion plan. Ask parents and the PTSA officers to provide refreshments and college paraphernalia door prizes.

Invite parents and staff to represent colleges and universities for your student body. Invite admission counselors from nearby colleges to set-up information tables. Create sign-in sheets for each college/university represented to record attendance and

collect comments. Create a “Good Questions to Ask” sheet for students to use as they visit alumni and

collect information on their selected schools of interest.

36


Ask me about it!!____(TEACHER/STAFF MEMBER’S NAME)____

Michigan College Application Week is

October 29-November 2, 2012!

I graduated from…

_____ (COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY)___

(Add mascot image or campus logo)

37


College BINGO ActivityComplete your BINGO card by locating teachers or other school staff members that experienced the following college scenarios or can answer “yes” to the following questions. Be sure to get the individual to sign in the space, and you can only use each person for one space!

38

B I N G O

Attended a 4-Year College

Lived at Home While Attending

College

Worked Full-Time While Attending College

Is Still Close Friends with

His/Her College Roommate

Studied Abroad While in College

Attended a College in Michigan

Went to College on a Scholarship

Changed Majors 2 or More Times

Attended a 2-Year College Majored in Math

Majored in Science

Attended an Out-of-State College FREE SPACE

Worked for the School

Newspaper, TV Station, or Radio

Station in College

Met His/Her Partner in College

Lived on Campus

Is Currently Enrolled in a

College Program or Course

Had a Mentor or Other Close Advisor in

College

Was President or Leader of a School Club

Has Completed Graduate School

Attended 2 or More Colleges

Wishes They Were Still in

College

Ate Ramen Noodles Several Times a Week

While in College

Played Sports in College

Took Out Student Loans to Pay for

College


Michigan College Application WeekCollege Application Week is sponsored by the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN).About MCAN: As the leader in the state’s college access movement, MCAN’s mission is to dramatically increase Michigan’s college participation and completion rates, particularly among low-income students, first-generation students and students of color. MCAN also supports two statewide college access initiatives: MichiganCAP, a one-stop-shop for students to plan, apply and pay for college at www.michigancap.org, and KnowHow2GOMichigan, a public awareness campaign designed to encourage and prepare low-income students and their families to take the necessary steps toward college. (www.knowhow2gomichigan.org). For more information, visit www.micollegeaccess.org. You can also find MCAN on Facebook at www.facebook.com/micollegeaccess.

ONLINE SCAVENGER HUNT

Colleges in Michigan

1. Find and list the names of five colleges in Michigan and where they are located.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Find the name of the college where students and alumni are referred to as “Chips.”What is the name of the college? : ____________________________________________Where is it located? : ______________________________________________________

3. Find the name of the college where sports teams are referred to as “Grizzlies.”What is the name of the college? : ____________________________________________

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http://www.facebook.com/micollegeaccess


Where is it located? : ______________________________________________________

4. What is the name of the oldest college in the United States? Where is it located?What is the name of the college? : ____________________________________________Where is it located? _______________________________________________________

5. What is the name of the state’s oldest university and where is it located?What is the name of the college? : ____________________________________________Where is it located? : ______________________________________________________

6. Which college newspaper refers to itself as the oldest college newspaper in Michigan?________________________________________________________________________

7. Michigan State had two other names before settling on its current name. What were the previous two names of the university?Other name #1: ___________________________________________________________Other name #2: ___________________________________________________________

8. Where did Sam Raimi, the director of Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2, go to college? Where is that college located?What is the name of the college? : ____________________________________________Where is it located? : ______________________________________________________

9. Name at least two colleges in Michigan’s upper peninsula:First college: ____________________________________________________________Second college: __________________________________________________________

10. What is a private college or university? Write the definition.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. What is a public college or university? Write the definition.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

12. Name the largest private college in Michigan: __________________________________

13. List one possible college major: _____________________________________________

14. List the name of two colleges in Michigan that offer degrees in that major.First college: ____________________________________________________________Second college: __________________________________________________________

15. Find a college in Michigan where you can train to be a paramedic.

40


What is the name of the college? : ____________________________________________Where is it located? : ______________________________________________________

16. Find a police academy in Michigan: __________________________________________

Online Scavenger Hunt: Colleges in Michigan (answers)1. Answers will vary2. Central Michigan University. Main Campus, Mount Pleasant Michigan (the school also

has a number of satellite campuses)3. Oakland University, in Rochester Hills, Michigan4. Some potential answers:

1636 – Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts1693 - College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia1701 – Yale University, New Haven Connecticut1746 – Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey1764 – Columbia University, New York City, New York1757 – University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania1764 – Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island1766 – Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey1769 – Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire

5. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor6. The Hillsdale Collegian, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI

41


7. Michigan State University, at East Lansing; land-grant and state supported; coeducational; chartered 1855. It opened in 1857 as Michigan Agricultural College, the first state agricultural college. From 1925-1959 it was known as Michigan State College of Agriculture and Applied Science, and in 1964 its present name was adopted.

8. Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI9. Possible answers: Bay De Noc Community College, Bay Mills Community College,

Gogebic Community College, Lake Superior State University, Michigan Technological University, and Northern Michigan University.

10. Possible Answers: The term “private” simply means that the university’s funding comes from tuition, investments and private donor, not from taxpayers.

11. Possible Answer: The term “public” indicates that the university’s funding comes partly from state taxpayers.

12. Baker College, with multiple locations throughout the state13. Responses may vary14. Responses may vary15. EMT training is offered at a number of two-year colleges in Michigan, such as:

Macomb Community College, Warren, MIOakland Community College, Bloomfield Hills, MIHenry Ford Community College, Dearborn, MILansing Community College, Lansing, MI

16. The answers will vary because police academies in Michigan are often connected with local community colleges but may also be located within four-year institutions or other approved agencies.

42


43

OUTREACH


Sample Press Release

(Place on SCHOOL LETTERHEAD)

Media Contact: (NAME)Phone: (NUMBER)

(TITLE EXAMPLE: Chicago High School Helps More Seniors Complete College Applications)

[Date] [City] - (NAME OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL) will participate in Michigan’s second annual College Application Week October 29 through November 2, 2012, with more than 80 other Michigan high schools.

The goal of the program is to give every graduating senior the opportunity to apply to college. During this event, students may apply to any of Michigan’s community colleges, independent colleges and universities, and state universities in which they are interested. (NAME OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL) will work with its seniors on (YOUR SCHOOL’S EVENT DATE/DATES) to complete and submit online at least one college application.

(NAME OF SITE COORDINATOR OR SCHOOL PRINCIPAL), College Application Week event Site Coordinator/Principal for (NAME OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL), expects more than (INSERT NUMBER) seniors to participate with the help of (INSERT NUMBER) volunteers from (INSERT SCHOOL FACULTY, ADMINISTRATION, COLLEGE, COMMUNITY RESOURCES THAT WILL HELP).

College Application Week began in North Carolina as a pilot effort of a single high school in 2005 and has since grown to a statewide effort in North Carolina. 18 other states join Michigan in developing College Application Weeks to meet the needs of their respective states with a common goal of increasing the percentage of first-generation and low-income students to pursue a postsecondary education. Last year, 38 high schools participated in Michigan, helping seniors completing more than 2,200 applicants. Michigan College Application week is sponsored by the Michigan College Access Network.

