2015
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character- that is the goal of true education�
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Inside:
Tips on Enrollment, Money and College Life!
The Michigan Chronicle in partnership with Talmer Bank and Trust, will kick off the new S.W.A.G. Awards in Detroit. S.W.A.G., which stands for Students Wired for Achievement and Greatness, is a scholarship program recognizing outstanding high school seniors who have demonstrated a commitment to community, integrity and service. Current students that are economically disadvantaged, live and attend school in Detroit, and are planning to attend college or a trade school are eligible to apply. NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY. 2015-2016 Michigan Chronicle and Talmer Bank and Trust S.W.A.G. Awards entry period starts at 12:00 AM ET on 10/5/15 and ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on 12/31/15. Open only to 12th graders who are 16 and older who are legal residents of the City of Detroit, MI who: (a) attend a public, charter, or private Detroit high school, (b) are economically disadvantaged (as defined in Section 2b of the complete Official Rules); (c) will graduate in spring 2016; (d) have at least a 2.5 grade point average (or equivalent); and (e) are in good community standing. Visit www.michronicleonline.com/talmerswag for entry instructions, Submission requirements, prizes and complete details. Only one (1) Submission per entrant. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Only one (1) Contest Submission per entrant. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. SPONSORS: The Michigan Chronicle and Talmer Bank and Trust.
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Fall 2015
Table of Contents P6: Preparation for College Exams P8: Six Ways to Select the Right College P12: Explore the Different Types of Colleges and Universities P14: Four Secrets to College Admission
The Road to Success Begins With Preparation
P16: 8 Big Mistakes College Students Should Avoid
By Hiram E. Jackson
T
here is growing evidence that Americans not only feel that higher education and advanced technical training is important, but that it is a prerequisite for success in today’s economy. That’s why the Michigan Chronicle is proud to publish The QUAD, our ultimate insider’s guide to higher education. We hope that readers will use The QUAD as a resource to crack the code on campus culture, curriculum and careers and to gain instant access to our educational experts. Today’s hyper-competitive job market requires preparation and research. The QUAD will help readers predict the skills and knowledge that will be in demand in the labor market over the next decade. High growth careers in “hard-skilled” trade areas for electricians, plumbers and engineering technology robotics is up and candidates with advanced degrees in science, mathematics, finance and technology continue to remain in high demand.
Distinguish yourself. Opportunity. Connections. Experience. Grand Valley delivers what you expect from an excellent education. And because those are the same things the world will look for from you in the future, they’re what separate Grand Valley graduates from the
Success is just steps away. Get a head start in The QUAD.
crowd. You know what you want from life. Find it within yourself. Find it within Grand Valley.
Managing Editor: Tatiana Wheeler Graphic Designer: Juan Sifuentes
gvsu.edu/find FALL | 2015 •
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WHERE SMALL CLASSES OFFER
BIG OPPORTUNITIES
Pursue any of 100 career-focused majors Thrive in small classes Pick the brains of expert professors Apply for generous scholarships and financial aid Compete on, or cheer for, 19 men’s and women’s teams
madonna.edu/visit 734-432-5339 • admissions@madonna.edu Schedule a visit • Apply online We know you by name at the M with the flame! 4 • The Quad • FALL | 2015
For students enrolled at Madonna University, “new” is the theme for 2015-2016: new president, new programs, new sports teams, new professors and new friends. Madonna President Michael A. Grandillo, Ph.D., took office July 1 and met with more than 100 Madonna students before classes started on Sept. 8. The newest academic program is the health sciences bachelor’s degree which offers two tracks: population health care management or health care informatics and quality systems management. Both are delivered through Madonna’s College of Nursing and Health, with informatics being offered in partnership with the School of Business. Each track requires two, semester-long internships during which students work with health care professionals. At the graduate level, Madonna’s Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, builds on the strength of the current master’s program in educational leadership and provides the preparation for a future doctoral degree. To meet the growing demand for chaplains, the new chaplaincy master’s prepares students for the certification exam. Scholar-athletes at Madonna have something to cheer about with the expansion of Madonna’s intercollegiate athlet-
ics program with eight sports, increasing its roster to 19 teams. President Grandillo made the announcement in early August to add the following new sports teams: • men and women’s bowling • men and women’s lacrosse • men and women’s indoor track and field • men and women’s outdoor track and field Grandillo said adding these sports will increase enrollment while enhancing the sense of community on campus. “Participation in athletics and student organizations enriches the college experience,” he said. On Sept. 29, the School of Business launched a monthly CEO/Executive Lecture Series that features area executives speaking about relevant business topics. The Tuesday evening lectures are free and open to students and the general public. Michigan’s most affordable, independent, Catholic, liberal arts university, Madonna University offers more than 100 undergraduate and 30 graduate programs in the colleges of arts and humanities, science and mathematics, social sciences, education, and nursing and health, as well as the School of Business and the Graduate School.
