Quad 2018 spring final lowres

2018

on the road to success

There are many colleges and universities from which to choose. The educational institutions featured in this publication want you to visit their website, tour the campus and apply to start your path to success.

2018 – SPECIAL EDITION – THE QUAD 1. Henry Ford Community College

www.hfcc.edu

2. Grand Valley State University

www.gvsu.edu

3. Lawrence Technological University

www.admissions@ltu.edu

4. Macomb Community College

www.macomb.edu/discovermacomb

5. Madonna University

www.madonna.edu/visit

6. Marygrove College

www.marygrove.edu

7. Oakland University

www.oakland.edu

8. Schoolcraft College

www.schoolcraft.edu

9. University Of Detroit Mercy

www.udmercy.edu/visit

10. University Of Michigan – Dearborn

www.umdearborn.edu/openhouse

11. Western Michigan University

www.wmich.edu/strikegold

Useful tips for undergraduate and graduate students: •Research the program in which you are interested. Which school offers the required courses?

•Apply early to more than one college or university •Complete the FAFSA form and other required documents. Check them before submitting them.

•If possible, keep a copy of everything.

•Research ALL scholarship opportunities •Contact someone in the admissions dept. who can assist you.

•You have been accepted. Send a follow up letter or card to the admissions dept. to say thanks, and let them know you are excited to begin your studies.

•Attend ALL classes. Try not to miss class. There may be times when you must be absent, so make sure you have a classmate who won’t mind sharing notes.

•Stay focused on the reason you are enrolled in the program

GRADUATE !!! CELEBRATE !!! ACCELERATE !!!

2 • The QUAD • SPRING | 2018

WELCOME TO…THE QUAD KNOWLEDGE – It’s what we need to move forward in our lives.

We need facts, information and skills.

We gain this through education and acquiring practical experience.

Table of Contents

4 Cutting-Edge Creativity Oakland University

6 A degree from LTU boosts your earning potential

Cathy Nedd

Associate Publisher/COO The Michigan Chronicle “Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.”

— Marian Wright Edelman Education is something that is always with us. Whether it be in the college classroom, graduate school or on-the-job training, we are always learning. This edition of the Quad focuses on learning. There is the ACT/SAT and also learning how to find a job.

Speaking of matters of concern, when you look at your social media accounts, it’s pretty common to see some shocking content. Guess what?

Not only do your social media friends view the content, but recruiters at potential jobs are looking at your posts as well. It is easy to share everything, but when you read our article on social media and what we call “oversharing,” you will understand why being judicious is always a good practice.

Looking for a job is a job. Networking and preparing your résumé are key factors to your success.

Read the Quad, tighten up your résumé, scrutinize your social media posts, network, and continue to learn something new every day.

We must prepare for our future. When opportunity comes, we must be prepared.

Preparing for your future means gaining knowledge and connecting with those in your field.

The participating colleges and universities want you to know that your application is welcome. You have an opportunity to grow and learn in an environment that offers the program, the staff and the financial assistance you need to begin this educational journey. This educational journey is the path to your chosen career.

To start this journey, you must decide what you want to study. You must have an idea of what you want to do in the future. You must then find out what you have to do to get there. Education is what you will need…We want to help you get started on your journey. The path to success, begins with the first step…acquiring knowledge.

Visit the website of the educational institution you believe you would like to attend.

Contact the admissions department for information. Work with your counselor or advisor to make sure you have the information you need to complete the necessary applications and forms. Ask for assistance where needed.

If you can connect with someone currently working in your field of interest, try to contact that person and ask for advice. Attend educational forums and network with other students. Start asking early about internships in your field. You want to get the experience while still in school. This will help when you graduate and seek employment.

8 Perfect internship 10 This is how we doi it!

at Marygrove College (Graduate Programs)

11 Make Macomb a part of your story

12 Social recruting HFC helps students drive 13 Good luck on your journey to success… their own future Your education is a great start!

