Welcome to the Michigan High School Counselor Video Conference November 2, 2007

Welcome to the

Michigan High School Counselor

Video Conference

November 2, 2007

Federal Update

Rick Shipman, DirectorOffice of Financial Aid

Michigan State UniversityNovember 2, 2007

What is Federal Financial Aid?• Grant Programs

– Pell Grant– Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant– Academic Competitiveness Grant– National Science and Math Access to Retain

Talent (SMART) Grant• Work Study Program• Loan Programs

– Perkins Loan– Stafford Loan

• Federal Family Education Loans• Federal Direct Loans

– PLUS Loan

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

• Initial step in the application process

• Core “document” to apply for financial aid

• Used to calculate an Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

• Confirms certain eligibility requirements

Free Application for Federal Student Aid

• Cannot submit earlier than January 1, 2008

• Valid for periods beginning summer 2008 and ending after summer 2009, but generally not more than 12 months

• No fees

How to Apply

The FAFSA

• Paper application

• Web application

What Data Are Required?

Step 1: Student demographic information

Step 2: Student financial information

Step 3: Dependency status questions

Step 4: Parent financial information

Step 5: Independent student household information

Step 6: List of colleges to receive results

Step 7: Signatures and certifications

How The Data Are Used?

• Determine federal compliance:

– Social Security

– Selective Service

– Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS)

– Federal debts

How The Data Are Used?• In a statutory formula

called the Federal Methodology

• Looks at income, assets, and size of family to determine family’s “ability to pay” for education

• Result is called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

Completing the Paper FAFSA• About 5% of FAFSAs are

now filed by paper.

• Paper FAFSAs are only available through download at federal Web sites or by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID.

• Students & parents can complete on line and download as PDF file or download blank PDF file for completion and mailing.

• No major question or order changes from 2007-08.

Completing FAFSA on the Web• More than 95% of

FAFSAs are now filed online.

• No major changes from 2007-08 FAFSA.

• Parents with more than 1 college student can transfer data from original application to others.

www.fafsa.ed.gov

FAFSA on the Web Worksheet

• Families can use time wisely by completing a worksheet before accessing FOTW.

• Order Worksheets at www.fsapubs.org or by phone.

• View a draft of the worksheet on the Web at the URL below.

www.ifap.ed.gov - Click on FAFSAs and Renewal FAFSAs link under Publications

http://www.fsapubs.org/

PIN Web Site• PIN serves as

electronic signature on ED documents, including electronic promissory notes.

• PIN is used to gain access to ED systems, including:

– Corrections on the Web

– NSLDS– Direct Loan Origination – Direct Loan Servicing– Loan Consolidation

www.pin.ed.gov

Demonstration Site for FOTW

• Available in December 2007

– FAFSADEMO.TEST.ED.GOV

– User Name: EDDEMO

– Password: FAFSATEST

With Electronic Signatures

• It is not necessary to print and sign a paper signature page if both the dependent student and parent have a federal PIN.

• The PINs are entered as part of the FOTW completion process and replace a pen and paper signature form.

Without Electronic Signatures• If both the dependent student and parent do

not have PINs, they must provide a signature page for the signatures and mail it.

• It is permissible for the student or parent applicant to sign electronically with a PIN and the other to submit a paper signature form.

• Signature page must be received by U.S. Department of Education (ED) within 14 days.

• If signature page is not received within 14 days, one will be sent to the applicant by mail. The form must be signed and resubmitted.

Student Aid Report (SAR)• The SAR summarizes the data provided on the

FAFSA as well as the federal calculations and is sent to the applicant.

• Only last 4 digits of parent’s SSN will display on paper and electronic SARs.

• Displays official EFC.

• Submit to college only if requested.

• Paper application without student’s e-mail address will result in paper Student Aid Report (SAR).

• Paper application with student’s e-mail address will result in email with Web site for “SAR on the Web.”

Corrections on the Web

• Available regardless if original application was paper or electronic.