I would have been prepared to go on if I hadn’t started at a community college. It gave me a good foundation.” With that foundation, Allen transferred to Marygrove College, where she earned bachelor and master’s degrees. Advising Macomb students on what classes will transfer there and to the other colleges and universities in Michigan is part of Allen’s job. And the more than 370 transfer agreements currently in place has made that job both easier and more difficult. “Learning them all was a little overwhelming at first,” said Allen. “But it’s great to be able to tell students that their credits are going to transfer.” She also tells students to take advantage of all the extracurricular activities available at Macomb. Those activities outside the classroom include athletics and student clubs, trips to Cedar Point and the Detroit Institute of Arts, poetry readings and film viewings, study abroad for credit and work study for a paycheck and, of course, the chance to see a president. . “I love our students,” said Allen. “I want them to get as much out of their college experience at Macomb as they can.” You can discover why Macomb is a good first choice at its special one-day event on Nov. 14.
Macomb Community College: First choice of President Obama
Matt D’Angelo, an industrial engineer- vative colleges in the country,” Obama told ing major, was there because, as he put it, a standing-room-only crowd at the Sports “It’s a chance to see him while and Expo Center on Macomb’s he’s still president.” Darcella South Campus. “It’s a great McCullough, who returned to community college and that’s college after 43 years in the the reason I came back to Macomb (to propose) free comwork world and is now studying to become a social worker, munity college for responsible was “impressed by the fact students.” Also in the audience for that he wants to give these Obama’s presentation was kids a good chance to go to Angela Allen, a Macomb accollege.” And Ibtisam Almasary brought her three daughademic advisor who strongly ters, first generation Amerirelated to the president’s reAngela Allen is an cans, to help encourage them marks about the importance of academic advisor at “to never give up.” college to the nation’s middle Macomb Community These students and hunclass. It’s why she became an College dreds more welcomed Presiacademic advisor and it’s why dent Barack Obama to Macomb in Septem- she wants to work at Macomb. ber, the college he chose from nearly 1,200 “I was the first in my family to go to others to launch a new initiative that could college and there was a responsibility to mean free community college tuition for el- succeed,” said Allen, who graduated from igible students. Highland Park High School and Highland “This is one of the best and most inno- Park Community College. I don’t think
President Barack Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, toured Macomb’s M-TECsm facility with Holger Ekanger, Workforce and Continuing Education – Engineering and Applied Technology director during their September visit. The president saw firsthand how M-TEC provides education and training in advanced integrated manufacturing, automated systems and robotics to the region’s workforce. “Fantastic,” said Obama. “All this equipment is almost identical to what is being used by the auto companies.”
Come to
Discover Macomb ONE-DAY EVENT FOR FUTURE STUDENTS AND PARENTS
Saturday November 14, 2015
Center Campus
Hall Rd. (M-59) & Garfield (Clinton Twp.)
Saturday February 27, 2016 South Campus
12 Mile Rd. & Hayes (Warren)
Program starts promptly at 10am and ends at 1pm LEARN ABOUT saving academic programs
$18,000
Register Today!
370 transfer plans
EARLY ADMIT
finishing
early admission
DEBT
studentlife
activities/ sports
www.macomb.edu/discovermacomb Questions? 586.498.4008
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By Tatiana Wheeler Performing well on college entry exams can give one’s school application the boost that it needs. However, it takes preparation and the right tools. Students need to take personal initiative when prepping for these crucial tests. Following are some effective ways to get ready for the big day.
Effective Studying
When having a tough time in a particular course in school, seek extra help. High schools often offer tutoring sessions prior to the exam to help students. Preparation books are similar to the actual test and are frequently available at libraries and bookstores. Forming good study habits is key for academic achievement and will come in handy in college. Be sure to have a quiet area to study, free of distractions like television and social media.
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Prepare a practical study schedule. When preparing a schedule, consider school assignments, home chores and other ways to avoid disruptions.
