Henry Ford II High School

Seniors, begin applying for colleges ASAP! 

Most colleges have at least three 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

Application information is posted 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. Direct applications are completed on the college's website.

Please ensure you submit all required documents by the school's application deadline. Application deadlines vary 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!

Some colleges also participate in a Spring Application window, offering reduced application fees. 

2025 College Application Fee Waivers!

Transcripts

Students who apply directly to colleges must request transcripts through Xello (also found on ClassLink).

Students who apply to colleges using the  Common Application must add their counselor as their "recommender" for transcripts to be sent. 

You can request a transcript at any time, 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 at the end of June.

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)

Graduated Students: Request transcripts using Parchment.

Test Scores

Many colleges require students to report their standardized test scores for admissions or scholarship applications. 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.)

Students must request their official scores to be sent to a college through their College Board account. 

Place an order for your scores at least 30 days before the college application deadline! Do not wait until the last minute.

SAT scores can be ordered through www.collegeboard.com

ACT scores can be ordered through www.actstudent.org

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 essential to allow your selected individual sufficient time to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf.

Add your selected individual to the "recommender" portion of your application. Some schools will email a link to your identified recommender, allowing them to upload their letter.

Complete a Letter of Recommendation Worksheet and submit it to your counselor.

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

Michigan's Public Universities: Guide to Admissions

Community College Guarantee: The Community College Guarantee and the Michigan Achievement Scholarship are 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 can earn a skill certificate or degree at their local community college tuition-free. For more information about eligibility and free community college tuition, please visit the link below.  

 Community College Guarantee.

Henry Ford II students receive in-district rates for the Community College Guarantee. 

Discover how Community College credits can be transferred to larger institutions through the Michigan Transfer Network. 

 Other Helpful Planning Tools: 

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