• Student’s PIN required to access.

• Parents must have PIN to correct parent information.

• Pop-up message will appear when student tries to correct transaction already corrected by a school.

Avoid Errors!

• Errors on the FAFSA or supplemental forms may delay application processing and result in the loss of financial aid funds.

• Encourage students/parents to read the instructions and complete the forms carefully!

Who is the Parent? (for Dependent Students)

• If the parents are both living and married to each other, answer the questions about both of them.

• If the parent is widowed or single, answer the questions about that parent only. If the widowed parent has remarried as of today, answer the questions about that parent and the person to whom the parent is married.

• If the parents have divorced or separated, answer the questions about the parent the student lived with most in the last 12 months. If the student did not live with one parent more than with the other, answer about the parent who provided the most financial support during the last 12 months or during the most recent year that the student was supported by a parent. If this parent has remarried as of today, answer the questions about both that parent and the person to whom the parent is married.

• If the parent is widowed or divorced and has remarried, answer the questions about both that parent and his or her current spouse. The marital status of the student's parents in this case is "married/remarried."

Independent Student Criteria• Born before January 1, 1985• Enrolled in a graduate program• Married• Has child(ren)/dependents for whom he/she

provides more than half support• Both parents are deceased• Is/was a ward of the court until age 18• Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or currently

serving on Active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training– Most high school students will not be independent but, in

extraordinary circumstances, the college aid administrator can override dependency. Contact the college aid office for help.

Types of Federal Aid – Grants• FAFSA required for all federal grants

• Pell Grant Program– Undergraduates pursuing first baccalaureate degree

– $400 to $4,800 per year (beginning fall 2008)

• Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant– Undergraduates pursuing first baccalaureate degree

– Awarded first to students with exceptional financial need (i.e., students with the lowest EFCs at that school)

– Priority to Federal Pell Grant recipients

– $100 to $4,000 per year

Types of Federal Aid – Grants

• Academic Competitiveness Grant

– For Pell eligible US Citizens

– A 3.0 GPA required beyond freshman level

– ACG is for freshmen and sophomores who completed a rigorous HS curriculum

• Freshmen get $750; sophomores $1,300

Types of Federal Aid – Grants• Academic Competitiveness Grant

– ED provides 5 categories of rigorous curricula• State established advanced or honors program• State Scholars Initiative• A curriculum similar to State Scholars• Completion of at least 2 AP courses with scores of 3 or 2 IB

courses with scores of 4• Approved state designated program

– Michigan Merit Standard qualifies

– State Scholars Initiative• 4 Years of English• 3 Years of Math• 3 Years of Science• 3 Years of Social Studies• 1 Year of Foreign Language

Types of Federal Aid – Grants

• SMART Grant

– For Pell eligible U.S. citizens

– 3.0 GPA required beyond the freshman level

– For junior/senior students in specific majors

• Computer Science, Engineering, Foreign Language, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Technology

– $4,000 per year

Types of Federal Aid – Grants• Teacher Education Assistance for College

and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant

– For Pell eligible students– Major in Math, Science, Foreign/Bilingual

Education, Special Ed, Reading, Other– Requires teaching in underserved schools– $4,000 yearly ($16,000 max for undergrads,

$8,000 max for grads)– Reverts to Direct Loan if student fails to teach

for 4 years within 8 years of graduation

Types of Federal Aid – Loans• Federal Perkins Loan

– Undergraduate or graduate students

– Must file FAFSA to be eligible

– Priority to those with exceptional need

– Interest rate is fixed 5%

– Nine-month grace period

– Deferment, cancellation, and forgiveness provisions available

– Up to $4,000 per year for undergraduates $6,000 for graduates

Types of Federal Aid – Loans• Federal Stafford Loan

– Must file FAFSA to be eligible

– Annual loan limits• $3,500 for Freshmen

• $4,500 for Sophomores

• $5,500 for Juniors and Seniors

• $20,500 for each year of study

– Subsidized: must demonstrate “need”

