College Options

College Options

Three of the guidance counselors from Novi High School attended an informational meeting with some of the most competitive colleges in the country.  In attendance were admission representatives from Harvard, Stanford, Duke, Georgetown, andUniversity of Pennsylvania  This was a great opportunity to see what these colleges, along with other competitive colleges are looking for when they are reviewing applications every year.  The presentation focused mostly on some of the myths that students and families think will help them get into the college of their dreams. 

Myth 1:  Taking a summer program at a school will give me an advantage when it comes to applying to that college.
Fact 1:  The summer programs at prestigious colleges and universities can be excellent opportunities, but only when it focuses on a student’s area of interest.  The admissions representatives said that students should find something they are passionate about and find opportunities to learn more about their passions.  This could include experiences from a part time job, volunteering in the community, or a camp or summer program.  Not one of these opportunities give a student more of an advantage.  Students should find experiences that will give them the chance to explore their interests.

Myth 2: I should get through my classes quickly so that I can go on to Dual Enrollment or online classes to advance my education.
Fact 2:  The admissions representatives all emphasized how they prefer a student to take classes in their high school if the class is offered.  Univeristies are given our school profile so they know the rigor of our school, but if a student takes a class online or through Dual Enrollment they will not always know the rigor of the program.  If a student loves math though, and is really good at math, then they may pursue the next level of math at a local college or community college.  The representatives again said if it is something you really like or are interested in pursue it, do not just take classes for the sake of taking a class.

Myth 3:  I should test out to get through my classes more quickly.
Fact 3:  Many colleges do not want to see a test out on a transcript; they prefer to see a grade.

Myth 4:  I need to take all of the classes everyone else is taking so I can compete.
Fact 4: “Once you start competing to beat out everyone you just start to look the same.” – college admissions representative

Myth 5:  A student should keep taking ACT or SAT tests to get higher scores.
Fact 6:  One admissions representative said, “Testing is only one component.  Put your efforts into other areas.  Testing should not become and extra-curricular.”

One other tip the admissions representatives gave was to make full use of the personal statement.  Students should use all of the words allowed, and use it to speak to something they are really passionate about not just something they think the admissions representatives want to hear.
 

The bottom line is that it is important for students to focus on things they are interested in.  Students shouldn't just take classes or go to programs for the sake of going.  Universities want students who will contribute to their community, they want students who are passionate about something and who have taken full advantage of opportunities they are afforded to further learn about their interests.

*Please keep in mind that we do our best to take the most accurate notes.  Please check with each University for exact and most up to date information.

Promoting the Publics 2014 – 2015

Promoting the Publics 2014 – 2015

Every year the counselors at Novi High School make it a top priority to attend the Promoting the Publics event in Lansing, Michigan.  This event is held annually to keep high school guidance counselors abreast of all that is happening in Michigan Public Universities.  It is a great opportunity for the counselors to learn a little more about the  different public universities and bring back valuable information to our students.  We have compiled our notes about each of the university sessions we attended into five quick facts every student should know.

Oakland University

• OU and Cooley Law School have a partnership, so some students can start taking law classes before they complete their Bachelor’s degree. 
• The 2014 school year marks the 4th class of OU's William Beaumont School of Medicine and the Human Health building, a state of the art new health building which houses the School of Nursing and the School of Health Sciences, is now open. 
• The new Engineering Complex had its grand opening on September 12, 2014. 
• There are NO fees at OU and OU has a “No Loan Guarantee” for incoming freshman with financial need. 
• Their competitive Nursing Direct program has an application deadline of October 15, 2014. 

Wayne State

• Student Center is being renovated this year and they have a newly renovated dining hall. 
• Their College of Engineering was the first in the nation to launch an electric driving vehicle. 
• Their Department of Chemistry is in the top 100 in the nation. 
• They offer a Spring/Summer Tuition Break. This is offered to students enrolled full time with 24 or more credits with at least a 2.5 GPA. These students can get 30% off tuition during the summer and spring sessions. 
• With 1600 students the school of medicine is the nation’s largest single campus medical school. 

Central Michigan University

• 70% of students on campus volunteer in the community or on campus. 
• Now offering online campus, and currently have 6,000 students enrolled in online classes. This could be a possibility for high school dual enrollment classes as well. 
• Beaver Station Island is an island in Lake Michigan that students in the biology and environmental science programs may take classes on over the summer or spring sessions. 
• Scholarships are given out with admission and the priority deadline for scholarships is November 15th. 
• One of the only schools that offers an undergraduate degree in neuroscience. 

Michigan State University

• This year is the first year students can self-assign rooms and roommates during a 30 day online window. After that window closes and MSU will assign. 
• All freshman (including deferred) must fill out the SBEI (student background experience inventory). All deferred students must fill it out in order to be considered. This measures a student’s knowledge, leadership, continuing learning, ethics, judgment, perseverance, and adaptability. 
• Applications are reviewed beginning mid-October and November 1st is the recommended scholarship deadline (the admission application is also the scholarship application). 
• With 16,500 students on campus MSU has the largest residential hall system in the country. 
• Non-citizens have to apply as international students and pay international tuition.

Michigan Technological University 

• Graduates have 10th highest starting salary in the country among public universities 
• They offer an accelerated Master’s Degree Program. Students can graduate in 5 years with both a Master’s degree and Bachelor’s degree. 
• There have an average of 218 inches of annual snowfall. 
• 94% of classes are taught by professors and not graduate assistants. 
• They offer a job fair each year with 300 or more employers from all over the country. They have a 92% job placement for students in the student’s field of study. 

Saginaw Valley State University

• They have small class sizes, with an average of 21 students per class. Classes are taught by professors, not Graduate Assistants or Teacher Assistants. 
• SVSU offers the largest nursing and social work programs in the state. 
• 70% of the campus has been completed in the past 10 years. 
• Their housing has been voted the best in the state. 
• They are the most affordable of the 15 Michigan Public Universities. 

Western Michigan University

• 68% of seniors at Western complete an internship. 
• They have the nation’s newest medical school.
• Many of their buildings are LEED certified, meaning environmentally sustainable. 
• They offer an online program, called Degree Works that offers online planning tools to help track graduation and credits. It allows students to be able to see what-if scenarios for students considering a change in major. 
• They are offering some new majors including multimedia/art/technology/music, Entrepreneurship, and Freshwater Science and Sustainability. 

University of Michigan - Flint

• New apartments are available for housing that includes full kitchens and living rooms. 
• Students can participate in the Michigan Marching band if they meet the criteria. 
• They offer admissions for a wide range of students. 
• There is a 2 + 2 Engineering program that guarantees a spot in the Ann Arbor Program. 
• They have a 79.8% retention rate. 

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

• When deciding which college to apply to in Ann Arbor, choose the one that you are most interested in. It is not easy to transfer between colleges, so be selective. 
• Not all 3.7 GPAs are the same. Red flags for admission representatives include never taking a challenging class or a downward spiral in grades. 
• When online coursework becomes the norm, it becomes a concern for admission. 
• Be sure to answer the question when responding to essay questions, and be sure to proof read your essays. Admissions does not like to see misspelled or misused words. 
• Early Decision will be released by December 24th and regular decision by early April.

*Please keep in mind that we do our best to take the most accurate notes.  Please check with each University for exact and most up to date information.