Executive Director's Blog - Admissions & Orientation at UM-Dearborn

knowhow2go

Recently, the State of Michigan launched its version of this college prep website:  knowhow2gomichigan.org.   This site provides lots of information and tips to help students as early as middle school best prepare to pursue a college education.  The site includes audio clips, video clips and a quiz to help students determine if they're ready for college.  Start exploring this site now!

there's an app for that...

Yes, iphone applications are popping up left and right.  The most recent one I downloaded was My EFC Calculator.   This free application helps students estimate their EFC:  Expected Family Contribution, which is used to create a student's financial aid package.   This "app" asks a student to enter 8 basic pieces of information in order to create this projected dollar amount.  Disclaimer:  This tool will vary from the more complex EFC formula used by the U.S. Department of Education when processing a student's FAFSA.

Pomp and Circumstance

This is a weekend full of "pomp and circumstance" as University of Michigan graduates received their diplomas at both the Ann Arbor and Dearborn campuses.  Today, I had the honor of joining some of our graduates at the Big House for the University of Michigan commencement that featured our U.S. President, Barack Obama.  

I was reminded of the importance of a higher education and President Obama delivered some inspiring messages.

All of the speakers provided wisdom and advice for our college graduates.  It was an amazing experience to witness this historical event.  

Scholarship Decisions

This week, I had the opportunity to participate in two different scholarship selection processes.

First, at UM-Dearborn, we have Current Student Scholarships that are awarded annually.  There is about $81,000 awarded by the Current Student Scholarship Committee, which comprises faculty among the different academic disciplines.

Second, I assisted in reviewing scholarship applications for the Maggie Miller Scholarship, offered through MACAC, the Michigan Association for College Admission Counseling.  We read about many obstacles that students overcame.  It was difficult choosing 1 out of more than 100 applications received from throughout the State.

This week reminded me of the quality of students entering college and those already in college.  We read some sad stories.  We read some interesting tales.  We read about students who really need funding for college.

Financial Aid Forecaster

Since I am attending a week-long training workshop about federal financial aid, I thought it was appropriate to talk about an online tool called the FAFSA4caster. 

This tool helps prospective college-bound students somewhat forecast their potential financial aid package.

Start today by creating an account to begin using this forecaster!

Advanced Placement

In May 2009, nearly 1.7 million high school students at over 17,000 schools worldwide took AP Exams.

The University of Michigan-Dearborn encourages high-achieving high school students to enroll in Advanced Placement (AP) courses and take the AP exams.  Scores of 3 or better typically earn college credit at UM-Dearborn.  UM-Dearborn is proud to participate in the Advanced Placement tradition.

In Fall 2009, 244 students (26% of the freshman class) received 3 or more college credits using AP exam scores.  Collectively, they earned 1,977 college credits, thus saving $670,203 in tuition costs.

We just launched a new AP website.  It has lots of good information, links to resources and showcases how UM-Dearborn awards credits for AP exam scores.  

For detailed information about AP, check out the College Board's AP Bulletin for Parents and Students.

A TASTE of Our Campus

Today, I got a taste of our campus. Literally.  I got to help tap sap, then watch it be evaporated into maple syrup and tasted the final result!

How does this relate to college admissions?  Well, in many ways.

 My experience on campus at our Environmental Interpretive Center was a metaphor to the college search/admissions process.

Searching

The process of tapping a sugar maple begins with first searching for one in the woods.  We had to look for specific criteria:  the bark, the buds and the branches.  This is similar to the college search.  Prospective students begin with their own personal criteria and look for the right fit.

Tools and Set-Up

In order to start the tapping process, we had to have a hand-drill, a bucket, a mallet, a spigot and a bucket cover.  All were essential.  To start the college process, one has to have an admissions application, information about costs and a list of majors offered at that school.

Steps

This tapping process required some sequential steps just like the college application process.  In the world of admissions, those steps include:  applying for college, receiving your admission decision, applying for financial aid, accepting your financial aid, paying an enrollment deposit, attending orientation and finally enrolling.  In the tapping-the-sap world, those steps include:  identifying the place to drill, drilling on an angle, inserting the spigot and positioning the collection bucket.

Overall Similarities

In order for us to tap the sap, lots of things have to be in place:  the season (between Winter and Spring, aka at the EIC as “Sprinter”), the right types of trees (sugar maples), the right daytime and nighttime temperatures.  In other words, it’s all about location, location, location! 

UM-Dearborn is uniquely situated to offer this environmental experience in the same way that UM-Dearborn is a unique college experience.  As always, I invite you to come and explore how our campus setting, especially with the  Henry Ford Estate grounds/forest, provides the perfect place to earn a University of Michigan degree. 

Just like the maple syrup, UM-Dearborn is a SWEET experience!

Previewing MiCAP

Yesterday, I had the privilege of getting a preview of the components that will be a part of the new Michigan College Access Portal (MiCAP).  It is scheduled to go live by September 1, 2010.  A college access portal is a one-stop webstop where ALL prospective students can learn about educational opportunities, plan for college, apply for college and enroll in college.  It is a comprehensive destination that will provide college tools, financial aid tools, a student portfolio, a college planning calendar, FREE college test prep, the ability to send e-transcripts to colleges, academic preparation content, links to college websites, student reminders, a student curriculum planner, information for adult learners, scholarship search functionality and a career planner!  Yes, it is very inclusive.  It will contain a lot of information to help students as early as their middle school years.  Look for more updates as the project progresses!

Helping Students Pay for College: College Goal Sunday

 Today, many UM-Dearborn staff members and volunteers from other schools in the community united to help high school seniors and community college students file their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at the annual College Goal Sunday event.

It was rewarding see parents and students enter with armfuls of papers with anxious and nervous behaviors leave relieved and reassured that they accomplished a big step in the college enrollment process.

College Goal Sunday is a collaborative effort among the Michigan Guaranty Agency, the Michigan Student Financial Aid Association and EduGuide. The program is designed to increase the number of Michigan students who continue education beyond high school and earn post-secondary degrees.

Opportunities for Scholarships

Today, we interviewed 40 students for full tuition Opportunity Scholarships.  They arrived all dressed up for their group interview with their Service Resumes in hand.  They were nervous but excited.  They asked good questions as a part of their college search.  This is the fourth year for this scholarship program, which provides financial support to students from economically disadvantaged school districts through metropolitan Detroit.  Currently, there are 69 schools that meet the criteria for their students to be considered for the Opportunity Scholarships.  At today's event, these scholarship candidates had a chance to meet with faculty, staff and current students.  Meet the Fall 2007, Fall 2008 and Fall 2009 Opportunity Scholars.