Rockford High School Class Of 2018

POST SECONDARY RESEARCHWEBSITESACTwww.actstudent.orgThis is the student site for ACT. This contains useful college information and search features.Career Cruisingwww.careercruising.comThe school selector allows students to do college searches using a number of differentvariables: location, size, athletics, majors, etc. A personalized list will be created for the student.This website also offers a keyword search for individual colleges which offers admissionsselectivity; tuition, room and board costs; requirements; etc.College Boardhttps://www.collegeboard.orgSAT, PSAT, AP Testing Information; Search for Colleges by Location, Major and by Name;Compare Two College Side by Side, Store College Info. In Your Own Personal File; Get QuickCollege Information/Profiles that Include: Addresses, Website Info., Phone Numbers,Admissions Info., Application Fee, Test Requirements, Housing, Student Enrollment, StudentBody, Academic Support Services, Campus & Student Life, Activities and Sports, Majors andAcademics, Most Popular Majors, AP Information, Costs and Financial Aid, InternationalStudent Information.College Opportunity On-Line Locatorhttp://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/Links to over 9,000 colleges, universities, and tech/trade schools. You can search for a collegebased on location, program, and degree offerings.College Programhttp://www.campusprogram.comThis site not only searches for college programs by state, but also allows you to find colleges byspecific career fields, majors, and occupations.College Viewhttp://www.collegeview.comCollege search/directories, virtual advisor, request info, search by major/location etc., campustours, college appsCampus Tourshttp://www.ecampustours.comOffers virtual college tours of over 1300 college campusesFast Webhttp://www.fastweb.compg. 10

Go Collegehttp://www.gocollege.comThis site links to colleges, distance learning, financial aid and more.Know How to Gohttp://knowhow2go.acenet.edu/Michigan Postsecondary Handbookhttp://michigan.gov/mistudentaidThis site offers comprehensive information, compiled by the State of Michigan, about all thepostsecondary institutions. Once on the website, you need to click on ‘Scholarships andGrants,’ then ‘Planning for College,’ then scroll down to ‘Michigan Postsecondary Handbook.’Peterson’s Guide to Collegeshttp://www.petersons.comTest preparation, college search, help with essay writing and resume writing, info about on-linedegree programs, career education, summer programs, on-line bookstore for books on careers,colleges, financial aid and more.Princeton Review Onlinehttp://www.princetonreview.comRanks schools, provides information on test prep, careers, financial aid and much more.U.S Department of Search for campus security information with this data search tool.US News & World Reportshttp://www.usnews.comRankings of colleges in a variety of different areas (examples include certain majors, bestcollege values), statistics on 1,400 schools, how to get in to college, where to start and muchmore.pg. 11

APPLICATION PROCESSCompleting Applications-Most colleges prefer to have applications submitted online via their websites. Studentsshould check the colleges’ timelines for admissions requirements and deadlines.Students using the Common Application should see detailed information below.-Applications are not complete until ALL parts are RECEIVED by the college. Thestudent is responsible for checking to make sure the college has received theapplication, any fees, the transcript, and recommendations (if applicable).-Plan ahead! Please notify your counselor about deadline dates for both applicationsand scholarships. Allow enough time for time-sensitive material to reach colleges in themail as well as adequate time for any recommendations to be written. Counselorsshould be given at least two to three weeks to complete any forms and letters ofrecommendation. Teachers should be given the same consideration.Sending Transcripts-Students must register online through the Parchment website (www.parchment.com)and complete the steps there for requesting and delivering official transcripts tocolleges. When students create accounts, they can also request their transcripts for“self-view.” This can be helpful when completing applications.-Transcripts are matched to students using full legal name and date of birth. Studentsmust use their full legal names when registering on the Parchment website. Theyshould verify that they have entered all information correctly, especially birthdate, yearstarted high school, and year completing high school. If this information is incorrect, thetranscript may not be sent when requested.Test ScoresWhen registering for the ACT/SAT, it is important students identify up to four schools forwhich they show interest in attending so that official scores are sent to those institutions.Otherwise, students will be charged an additional fee by ACT and SAT for official scoresrequested and sent after testing.Common ApplicationSome colleges and universities require students to use The Common Application.Students should begin with the college or university’s website to determine if theCommon Application must be used. Students applying with the Common Application willuse the website (www.commonapp.org) and indicate the counselor and recommenderswho receive the online forms to submit on their behalf. Students using the CommonApplication do NOT need to submit a separate request through Parchment for theirtranscripts to be sent.pg. 12