14 Don’t stress the test 15 U of D Mercy resets tuition THANKS TO ALL OF THE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

OUR LEAD SPONSOR IS

Cathy Nedd

Project Manager/Editor: Curtrise Garner Graphic Designer: Juan Sifuentes Advertising Coordinator: Linda Moragne

(A COMPLETE LIST OF OUR ADVERTISERS APPEARS ON PAGE 2) SPRING | 2018 •

The QUAD • 3

The Oakland University Art and Art History Department’s new 2,000-square-foot Makers’ Studio is a state-of-the-art creative space designed to complement the patience of artistry with the precision of technology.

“Traditionally, making (a) sculpture is about translating a 3-D creative imperative using one’s hands to form, care or mold a material or variety of materials into an artistic form,” explained professor Dick Goody, chair of the art department. “The Makers’ Studio has all the tools and equipment for this, but it also gives a technological interface with machines that can do the work of building form … incorporating new media technologies.”

The studio, officially unveiled last summer, took nearly two years to complete and contains three distinct areas: a digital fabrication zone, a printing area and a wood and metal workshop — all equipped to accommodate various art disciplines offered by OU’s art department.

The Makers’ Studio’s advanced technology has also opened up opportunities to collaborate across campus, said Goody.

Recently the studio was used to create laser-etched donor tiles for the Athletics Department and 3-D printed molecule models for the Chemistry Department.

“It’s really a space for the exploration of making objects through the lens of the most up-to-date technologies,” he said, which makes the studio a perfect fit for OU.

4 • The QUAD • SPRING | 2018

At Oakland University, we are preparing the next generation of makers.

An intersection of discovery and design, our Makers’ Studio empowers students to explore. To create. To collaborate.

This space is designed to complement the patience of artistry with the precision of technology. All to enable students to push the boundaries of their work and their potential.

Make it here. oakland.edu

ucm17857/12.17

SPRING | 2018 •

The QUAD • 5

A Degree from Lawrence Technological University Boosts Your Earning Potential Possible is everything

Clubs and Sports

The Brookings Institution ranks Lawrence Technological University fifth among U.S. colleges and universities for boosting graduates’ earning potential. Payscale. com reports that salaries of LTU bachelor’s graduates are in the top 10 percent nationally. Some 88 percent of students are employed or grad school bound by the date of their graduation, greater than the national average.

With over 60 student clubs and organizations, including fraternities, sororities, honor societies, and student chapters of professional groups, there are many opportunities to get involved including our new football team. Learn more at www.LTUAthletics.com.

Innovative Programs, Small Class Sizes LTU is a private, 4,500-student university that offers more than 100 innovative programs in Colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and Management – all featuring exceptional exposure to theory and practice.

For more information about becoming a Blue Devil, contact Lawrence Tech’s Office of Admissions at 800.225.5588 or admissions@ltu.edu, watch the “Student Stories” video at www.ltu.edu/StudentStories, or visit www.ltu.edu.

Ready to apply now? Go to www.ltu.edu/applyfree.

As a student, you’ll benefit from small class sizes, with classes, studios, and labs taught by faculty with current industry experience. You’ll also be provided your own high-end laptop loaded with industry-standard software. Lawrence Tech is ranked among the nation’s best universities by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review.

Possible is everything.

Lawrence Technological University isn’t for just anyone.

We want the future designers, engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs who will create the innovations of tomorrow.

Catch the Blue and White spirit on a campus tour!

RSVP at: ltu.edu/campustour

5th

in nation for boosting graduates’ earning potential

Architecture and Design | Arts and Sciences | Engineering | Management

6 • The QUAD • SPRING | 2018

11:1

student/faculty ratio

88%

students employed or registered for graduate school at commencement

admissions@ltu.edu

Go from good to GOLD. There’s something about WMU. You feel it the moment you step on campus. Here, you’ll not only create your future, you’ll find gold. Gold in the moments and experiences you share. Gold in the knowledge you gain.

Gold that is at the heart of who you are and who you will become. wmich.edu/strikegold

SPRING | 2018 •

The QUAD • 7

By Branden Hunter

Impact.