For more information about (NAME OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL), please contact (NAME OF SITE COORDINATOR AND CONTACT INFO).

About Michigan College Access NetworkAs the leader in the state’s college access movement, MCAN’s mission is to dramatically increase Michigan’s college participation and completion rates, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college students and students of color. For more information, visit www.micollegeaccess.org.

###

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Communication is Key to Successful Outreach!Please include information specific to your event and send to local media outlets (i.e., newspapers, TV stations, community newsletters, etc). Also, disseminate via your school/school district’s website.

Social MediaWith social media, promote upcoming events, meetings and college deadlines. Engage students about where they want to go to school, what they are doing to get there and questions or concerns they have. Provide frequent links to resources like www.KnowHow2GoMichigan.org and www.MichiganCap.org. Ask for suggestions or input from the community.

http://www.MichiganCap.org/

http://www.KnowHow2GoMichigan.org/

http://www.micollegeaccess.org/


Facebook: Post at least 3 times a week leading up to important dates and deadlines. It is important to post items that will engage the audience and encourage them to participate in the conversation. Open-ended questions and asking for opinions are good ways to initiate dialogue.

Facebook examples:

“Seniors! Don’t forget College Application Week is next week. Tell us where are you applying?”

“Seniors, it’s College Application Week. Have you applied yet? If so, give tips to your fellow students!”

“Remember Seniors to plan for College Goal Sunday Feb. 10 for free help with FAFSAs, join the event here http://www.facebook.com/events/CollegeGoalSunday”

Twitter: Twitter has a limit of 140 characters per post. To leave space for users to retweet your post and add a comment, try to keep posts to 120 characters or less. We recommend that use pre-selected hashtags. Simply note on posters or flyers a chosen hashtag or note it in Facebook posts. e.g. For College Application Week, use #CAW on flyers.

Twitter: “Hey seniors don’t forget to sign up for next week’s College Application Week. #CAW “, “#CAW Having trouble deciding where to apply, make sure to use your

#MCAP account to compare your options. https://www.michigancap.org/College/CompareColleges”

“It's College Application Week! Remember to send in your transcripts, test scores, and essays along with your applications. #dontforget.”

Ask students to use the hashtag #IApplied and have them announce where they applied.

Newsletter Article: 300 Word Count Example

Between football games, part-time jobs and writing papers, [high school] seniors are also thinking of where they hope to be next fall.

[LCAN or school] hopes every senior is currently making plans to attend a university, community college or vocational school next fall.

It is important to note that most colleges have strict application deadlines. For early acceptance, this date is usually by November of your senior year. Other admissions deadlines vary by school but should be completed as soon as possible.

To apply for colleges, you will need your high school transcript, your GPA and your standardized test scores. Many universities and colleges also require an essay or interview, so it is wise to start to prepare for this in advance.

Most community colleges in Michigan offer open enrollment with semester-based deadlines. Contact the school you are planning to attend for specific guidelines.

[If applicable] This October 29 through November 2, [school/LCAN] is hosting College Application Week. Dedicated time and space will be set aside for volunteers and students to complete the application process together. For more information, [provide resource].

45

https://www.michigancap.org/College/CompareColleges


Why is attending college important for our seniors? According to projected job growth statistics, 62 percent of jobs by 2018 will require at least some college education. Currently, only 36.4 percent of Michigan residents over 25 have a college degree. In [LCAN area], the number of residents with a college degree is [percentage].

Through [LCAN], we are committed to making sure every student has the opportunity and resources to pursue a postsecondary education, especially during the application process. Resources are available to students and parents at michigancap.org, knowhow2go.org, itsmilife.com and [LCAN websites, if applicable].

Letter to the Editor: A letter to the editor is a letter sent to a publication about issues of concern from its readers. Usually, letters are intended for publication. To best utilize letters to the editor, keep your eye out for news stories on topics related to college application and attending college.

Letter to the Editor example: Dear Editor,

Between football games, part-time jobs and writing papers, [high school] seniors are also thinking of where they hope to be next fall.

[LCAN or school] hopes every senior is currently making plans to attend a university, community college or vocational school next fall.

It is important to note that most colleges have strict application deadlines. For early acceptance, this date is usually by November of your senior year. Other admissions deadlines vary by school but should be completed as soon as possible.

According to projected job growth statistics, 62 percent of jobs by 2018 will require at least some college education. Currently, only 36.4 percent of Michigan residents over 25 have a college degree. In [LCAN area], the number of residents with a college degree is [percentage].

Through [LCAN], we are committed to making sure every student has the opportunity and resources to pursue a college career, especially during the application process. Resources are available to our school leaders, students and parents at michigancap.org, knowhow2go.org, itsmilife.com and [LCAN websites, if applicable].

Sincerely, [LCAN contact]

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Initiating Dialogue between Students and FamiliesUse this letter to strike up conversations between students and their families about College Application Week, to recruit volunteers, and inform the school community of activities to promote a college going culture in your school. Disseminate via hard copy and /or email. If your school has an automated phone system, record a shortened message.


Student/Family Informative Letter

SCHOOL LOGO SCHOOL ADDRESS

September 2012 Dear Students and Families,

During the week of October 29 through November 2, 2012, (NAME OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL) will participate in Michigan’s College Application Week initiative. On (DATE(s) OF EVENT), all seniors expected to graduate in June 2013 will be encouraged to apply for admission to a college or university, if they have not already done so. This event is possible due to the collaborative efforts of the administration, faculty, and staff at (NAME OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL), as well as students, their families, and volunteers across the community.

The purpose of this day is to acquaint students with the college application process and to communicate the importance of applying to college. In order to fully participate, students are encouraged to have a Michigan College Access Portal account (www.michigancap.org), a completely FREE resource to Michigan students and their families. An online webinar is available to parents to assist their children in learning all the capabilities of the Michigan College Access Portal. The webinar can be found on the College Application Week page of the Michigan College Access Network website. Also available is a College Application Checklist for students to download from the Michigan College Access Network website (www.micollegeaccess.org/events/college-application-week). We are encouraging all students to print and complete the College Application Checklist prior to the event, as it has all the information students will need to complete an online application. We anticipate that students and their families will need to work together in gathering the information listed in the College Application Checklist.

[Insert information about all activities leading up to and during College Application Week]

Families are welcome to visit (NAME OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL) on (DATE(s) OF EVENT) to assist their student during the application process. In addition, if family members are interested in volunteering or guest speaking during the event, please let me know. Volunteers can greet and sign-in students, assist students with the completion of online college applications, or distribute information about financial aid opportunities.

If you have any questions please call (NAME, TITLE), at (PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL). Thank you in advance for your support of this exciting initiative to encourage Michigan’s students to make college a part of their future.

