Creating a Match & Fit list begins with research. Use these questions to narrow down colleges you should consider applying to! Use the yellow buttons below to view community colleges and universities in Michigan and visit their websites!
Take the College Match Quiz to narrow down what you are looking for in a college.
Use your Xello account to look at what career cluster matches you have.
Things to Consider
Do you want to stay on-campus in a dorm or stay home and commute (drive) to campus?
On-Campus: Apply to universities and community colleges with on-campus housing.
Commute: Choose schools that are within 20 minutes of your home. You can use Google Maps for this!
What programs are you interested in? Does the college have your program? (Ex: Nursing, Social Work, Psychology, Automotive Technology)
You can usually find a list of program offerings under "Academics" on the school's website.
Would you like to attend a community college or university?
Skills Certificate: Approx. 3 Months to 1.5 Years
Associates Degree: Approx. 2 Years
Bachelors Degree: Approx. 4 Years
Visit the Skilled Trades Page on the College Corner for trade-friendly colleges, trade scholarships, and more!
Click on the links below to find a list of community colleges and universities.
Clicking on the college's name will take you to their website.
Things to remember when applying:
Start Term: Fall 2026
Yes, you would be considered an “Incoming Freshman”
Use your social security number (if you have one) on your application. This will make it easier for the college to match it with your FAFSA form.
Make sure your name and information is correct. Do not use your school email.
Always send your transcripts AFTER you apply!
Instructions
Create an account if you do not have one
Use personal email, not school email
Send transcript to yourself
Send transcript to schools you have already applied to
Make sure transcript has been sent to each one
Send transcript to school after graduation
Click Here: https://www.parchment.com
Log In: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing
Create Account: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch
Step 1: Create FSA ID (FAFSA Account)
You will need your social security number to create an account.
Step 2: Starting October 1- Complete Student Portion of FAFSA
You will need the following information of your parent contributor(s) to complete the student portion of the FAFSA
Their Name
Their Email
Their Social Security Number
Their Date of Birth
Want to learn more about FAFSA? Click Here!
Visit the Scholarship Page
Explore this page for scholarship opportunities!
Many scholarships require a letter of recommendation (or two). Consider requesting a letter of recommendation from a teacher you feel would speak highly of you, your counselor, a boss, a mentor, coach, etc. Letters of recommendation from family members are generally not accepted.
Google "letter of recommendation" email outlines to get examples of how to word your request.
Next Steps
Create School Account/Email
Award Letters
Housing Application
Deposit Required?
Figure out if there is a deadline!
Orientation
Send Final Transcript