College Planning Information and Materials

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College Application Process

The College Application Process, Part I: Where Do I Even Begin?
The College Application Process, Part II: Naviance 101
Applying to College Visual - Application Components

College Essay Resources

Essays That Worked - Johns Hopkins University
New York Times - College Essays
Common Application Essay Prompts
Michigan State University Essay Prompts
Helping Juniors Get a Jump on The College Essay

Recommended Books and Reading

"Where You Go Is Not Who You Will Be"
"College Is Yours 2.0"
"Colleges That Change Lives"
"Looking Beyond the Ivy League"

2019-2020 ACT and SAT test Dates

ACT or SAT?

The BHS Counseling Department gets questions every day from parents and students about whether students should take the ACT or the SAT and when. Here are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions along with some recommendations.

DO COLLEGES WANT ME TO TAKE THE ACT OR THE SAT?

Most (not all) colleges and universities require students to officially submit either an ACT OR SAT score as part of their application. The vast majority of colleges and universities do not have a preference whether students submit an ACT or SAT score.  They will accept either/or and students do not have to submit both. Therefore, it is up to the student to decide which test to take and which to submit.

Over the years a student in the Berkley School District has had exposure and practice with the SAT via PSAT experiences.  Each student is provided a free, official SAT as part of the standardized tests required of juniors each year. Students do not have to sign up for or pay for this particular test in April of their junior year.  However, many students take an official test before April of their junior year.

The Counseling Department recommends students take either an ACT or SAT prior to April, if possible.  Which means – students have to register for an ACT or SAT (outside of the April test) on their own.

CAN I STILL TAKE THE ACT? SHOULD I STILL TAKE THE ACT?

If students still want to take the ACT or take the SAT outside of the one, free test offered at school – they will need to sign up for and pay to take another test independently by visiting the ACT or SAT websites directly.

It is the recommendation of the counseling department that students take one of each exam during their junior year (or prior) to see which test is better suited to them. Because students typically take the exam more than one time, signing up in the Summer of sophomore year or any time junior year is best.

HOW DOES A STUDENT OR PARENT SIGN UP FOR THE ACT OR SAT?

They do so by visiting the testing websites directly:
ACT Registration & Information
SAT Registration & Information

IF I SIGN UP INDEPENDENTLY ON THE WEBSITES, CAN MY CHILD STILL RECEIVE THEIR ACCOMMODATIONS?

If your child receives accommodations in the school setting and has a 504 Plan or IEP and is taking the ACT outside of the school setting for the first time this year, please contact your child’s counselor directly and they will help you with explaining how the accommodated testing works for the first time.

IS THERE ANY PAYMENT ASSISTANCE FOR TAKING THESE TESTS?

If your family receives assistance via the Free/Reduced lunch program or is experiencing financial difficulties, please contact your child’s counselor to inquire about a fee waiver.

Test Preparation

Free SAT or ACT Practice Tests during the Winter of 2020 at The Tutoring Center in Birmingham
ACT/SAT Free Test Prep Passes to The Tutoring Center in Birmingham
SAT Prep - Khan Academy
ACT Test Prep Services

Test Registration

Register for the ACT
Register for the SAT

AP Testing Student Information

AP Testing Parent Information

Financial Aid & Paying for College Basics

Guides and Information

Financial Aid checklist for Senior Year
Federal Student Aid At-A-Glance (2019-2020)
Affording College in Michigan Guidebook (2019-2020)
State of Michigan Financial Aid At-A-Glance (2019-2020)
Sallie Mae video series on Paying for College process
Paying for College Night Presentation from Financial Aid Expert

Filling out the FASFA

You can start completing the FAFSA on October 1st!

3 Simple steps:

1. Create an FSA ID and record onFSA ID Worksheet
2. Gather relevant documents using the FAFSA Checklist 
3. Begin the FAFSA

Need Help with FAFSA?

Virtual FAFSA Appointment 

Schedule a Virtual FAFSA Appointment with a Financial Aid expert!

Virtual FAFSA Appointments are available to assist high school seniors and their parents complete the FAFSA with professional assistance on an individual basis in a private webinar environment. Appointments are private and secure. Virtual appointments take place online from the comfort of your own home or other location you choose. You will receive a private link to your personal webinar environment after signing up for a virtual appointment. These appointments are free and available to the public.

• Prior to your appointment please review the FAFSA Checklist for a list of items necessary to complete the FAFSA. 
• Students and parents should each create an FSA ID at least one week prior to completing the FAFSA. Create an FSA ID now. 
• Use the FSA ID Worksheet to record related information for your files. 

video tutorials:

How to Create an FSA ID video to learn the steps necessary in creating the FSA ID
7 Easy Steps to the FAFSA video series to learn more about the application.

FAFSA help line: 

Call Oakland University's Financial Aid Help line at (248) 370-2550

Understanding College or University Financial Aid Award Letters

How to read Financial Aid offers
Understanding Award Letters resource
Financial Aid Award Letter Comparison Worksheet

Scholarship Resources

Scholarship Tips

Applying for Private Scholarships tips

BHS Scholarship List

Visit the BHS Scholarship List for a compilation of state, local, and national scholarships!  Updated regularly!

Scholarship Search Engines

Check out the following scholarship search engines!  Create an account, complete a questionnaire and a list of scholarships you are eligible to apply for will be generated.

MI Student Aid Scholarship Finder
U.S. Dept. of Labor Career One Stop Scholarship Finder
Scholarships.com
FastWeb
Cappex
Big Future
Scholar Snapp (recommended to use if applying to colleges via Common App)

Micro-Scholarships

RaiseMe is a platform that helps students prepare for college by earning scholarships for their achievements in high school. Over 250 colleges and universities award micro-scholarships for both academics and extracurricular activities through the partnership with RaiseMe.  

Where else can I look for Scholarships?

1. Check scholarship webpages on college/universities websites.  They often have additional scholarships outside of the merit scholarships that are usually awarded based on a student's admissions application.
2. Ask family members to check if employers, civic clubs, places of worship, etc. offer scholarship opportunities.
3. Check national and state professional associations or organizations of the career field or profession you intend to pursue.