Sincerely, (SCHOOL COUNSELOR/PRINCIPAL/SITE COORDINATOR)

SPANISH Student / Family Informative Letter


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Septiembre (YEAR)

Estimados Estudiantes y Padres de Familia,

Durante la semana del 29 de octubre hasta el 2 de noviembre, 2012, (NAME OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL) va a participar en una semana de solicitudes a la universidad para el estado de Michigan. En el (DATE(s) OF EVENT) de noviembre, los estudiantes de último año que piensan graduarse en junio del 2013 serán animados a solicitar ingreso a una universidad, si no lo han hecho hasta ese punto. Este evento es posible solo por los esfuerzos colaborados de la administración, la facultad, y el personal de (NAME OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL), y también por los estudiantes, sus familias y voluntarios de la comunidad.

El propósito de este día es familiarizar los estudiantes con el proceso de solicitar ingreso a la universidad, y enfatizar la importancia de solicitar ingreso a la universidad. Para participar completamente, los estudiantes deben tener una cuenta del Portal de Michigan para Acceso a la Universidad (Michigan College Access Portal) (www.michigancap.org), un servicio GRATIS para los estudiantes de Michigan y sus familias. Un seminario virtual por Internet está disponible para que los padres y los estudiantes puedan aprender todas las funciones del Portal de Michigan para Acceso a la Universidad. Se puede encontrar el seminario virtual en la página de “College Application Week” en la página web de La Red de Michigan para Acceso a la Universidad (Michigan College Access Network). Un manual del estudiante (College Application Checklist) también está disponible para bajar los estudiantes de La Red de Michigan para Acceso a la Universidad en la página de la red de (www.micollegeaccess.org/events/college-application-week). Estamos aconsejando a todos los estudiantes que impriman y completen la información en el manual del estudiante (College Application Checklist) antes del evento para que tengan toda la información disponible para completar las solicitudes de ingreso en línea. Anticipamos que los estudiantes y sus familias tendrán que trabajar juntos en compilar la información que se encuentra en el manual del estudiante (College Application Checklist).

Los padres de familia son bienvenidos a visitar (NAME OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL) el (DATE(s) OF EVENT) para ayudar a su hijo/hija durante el proceso de completar la solicitud. Además, si miembros de su familia están interesado en ofrecerse voluntariamente durante el evento, o si quiere ser un orador invitado, favor de contactarme. Los voluntarios pueden saludar y registrar estudiantes, ayudar a estudiantes con las solicitudes de ingreso a la universidad, o distribuir información sobre oportunidades de ayuda financiera.

Si tiene cualquier pregunta, por favor llama a (NAME, TITLE), al (PHONE NUMBER). Gracias por adelantado por su apoyo en esta iniciativa emocionante para animar a los estudiantes de Michigan a hacer la universidad parte de su futuro.

Sinceramente, (SCHOOL COUNSELOR/PRINCIPAL/ SITE COORDINATOR)

Student / Family Follow-up Letter


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November 2012

Dear Students and Families,

Recently, your student participated in Michigan’s College Application Week hosted by [insert HIGH SCHOOL NAME]. Congratulations on taking this important step toward your student’s education!

Now that your student has applied to a college or university, it is important that students and their families file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) between January 1, 2013 and March 1, 2013. Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, ensures that all eligible individuals can benefit from federally funded financial assistance for education beyond high school. Between January 1 and March 1, 2013, you may choose to file using any of the following three methods:

Apply online at www.fafsa.gov, Complete a PDF FAFSA (Note: PDF FAFSAs must be mailed for processing), or Request a paper FAFSA by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).

Schools should contact you! Once you have submitted your online college application, campuses should be in touch with you via email or letter to inform you of the status of your application. If you have not been contacted by the school within 2-3 weeks of your submission, get in touch with the college or university’s admission office to inquire about your application status.

Now that you applied to college, where can you learn more about paying for college? Go to www.michigancap.org to research financial aid options such as scholarship opportunities,

available grants, loans, and incentive programs to help make your college costs affordable. Speak with your family and guidance counselor about your financial aid options. Mark your calendar for FAFSA College Goal Sunday (www.micollegegoal.org) at a college,

university, or community center near you to learn more about your options. Complete and submit the FAFSA as early as possible. The sooner you submit the form, the better

chances you have of getting an affordable financial aid package. Michigan’s deadline is March 1, 2013.

[Insert information about upcoming Financial Aid Nights, College Goal Sunday, etc.]

If you have any questions please call (NAME, TITLE), at (PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL). Thank you for supporting your student’s future and helping them navigate the path to college!

Sincerely, (SCHOOL COUNSELOR/PRINCIPAL/SITE COORDINATOR)

Spanish Student / Family Follow-up Letter


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Noviembre 2012

Estimados Estudiantes y Padres de Familia,

Recientemente, su hijo/a tomó parte en una semana de solicitudes a la universidad para el estado de Michigan, un evento ofrecido por (INSERT HIGH SCHOOL NAME). Felicitaciones por tomar el primer paso en la educación de su hijo/a.

Ahora que su hijo/a ha solicitado ingreso a una universidad, es importante que los estudiantes y sus familias completen la Solicitud Gratuita de Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes (FAFSA) entre el 1 de Enero de 2013, y el 1 de Marzo de 2013. Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes, un oficio del Ministerio Estadounidense de Educación, asegura que todos los individuos que reúnan los requisitos puedan beneficiarse de Ayuda Federal para educación después del colegio. Entre el 1 de Enero y el 1 de Marzo de 2013, pueden escoger entre estas opciones para completar el FAFSA:

Solicitar en línea a www.FAFSA.gov Completar un FAFSA PDF (Atención: FAFSA PDF deben ser enviado por correo) o Solicitar un FAFSA de papel por llamar 1-800-4-FED-AID (oprima 2 para español)

¡Deberían oír de las universidades!Cuando has completado tu aplicación para la universidad en línea, deberían oír de la universidad por correo electrónico o por una carta del correo para notificarles del estado de la aplicación. Si no oyen de la universidad después de 2-3 semanas desde completar la aplicación, llame a la oficina de admisión de la universidad para obtener más información sobre el estado de la aplicación.

Ahora que has solicitado admisión a la universidad, ¿dónde puedes buscar más información sobre como pagar por la universidad?

Visita www.michigancap.org para investigar más sobre las opciones de Ayuda Federal, por ejemplo, las becas y programas incentivos.

Habla con tu familia y consejero(a) de la escuela sobre tus opciones de Ayuda Federal. Marca tu calendario para el evento de ayuda para completar el FAFSA (FAFSA College Goal

Sunday). Para encontrar mas información sobre este evento visite: www.micollegegoal.org o investigue en una universidad o centro social en tu comunidad para aprender más.

Completa y presenta el FAFSA lo mas pronto posible. Entre más temprano presentes el FAFSA, tendras mejores oportunidades de obtener un paquete de Ayuda Federal. La fecha límite para entregar el FAFSA es el 1 de Marzo de 2013.

[Insert information about upcoming Financial Aid Nights, College Goal Sunday, etc.]

Si tienes alguna pregunta, por favor no dudas en llamarnos a (NAME/TITLE) a (PHONE #). Gracias por apoyar el futuro de su hijo/a y por ayudarle a incorporarse a la universidad.