When you become a Laker, you look outward, focusing on others instead of yourself. With professors’ caring guidance, you learn how to make a meaningful, lasting difference. Then, as you go forward into the world, you’re ready to tackle challenges and make meaningful contributions. Like Michigan itself, your positive impact will be far reaching. That’s the Laker Effect.

gvsu.edu

8 • The QUAD • SPRING | 2018

The “perfect” internship looks different for everybody, but regardless of what career field interests you, that internship should be one that inspires you. It should be a position that provides you with the skills and experience necessary to succeed in your field.

If you already know what career path you want to take, it is best to get started early. It may be hard to land an internship with little to no experience, but some companies will willing to have your help and show you the ropes.

Chandler Bryant did not have that option. She was attending Grand Valley State University, with a strong interest in public relations, but no one told her about the importance of interning until her junior year of college.

“Luckily, I was able to earn an internship before I graduated from college,” said Bryant, who graduated in April of 2017 with a degree in communications. “But I do wish that I was told about it earlier in college, or even in high school. Things still turned out well for me, but it is important to intern as soon as you can.”

Finding the right opportunity is key as well. It is important to network with people in your field. Utilize the Internet or social media platforms to find an internship.

Bryant currently interns for Brittni Brown’s Bee Agency, one of the top public relations agencies in Detroit. She put out a post on Instagram looking for new interns and Bryant answered the call.

“Working for Brittni has been amazing,” said Bryant. “My former roommate interned for her before, so that’s how I knew who she was. I always felt that she was one of those people in the city that I needed to know. So when I saw the post on Instagram, I immediately applied.

“This has been the perfect situation for me at the Bee Agency. Long-term, I plan to work for a major public relations firm and Brittni has prepared me for that.

I’m representing her brand, as well as my own.”

Brown has been offering internship opportunities through her firm for five years now. That is how she earned her first opportunity while attending Eastern Michigan University and when she started her own public relations agency in 2011, vowed to give others the opportunities she was given.

“I learned hands-on what public relations was,” said Brown. “You don’t want to get out in the field thinking you know everything. It was a benefit having someone teaching me because my field isn’t one you can just jump into.”

Jason Hudson works at Wayne County Community College’s downtown campus and helps students land internships. But his focus is on preparing a clean and clear résumé, getting applications in on time and being interview ready. You may view yourself as a qualified candidate, but companies are going to want to see that for themselves.

“I have students come to me all the time looking to land an internship, but they aren’t fully prepared,” said Hudson. “Landing an internship goes beyond having a great work ethic and knowledge. There are things you have to do before you get to that part of the process.

“On your résumé, you need to include the kind of information that employers frequently want to know, as well as relevant experience. Not only should your résumé be neat, you should be neat for your interview. A first impression is a lasting impression. You need to stand out from the other applicants.”

We’re Maize & Blue.

Metro Detroit’s Leaders and Best.

100+

Discover why we are a great place to earn your MICHIGAN degree.

Learn more about our campus, scholarships, and degree programs by visiting campus.

DEGREE PROGRAMS

47 million

$

Check us out at:

IN UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED

Spring Open House | April 21

130+

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

You can also attend a Go Blue Friday or take a tour of our beautiful campus.

700

CO-OP & INTERNSHIP PLACEMENTS ANNUALLY

14

VARSITY SPORTS

RANKED SAFEST

PUBLIC FOUR-YEAR UNIVERSITY IN MICHIGAN

EARN THE MICHIGAN DEGREE! The degree that makes the difference.

umdearborn.edu 313-593-5100

STATEUNIVERSITY.COM

University of Michigan-Dearborn was founded in 1959 with a gift of just over 200 acres from the Ford Motor Company. Since then, we’ve grown as a comprehensive, top-ranked, regional public university.

At UM-Dearborn, we emphasize hands-on learning, small class sizes, engaged faculty, and a commitment to make an impact in southeast Michigan.

And we’re addressing challenges to the region head-on through pioneering research, strategic partnerships and civic engagement.

We are creative thinkers, innovators and leaders, and we’re proud to call Dearborn home. Our beautiful campus, once owned by Henry Ford, continues to foster his bold spirit of entrepreneurship and collaboration.

We prepare students to be Difference Makers in industry and in the community long before they graduate.

