1. Class of 2013 SENIOR MEETING Choosing a Career The Application Process NCAA Clearing House Finding a school Paying For College Scholarships

2. COLLEGE PLANNING: INFORMATION FROM YOUR COUNSELORS FOR THE STEVENSON CLASS OF 2013 THERE ARE 5 IMPORTANT STEPS: Ensure you are on track to graduate Know what colleges want Search for colleges that are a good fit for you Apply to colleges that interest you Develop a plan to pay for college

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

4. STEP 2 - Know what colleges wan t COLLEGES LOOK AT: –Quality and rigor of classes INCLUDING SENIOR YEAR

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

6. STEP 2 - Know what colleges want COLLEGES LOOK AT: –Quality and rigor of classes INCLUDING SENIOR YEAR –Your academic performance i.e., your grades and rank in class

7. STEP 2 - Know what colleges want COLLEGES LOOK AT: –Quality and rigor of classes INCLUDING SENIOR YEAR –Your academic performance i.e., your grades and rank in class –Test scores – ACT, SAT, AP

8. GO TO http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/apcreditpolicy/index.jsp FOR INFORMATION ON COLLEGE CREDIT AVAILABLE FROM YOUR AP TEST SCORES

9. Should I retake the ACT? How do I do that?

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

11. What about Foreign Language?

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

13. STEP 3 – Search for colleges that are a good fit for you SIZE LIVING ARRANGEMENTS COST DISTANCE FROM HOME

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

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

16. Three Good Reasons to Attend Macomb Community College #1 – Survey shows:  Macomb Community College is ranked in the top 10 Community Colleges in the United States.  Largest granter of Associates degrees in MICHIGAN  Over $16 Million in Financial aide awarded annually  Annual enrollment = 743,000!

17. # 2 – THE PROGRAMS Accounting/Finance Architectural Technology Automotive Technology Business Management Cisco Networking Climate Control/Heating and Cooling Communication/Radio & TV Construction Technology Crime Lab Technician Culinary Arts Early Childhood Studies Electronic Technology EMT/Paramedic Firefighter/Paramedic Hospital Pharmacy Technician Hospitality Management

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

19. #3 - COST MACOMB Tuition: $86/credit hour 4 credit class = $344.00 30 credit/year = $2,580 Oakland U. Tuition : $341/credit hour 4 credit class = $1,364 30 credit/year = $10,230 Michigan State Tuition $12,674 + Room & Board $8,526 = $21,200

20. STEP 4 – Apply to Colleges that interest you Register AT WWW.PARCHMENT.COMWWW.PARCHMENT.COM

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

22. STEP 4 – Apply to Colleges that interest you Submit all applications for schools you are serious about by Halloween Early notification for MSU requires submission by October 5 th …online response by November 9 th. Forms that require counselor input should be given to your counselor at least 10 days prior to the due date

23. ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY www.ncaa.org

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

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

26. Scholarships

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

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