Sinceramente,(SCHOOL COUNSELOR/PRINCPIAL/SITE COORDINATOR)

An Overview for Teachers, Staff, and Community Members

Our school is participating in Michigan’s College Application Week! To ensure that our event is a success for our students, we need your help in promoting and coordinating this event — and making sure our initiative is exciting and fun for our students, families, and community!

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What is College Application Week?College Application Week began in North Carolina as a pilot effort of a single high school in 2005 and has since grown to a statewide effort in North Carolina. Eighteen other states join Michigan in developing College Application Weeks to meet the needs of their respective states with a common goal of increasing the percentage of first-generation and low-income students to pursue a postsecondary education. College Application Week is an event coordinated by the Michigan College Access Network and various other statewide associations and organizations. High schools across Michigan will conduct College Application Week events October 29-November 2, 2012!

What is the goal of College Application Week?Our goal is to provide every graduating high school senior with the opportunity to apply to college. While much of the focus of College Application Week is geared toward first-generation college students, low-income students, and other students who face barriers to applying to college, we encourage all students, including freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have already applied to college, to participate in events to help them explore and prepare for postsecondary education, including certificate programs, two-year degrees, and four-year degrees.

What happens during College Application Week?Think of College Application Week as a school spirit week, during which we all work together to build excitement and awareness surrounding the college exploration and application process. We will provide computer lab time to students to allow them to explore colleges and apply online, but the event becomes truly spectacular when we integrate fun activities into our school and community environments. For example, we can decorate our doors and classrooms in college themes, post signs and pennants in our community, decorate storefronts, have college trivia contests — let’s get creative!

How can I help?You can help by assisting students in applying, contributing to the “spirit” of the week, or —perhaps most importantly — reaching out to students to encourage them to apply to college. Seek out those students who might traditionally be overlooked when it comes to college planning, and talk to them about their options for college. Be sure to ask students if they’ve applied as they board the bus, go through the lunch line, or walk into church, a store, or your classroom!

Michigan College Application WeekCollege Application Week is sponsored by the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN).About MCAN: As the leader in the state’s college access movement, MCAN’s mission is to dramatically increase Michigan’s college participation and completion rates, particularly among low-income students, first-generation students and students of color. MCAN also supports two statewide college access initiatives: MichiganCAP, a one-stop-shop for students to plan, apply and pay for college at www.michigancap.org, and KnowHow2GOMichigan, a public awareness campaign designed to encourage and prepare low-income students and their families to take the necessary steps toward college. (www.knowhow2gomichigan.org). For more information, visit www.micollegeaccess.org. You can also find MCAN on Facebook at www.facebook.com/micollegeaccess.

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Volunteer Resource GuideReaching out to community groups and members during College Application Week is an effective way to create a sustainable college-going culture at your school. Additionally, recruiting volunteers to help out or donate food and supplies will help ensure a successful event. We encourage you to have at least two volunteers for every 25 students at your school on the day of the event. Volunteers can greet and sign-in students, assist students with the completion of online college applications, or distribute information about financial aid opportunities. Use the templates and resources provided to help recruit and inform volunteers for your event.

http://www.facebook.com/micollegeaccess


Managing Volunteers: Step-by-Step Recruiting Volunteers

1. Identify contacts in your community that may be interested in helping make your College Application Week event a success by either donating time and/or resources. Some examples may include:

Local College Access Network School Alumni Students who have already completed their application/s (i.e., college application

ambassadors) Student families, PTA (Parent Teacher Association)Volunteer, senior, or church groups Community College and University representatives, faculty, admissions office and

financial aid.Business, community, and political leaders Youth programs (i.e., YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, United Way)

2. Send potential volunteer groups a College Application Week Volunteer Recruitment Letter.

3. When promoting your College Application Week event, always mention the need for volunteers in your communication.

4. Reach out to student leaders in your school. For example, students who have already completed their application/s could help other students during the event and be called the “college application ambassadors.”

5. Create a system for collecting volunteer information. Depending on your school district’s policy, you may need to conduct a background check.

6. We recommend having at least one staff member and two volunteers at all times when working with a group of 20-25.

Information for Volunteers

7. Identify specific responsibilities and duties for your volunteers. For example, you may create shifts for greeting, sign-in, computer lab, other activities, etc. Create a short explanation of each responsibility for volunteers to follow throughout the day.

8. Finalize a volunteer list and, as a reminder, send information using the following template notifying volunteers of event details.

9. Provide name tags for volunteers on the day of the event.10. Conduct a quick orientation, perhaps the morning of the event, to familiarize volunteers on the

details of your event. Provide volunteers with a Volunteer Reference Guide to College Application Week.

Follow-Up

11. Send a thank you letter to all volunteers for their dedication to College Application Week!

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Volunteer Recruitment Letter/Email


September 2012

Dear (NAME OF ORGANIZATION),

(NAME OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL) is pleased to announce its participation in Michigan’s College Application Week. In an effort to further expand college access initiatives, the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) is sponsoring the College Application Week to be held October 29 through November 2, 2012. The goal of College Application Week is to provide every graduating high school senior the opportunity to apply to college with a particular focus on helping first-generation low-income students, and students who may not otherwise apply to college.

College Application Week can open the door for students by encouraging them to take a significant step toward college in their senior year. What began in 2005 as a single day at one high school in North Carolina has evolved into 19 statewide campaigns to help students. This year, Michigan is expanding last year’s incredible initiative in 38 high schools to include more than 80 schools. A critical component of College Application Week is the one-on-one support provided by volunteers who help students fill out applications at school. Volunteers may include high school staff, registrars and admissions officers from nearby postsecondary institutions, and representatives from the community.

We will be hosting our event on (DATE(S) AND TIME) and would welcome representatives from (NAME OF ORGANIZATION) to visit our school during this exciting and important time. Volunteers can greet and sign-in students, assist students with the completion of online college applications, or distribute information about financial aid opportunities. Our students would really appreciate your help and support as they take a big step toward going to college.

Stay up-to-date with volunteer webinars. One will be September 13th to discuss more information about College Application Week if you are unfamiliar. Another will be October 11th preparing selected volunteers for their duties.

If you or any of your colleagues at (NAME OF ORGANIZATION) are interested in working with (NAME OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL) in any capacity please contact me at [site coordinator info].Thank you!

(YOUR NAME) (YOUR TITLE)(CONTACT INFO)

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Volunteer Information for College Application Week

Welcome to Michigan College Application Week at (NAME OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL)! We appreciate your hard work and dedication to making college a reality for our students. Use this reference guide to familiarize yourself with more information about Michigan College Application Week.

College Application Week is an event sponsored by the Michigan College Access Network and (NAME OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL).

Goal of College Application Week is to provide every graduating high school senior the opportunity to apply to college, with a particular focus on helping first-generation students low-income students, and students who may not otherwise apply to college.

Students are encouraged to research different college and universities in order to find the best fit for them prior to College Application Week. The Michigan College Access Portal (www.michigancap.org) has online resources such as a College Search and Comparison tool, Career Planning, and information on how to Pay for College, apply for financial aid and research scholarship information and sections in order to help guide students to college. This tool is completely free for Michigan students and their families. Make sure you are familiar with the Michigan College Access Portal.

Host sites are to provide a designated space and time during the school day for completing applications.