2016 STUDENT PROFILE 7,141

UNDERGRADUATE

9,131

1. Apply online at umdearborn.edu/apply 2. Request all official high school/ college transcripts 3. Submit SAT and/or ACT scores

GRADUATE

High School GPA

SAT **(equivalent)

ACT

3.30 – 3.86*

1100 – 1300 *

22 – 27 *

Average: 3.56

Average: 1190

Average: 24.8

*Based on middle 50 percent of incoming freshmen for Fall 2016 **Using new SAT concordance with 2016 ACT range and average

24 % 17:1 APPLY TO UM-DEARBORN

1,990

STUDENTS

SCHOLARSHIPS Upon admission, students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. To qualify, simply apply for admission.

Please see website for complete scholarship information and criteria.

Visit: umdearborn.edu/scholarships

STUDENTS OF COLOR

96

%

STUDENTS TO FACULTY RATIO

26

AVERAGE CLASS SIZE

OF GRADUATES ACHIEVED THEIR GOALS UM-DEARBORN CAREER SERVICES, 2015-2016 POST-GRADUATE SURVEY

OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS AND ORIENTATION | 4901 EVERGREEN ROAD, DEARBORN, MI 48128 | 313-593-5100 | umdearborn.edu | umd-admissions@umich.edu

SPRING | 2018 •

The QUAD • 9

The demand for graduate-level studies in Education, Human Resource Management and Social Justice is strong and Marygrove continues to meet the demand.

Marygrove has provided graduate degrees for more than 50 years, guided by the values of human dignity; community; social justice; ecological justice; excellence; innovation; and diversity. Marygrove was a market leader in offering the Master in the Art of Teaching degree. More than 22,000 teachers have graduated with a Marygrove MAT in that time. Also, Marygrove was a national pioneer in creating its Social Justice Master’s degree.

President Dr. Elizabeth Burns said, “Our goal is help

students advance in their careers to improve their lives and the lives of their families. Today’s graduate students want affordability and convenience.”

Marygrove provides both. Online tuition is less costly than on-campus programs. For example, Marygrove’s online Master of Arts in Human Resource Management ranks in the top 10 for most affordable online programs. Online programs also offer students the convenience of working according to their schedules, when and where they want.

Marygrove offers online master’s degrees in the Art of Teaching, Educational Leadership, Educational Technology, Reading Specialist, Special Education (Autism Spectrum Disorder)

and Human Resource Management; a mixed-format degree and certificate in Special Education (Learning Disabilities) and Education plus Teacher Certification; and an on-campus Social Justice program.

What’s more, with our decades of experience teaching adult learners, we can customize professional development programs for your team, either on campus or at one of your locations.

Are you looking to advance in your career or even change careers? Do you now want to follow your passion? You’re invited to contact Graduate Admissions, 313-927-1240 or info@marygrove.edu. Or apply online at https://applynow.marygrove.edu/application/

marygrove college Want to Advance or Change Your Career?

• Education + Teacher Certification • Educational Leadership • Educational Technology • Human Resource Management • Master in the Art of Teaching

Under Show-Cause HLC Accreditation Order

Graduate Degrees and Professional Development So You Can Follow Your Passion • Professional Development for Teachers • Reading Specialist • Social Justice • Special Education

For over 50 years, Marygrove College has been helping students master their professional skills. See what Marygrove can do for you.

Contact Steve Coddington, (313) 927-1821 or scodding@marygrove.edu or visit marygrove.edu.

Graduate Studies & Professional Development 10 •ad_10x5.indd The QUAD • SPRING | 2018 1

This is how we do it!

2/5/18 3:35 PM

Make Macomb a part of your story Everybody has a story and yours deserve to be as unique as you are. At Macomb Community College, you will find resources and opportunities that can help you own yours.

orphanages. “It shifted my thinking about most things that I have worried about in my life. I never felt so much joy as I did when seeing their faces light up and their beautiful smiles.”

Alaiziah Caddell had a fear of heights and a few other anxieties when she boarded a flight to Kenya last summer.

The first of her family to travel outside the U.S., the Macomb social work major journeyed to the African nation as part of the college’s study abroad program.