Testing Tools
It is important to have the authorized tools each test calls for before taking the test. Some questions in the math sections of the SAT can’t be solved without a scientific or graphing calculator. The Casio’s CLASSWIZ fx-991EX is the first scientific calculator to feature a spreadsheet function. This calculator allows users to create spreadsheets with up to five columns and 45 rows. It also has the ability to convert graphs into QR codes, which can easily be displayed on a projector screen, making it possible for students to work effortlessly with their test prep tutor.
Deeper Understanding
Memorizing materials for an exam is not always enough. A competitive edge is gained with true comprehension.
Check out books and magazines on a wide range of subjects. Learning new words in a real-world context will happen naturally and will not feel like work. There are many fun math programs available online. The more practice, the easier it is to comprehend and remember formulas.
Test Day
The night before the test, make sure to get a good night’s rest and avoid cramming. Students should arrive at the test site well-rested and well-fed. Fatigue or an empty stomach will negatively affect performance. For a morning boost, consider nudging the brain into action over breakfast with Omega 3’s, antioxidants, vitamin C and a challenging article or math problem. College entrance exams can considerably improve chances of entering one’s college of choice. Every step taken to prepare can help to ensure a maximum score.
The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is a national non-profit organization with the mission to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community. The purpose of the chapter at Lawrence Technological University is to stimulate and develop student interest in the various engineering disciplines by implementing programs on campus and within the community. Our chapter’s focus areas are university retention, outreach, and professional development. We participated in NSBE Week, Sept. 2125. We hosted a barbeque, a game night, and a preparation event for a career fair at which our members also volunteered. LTU chapter members also participated in the Thylias Moss poetry reading during the conference held at LTU, “Network Detroit: Digital Humanities Theory and Practice.” Some of us also attended the Network Detroit dinner held at the Detroit Historical Museum. In October, we will volunteer with the NSBE Detroit Professional Chapter at Gleaners Community Food Bank where we will help package food for the Southeast Michigan community. We also plan to create a NSBE Junior Chapter. Ivorie Morell, our Pre-Collegiate Initiative chair, will construct a 10-week mentoring program with Field Zone in Southfield. Our chapter will provide mentors for the NSBE Junior chapter, which will consist of students in grades 3-12, and implement programs designed to pique the interest of these students in science, technology, engineering, and math, also known as STEM. At least 20 members of our chapter plan to attend the NSBE Fall Regional Conference 2015 in Indianapolis where there will
Pictured from left are Elton Tate. finance chair, graduate student, works for GM; Cynthia Turner, regional programs chair; Marisa Shivers, not on the current e-board but served as the publicity chair 2014-15; Mashia Kelum, president; Danielle Manley, not on the current e-board but served as the Pre Collegiate Initiative chair 2014-15, graduated, works for GM; DeAngelo Robinson, vice president; Jovan Brown, treasurer; Asia Dobbins, not currently on the e-board or at LTU but served as president 2014-15. Current Executive Board members not pictured are Ivoire Morell, Pre-College Initiative chair; Mark Evans, secretary; and Malik Jordan, freshmen representative.
ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS, SCIENTISTS, AND THINKERS.
By Mashia Kellum
If you believe that everything is possible and that possible is everything, we want you at LTU.
Watch LTU students share their college experiences at ltu.edu/StudentStories. admissions@ltu.edu 800.225.5588 Southfield, Michigan
LTU ranks fifth among U.S. colleges and universities for boosting graduates’ earning power. – Brookings Institution
be professional workshops, a career fair, and networking opportunities. Our goal is to provide members with transferable information that can carry them past their academic careers. For more information about the NSBE chapter at Lawrence Technological University, contact Mashia Kellum at mkellum@ ltu.edu. Mashia Kellum is president, Lawrence Technological University Chapter, National Society of Black Engineers.
Lawrence Technological University isn’t for just anyone. We want the future designers, engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs who will create the innovations of tomorrow.