– Unsubsidized: “need” is not a consideration

– 6.8% fixed interest rate (6% for undergrad, subsidized beginning in fall ’08)

– 10 year repayment

Types of Federal Aid – Loans• Federal Grad PLUS

– Required to file FAFSA

– Creditworthiness determined by lender• Co-signer may be required

– Loan limit is cost of education minus other aid

– Repayment begins approximately 60 days after loan fully disbursed

– In-school deferments provided

– 7.9%/8.5% fixed interest


Types of Federal Aid – Loans

• Federal Parent PLUS– Not required to file FAFSA

– Creditworthiness determined by lender• Co-signer may be required

– Loan limit is cost of education minus other aid

– Repayment begins approximately 60 days after funds are fully disbursed

– 7.9%/8.5% fixed interest


Types of Federal Aid – Work

• Federal Work-Study

– Employment during school– Reimburses employer for a percentage of

student earnings– Non-profit jobs only (on or off campus)– Income is taxable (state and federal)– Excluded from student’s total income on next

year’s FAFSA– Program varies from school to school

Supplemental Forms

• Institutional application

• Stafford loan application

• Parent/Grad PLUS loan application

• CSS Financial Aid PROFILE (school aid)

Counselor Resources

• National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators – WWW.NASFAA.ORG– Counseling Tools

• Student Aid on the Web– WWW.STUDENTAID.ED.GOV

• FSA for Counselors– http://ifap.ed.gov/FSACounselors/clcf/main.html

• Online information for middle school, high school and TRIO counselors

What Everyone Should Knowwww.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov

• Gateway Web site

• New FAFSA4caster

• Portals for…–Students, Parents, and Counselors–Financial Aid Counselors–Financial Partners

Counselor Resources

FAFSA4caster

• Provides early estimate of federal aid eligibility

• PIN not required

• FAFSA4caster data can transfer to FAFSA

www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov

collegenavigator.ed.gov

collegenavigator.ed.gov

Questions?

Special Circumstances in Financial Aid

Aiding Students Who Have Special Circumstances

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

• Some families find the application difficult.

• Many feel the FAFSA does not reflect their true circumstances.

• Before an appeal can be considered for special circumstances, students and their families must complete the FAFSA with base year information.

Working With the Financial Aid Office

• Complete the FAFSA.

• Student contacts the Financial Aid Office where he/she plans to attend.

• If not committed to a college, student should contact each Financial Aid Office at the schools they most likely will attend.

Professional Judgment

When a financial aid officer reviews a special circumstances appeal from an applicant and approves an adjustment to the original FAFSA or waives a FAFSA requirement, he/she has used professional judgment.

Common Elements in Professional Judgment

• Financial aid officers are willing to consider the special circumstances of applicants.

• Many financial aid officers share common values in evaluating special circumstances appeals.

Professional Judgment Can Differ From College to College

• Each college develops its own process and standards for handling special circumstances appeals.

• Colleges have their own forms, procedures, and documentation requirements.

• What will satisfy requirements at one college may not satisfy requirements at another college.

Types of Appeals: Income Changes

• Loss of job

• Change of job status from full-time to part-time

• Loss or reduction of benefits

Types of Appeals:Change in Household

• Divorce of parents

• Separation of parents

• Death of parent

Types of Appeals:Special Expenses

• Younger sibling(s) in private school

• Parent(s) in college (Other siblings in college are reported on the FAFSA)

• High medical expenses paid out of pocket without reimbursement

Unusual Appeals

• Funeral costs not covered by insurance

• Loss of substantial property through natural disaster or arson

• Loss of business

• Reduction of income because of loss of overtime

• Parents maintain two households because of employment (not separation prior to divorce)

Additional Documentation

• In addition to the appeal form, a financial aid office will usually require documents

supporting the changes in circumstance.

• Many financial aid offices also require documentation of base year income and household size/number in college information when reviewing an appeal.