She stayed in a dormitory, climbed up a mountain and assisted volunteers and staff at three orphanages that shelter and educate children who have lost their parents to violence or disease, or whose parents are too poor to take care of them.

Laurent Bingwe grew up in Cameroon and speaks French, German and three African dialects. But to become the automotive technician he wanted to be, he knew he would have to learn English and study in the U.S. The chance for Optional Practice Training under his F1 student visa at a Mercedes Benz dealership confirmed that he made the right decision.

“Just to see how joyful and optimistic about life these children are even though faced with adversities and tragedies was incredibly uplifting,” says Caddell, shown here with children at one of the

teacher. Fortunately, Messel ignored the advice and now teaches middle school at My Virtual Academy.

Her students often have difficulty in a traditional classroom, as she once did. But at Macomb, she met with a counselor and discussed the test anxiety that hindered her in high school.

The counselor arranged for Messel to take all her tests at the Learning Center.

“By the time I transferred to Wayne State, I no longer needed test-taking accommodations,” says Messel.

“Macomb helped me make that transition. I love that school.”

“It wasn’t easy to leave family and friends behind and move into a different life setting,” he says. “But my experience at Macomb has been very positive. I have met amazing people (who) have helped me reach my goals.”

In eighth grade, a teacher advised Stephanie Messel to “think smaller” when she shared her dream of becoming a

We GIVE students the POWER to MOVE FORWARD with CONFIDENCE. More than just words.

It’s our promise to our students.

Fall Classes Start August 20 “I heard many great reviews about Macomb Community College. I must say— great decision!”

– Laurent Bingwe

• 200 career-oriented degree and certificate programs • 80% of our students leave debt free • 90% of our gen ed courses transfer • Scholarships and financial aid • Convenient class schedules • And much more!

Apply Today! www.macomb.edu SPRING | 2018 •

The QUAD • 11

By Patreice A. Massey Let’s be real about something: social media can make or break your career or job search. We’ve all heard stories or know someone who knows someone who was fired over a tweet or Facebook post. And when you apply for a job, most hiring managers will first turn to Google to scrutinize your background and personality.

In the old days, an employer could only take an applicant at face value.

When looking for a job, we all put our best foot forward in hopes of securing that coveted employment opportunity. The greater the position the more persuasive we will be as an applicant. Employers only had a résumé and an interview to rely on.

That was then.

In the present day, employers and recruiters are using social media more while using job boards less, a trend that began before 2008. They are able to dig deeper and find out more about you then you may be comfortable with them knowing.

It’s called social recruiting. It uses social media profiles, blogs and other Internet sites to find information on candidates.

Our degrees change lives.

Prepare for a rewarding career Receive a personalized education Expand your world by studying abroad Grow spiritually in a values-based community Experience fulfillment through service learning Prepare for a rewarding career Learn from professors who education care about your success Receive a personalized Expand your world by studying abroad Grow spiritually in a values-based community 36600 Schoolcraft Road Experience fulfillment through service learning Livonia, MI 48150 Learn from professors who care about your success

734-432-5339

madonna.edu 12 • The QUAD • SPRING | 2018

Social media is virtually unavoidable, so how you manage — or don’t manage — your social presence can make or break your job hunt. It’s time to take control of your image and start thinking of social media as personal branding.

You may be wondering, ‘why are my social media profiles of concern to potential employees? What I do outside of work is my business.’ The answer is simple. All companies have a culture. Company culture is the personality of a company. It defines the environment in which employees work. Company culture includes a variety of elements, including work environment, company mission, value, ethics, expectations and goals.

For example, some companies have a team-based culture with employee

participation on all levels, while others have a more traditional and formal management style.

Social media helps recruiters have a more clear idea of who you are and what you have done before they even talk with you. They also pick up clues about your personality and how you might fit into their corporate culture.

So where are employers looking and what exactly are they looking for?

According to a study on LinkedIn, “a third of companies say they have someone on staff whose job it is to research candidates online.” This means employers see value in social recruiting. But even if they don’t have dedicated staff, recruiters and hiring managers are still turning to social media to check out candidates. They are also increasingly using one of the major search engines, such as Google, Bing or Yahoo, to search candidates by name to see what turns up.