Architecture and Design | Arts and Sciences Engineering | Management
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Step 5: Begin Applying to Schools — Now that you narrowed down your selection to a final list Selecting the right college is the first step to academic of schools, start filling out applications for admissuccess. Finding the right fit includes taking into account sion (usually around October of your senior year). all academic and personal preferences. There are thou- Make sure to know the application deadlines for sands of colleges, universities, and technical schools to each college. Be sure to fill the applications choose from and the process can seem daunting. out thoroughly with an impressive essay (if required). Once this step is completed, Try these steps to narrow down the selection. there is a waiting period until you reStep 1: Identify Essential School Qualities — First, take ceive your acceptance letters. a look at the important preferences. Ask yourself: Step 6: Decide Which School to • Do I want to go to a large or small college? Attend — Accepted to more than • Do I want to go to an in-state or out-of-state school? one school? Great! Now you have to • Do I need to stay in a certain cost bracket for tuition? make a final decision. If you qualify for • Would I like to join a particular club? financial aid, the school will send you • Would I prefer a school in an urban or rural an award notification around March environment? or April. Be sure to contact the school’s • Is it essential that the school have a good athletics financial aid office if you have any quesprogram? tions about your award. Compare the award offers from each The answers to these questions will be helpful in making school, which may help you make a final the right choice. Make a list of essential school qualities decision. The amount you are awarded will and then move on to step 2. vary depending on the cost of attendance. Step 2: Search for Schools that Fit Your Essential QualiGo over all the factors, if you have questies — After identifying what is important, start researchtions, ask to speak to an admission couning schools that match your criteria. Make an appointselor at the school. Then make a final dement with the school counselor to discuss your list of cision. Don’t forget to decline admission criteria and ask if he/she knows of schools that you might to schools you will not be attending. be interested in attending. Visit a variety of school websites to compare and contrast. Make a list of the schools that closely fit your requirements. Step 3: Try to Visit Each Campus — Now that you have a list of potential schools, start visiting the campuses. The summer before senior year is usually an opportune time to visit college campuses, but feel free to visit schools beforehand if the opportunity arises. During your visit, be sure to ask any questions you have about the college you could not find online or did not understand. Speak with the professors, admissions officers, financial aid officers and current students. Also, don’t be afraid to sit in on a couple of classes and eat the campus food. Experience as much as you can at the college and write down pros and cons of each campus. Step 4: Contrast and Compare Schools on Your List — After you have visited the campuses on your list, compare them and narrow down your list. Did you visit a school and didn’t like the atmosphere? If so, maybe you should consider removing it from your list. Try to narrow down your list to about three reach schools and three safety schools in order to be ready for step 5. By Tatiana Wheeler
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Financial Aid Deadlines for 2015-2016 Federal Deadline: Online applications must be submitted by midnight Central Time, June 30, 2016. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by midnight Central Time, September 17, 2016. State Deadline: www.fafsa.ed.gov/deadlines.htm# College Deadline: Check with the college(s) you are interested in attending. You may also want to ask your college about its definition of an application deadline - whether it is the date the college receives your FAFSA, or the date your FAFSA is processed. Courtesy of fafsa.ed.gov/deadlines Estimate Your Eligibility For Federal Student Aid Need to know how much financial aid you qualify for? Check out FAFSA4caster! A brand new tool provided by Federal Student Aid at www.fafsa.edu.gov FAFSA4caster will help you understand your options for paying for college. Provide some basic information and it will estimate your eligibility for federal student aid. Your estimate will be shown in the “College Cost Worksheet” where you can also provide estimated amounts of other student aid and savings that can go towards your college education.
Explore Our Master’s Programs Educational Leadership & Policy Educational Leadership & Policy with Building-Level Administrator Certification Teaching & Learning New Media & New Literacies Elementary or Secondary Teacher Certification soe.umich.edu/chronicle 734.615.1528
Get started now! Visit www.fafsa.edu.gov for more information.
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Washtenaw Community College celebrating 50th anniversary
From an old building in Willow Run to an apple orchard located between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Community College has blossomed into a state-of-the-art institution that provides students with an excellent, affordable education. Celebrating our 50th anniversary, WCC continues to put students first, providing them with a first-rate education by a skilled and dedicated faculty that prepares them for good, well-paying jobs or transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The 50-year tradition of serving students and the Washtenaw County area community is exemplified in the recent announcement of two important grants WCC received from the U.S. Department of Labor: $300,000 for apprenticeship training in advanced
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manufacturing and $899,000 for a three-year program to teach construction skills to disadvantaged youth in Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township while they work toward earning a GED. While WCC celebrates its past this year, the institution looks forward to an exciting future. The college continues to move ahead with its new Advanced Transportation Center, putting WCC at the forefront of smart transportation systems. Students here will be trained to fill the highly skilled jobs needed to service the sophisticated technologies that will be part of all transportation modes. Washtenaw Community Collegelooks forward to the next 50 years and beyond.
What do you call someone who went to Washtenaw Community College?