Students may have questions about application fees and waivers. Note that some colleges and universities in Michigan do not have an application fee. Up-to-date information is posted on http://www.micollegeaccess.org/events/college-application-week regarding application requirements.

Some students may be eligible for an application fee waiver from their high school guidance counselor based on their family income status. If students have questions about eligibility, please refer them to their guidance counselor.

For colleges that require an application fee, students can use credit / debit cards online or print their online application(s) and mail with a check to the college(s).

In order to be eligible for financial student aid, college applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1 of their senior year. The earlier students and parents/guardians complete and submit this form, the better!

FAFSA – Michigan College Goal Sunday is held each year the Sunday after Super Bowl. During College Goal Sunday, seniors can receive free help completing and submitting their FAFSA form at any of the event locations across the state. Mark your calendars for February 10th! An up-to-date listing of locations can be found at www.micollegegoal.org/.

Remember you are there to assist students; don’t recruit to a specific campus.

Prior to arriving – confirm day/time you are expected with the site coordinator, confirm any visitor guidelines for the high school.

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http://www.micollegegoal.org/




Potential Volunteer Tasks

When assigning tasks, consider the expertise and comfort level of the volunteer with various roles. The power of the volunteer comes from students seeing that members of the broader community see education as an important goal.

o Post (possibly create) directional signs in the school for the event. Good signage is key to reminding students of the event and getting them to the right place.

o Greet students as they arrive. Make sure they use the sign-in sheet.

o Help students log on to the Michigan College Access Portal or the specific college/university website and begin an application. If the school does not have enough computers or stable online service, the site coordinator should be prepared with paper applications. As a volunteer, you can hand out the correct application.

o Guide students through the college application process and help answer any questions students may have, regardless of where the student wishes to apply.

o Monitor printers to ensure that any applications that need to be printed remain in order and replenish the paper supply as needed.

o Share personal college experiences with students.

o Instruct each student to complete an evaluation of their College Application Week experience (if applicable, not all site may choose to use the student evaluation form). The evaluation may be an online Survey Monkey evaluation or a paper evaluation.

o Give an “I Applied!” sticker and a “What’s Next?” handout to each student after they complete an application.

o Remind students to use the sign-out sheet before leaving. Site coordinators need to track where students applied.

o Congratulate each student on applying to college and encourage them to complete their admission file by sending in their high school transcript, test scores, or any other documentation that the college may require.

o Remind students to share their experience with others and to remember to attend the Financial Aid Day (FAFSA Day, College Goal Saturday/Sunday, etc.) that will be held in your community. Handouts may be available regarding the upcoming Financial Aid events.

o Wear a college t-shirt or sweatshirt.

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Volunteer Training – Example Agenda

Training volunteers for College Application Week is not a complex task. You want to provide volunteers with enough information to be useful to you and the students but not so much as to overwhelm them. In addition to the very real assistance they can provide to ensure that College Application Week is successful, they also are likely to become college access advocates in the community.

MCAN will provide one webinar training for volunteers. It will cover the basic needs and expectations for volunteers across the state. It will NOT cover the individual site needs for each host high school. Host sites are not required to provide a volunteer training. It is up to you based on who you have selected as volunteers and if they feel comfortable with the tasks you are expecting them to complete. You can provide it as a short face-to-face gathering either a week before the event or the day of the event. If your school requires a background check for non-school personnel to work with students on your campus, then be sure to handle this requirement prior to the training.

I. Welcome and Thank You!- have all volunteers sign in and provide you with name, phone number(s), and address

(you will need the address later when you send a follow-up thank you note)

II. Purpose of College Application Week- To encourage and assist all students to apply to college, especially those who are from

low-income and first generation college families, because applying to college in the fall of their senior year will increase their options as they decide what to do after high school.

- To provide additional information to students about the college going process such as a) what to do when they hear back from an institution and b) how to apply for financial aid.

- To reinforce a college-going culture in the community.- This is not a recruitment activity for a specific school. If a volunteer has a strong

relationship (or love) for a particular school, it is important to leave it at the door.

III. College Application Week Logistics - Provide a short tour of the school highlighting where the event will be held, principal’s

office, facilities they may use or go into and those that they should not- Dates and Times College Application Week/Day will be held in our school- Times that Volunteers are expected to be available (it is strongly recommended that

they are asked to arrive 15-30 minutes prior to the start of the event)- Assign tasks to be done by Volunteers (see task list)- Review FAQs

IV. Questions?

V. Again – thank you!

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Volunteer Thank You Letter


November 2012

Dear (VOLUNTEER’S NAME),

On behalf of (NAME OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL) I would like to personally thank you for volunteering your time at our Michigan College Application Week event. This event could not have been a success without your help and the help of many others who volunteered their time.

During Michigan College Application Week, (NUMBER OF SENIORS SUBMITTING COLLEGE APPLICATIONS) of our seniors submitted over (NUMBER OF COLLEGE APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED) college applications to colleges and universities across Michigan. Thanks to our seniors’ hard work and the assistance of volunteers like you, they are one step closer to actualizing their dreams of attending college!

Once again, (NAME OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL) thanks you for your efforts and contribution of time at College Application Week! We look forward to seeing you throughout the school year and especially at our event next year.

Sincerely,

(YOUR NAME) (YOUR TITLE)

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APPLY


Please sign in on the day of the event and indicate the college(s) to which you plan to submit applications.

SAMPLE SIGN-IN / SIGN-OUT SHEET

Student Name College(s) Applying To Applications Completed

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Sample Form for Seniors

Submitting Your Application …“I Applied! Now What?”

The puzzle pieces of going to college are almost together! Read the following information to learn more about the “Now What?” pieces of paying your application fee, keeping your confirmation page, when to expect schools to contact you, and information on transcripts, test scores, essays, financial aid, and more!

Paying Your Application Fee When you submit your application online, you may be required to pay an application fee. If so, you can pay your application fee the following ways:

1) You can pay via credit or debit card online. Some colleges require a credit card to apply online. Do your research prior to the event to see if the college you want to apply to requires one! If you chose this option, you will need the following information: Credit card type (Visa, MasterCard, etc.), credit card number, security code, name on credit card, date credit card was issued, or expiration date.

2) You can submit your application online and pay via check in the mail. You will need to include a copy of your Confirmation Page with your check.

3) You may qualify for an application fee waiver. Check with your school counselor about this option. You will need to include a copy of your Confirmation Page with the fee waiver. Ask your counselor for more information.

4) You may be able to save your application, print it, and mail it in with your payment (varies by institution).

Follow Up with Transcripts, Test Scores, and Essays Many admission offices require students to submit additional information in order to complete the application process. It is important to find out what other information is required and send it to the campus ASAP! The more quickly you submit all the necessary forms, the sooner you will receive a response from the admission office.

Don’t forget your Confirmation Page … Do not leave the computer lab without a hardcopy printout of your Confirmation Page! Also, some schools may require this page to be signed and mailed to the admission office to complete the application process. Whether the school requires this form or not, you still need a printed copy for your records. Either way, make sure you put this confirmation page in a safe place.