When Is a Student Independent?

• Many students and their families feel that they should be considered independent and complete the FAFSA without parental information.

• Most high school seniors will complete the FAFSA as dependent—using parental information.

Independent Status• Born before January 1, 1985• Working on master’s or doctorate program at

beginning of the 2008-09 school year • Married when filing FAFSA • Have children who receive more than half of

their support from the applicant• Have dependents (other than children or

spouse) who live with you and receive more than half of their support from the applicant

• An orphan or ward/dependent of the court• Currently serving on active duty in the U.S.

Armed Forces for purposes other than training• A veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces

Dependency Overrides

Parents absent due to:

• Abandonment

• Incarceration

• Institutionalization

A ward/dependent of the court is considered independent without an appeals process. The college may request documentation of court status.


Students who fled parental home to escape:

• Sexual or other physical abuse

• Substance abuse by parent/parent figure

• Criminal activity by parent/parent figure


• Financial aid officers look for at least one statement (sometimes more) from a neutral third party describing the breakdown of the family relationship.

• Counselors can provide valuable guidance and documentation to their students in this process within school or district guidelines.

Dependency OverridesValuable primary documentation can be

obtained from:

• Family Independence Agency (FIA)

• Police reports

• Physician’s statement

• Psychologist’s statement

• High school counselor statement

• Social worker

Dependency Override• If college does not have a form to request a

dependency override, the student should provide a signed, written personal statement detailing why they should be considered independent in lieu of a college form.

• The student should describe his/her circumstances and refer to specific incidents.

• The statement should address where the student now lives and how they will provide for their own support.

Dependency Override

Supporting or secondary documentation can

be provided by:

• Siblings who have had the same experience (can establish a pattern of parental behavior).

• Other knowledgeable family members.

• Employers.

• Friends of the family.

Dependency Override• A call to the Financial Aid Office can be

helpful if counselor knows what college the student will attend.

• The student may wish to make an appointment with a counselor in the Financial Aid Office.

• If an appointment is not possible, it is recommended that the student arrange a telephone interview (not a substitute for the paper appeal) for guidance in this process.

Dependency Override

• Parental information not needed if dependency override approved.

• Student income documents needed to complete the FAFSA. – tax return – W2 forms – benefit statement

When Dependency Override Is Not Appropriate

• Student supports himself/herself

• Parents are in another state or country*

• Student left home or will leave home without unusual circumstances

* If parents reside where they can be contacted by mail. The situation is different if the parents are in a country that does not have diplomatic relations with the United States, at war, or facing natural disasters within its borders.

When Parents Refuse to Complete the FAFSA

• A difficult situation arises when parents refuse to complete the FAFSA.

• A financial aid officer can contact the parents directly by letter or by telephone.

• Many parents worry about confidentiality or what obligations they will incur if they sign a FAFSA.

• In many cases, reassurance from the Financial Aid Office and help in completing the form resolve the problem.

Counselors Make a Difference

• Your guidance and assistance can help a student through difficult times.

• Your help can make the difference in whether a student without parental support pursues college.

Youth in Transition

Foster Care in Michigan

Changing Perceptions, Part I

“The biggest challenge for foster youth is the perception people have of them. It has to do with how we view people who have any kind of disadvantage. And certainly having had a separation from one’s family is a challenge. But we tend not to see their potential for overcoming that challenge; we tend not to see their strength and their talents. We tend to see their problems.”

Linda Lausell Bryant, Executive Director Inwood House

Changing Perceptions, Part II

“And sometimes that becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, if all you see in a young person in here is a ‘set of problems’. I think it is really important that we see their potential, their capabilities, and their talents and their strengths.”

Linda Lausell Bryant, Executive Director Inwood House


• Michigan – There are 19,000 children and youth in foster care at any time.

• Nationally – More than 25,000 foster care youth age out of state care leaving them without an ongoing connection to family members or caring adults.

• Children not adopted by the age of 11 have little possibility of adoption.