Employed
Opening Doors to Employment for our Community Over 50 years, Washtenaw Community College has opened doors for • 278,533 credit students and • 1,000,000 individuals
Apply Today! wccnet.edu/the-quad
College Made for You, Anytime Anywhere • Flexible start dates • Access a variety of accredited online classes to fit your schedule • Complete your entire first year of courses online in as little as 30 weeks! • Take advantage of one of the most affordable tuition rates in the state • Easily transfer to many colleges and universities
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When it comes to educational institutions, there are many options. The one you choose will have a huge impact on your next career move. Take a look at the different types and find the one that is right for you. What is the difference between public and private schools? Public schools are operated or funded by state and local governments. Private schools are not affiliated with a government organization. They may be nonprofit colleges, such as those run by private foundations or religious denominations. Or, they may be for-profit businesses, such as many career, online, or technical schools. Since private schools receive less (or no) money from state and local governments, they usually cost the same whether you live in or outside of the state. This cost is often higher than the cost of attending a public school in your state. Because costs can vary significantly from school to school, you should make sure to research the schools you are interested in. Any school that participates in federal student aid programs is required to provide information on its cost of attendance on its website. The school is also required to provide a net price calculator which will give you an idea of how much a program may cost after subtracting any financial aid. Colleges vs. Universities Students who attend a four-year college or university typically earn a bachelor’s degree once they have completed a program of study, which usually takes about four years. A college usually offers a four-year bachelor’s degree in the arts (such as English, history, drama) or sciences (such as biology, computer science, engineering). Some colleges also offer advanced degrees, such as master’s or other graduate degrees, after you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree. Universities offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees, and sometimes have professional schools such as a law school or medical school. Universities tend to be larger than colleges, may have larger class sizes, and often focus on scholarly or scientific research. Two-year Colleges (Community and Junior Colleges) Community colleges and junior colleges award associate degrees once students have completed a two-year course of study. Some two-year colleges grant diplomas or certificates of completion to students who have met course requirements and are ready to practice in their career fields, such as nursing. Community and junior colleges are similar, except that a junior college is usually a private school. Because costs are often lower and admission is more open at two-year colleges, many students begin their college careers here. If you plan to start at a communi-
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ty or junior college and later transfer to a four-year college, you should make sure your community college courses will transfer to those colleges you are interested in and that your courses will count toward your bachelor’s degree. Many community colleges have “articulation agreements” with four-year colleges under which the course work taken at the community college transfers into the fouryear degree program. Be sure to ask about the types of articulation agreements the community college has, with whom, and for what programs of study. Career Schools Career schools, also known as technical, vocational, or trade schools may be public or private, although many are for-profit businesses; typically offer programs that are two years or less; and provide students with formal classes and hands-on experience related to their future career interests, from welding to cosmetology to medical imaging. Technical schools teach the science behind the occupation, while vocational schools focus on hands-on application of skills needed to do the job. You may earn a diploma or a certificate, prepare for a licensing exam, or study to begin work as an apprentice or journeyman in a skilled trade. Some schools offer distance learning, which allows a student to access lectures or course materials online or through other electronic media. Since not every distance learning course or online degree is accredited and/or eligible for federal student aid, the student check with the school’s financial aid office to find out whether you can receive federal aid.
Graduation Time by Program or Degree and Type of School Program or Degree
Schools Where Offered
Typical Time to Graduate
Career, technical, trade, or vocational courses
Career, technical, vocational, and trade schools Community and junior colleges
1–2 years
Associates Degree
Community and junior colleges
2 years
Bachelor’s Degree
Four-year Colleges and Universities
4 years
Master’s Degree
Four-year Colleges and Universities
Bachelor’s degree + 1-2 years of additional study
Doctorate Degree
Four-year Colleges and Universities
Bachelor’s degree + Master’s degree + 2-3 years additional study
Parents: Give Your Children the Keys to College
By Winning Futures
With only one year left in high school, Karis was finally beginning to think about college. College was all her teachers talked about, but Karis did not feel ready. Even though she had maintained decent grades, she was worried about graduating from high school.