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Sample Confirmation Page

Schools should contact you! Once you have submitted your online application, campuses should be in touch with you via email or letter to inform you of the status of your application. If you have not been contacted by the school within 2-3 weeks of your submission, get in touch with the college or university’s admission office to inquire about your application status.

Now that I applied to college, where can I learn more about paying for college? Go to www.michigancap.org to research financial aid options such as scholarship opportunities,

available grants, loans, and incentive programs to help make your college costs affordable. Speak with your family and guidance counselor about your financial aid options. Mark your calendar for FAFSA College Goal Sunday at a college, university, or community

center near you to learn more about your options. Complete and submit the FAFSA as early as possible. The sooner you submit the form, the better

chances you have of getting an affordable financial aid package. Be sure to pick up copies of the handouts before leaving the event.

Congratulations! You are on your way!

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Glossary: All Things College (Michigan) Accreditation: Official recognition that a college, university or technical institution has met the standards of a regional or national association.

Adult Learner: A student who has returned to college after an extended period outside of the education system. Adult learners are sometimes referred to as “nontraditional students;” however, the term is misleading, because adult learners make up a significant portion of the college student population and are therefore an expected and integral part of the campus culture.

Advanced Placement Program (AP®): Gives high school students the opportunity to take college-level courses in a high school setting. Thousands of colleges and universities worldwide award credit or advanced placement to students with a qualifying score on AP Exams.

American Opportunity Credit: Temporary tax credit for tax years 2009 and 2010 created by federal stimulus legislation which replaced the Hope Credit for most taxpayers. The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010 extends the American Opportunity Tax Credit for two additional years until Dec. 31, 2012. The American Opportunity Credit is more generous than the Hope Credit and is partially refundable (up to $1,000). The credit, worth up to $2,500 per student in 2010, can be claimed for 100% of the first $2,000 in qualified higher education expenses and 25% of the next $2,000 in college costs. Modified adjusted gross income (AGI) for married couples filing jointly can be as high as $180,000 ($90,000 for single filers) before losing the benefit of this credit. The student must also be enrolled at least half-time, be pursuing an undergraduate degree or other recognized academic credential, and is only available for the first four years of postsecondary education.

Associate Degree: Awarded by a college or university after satisfactory completion of a two-year program of study.

Audit: An evaluation of a student’s prior coursework conducted to determine whether or not the student can count this work toward completion of his or her degree. Transfer students or adults who previously attended college but did not finish may want to request an audit. Speak with an admissions counselor to learn more about these options.

Bachelor Degree: Awarded by a four-year college or university after satisfactory completion of a program of study

Certificate Program: A specialized, usually short–term, program of study during which a student completes training and receives a certificate.

Co-Curricular Activities: Activities a student participates in beyond those required as part of the regular school day; examples include: volunteer programs, sports, school clubs, faith–based groups, and part–time jobs. Many colleges and scholarship programs consider a student’s co–curricular activities in evaluating students for their program. Co-Curricular is also referred to as “extra-curricular.”

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Glossary cont.

Colleges: All of the following postsecondary institutions: four–year colleges and universities; two–year community and junior colleges; and vocational, technical, and business schools.

College Access: Efforts of non–profit groups to increase the college enrollment of all students by providing support and information about college preparation, paying for college, career selection, financial resources, etc. Some college access initiatives focus on student groups that are underrepresented in postsecondary education, such as students from certain ethnic groups, students who are the first persons in their families to attend college, and low–income students.

College Day/GEAR UP (GU/CD): GEAR UP stands for “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs.” This U.S. Department of Education program was merged with the state of Michigan College Day Program in July 2006. The combined program provides academic services for underrepresented students with the goal of increasing their preparedness and entrance into postsecondary education.

College Goal Sunday: A day when students and parents can visit local colleges or universities and get help filling out financial aid forms. To find out more about College Goal Sunday, go to www.micollegegoal.org.

College Positive Mindset: The belief that college is attainable for all students and that you are willing to do whatever you can to help those students prepare for and enroll in college. Visit www . micampuscompact . org for tips on a college positive mindset.

Cosigner: Someone whose credit rating and history is better or more established than the person applying for a loan. The cosigner signs the loan application with the borrower as a guarantor that the loan will be repaid. If the borrower defaults on the loan, the cosigner is responsible for repaying it.

Cost of Attendance: The COA (Cost of Attendance) is the sum figured by each institution for one year of attendance. Each college calculates this differently, but they are required to include:

● Tuition and fees payable to the institution● Books and supplies

● Room and board● Room and board

● Personal expenses, transportation

Credit Hour: Units of value given to classes, often based on the number of hours a student is expected to attend class each week. Some classes may be worth more credit hours than others. Students who take a certain number of hours are considered to be “full–time” students, while those who take fewer hours are considered “part–time.” Twelve credit hours is typically the minimum required for full–time status for undergraduate students.

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Glossary cont.CSS/Profile: The CSS/Profile (College Scholarship Service Profile) is a secondary financial aid form required by some colleges and collects family information not contained on the FAFSA, thus giving participating colleges an additional and closer look into a family’s financial background. There is a fee for the CSS/Profile and the form changes every year. Colleges using the CSS/Profile also run the Institutional Methodology for use in allocating institutional financial aid.

Deferred Admission: The practice of some colleges or programs that allows an accepted student to postpone enrollment, usually for one year, without having to reapply.

Demonstrated Financial Need: The difference between a college’s Cost of Attendance and the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

Dependent Student: For federal aid purposes, all students who do not meet one of the qualifying criteria forIndependent Student status are considered Dependent Students and must report both parent and student financial information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Direct Subsidized Student Loan: (Formerly Stafford Loan) Federal student loans awarded on the basis of financial need that is not met by federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, state grants, or other forms of financial aid. Financial need is determined by completion of the FAFSA. With Direct Subsidized Student Loans, the student does not have to pay any principal while in school more than half time and the government pays the interest during this time.

Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan: (Formerly Stafford Loan) Federal student loans awarded without regard to financial need. The FAFSA must be filed in order to obtain this loan; there is no qualifying income for parents or students. Unlike Direct Subsidized Student Loans, the student is charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full, including in-school, grace and deferment periods. However, students typically have the option of compounding interest during these periods and adding that to the loan principal that is paid back after graduation or upon leaving school, or dropping below half-time status.

Dislocated Worker: In general, a person may be considered a dislocated worker if he or she:● is receiving unemployment benefits due to being laid off or losing a job and is unlikely to

return to a previous occupation;● has been laid off or received a lay-off notice from a job;● was self-employed but is now unemployed due to economic conditions or natural disaster;

or● is a displaced homemaker. A displaced homemaker is generally a person who previously

provided unpaid services to the family (e.g., a stay-at-home mom or dad), is no longer supported by the husband or wife, is unemployed or underemployed, and is having trouble finding or upgrading employment.

If a person quits work, generally he or she is not considered a dislocated worker even if, for example, the person is receiving unemployment benefits.

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Dual Enrollment: A program that allows high school students to enroll in college courses for credit at eligible high schools, colleges and universities prior to high school graduation. College credits earned through dual enrollment can be applied toward high school and college graduation and can be transferred to colleges or universities.

