All Things Senior

Important senior information

1. Start making some initial decisions about what's going to happen after graduation.  You have 4 options:

a. join the workforce by getting a job or continuing to work at a job you already have

b. join the military

c. enter the trades - via apprenticeship or trade school

d. go to college

2. If you want to join the military, you should be contacting a local recruiter and starting that process now.  See the bottom of this page for more information on the military.

a. Marines (810) 230-1522

b. Air Force (810) 230-1327

c. Navy (810) 720-0091

d. Army (810) 733-6478

e. Coast Guard (248) 582-8364

3. If you are looking at getting further training in the skilled trades or starting an apprenticeship program, go to the following website for a ton of helpful information and links to get you started:  www.mitalent.org/skilled-trades.  See further down this page for a helpful spreadsheet of information on a wide variety of trades.

4. Going to college?  Follow the these steps:

a. Not sure where to start?  Use a search tool like Xello (login from your PowerSchool account) or https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search to help you compare schools and get more information on specific colleges and programs.

b. Go to individual college websites and either sign up for an in-person tour, or most of them have virtual tours.

c. COMPLETE the FAFSA!  This is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  Even if you don't think you'll qualify, it's important to fill out because many scholarship applications require it.  Plus, the new Michigan Achievement Scholarships require it and most families in Michigan qualify for it!

d. Complete your applications and submit.  If you need assistance with application fees, and qualify for free or reduced lunch, please contact Ms. Smith!

e. Make sure you request a transcript through Parchment for every college you apply to.  You can also use Parchment to send transcripts to the NCAA if you are considering playing sports in college.  You do NOT need to complete the profile on Parchment!  They just need your name and high school.  Go to www.parchment.com.

f. Are you using the Common App?  Look before for the specific Common App section.

g. Start looking for other scholarship opportunities.  They can be found doing a simple Google search, going to https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/, or www.fastweb.com.  I will also keep a running list of available scholarships that go through my office on my scholarships page!  Just remember to never pay money to get money.  There are MANY scams out there.  If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

5. Common App

a. The Common App, at www.commonapp.org, allows you to fill out one application and send it to multiple schools saving you time and effort.  However, it can be a lengthy and complex process.  The CA is NOT recommended if you are only applying to one or two schools that have their own applications - especially if they waive their fee by applying directly.

b. Become familiar with the following terms:

1) Early Action - All application material must be received by an early deadline and the school(s) guarantees a response (not necessarily a yes, but a response) much sooner than for regular applicants.

2) Regular Decision - This differs for each college but is usually in the early spring.  You will receive and answer in late April.

3) Early Decision - An option for some highly competitive schools.  If you apply using ED and you are accepted, you agree to withdraw all other applications and attend that school.

c. Determine who you will ask for a letter of recommendation and ask EARLY!  You must enter their email address in your application.  Teachers should get AT LEAST TWO WEEKS notice to write a good letter.  You should also complete the Letter of Recommendation form on my website and submit it to Ms. Smith and anyone you might ask to write you a recommendation letter.

d. Click on this link to get answers to a lot of common questions regarding the Common App:  https://www.commonapp.org/apply/first-year-students.

Do NOT be afraid to reach out to Ms. Smith to ask for help.  I am available by phone or email and I want to help you.  This can be an overwhelming process under the best of circumstances and I am here for you every step of the way.

you've got this, class of 2025!

FERPA 

You will be asked whether you want to waive your FERPA rights.  Read this first:

https://appsupport.commonapp.org/applicantsupport/s/article/What-is-the-FERPA-Waiver

This is what the law says...

https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html

Military