• Children and youth are placed in foster care because of neglect, abandonment, abuse, or death.

• The majority are not returned to their families or adopted.

• These children and youth should not be confused with juvenile delinquents.

Barriers to Higher Education

• Foster care youth are less likely to enroll in college preparatory courses (15 percent vs. 32 percent) even when they have test scores and grades similar to non-foster care youth.

• They are more likely to drop out of high school (37 percent vs. 16 percent).

Promising Trends

• 70 percent of teens in the foster care system have the desire to attend college.

• Research shows that education is a leading indicator of successful youth development and adult self-sufficiency.

Help Is Needed

• The most obvious barrier to higher education is financial.

• These youth lack the parental and familial financial support provided to most college students.

• Many do not know where to turn to get information about financial aid programs and how to complete applications.

Guidance Is Needed

• Many youth not connected to someone with knowledge of financial aid resources, procedures, and criteria bypass higher education because they believe there is no way for them to pay for it.

An Important First Step:Completing the FAFSA

• Most foster youth meet the definition of an independent student and complete the application without parental information.

• Foster parents or legal guardians not considered parents for completing the FAFSA.

• Youth who were a ward/dependent of the court until the age of 18 considered independent.

• Documentation of ward/dependent of court status not needed to complete the FAFSA.

• Documentation of ward/dependent of court status needed for verification by college.

Youth in Transition • Chafee Foster Care Independence

Program -- Provides a block grant of funds to each state to develop programs to aid youth aging out of foster care to transition into self-sufficiency.

• Youth in Transition – Michigan’s program is a funding source available to cover expenses NOT covered by: – other government or community resources.– to augment or supplement services from other

funding sources.

Youth in Transition

Eligibility requirements:

• Michigan youth active in foster care system starting at age 14 until the age of 21.

• Michigan youth between the ages of 18-21 in foster care on or after their 14th birthday, but are no longer under Department of Human Services (DHS) supervision.

Youth in Transition Funding Can Be Used For

• Daily living skills

• Mentorship

• Transportation

• Employment services

• Parenting skills

• Educational support

• Graduation expenses

• Drivers education

• Physical and mental health services

• Relationship building skills

• Housing

Youth in Transition (YIT)

Where to apply?

• Open Case -- Youth can access funds through their foster care case manager.

• Closed Case -- Youth must apply for the closed case service (YIT) in their current county of residence through the local DHS office.

Educational Training Voucher (ETV)

• Provides up to $5,000 for each school year to cover school-related expenses:– Tuition and fees– Room and board– Books, supplies, transportation, and

miscellaneous expenses including the purchase of a personal computer

– Dependent care expenses

Lutheran Social Services of Michigan

• Lutheran Social Services of Michigan administers the ETV. Foster youth can complete the application online at http://www.mietv.lsssm.org.

• The application includes several forms:– ETV Application– ETV Budget– ETV Student Education Agreement– ETV Financial Aid Release FormAll are one page forms that are not difficult to complete.

http://www.mietv.lsssm.org/

ETV Application

Additional documents required to

complete the application:

• Copy of high school diploma or GED

• Copy of college/trade school grade point average

• Copy of cost of tuition

• Copy of class schedule/enrollment

• Copy of financial aid package

Questions in Completing ETV?

• Call the ETV Coordinator at Lutheran Social Services of Michigan (LSSM) at

(800) 660-METV.

• Call your county DHS office to set up an appointment with a foster care worker.

Tuition Incentive Program (TIP)

Targets Michigan youth who have been

Medicaid eligible for 24 months of a 36

month period.

• TIP pays tuition and mandatory fees at participating colleges in pursuit of an Associate’s degree or certificate (Phase I).

• TIP pays $500/semester or $400/term up to a maximum of $2,000 in pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree (Phase II).

Casey Family Scholars Program

• Provides scholarships up to $10,000 for young people who have spent at least 12 months in foster care and were not subsequently adopted.