What kind of college should she attend? How would she pay for it? Would she get trapped in a major and, eventually, a career that she hates? Karis had no idea what type of college would be a good fit for her or why she should even go. Karis’ story is very common among high school juniors and seniors. So many students fear college because they don’t know what they want out of it or how it fits into their life. That lack of knowledge can be crippling, making even the brightest of students anxious or apathetic about life after high school. Setting a Career Plan In order to best prepare juniors and seniors for post-secondary education, help them identify their goals for life after college. Winning Futures organization helps students see the path to a purposeful career and assists them in creating a road map to get there. Many students fail to create a detailed ca-
reer plan and are then unable to make the most out of their college experience. When students are writing their career plans, have them explore their strengths, talents, interests and values. Casting Your Vision Take a few minutes out of your day to have your student write down their strengths and work values. Based on what they’ve written, discuss possible career options they might enjoy. Once they have identified a few careers, begin looking for college programs that will help train them for their chosen careers. Most kids are like Karis — they have great potential, but have no idea where to start. Taking these few steps can help to make college seem much more accessible to all students. Success with the Help of a Mentor Mentors also play a large role in making college more feasible for students.
Unfortunately, many students lack positive motivators that help them achieve success. Mentors help students develop the attitude, vision and skills needed to reach their educational goals. Winning Futures is an award-winning non-profit organization that empowers youth to succeed through school-based mentoring and strategic planning. It also facilitates the Keys to College program, designed to prepare students for continuing education and career development. The programs focus on character value development, self-exploration, goal-setting, job readiness skills, overcoming obstacles, and strategic planning. Those interested in learning more about these life skills and college access programs, or serving as a mentor in one of Winning Future’s schools, please visit www.winningfutures.org. Every child deserves a winning future.
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By Dr. Derschaun Monique Sharpley First, essay writing will be critical for college success as most assignments are papers and not multiple choice or true and false answers. College professors want to gauge what you’ve learned through your writing and you retelling what you’ve learned. An example is a math professor wanting a student to explain their answer Dr. Sharpley versus a multiple choice answer. Most students are not in the habit of writing lengthy essays and really need to get more experience with writing them. It will not only help with writing essays as a part of the college admissions process, it will also help them in college. College is very different than high school where mostly tests are administered. In college you do more writing, more essays and not just a 350- word essay, but pages upon pages and sometimes books, especially with a dissertation. Embrace writing now because it increases with each degree. Most college admissions departments request an essay to get a sense of what type of student you are and based on your responses, they’ll have an idea if you’re a well-rounded student with social skills and book smarts or just one or the other. And parents, they can tell if you wrote the essay. The student’s voice needs to come through. They also want to know about the student’s community service work, service learning projects, and the leadership roles you’ve taken on. Book smarts are awesome, but will you be a good fit for their campus culture and add value? Secondly, college fly-in programs at many of liberal arts colleges, Ivy League schools, etc. are programs that run between one day to several weeks on campus. These programs focus on exposing students to the colleges’ offerings while giving students a chance to see if the college is a fit for them. Many of the programs are at no cost to the student, which is usually one of the deterrents from students visiting the campus. Colleges are more sensitive to the financial constraints and are trying to remove any barriers to exposing students to their programs. They all have some type of eligibility requirement such as a transcript, ACT score, recommendation letter from a teacher/counselor, résumé or activities list, etc. The key is to apply early and if you’re interested in the college, show them why you would be a great fit and how you would add value to their campus. If the feeling is mutual, when it’s time to register for college you already have a potential college and hopefully you have made a great name for yourself and they accept you and offer scholarship dollars.
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Thirdly, apply early. Begin in September or during the summer following your junior year. The earlier you apply, the better your chances are of getting funding to that institution. There a many scholarship events that are hosted in the city that students should take advantage of because colleges share their program offerings and scholarship opportunities based on your GPA and ACT. Also, colleges schedule on-site admission days at local high schools and this is a great time to apply and get your name known amongst the recruiters. Get to know your recruiters and sell yourself. They have thousands of students that they see annually, but you need to make sure that you stand out for your extracurricular activities, community service engagements and your overall vision for your future, and how their school can help you attain it and also how you can help the school to shine by what you bring to their campus. Fourth, is the Common Application, also known as the common app. The college application process can be very tedious and time consuming. One way to avoid the redundancy of completing many applications and essays is to complete the Common Application, which allows you to explore and apply to over 600 colleges in one portal with one application. You enter your information one time and it gets shared amongst all of your colleges of choice. They also have a tracker to keep you on task so you don’t miss a deadline with one of the colleges. The portal acts as a planner for college in the sense that it keeps up with where you have applied, the needed documents and if and when they have been supplied by your counselor, etc. It allows more time to focus on scholarships. Dr. Derschaun Monique Sharpley is a college transition advisor at the Benjamin Carson High School of Science and Medicine.