Early Admission: The practice of admitting (or accepting) students of superior ability or skill into college programs before they have completed high school as a gesture of confidence that the student can attend the institution should he or she choose to do so. Early admission does NOT limit the student’s ability to receive state or federal financial aid, and students are not “locked in” if they have been accepted early.

Eligible Noncitizen: Generally, you are an eligible noncitizen if you are (1) a permanent U.S. resident with a Permanent Resident Card (I-551); (2) a conditional permanent resident (I-551c); or (3) the holder of an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the Department of Homeland Security designating any one of the following: "Refugee," "Asylum Granted," "Parolee" (I-94 confirms that you were paroled for a minimum of one year and status has not expired), "Victim of human trafficking," T-Visa holder (T-1, T-2, T-3, etc.) or "Cuban-Haitian Entrant."

Expected Family Contribution (EFC): The total amount of money a student/family is supposedly able to contribute toward college costs in a given academic year, according to Federal Methodology .

Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) Taxes: The federal Social Security and Medicare taxes taken out of workers’ wages.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): The FSEOG Program provides need-based grants (up to $4,000 per year) to low-income undergraduate students to promote access to postsecondary education. Institutional financial aid administrators at participating institutions have substantial flexibility in determining the amount of FSEOG awards to provide students who are enrolled or accepted for enrollment. Priority is given to those students with "exceptional need" (those with the lowest Expected Family Contributions at the institution) and those who are also federal Pell Grant recipients.

Federal Work Study: A campus-based part-time employment program which provides jobs for undergraduate and graduate students who are in need of such earnings to meet a portion of their educational expenses. Note: these are the only job-related earnings that are excluded from the Federal Methodology in calculating a student’s EFC for the next academic year.

Financial Aid: Financial support given to students by federal and state organizations or postsecondary institutions to help students pay for college.

First Generation Students: Those individuals in their families who are the first to enroll in college; their parents have no more than high school educations.

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Glossary cont.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Federal form a student must file in order to qualify for federal funds, state grants and college need-based financial aid.

● This form must be filed each year beginning in the spring of a student’s senior year of high school.

● The information provided on the FAFSA is used to calculate a student’s Expected Family Contribution, or EFC.

● The information used to fill out the FAFSA should be taken from tax return information from the calendar year prior to the academic year for which the student is applying for financial aid (e.g., 2011 calendar year tax information for the 2011-2012 academic year).

Gap/Gapping: Gapping occurs when the financial aid package offered by an individual college does not satisfy all of the demonstrated financial need of a student. In turn, this creates a “gap” of money that could possibly be added to a student’s EFC. For example:

Cost of Attendance: $20,000Minus EFC: $4,000Minus Financial Aid Award: $11,000Gap = $5,000

GED: A trademarked acronym used for the General Educational Development Tests, a battery of examinations administered by states and jurisdictions to measure the skills and knowledge similar to a high school course of study. GED graduates earn a GED credential. The type of credential issued, diploma or certificate, varies by state.

Grants: Similar to scholarships as free money to help pay for education. They are usually issued by colleges, nonprofit organizations, or governmental agencies and given to individuals based on financial need, whether they meet certain criteria, or in response to a commitment to complete a particular project or study a particular field. Sometimes grants have to be repaid if recipients do not fulfill their obligations.

Honors Programs or Colleges: Students who excel academically during high school may be eligible to enroll in an honors program at college. Honors programs offer students the chance to take more difficult classes, and some students are required to participate in honors programs in order to receive college scholarships. Many honors programs offer additional support for honors students, such as personalized tutoring or priority registration for college classes.

Hope Credit: Tax credit that can be used for the first two years of undergraduate study which was replaced by the American Opportunity Credit in 2009 for most students, except those attending an eligible institution in a Midwestern disaster relief area. The Hope Credit is a non-refundable credit worth up to $1,800 ($3,600 if a student is in a Midwestern disaster area) per eligible student. In 2009, the Hope Credit was phased out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income (AGI) between $50,000 and $60,000 (single filers) and between $100,000 and $120,000 (married filing

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jointly). The Hope Credit is not available for tax year 2010, as it was temporarily replaced by the American Opportunity Credit.

ItsMILife.com: Michigan’s social networking site that engages students directly in planning for life after high school. Students can connect, contribute and make college decisions. www.itsmilife.com

King–Chávez–Parks Initiative (KCP): The Martin Luther King, Jr.–César Chávez–Rosa Parks Initiative is housed in the Michigan Economic Development Corporation – Workforce Development Agency. Its goal is to increase the opportunities for Michigan’s most educationally disadvantaged students to earn college degrees by providing a variety of programs and funding support. Additional information about the initiative can be found at www.michigan.gov/mcdc, click “Career Education,” then click “Postsecondary Services,” then click King–Chávez–Parks Initiative.

KnowHow2GoMichigan.org: A public awareness campaign encouraging young people to take the necessary steps to go to college.

Legal Guardian: A person appointed by a court to have the care and custody of a child and/or the child's estate.

Lifetime Learning Credit: Tax credit available for an unlimited number of years which can be used for all years of postsecondary education and for courses to acquire or improve job skills.The Lifetime Learning Credit is a nonrefundable credit worth up to $2,000 (20% of the first $10,000 in qualified education expenses) per tax return. The Lifetime Learning Credit is phased out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income (AGI) between $50,000 and $60,000 (single filers) and between $100,000 and $120,000 (married filing jointly). A student does not have to be enrolled in a degree program to qualify for this credit.

Loan Deferment: When payments of a loan are suspended for the borrower until a later point in time. For example, some federal loans are paid to students while they are in college, but they do not have to begin repaying their loans, or their loans are deferred, until they are no longer in college.

Major: An area of concentration in a particular field of study. Usually students specialize in their majors during their junior and senior years at college.

Merit-Based Financial Aid: Financial aid based on a student’s talents, performance, academic merit and/or other select characteristics. Depending on the college, merit-based scholarships may be awarded for academics, athletics, extracurricular involvement, art, theatre, music, journalism and more. Residency, future job plans, alumni ties and other factors also can be criteria for awarding some merit-based financial aid. Merit-based financial aid also is available from private sources such as community foundations, service organizations and others.

Michigan Campus Compact (MCC): A coalition of college and university presidents committed to promoting civic engagement on campuses and in students’ academic lives. It currently has 42 member campuses and is part of a national Campus Compact coalition of nearly 1,100 college and

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http://www.itsmilife.com/


university presidents, representing six million students. To find out more about MCC, visit www.micampuscompact.org.

Michigan College Access Network (MCAN ): A nonprofit committed to dramatically increasing the college participation and completion rate in Michigan, particularly among low-income students, first-generation students, and students of color. MCAN supports local college access networks through grants and technical assistance. To find out more about MCAN, visit www.micollegeaccess.org.

Michigan College Access Portal (MichiganCAP): Michigan’s free web-based college access portal to simplify the process of transitioning from high school to college and career. A one-stop website for students to plan, apply, and pay for college. www.michigancap.org

Michigan College Application Week: The goal of College Application Week is to provide every graduating high school senior the opportunity to apply to college. The initiative will take place in October of each year. To learn more visit www.micollegeaccess.org/events/college-application-week.