• Information available at the Orphan Foundation of America Web site at www.orphan.org/programs/casey.html.

• Applications for 2008-09 will be available between January 1st and March 31st.

http://www.orphan.org/programs/casey.html

MI Youth Opportunities Initiative (MI-YOI)

• To improve the outcome for foster youth as the age out of foster care focusing on:– Education – Employment – Housing – Health – Transportation – Social and community engagement

• MI-YOI targets current or former foster youth, aged 14-23 who were in foster care some point after their 14th birthday.

MI Youth Opportunities Initiative• Not established in all Michigan counties but

expanding.

• Application made through local county DHS office. Visit www.michigan.gov/fyit and click on MI-YOI for local contacts and more information.

• Opportunity Passport – Requires completion of 8 hours of financial literacy training.

• Commitment to two savings accounts:– Personal small savings account – Individual Development Account (IDA)

http://www.michigan.gov/fyit

MI Youth Opportunities Initiative

• IDA Savings – Matched dollar for dollar up to $1,000 each year. The account used for only these major expenses:

– Rent deposit or home down payment– Insurance– Medical or dental costs– Vehicle purchase

– Educational costs– Small business start up– Investments

MI Youth Opportunities Initiative (MI-YOI)

• Withdrawals from IDAs must be approved.

• There are opportunities to join a foster youth board in their county with stipends for youth board meetings.

First Web Site to Visit

The Foster Youth inTransition Web site atwww.michigan.gov/fyitprovides a wealth ofvaluable information.

• Education• Employment• Finances• Housing • Transportation• Legal Assistance• Health & Wellness• Pregnancy & Parenting• Youth with Disabilities• Social Life• Volunteer Opportunities• Foster Youth & Alumni

http://www.michigan.gov/fyit

Resources Are Available

• In recent years, the resources available to foster youth have increased tremendously. Foster youth must know about the resources established to help them.

• Caseworkers, high school counselors, and financial aid officers must work together to increase awareness of these supports. With our help, we can assist these young people achieve their goals.

Final Words

“We are survivors,

and we want a hand up,

not a hand out.”

Foster Youth quoted in the Interdepartmental Task Force on Service

to At-Risk Youth Transitioning to Adulthood Report to the Legislature

September 2006

www.EduGuide.org

3 Ways to Make Your Job Easier

1. High School EduGuide

2. College EduGuide

3. College Goal Sunday

1. The High School EduGuide

Coming March 2008• Written for students grades

9 -12

• Special focus on strategies for academic success, college prep, and career planning

• Tools designed for classroom use and on-line interactivity

• Pre-order now through December 31, 2007 at www.EduGuide.org

The 2007 High School EduGuide Cover

2. The College EduGuide

Coming March 2008• Written for high school seniors

• Expert advice on choosing the right financial aid, college life and strategies for academic success

• Secrets to college success from students who learned the hard way

• Pre-order now through December 31, 2007 at www.EduGuide.org

• In 2008, the College EduGuide will be distributed nationallyThe 2007 College EduGuide Cover

3. College Goal SundayFebruary 10, 2008

• Students & parents receive expert help completing the FAFSA Financial Aid Form FOR FREE

• 28 locations in Michigan including 2 new pilot sites!

• Checklists available on our new Web site to help students, parents, schools, & volunteers prepare for the event: www.micollegegoal.org

• Over 350 volunteers

• Over $6,000 in scholarships and prizes available to students

Seriously! Go to EduGuide.org

• The High School & College EduGuides will no longer be distributed through your District office.

• Orders will be taken online, on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

• EduGuides now cost $1/copy BUT pre-orders (with a grant code) are FREE!

Your Checklist For Success!1. Go to www.EduGuide.org today to

pre-order the new High School EduGuide for each of your high school students.

2. Go to www.EduGuide.org today and pre-order one of the new College EduGuides for each of your high school seniors.

3. Go to www.EduGuide.org today and order one College Goal Sunday flyer for each of your high school seniors. Also order posters to hang up in your school.