This Page Intentionally Left Blank‘Getting to Know the new SAT Side-By-Side Comparison’pg. 13

This Page Intentionally Left Blank‘ACT and SAT Test Dates and Deadlines Charts’pg. 14

SAT or ACT? College Testing Advice for Michigan’s Tenth GradersPatrick O’Connor (follow on www.twitter.com/collegeisyours)Tenth graders in Michigan were pushed into the mania of college testing a little early. The tumultbegan when the Michigan Department of Education announced it would be offering the SAT asthe required state test for college admission, starting in the 2015-16 school year. This changeends a seven-year relationship between the state and ACT, which had been used as the requiredcollege admission test since the state has required a college exam as part of eleventh gradetesting.To say this change is a surprise is like saying February was a cold month in Michigan. If you goback far enough, Michigan was once known as an "ACT state", where ACT was viewed as thepreferred -- and in some cases, the only -- admissions test our colleges would accept. In addition,the change to the SAT is seen as risky by some, since 2015-16 is the year a brand new version ofthe SAT will be rolled out by College Board. Put another way, some wonder if the state isputting too much faith on a test no one has seen, and no students have ever taken.I hate talking about college logistics with sophomores--tenth grade is the time students aresupposed to be learning more about who they are and the world around them, not how to cutcorners on the college application process. But now that every sophomore family is wonderingwhat to do about testing, it seems best to offer these three pieces of advice, and hope you willthen go back to your regularly scheduled life:Use the free SAT test prep resources that are available now. No one knows what the newSAT is going to look like except College Board, so when they offer free online test prepmaterials for the new test, it makes sense to use them. You can find these materials on the KhanAcademy Web site right now; use them on your own, or check to see if your school counselor isputting together some test prep activities at school using these materials and other tools CollegeBoard is offering counselors.Plan on taking the PSAT this fall. The PSAT has always been the best way to get to know whatthe SAT looks like, and that will still be the case this fall. Colleges don't ask to see PSAT scores,so this really is your best chance to try out the new SAT format without penalty. Your highschool may offer this exam for free, or they may charge a small fee; either way, it's more thanworth the price and time, so you can get a solid look at what you'll be dealing with duringrequired testing in March.Plan on taking the ACT next spring as well. I've always told students to take both the SAT andthe ACT once in spring of the junior year, and that advice isn't changing for tenth graders. Yes,the ACT will cost you money next year, but the SAT cost this year's juniors money, and I toldthem to take that -- and since all four year colleges will take both the ACT and the SAT, studentsare very glad they did.Everyone wants the new SAT to be a hit, but the truth is, we just don't know what it's going tolook like. The ACT isn't changing next year, and it's the test students (and colleges) are used to.In times of change, it's essential to have something tried and true as Plan B. For next year'sjuniors, that's the ACT -- so start saving your pennies.pg. 15