The Cost of Not Getting a College Degree By Roz Edward A college degree is becoming increasingly valuable, in large part because a high school diploma is becoming less and less valuable. According to a U.S. News and World Report study among millennials, earnings for college-degree holders are $17,500 greater annually than for those with high school diplomas only, who earn on the national average about $25,000 per year. But as is the case with most social statistics, in the African American community the disparities are much greater between college educated and non-college educated workers. New figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau dramatically demonstrate the difference a four-year college degree makes in terms of earning potential for blacks with college degrees and those with only high school diplomas. Black Americans with a four-year college degree out-earn blacks with a high school diploma by 99.5 percent. Those who attended two-year institutions improved their incomes by only 41 percent over blacks with just a high school diploma. An even more striking finding is that possession of a four-year college degree not only greatly increases the incomes of African Americans, but also goes a long way toward closing the economic gap between blacks and whites. Current figures for the year 2004 show that blacks with a college diploma now have a median income that is 95 percent of the median income of similarly educated whites. Blacks with a doctorate actually have higher incomes than similarly educated whites. But many Detroit high school grads and their parents find the cost of attending a
four-year college prohibitive and opt instead to pursue other employment paths, including going into skilled trades. “This (push for skilled trades) is something I care a lot about,” said Wayne State University President Dr. Roy Wilson at a Michigan Chronicle hosted panel discussion in downtown Detroit. “I recently attended a business meeting at Michigan where some people were pushing recruiting high school students for skilled trades, but then I noticed that none of them were pushing their own kids in the direction of skilled trades, so I get a little worried when we talk about skilled trades as opposed to going to college, because that’s going to be disproportionately African Americans that are going in that area as opposed to white America. “And that is going to exacerbate the disparity between earnings for black and white Americans, and when there is a downturn in the economy, those without degrees are the first to go.” He continued, “When a student graduates from high school they will initially earn more money than a student attending a two or four-year college. But by the age of 28, the holder of an associate’s degree will have caught up with the lifetime earnings of the non-degree holder. And the line goes way up for those who complete a degree at a four-year college. Even with paying for college and repaying educational debts the lifetime earnings for a graduate from a four-year university is going to be about five to six million dollars more than a non-college graduate.” So while many African American college-bound students and their parents worry about the cost of attending a fouryear university, the bottom line is that the students can’t afford not to attend one.
F A L L
10 AM-1 PM S AT U R D AY, O C T O B E R 1 7 MAIN CAMPUS Explore degree programs Meet faculty and students Browse the resource fair Take a tour of campus
Wayne State is offering an insider’s look at college life. Fall Open House is your chance to check out campus and the hundreds of academic programs available.
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8BIG Mistakes College Students Should Avoid By Tatiana Wheeler How can college students avoid the pitfalls plaguing fellow scholars? College is when many young people first get a taste of independence. Unfortunately, this newfound freedom can lead to basic mistakes that can easily be avoided that may impact life well beyond graduation. Here are strategies for dodging common mistakes made by college students:
Media Overload Many college students tend to spend hours and hours a day on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites. Overloading on social media will take time from valuable studies and make it harder to focus on any content not forked over in bite size. Be sure to outline and block out the time needed to dedicate to each course.
Poor Credit College seniors owed $4,100 in credit card debt by graduation, according to recent research from Debt.org. Exposure to credit card offers for the first time; and building good credit can help lay the groundwork for future financial options -- but proceed sensibly. Don’t let credit cards be an excuse to spend beyond your means. Start with a line of credit you can handle. If you manage that well, later on
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you’ll be able to borrow more. Pay your statement on time and more than the minimum due each month, keep balances low, keep long-standing accounts open, and avoid applying for too many credit cards are huge factors to maintain good credit. Look for a credit card that offers perks like cash back rewards and a low APR. Remember to check credit history at least once a year. Look for a credit card that offers perks like cash back rewards and a low APR.
Overdoing It Encourage your child to register for a standard course load and concentrate on doing well in those courses. Employer won’t be impressed for how many courses were taken at once. When studying a double major be sure they make sense together (business and Mandarin Chinese, physics and mathematics, or social work and psychology, for example), employers won’t be solely fascinated by the grade point averages. Remember, college is about earning a degree, making lifelong friends and exploring interests; keep this in mind when choosing courses for the semester.
Cutting classes Many students think they can multiple lectures and still do well. Lectures are designed to fill gaps in reading and research assignments. The professor also provides
vital information, which most times are on final exams. Make sure to attend every lecture and when an absence is unavoidable send the professor an email. Sometime they will provide you with details you may need on the next test.