YOUR GRANT CODE IS:

2008edu1www.EduGuide.org

Saving for College in Michigan

What’s New?

• 12 Month Enrollment

• 2008 MET Enrollment– September 1, 2007 to August 31, 2008

• Same price regardless of age or grade

• Increased pricing for contract purchases after January 31, 2008

What’s New?

• MESP program management fee now 45 basis points (was 60 bp)

• Seven investment options

• MESP Match Funds pending legislative approval for 2007-08

Matching Grant• The State will match $1 for every $3 contributed• Maximum $200 per beneficiary• Requirements – when the MESP account is opened

– Beneficiary must be 6 years old or younger– Beneficiary must reside in Michigan– Household income of the beneficiary’s custodial parent(s)

must be $80,000 (AGI) or less– Available only the 1st year the beneficiary is enrolled in

the program

• State ultimately determines who is eligible• Proceeds are invested in the TIAA-CREF

Institutional Bond Fund• For tuition only

MET Contract Options

Three Types of Contracts:• Full Benefits• Limited Benefits• Community College

MESP Investment Options

Seven Investment Options:• Age Based

• Conservative option• Moderate option• Aggressive option

• Principal Plus Interest• 100% Fixed Income• 100% Equity• Balanced

• Similarities– Benefits of Internal Revenue Code Section 529– State & Federal tax exemption on qualified WD’s– State income tax deduction for contributions– Transfer contracts/accounts among siblings– Gift tax exemption– Payroll deduction, ACH, or coupon payments– MET & MESP can be used separately or

together– Enroll online: www.setwithmet.com or

www.misaves.com

http://www.setwithmet.com/

http://www.misaves.com/

• Differences– MET – Prepay tuition & mandatory fees– MESP – Save for all qualified higher education

expenses– MET – Pays tuition & mandatory fees at MI

public two- and four-year colleges (refund amount portable to attend MI private or eligible out-of-state colleges)

– MESP – Account balance can be used to pay for total qualified expenses at any eligible college in the nation

• Differences (cont.)– MET – Prepay with monthly installments,

payroll deduction, ACH, or lump sum – ignore rising tuition

– MESP – Save as much as $235,000. Deposit as little as $25 ($15 if payroll deduction).

– MET – Purchase for MI child (newborn to 12th grade), allowed 15 years to use contract

– MESP – Open account for anyone; No age limit; No residency requirement

Please Help Your Parents by:• Adding a link to the MET and MESP Web

sites on your high school’s Web site

• Encouraging parents to register to win a free one-semester MET Full Benefits Contract

• Scheduling a presentation for parents

• Inviting MET & MESP to set up a booth at a school event

Office of Scholarships and Grants

Anne WohlfertDirector

OSG Programs• Adult Part-Time Grant• Michigan Educational Opportunity Grant• Michigan Work-Study Undergraduate• Michigan Work-Study Graduate• Michigan Competitive Scholarship• Michigan Tuition Grant• Children of Veterans’ Tuition Grant• Michigan Merit Award• Michigan Promise Scholarship• Michigan Nursing Scholarship• Tuition Incentive Program• Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership• Supplemental Leveraging Educational Assistance

Partnership• Robert C. Byrd Scholarship• GEAR UP Michigan! Scholarship

To Be Eligible for all State Programs, Students Must……..

• Although they will not be eligible for all OSG programs, all students should do these two things:

– Take the MME – which includes the ACT

– Complete the FAFSA by March 1 priority date

Counselors Should Know……

Michigan Competitive Scholarship

• The ACT taken as part of the MME test is valid for Michigan Competitive Scholarship purposes.

• For academic year 2008-09 the qualifying score is 90 (sum of the scores for reading, English/writing, math and science).


Michigan Competitive Scholarship (MCS)

• Although it is optional on the MME – the ACT answer sheet SHOULD have the students Social Security Number (SSN). This is the best way to connect the test record to the FAFSA data. Students could lose scholarship eligibility if a match is not made.