MICHIGAN SCHOOLS COMPARISONMean composite GPA scores and mean composite ACT scores of entering freshman. Range of ACTscores is 1-36. **The SAT that Juniors take in March 2016 is the first time the redesigned SAT was given.Therefore, there is not sufficient data available yet from colleges on this particular test in regards toadmissions criteria. They are still using ACT averages as a guide.SchoolGPAAdrian College (avg)3.3Albion College (avg)3.5Alma College (avg)3.5Andrews University (avg)3.4Aquinas College (avg)3.4Baker College (avg)NACalvin College (avg)3.6Central Michigan University (avg)3.3Cleary University (avg)3.2College for Creative Studies(avg)3.16Concordia University (avg)3.2Cornerstone University (avg)3.4Davenport University (avg)3.04Eastern Michigan University (avg)3.1Ferris State University (min)2.5Finlandia University (avg)NAGrace Bible College (avg)3.1Grand Rapids Community College (min) NAGrand Valley State University (avg)3.5Great Lakes Christian College (avg)3.0Hillsdale College (avg)3.8Hope College (avg)3.75Kalamazoo College (avg)3.62Kendall College of Art and Design (avg) 3.2Kettering University (avg)3.4Kuyper College (avg)3.3Lake Superior State University (avg)3.3Lawrence Tech. University (avg)3.36Madonna University (avg)3.3Marygrove College (avg)2.9Michigan State University (avg)3.6Michigan Tech. University (avg)3.58Northern Michigan University (min)2.3Northwood University (avg)3.03Oakland University (avg)3.4Olivet College (min)3.05Rochester College (min)2.65Saginaw Valley State University (avg) 3.2Siena Heights University (avg)3.16Spring Arbor College (sliding scale)NAUniversity of Detroit- Mercy (min)3.37University of Michigan- Ann Arbor (avg) 3.8University of Michigan- Dearborn (avg) 3.5University of Michigan- Flint (avg)3.2Wayne State University (min)2.0Western Michigan University 24212122The above information was taken from the Michigan Postsecondary Handbook.pg. 16ACT Writing, SATNot neededNot neededNot neededNot neededNot neededNot neededNot neededRecommendedRequiredRequired, and SATNot neededNot needed, and SATNot neededNot neededNot neededNot neededRequiredNot neededRecommended and SATNot needed, and SATRequired, and SATNot needed, and SATRequired, and SATNot needed, and SATNot needed, and SATNot needed, and SATRecommendedNot neededRecommendedRecommendedRequired, and SATNot neededNot neededNot neededNot neededNot neededNot neededNot neededRecommendedNot neededNot neededRequired, and SATNot needed, and SATNot needed, and SATNot neededNot needed

This Page Intentionally Left Blank‘Michigan Colleges and Universities’pg. 17

This Page Intentionally Left BlankDirectory of Michigan Colleges and Universities’pg. 18

BEYOND GENERAL ADMISSIONSWhen researching colleges students may want to look into specific opportunities,services, or programs that would meet their own unique needs.High Achievers: Many universities offer options that students may wish to explore suchas Honors Colleges or Residential Colleges within the college or university.Transfer Students: Students planning to begin at a local community college andtransfer to a four year college or university, may want to look into the Michigan TransferNetwork (www.michigantransfernetwork.org). This tool allows students to view transfercourse equivalencies between many Michigan colleges and universities. It can behelpful for students in choosing courses that will transfer between schools.Out of State Options: Students wishing to go to college out of state, but at in statetuition, should check out the Midwest Student Exchange program mStudents with Special Needs: Students who have required additional services whilestudents in high school may wish to look into any programs or support services whichcolleges may offer.Specific Program Requirements: Some programs may require a specific GPA,additional application, an audition, portfolio, or interview for admission. Be sure to readall the details of specific programs you apply for and meet the deadlines.Highly Selective/Ivy League Schools: Students choosing to apply to the mostcompetitive schools should begin researching the admissions process early.Admissions procedures, testing, and deadlines will vary by school. Be sure to let yourcounselor know about your interest in specific colleges or universities.College Athletes: Students interested in participating in athletics at the college levelshould visit the NCAA Eligibility Center website http://www.eligibilitycenter.org forinformation about NCAA Division I and II requirements; and www.playnaia.org forinformation about NAIA requirements. Students registering with either of the eligibilitycenters should request their transcript to be sent directly to the eligibility center throughthe Parchment website (www.parchment.com).Testing Out: Students should check with the colleges they apply to regarding how theycan obtain credit through testing. Each college has its own policy on AP and CLEPtesting, including the credit they award, scores for passing, and the courseequivalencies that can be met.Articulation: Students should check the course description book on the RHS websitefor detailed information on classes offered that articulate for college credit.pg. 19

FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPWEBSITESFinancial Aid Websites/Information:FAFSA on the Webhttp://www.fafsa.ed.govFederal Student Aidhttp://www.studentaid.ed.govFinancial Aid Information Pagehttp://www.finaid.orgPaying for College in Michiganhttp://www.michigan.gov/studentaidNat’l Assoc of Financial Aid Administrationhttp://www.nasfaa.orgCSS Profile: Some schools in Michigan also require the CSS Profile when determining financial aid. Theyare listed in the chart below. There is a cost for each profile sent. Instructions for completing the profilecan be found at: 11010129517531452159517191839NameAdrian CollegeAlma CollegeHillsdale CollegeMadonna U: St Mary'sCollegeMarygrove CollegeOlivet CollegeSiena Heights UniversityUniv of sYesYesYesYesNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoIDOC International Documentation Service.pg. 20

Scholarship Search Engines:A detailed list of scholarship search engines and other opportunities is sent to seniorsand their parents through Family Access several times throughout senior year.Cappexwww.cappex.comCollege t Webhttp://www.fastweb.comFind Tuitionhttp://findtuition.comList of Free Scholarship Searcheshttp://www.college-scholarships.com/free scholarship searches.htmScholarship y.comZinchwww.zinch.compg. 21

College ScholarshipsDevelop your Scholarship StrategyMost student aid comes in the form of federal education loans and grants from colleges. However,scholarships — which don’t have to be paid back — get a huge amount of attention from students andtheir families. If you decide to invest your time in a search for scholarships, it's important to have anorganized system to find, apply for, and win scholarship money. It’s also best to start early.Start with a Personal InventoryMost of the information you are asked for on a scholarship search questionnaire is easy to come upwith — year in school, citizenship, state of residence, religion, ethnic background, disability, militarystatus, employer and membership organizations.Beyond those questions, you have to give some thought to your academic, extracurricular and careerplans. You should ask yourself: Do I want to participate in a competition? If so, what are mytalents and interests? What subject do I plan to major in? What career do I plan to pursue? Do I want to apply for all types of aid or only scholarships?Your answers to these questions help determine your scholarship eligibility. Take your timebrainstorming and don't overlook anything — the more personal characteristics you discover, the morescholarships you could potentially apply for.Research Local Scholarships FirstBegin with your high school counseling office. Your counselors know about scholarships for studentsgraduating from your high school. They may also be aware of scholarships for residents of your town,county and state.Your next stop should be the college aid section of your public library. Most libraries have a number ofbooks about financial aid, including scholarship guides such as our Scholarship Handbook. They alsomay have information on local scholarships.Then it's time to start looking at national scholarships such as those sponsored by the National MeritScholarship Corporation, Gates Millennium Scholars, Intel Science Talent Search, the Coca-ColaScholars Foundation and the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program. You can also learn moreabout the scholarship competitions we cosponsor in science, math and technology. Use your library, orcheck online.Check Membership Organizations and EmployersYou should never have to pay for scholarship information. Organizations of all types and sizessponsor scholarships — leave no stone unturned. Explore categories you might not have considered,such as religious, community service, fraternal, military, union and professional.And don't forget your parents. Many large companies offer scholarships or tuition programs forchildren of employees. If you are uncertain, ask your parents to check with their human resourcesdepartments.pg. 22

Don't overlook student jobs. Employers such as fast food chains, department stores and supermarketsoften

www.thecareerproject.org This website covers the personal side of work. Career profile database. Read profiles about people working in a specific career field. MICHIGAN WORKS! www.michiganworks.org Pure Michigan- Talent Connect www.mitalent.org Career exploration in Michigan.