• college information

      Useful Links for Students

      Michigan Institution Updates: Here, you will access a list of all Michigan public and private, 2-year and 4-year colleges. The site provides links to institution-specific information, such as admissions and financial aid. 

      Michigan Institution Updates - Michigan College Access Network (MCAN)

       

      Students and families are encouraged to interact with the following MCAN site to help plan for college. This link provides useful tools, including checklists and guides, information to aid in deciding where to apply, tools for college application essays, assistance with completing college applications, information on college visits, and resources for students from all backgrounds. MCAN Student Resources

       

      Community College Guarantee: The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is designed to help students pursue their dreams, goals, and aspirations in the Mitten State! Graduating high school seniors who fill out the new and simplified FAFSA are eligible to earn a skill certificate or degree at their local community college tuition-free.

       Community College Guarantee.

      Henry Ford II students receive in-district rates for the community college guarantee. 

      Community College Guarantee: In-District versus Out-of-District

        

      Michigan's Public Universities: Guide to Admissions

       

      Certificate Programs in Michigan: Certificate programs are specialized plans of study usually intended for students pursuing a skilled trade. Most of these programs can be completed in months, and Michigan's public community and technical colleges offer several certificate programs throughout the year. Additionally, some employers and/or trade groups offer such programs. MCAN defines a quality certificate as being accredited, transferrable, and recognized by employers as having value in the labor market. Certificate Programs in Michigan

       

      College Scorecard: College Scorecard’s Field of Study search allows you to explore the subject areas of Certificate, Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and even advanced degrees offered at colleges all over the United States. Use the College Scorecard to compare costs, earnings, and debt burdens between fields of study.

      Home | College Scorecard (ed.gov)

       

      Dataverse: College Transitions’ Dataverse features a comprehensive array of tables, lists, and data designed to help students, parents, and counselors more effectively navigate the college admission and financial aid process. 

      Dataverse – College Transitions Admissions Data & Information

       

      BigFuture: BigFuture by CollegeBoard allows you to search through over 4400 colleges to see the facts related to admissions, academics, cost, and campus life.

      Results of Your College Search - BigFuture | College Board

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      Seniors, begin applying for colleges ASAP! 

      Most colleges have at least 3 components: application, transcripts, and test scores. Some colleges may ask for optional essays. It may be in your best interest to complete any essay requirements to set yourself apart and give you a better chance at getting accepted. Some schools may require letters of recommendation or other components.

       

      • Application
        • You can find information about how to apply on each college's website.
        • Some schools participate in the Common Application, a one-stop portal that allows students to apply to over 1,000 schools with one single application. Visit https://www.commonapp.org/ to create an account and start your application.
        • Some schools require students to apply directly to the school.
        • Please ensure you submit all required documents by the school's application deadline. This varies by school, so do your research and plan ahead!
        • It is recommended that you complete your applications by mid-October.
        • October is college month, and many schools will waive application fees! Take advantage of this opportunity to save money!

       

      • Transcripts
        • Henry Ford II counselors will send your transcripts to the colleges you apply to through Xello.
        • You can request a transcript anytime, and your counselor will send it once it is ready. 
        • Mid-year transcripts are available at the end of January. 
        • End-of-year transcripts are available in June.
        • Order transcripts for each college that you are applying to. You can request them through Common App or Xello.

          • Common App Schools: Counselors will automatically send transcripts to any school you apply to via Common App once they are available

             

          • Direct App Schools: If you applied directly to a school on their website, request your transcript via Xello from your ClassLink: How students request a transcript (xello.world)

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            Graduated Students: Request transcripts using Parchment.

             
      • Test Scores
        • Most colleges require standardized test scores for admission. Schools may want to know your SAT or ACT score.
        • When you take a standardized test, you can select three colleges to send your scores to. Knowing which schools you plan to apply to will help you save time later. 
        • Place an order for your scores at least 30 days before the college application deadline! Do not wait until the last minute.

       

      • Letters of Recommendation
        • Some colleges may request letters of recommendation as part of your application. Ask a trusted teacher, counselor, administrator, boss, supervisor, or coach for a letter of recommendation. Make sure that this person knows you and can speak highly of you. It is not advised to ask friends or family members for letters of recommendation. It is important to give your selected individual adequate time to write a letter of recommendation for you.
        • Add your selected individual to the "recommender" portion of your application. Some schools will email a link to your identified recommender, where they can upload their letter.
        • Complete a Letter of Recommendation Worksheet and submit it to your counselor.