Flying Solo Student tends to shy away from going to see their professor or teaching assistant for multiple reasons. As a result, their grades may suffer, when a couple of minutes with the instructor could easily clarify any confusion. Remember professors are required to hold twice-weekly office hours and that they would like to help you do well in their course. That’s why they went into teaching, after all.
Bad Money Management Habits College is a huge investment; students are responsible for paying tuition, books, and housing. However, many other expenses will incur along the way, from registration fees to lab fees to gas to cell phone bills. “Setting up a budget is crucial, particularly if your spending money is drawn from a loan or grant,” says John Rasmussen, head of Education Financial Services at Wells Fargo. “You’ll need that money to last if you don’t have another
stream of revenue.” Refrain form bad financial habits now, as do so many college students. Take advantage of free resources, to learn more about banking, building good credit and paying for college.
Procrastinating Many students have taken the “wait until the last minute” approach to assignments. Compensate for procrastination include students working all night to complete the assignments on time. Remember, careful planning and time management are essential to college success, there won’t be anyone there as a constant reminder to take care of important task.
Lack of Sleep Between pulling an “all-nighter”, social media overload and socializing, sleep may seem like a nice commodity. However, quality sleep is essential to quality learning. Students, who prefer to stay up all night, should avoid morning classes. Also, avoid procrastination, which can lead to all-nighters. College only last a few years, but the affects last a lifetime. Be wise in this new found independence by making smart decisions that are good for your future.
wmich.edu/GoWest
PEOPLE COME HERE BECAUSE THEY’RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING. What they find is a challenge—something unexpected— that opens up new frontiers. Go West. Discover. Explore. This is one of America’s great universities. A lot of people who have become successful—skilled, happy, wealthy and influential—started by heading West. Western Michigan University.
GO WEST.
It’s your turn to GRAB THE REINS.
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Academic advisor Marceil Davis (center) helps students in the Gear Up and Pathways programs map out their four-year course plan at the Center for Inclusion and Diversity at Central Michigan University. —©Steve Jessmore/Central Michigan University When your son or daughter starts college, make sure to ask them if they’ve had a chat with their success coach. If they haven’t, they should. Central Michigan University actually has a director of student success. It is Jason Bentley’s job, along with a staff of success coaches, to make sure each student succeeds, and he shares some tips on how it all works. “If you move to a new city, you’d use the technology available to help you navigate,” Bentley says. “You might use a GPS or ask Siri to help you find a restaurant. You have a destination in mind, but you don’t know the best route to get there. The Office of Student Success helps students navigate college by coaching them as they clarify their academic goals, determine a major and graduate on time. Success coaches help students track the courses they need and then outline the process, time and money needed. Maybe your son or daughter has logged 56 credits, but still hasn’t signed a major. A success coach
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will call them, sit down, talk about interests and classes already completed, review options, and connect them to an academic department to sign a major. The office also does phone call and email campaigns. A recent one, “Fifteen to Finish,” reminds students that to graduate in four years, they need to take 15 credit hours a semester. Twelve or 13 won’t cut it. The sooner students graduate, the less they pay for education and housing and the sooner they enter the workforce or graduate school. “None of us are good at everything all the time,” Bentley says. “People are going to struggle. College is supposed to be challenging. It’s supposed to stretch you.” He has some thoughts about that. Helping your son or daughter succeed means guiding them, he says, not doing things for them. On a recent visit to church, Bentley listened as the
minister talked about raising kids. One particular point stuck with him. “He said, ‘We’re not raising kids, we’re raising adults.’ Part of raising adults is raising people who are capable, who can manage uncertainty, who can advocate for themselves, who can handle adversity. If you want to raise an adult who can do all that, you have to give them opportunities to practice that.” Bentley says students need to learn to think for themselves, and sometimes just need to vent and be heard. “Affirm that you hear what they’re saying,” he says. “Tell them, ‘That sounds tough. What are you thinking about doing?’ Ask them to discuss options. Parents can be the best supporters by saying, ‘Hey, we all struggle.’ There are many resources on campus. It’s OK to ask for help.”
Success starts with support. College can be tough, but you don’t have to face it alone. Join the more than 1,500 students that access an academic success coach or visit one of our student success centers each year at Central Michigan University. We We’ll help you stay on track to achieve your goals and graduate in four years. Learn more
go.cmich.edu
CMU is an AA/EO institution, providing equal opportunity to all persons, including minorities, females, veterans and individuals with disabilities (see cmich.edu/ocrie). Produced by University Communications. 9445
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