National Merit® Scholarship Program: A scholarship program based mostly on scores from the PSAT/NMSQT.®Each year, National Merit students receive scholarships ranging from several hundred dollars to the full cost of attendance. See also PSAT/NMSQT.®

Need-Based Financial Aid: Financial aid based on student/family financial circumstances. Residency, future job plans, alumni ties and other factors also can be criteria for awarding some need-based grants and scholarships.

Open Admissions: Typically means that the admissions process is NOT competitive. In other words, students who meet the minimum requirements outlined by the institution will likely be accepted to the school; sometimes also referred to as “open enrollment.”

Parent Contribution (PC): Contribution expected from the income and assets of the parent(s) and/or stepparent in the student’s household.

Pell Grant: A need-based federal grant given to undergraduate students based on the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which must be below a specified threshold; can be used at eligible colleges around the country.

Perkins Loan: The Federal Perkins Loan Program provides low-interest loans to help needy students finance the costs of postsecondary education (up to $5500 per year). Institutional financial aid administrators at participating institutions have substantial flexibility in determining the amount of Perkins loans to award to students who are enrolled or accepted for enrollment, but priority is given to those students with “exceptional need” (those with the lowest Expected Family Contributions) and those who are also federal Pell Grant recipients.

Permanent Resident: A U.S. resident who is the holder of a Permanent Resident Card (I-551).

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http://www.micampuscompact.org/


Glossary cont.

PLAN®: A guidance resource administered by ACT, Inc. that helps students measure their academic development, explore career/training options and make plans for the remaining years of high school and post-graduation years. Typically, PLAN is taken in the fall of a student's sophomore year.

PLUS Loan (Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students): Loans available to parents who are credit-worthy. Student must be a dependent undergraduate student enrolled at least half-time for parent PLUS borrowing.

● The annual borrowing limit = student’s cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received.

● Students whose parents cannot obtain a PLUS loan may be eligible to take out additional funds through the Direct Student Loan program.

Postsecondary: Education and training beyond high school.

Registration: The process of choosing and signing up for college classes. Most colleges have a defined registration process, which determines when students can register (typically seniors are first, followed by juniors, etc.). Class registration is on a first–come, first–serve basis, so students typically try to register as soon as possible in order to secure the classes they want at the times they prefer.

SAT®: A standardized test and college entrance exam administered by the College Board that measures a student's critical reading, mathematics and writing abilities. An essay is also included. For more information, go to www.collegeboard.com.

Selective Admissions: Typically means that the admissions process is competitive. In other words, students who apply to institutions with a selective admissions process are compared to other applicants, and only those judged to be the best fit or most qualified (based on criteria set by the school) are accepted to the institution. Selective admissions processes often require students to write essays, describe after–school and community activities in which they have participated, and list awards received. Institutions that have selective admissions processes often require higher academic achievement (like higher grades and test scores)

Student Aid Report (SAR): Special report that is processed and sent to a student after the FAFSA is filed, showing the student’s EFC and the data elements provided on the FAFSA that were used to calculate theEFC.

● Copies of the report also are sent to the student’s state grant agency and the colleges the student lists on the FAFSA.

Student Asset Contribution (SAC): Contribution from any assets (cash, checking, savings, investments, trust fund, etc.) in the student’s name (and/or Social Security number).

Student Income Contribution (SIC): Contribution expected from student income.

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Glossary cont.

Student Loan Interest Deduction: Tax deduction for interest paid on student loans exclusively used to cover qualified higher education expenses The Student Loan Interest Deduction can reduce taxable income up to $2,500 for interest paid during a given tax year on a student loan taken out specifically for college costs. The deduction is phased out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income (AGI) between $60,000 and $75,000 (single filers) and between $120,000 and $150,000 (married filing jointly). The student for whom the loan was taken out must be enrolled at least half time in a degree program to qualify for this deduction.

Trade/Vocational school: Trade schools or vocational schools offer programs that focus on providing graduates with the job-specific skills needed for their chosen career path. Rather than requiring students to study a diverse curriculum made up of different subjects, trade schools emphasize only those fields that are relevant to the student’s future profession.

Transfer: Students who have completed college coursework at another institution can often transfer their course credits to the new institution to which they plan to apply. Students who started college but stopped short of earning a degree, or students who completed college classes while in high school should be sure to speak with an admissions counselor about transferring their credits.

Tuition Incentive Program (TIP): The Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) is an incentive program that encourages eligible students to complete high school by providing tuition assistance for the first two years of college and beyond. To meet the financial eligibility requirement, a student must have (or have had) Medicaid coverage for 24 months within a 36–consecutive–month period as identified by the Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS).

Undergraduate: A college student who has not yet earned an associates or Bachelor’s degree.

Work Study Program: A type of state or federal aid in which a student is given a job either on or off campus and paid a wage. The amount students earn is based on the wage and the number of hours worked.

College Glossary Resources:

Michigan Campus Compact-College Positive Volunteers Toolkit: http://www.micampuscompact.org/cpvtoolkit.aspx

Indiana College Costs: http://www.indianacollegecosts.org/understand-the-financial-aid-process/glossary-of-terms

Iowa College Access Network: http://www.icansucceed.org/en/common_resources/glossary/

College Foundation of West Virginia: https://secure.cfwv.com/images/wv/pdfs/Admissions101Web.pdf

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https://secure.cfwv.com/images/wv/pdfs/Admissions101Web.pdf

http://www.icansucceed.org/en/common_resources/glossary/

http://www.indianacollegecosts.org/understand-the-financial-aid-process/glossary-of-terms

http://www.indianacollegecosts.org/understand-the-financial-aid-process/glossary-of-terms

http://www.micampuscompact.org/cpvtoolkit.aspx


College Application Week is an initiative of the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN). As the leader in the state’s college access movement, MCAN’s mission is to dramatically increase Michigan’s college participation and completion rates, particularly among low-income students, first-generation students, and students of color. In order to build and sustain a vibrant economy and strong communities based on a highly educated population, MCAN works to ensure everyone in Michigan has the opportunity to access and succeed in postsecondary education. For more information, visit www.micollegeaccess.org.

A special thanks to the 2012 Michigan College Application Week Implementation Committee:

ACT Midwest Region Educational Services – Bay City Central High School – DELEG King*Chavez* Parks Initiative – Michigan Association for College

Admission Counseling – Michigan Association of College Registrars & Admissions Officers – Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals –

Michigan College Access Network Board of Directors – Michigan College Access Programs and Personnel – Michigan Community College Association – Michigan

College Foundation – Michigan Department of Education, College Access & Outreach Unit – Michigan Department of Education, Office of Education

Improvement & Innovation – Michigan Parent Teacher Association – Michigan State Board of Education – Michigan School Counselor Association – Michigan State Senate – Michigan State University College Advising Corps – Presidents

Council, State Universities of Michigan – The Kresge Foundation – University of Michigan College Advising Corps – University of Michigan-Dearborn.

MCAN would like to thank the College Foundation of North Carolina and the College Foundation of West Virginia for their help in creating this Resource Guide, of which sections have been adapted from their respective guides.

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