• Students who do not supply their SSN on the MME should contact our office if they have an eligible score (90 or above).



• Students need to complete the FAFSA.

• This must have a March 1 receipt date to ensure priority consideration.



• OSG will send status lists to your school in January/February. This is a good place to catch and report:– Social Security Number Problems – Name and Address Corrections – Graduation Year Errors– Etc.



• As with the Class of 2007, the OSG can no longer print and mail certificates for each test qualifier. The OSG will continue to provide a template to schools that choose to use it for their awards programs.

Counselors Should Know……Michigan Competitive ScholarshipMichigan Tuition Grant

• Both of these programs are delivered using our Web based Michigan Scholarships Online system (MISO).

• OSG will strongly promote student access to this system.

• Students will be able to go online with their password and make demographic changes to their records and view their award status.

Counselors Should Know……Tuition Incentive Program

• In mid-November, general notification mailing sent to students (grade 6 -12) regarding TIP eligibility.

• In the spring, TIP applications mailed to seniors. TIP applications must be returned to OSG prior to high school graduation.

• If you have questions about a student’s eligibility for TIP, contact Kathy Welch at: [email protected].

mailto:[email protected]


Children of Veteran’s Tuition Grant• Be aware of this program if you have

students whose parent:– was killed in action or died while serving, – is totally and permanently disabled, – is listed as MIA.

• They may be eligible for tuition assistance while attending a Michigan institution.

Counselors Should Know……Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship

CHANGES:

• Academic achievement will now be based on a formula combining the GPA and MME scores.

• Schools will be allowed to submit more than one nominee in the event of a tie.

• Home schooled students are no longer eligible to apply.

Counselors Should Know…..

Michigan Promise Scholarship

• Two departments and two offices.

– MDE and OEAA handle all testing.

– Treasury and OSG handle payment of the award.



• OSG and OEAA work together to help you and students.

• Please understand if you are referred to the other office.

Counselors Should Know…..


• The Governor has sent a certificate to each student (Class of 2008) who took the complete Michigan Merit Exam (MME).



• Completing the entire test means that you are eligible to participate in the Promise program.

• Students who do not score with at least a Level 2 in math, reading, writing and science can still earn up to $4,000 when they….…


Michigan Promise Scholarship…when they:

– Successfully complete an Associate’s degree, two-year certificate, vocational education program or 50% of the academic requirements for a Bachelor’s degree (60 semester or 90 term credits).

– Achieve at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA.



• Students who take the test and score at a Level 2 or above in reading, writing, math, and science are eligible to receive early scholarship payments called installments.

• Students will receive a $1,000 installment in the first year and a $1,000 installment in the second year.



• Use the tools provided to help your students.

– Eligibility Chart – DEADLINE DATES

– Fact Sheet

– www.Michigan.gov/promise

http://www.michigan.gov/promise



• Students must complete the entire MME to be able to participate in the Promise.

• Only the ACT taken as part of the MME exam counts toward the Promise.

• Only Michigan residents are allowed to take the MME exam.



• Encourage students to put their social security number on the ACT portion of the answer document.

• Although this is not needed for the Promise scholarship, it is vital to the Michigan Competitive Scholarship process.

Counselors Should Know…..Michigan Promise Scholarship

• Students must take the MME and graduate from high school.

• Students must begin their enrollment in postsecondary study within two years of high school graduation.

• Students must complete program requirements within four years of when they began enrollment.



• Installment winners must certify their award by November 15th of the academic year in which they wish to use the award.

• Students are encouraged to certify online at www.michigan.gov/promise.




• The Promise Scholarship FAQ should answer most of your questions.

• For other questions/issue please contact us at………………


Office of Scholarships and Grants (OSG)

• www.Michigan.gov/promise

• [email protected]

• 1-888-447-2687


mailto:[email protected]

Documents

Welcome to the Michigan High School Counselor Video Conference November 2, 2007