Through social media, employers and recruiters can get a sense of: • How well you communicate (your spelling, punctuation and grammar as well as your ability to clearly communicate ideas) • Your work history and education • Your industry knowledge • Your use of alcohol • Your use of illegal substances • Your use of profanity • How you spend your non-work time Bottom Line Consider using social media to find jobs and also to make yourself “findable” for recruiters who are consistently searching social media to vet candidates and also to find people qualified for their jobs.

What does Henry Ford College offer that other colleges can’t provide?

Why HFC? We enjoy fielding tough questions. We start by making sure people know some of the core facts about living and studying at one of Michigan’s best community colleges: • You can get the full college experience at Henry Ford College. This includes dozens of student organizations; art, music, theatre, dance, and culture; varsity athletics; a student-run restaurant; and more.

• We deliver more than 120 programs of study, touching nearly every academic field.

• Students who want to earn a bachelor’s, master’s or even doctoral degree can get an exceptional start at Henry Ford College. In fact, our students do better as upperclassmen than their peers who attend regular four-year colleges from the start.

• Not every career requires a four-year degree. There are hundreds of fields that offer well-paying, challenging employment with an associate degree, internships and co-op, or certification programs.

• You can earn a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts at HFC. Or stick to an associate degree or certificate option.

• Henry Ford is as affordable as colleges get. Our per-credit-hour fees are the lowest in the state for in-district students, and among the lowest for out-ofdistrict fees.

• We provide tens of millions of dollars in financial aid every year. Every student can afford to attend Henry Ford College.

• We are a true community. Henry Ford College is a warm and welcoming place, and we are proud of the diverse experiences and lives of our thousands of students.

the spectrum of programs and careers.

• Liberal arts graduates are in demand.

Liberal arts at HFC fosters exceptional critical-thinking skills, as well as the ability to write, communicate, problem-solve, and lead in team and cross-disciplinary settings.

• National median salaries for careers through HFC degrees are highly competitive. Depending on your career path, you can earn anywhere from the mid $30,000s to $100,000 or more.

The work world is changing rapidly, and we are committed to helping our graduates keep up with the changes. Whether you have a pre-defined career path or if you need help figuring out what you want to do, HFC can help you get there.

The best evidence of our high-quality programs is the success of our students. Let a few of them tell the story: “I can truly say my time at HFC changed my view on life. I am one hundred percent prepared for my future academic endeavors and confident I will succeed.” L. Avigne, Dance “I was afforded many opportunities that students from other colleges’ programs were not. The staff are knowledgeable, committed, and will bend over backward to help any student succeed. My instructors were all leaders in the field.” A. Perez, EMS “HFC’s Biotech program gave me the skills to pursue a passion I once only dreamed of.”

S. Sterling, Biotechnology “My time at HFC in the Telecommunication program was honestly a blast.” J. Rushton, Telecommunication Learn more today: hfcc.edu or look for us on social media.

Academics and careers are the main reasons students choose a college, and Henry Ford College is no exception. We are truly future driven!

• Engineers and entrepreneurs start here. Our science, technical, and business programs can launch you directly into the workforce, or lead you directly to any college of your choice, anywhere in the nation, to continue your education.

• Health care careers are booming, and HFC is a leader in health education across SPRING | 2018 •

The QUAD • 13

By Patreice A. Massey Many students and parents begin the college prep process by comparing the ACT and SAT. According to Collegereadness.org, two of the most common questions asked are, is the ACT easier than the SAT? And, do colleges prefer scores from the SAT or ACT? The SAT and ACT generally test the same types of content. The biggest differences between the tests are that the ACT has a Science Test, and there’s one SAT Math Section for which you cannot use a calculator. Most colleges don’t prefer one test over the other.

Are the ACT and SAT worth all the student stress? The short answer is, yes. The scores are, among other things, used for college admissions and merit-based scholarships.

But students need not stress anymore because there are many ways to prepare for the ACT and SAT. Preparation will no doubt relieve Take the pre-ACT/SAT The pre-ACT is essentially a preparatory test for the ACT. Register early for the ACT If you haven’t registered for the test yet, you can take care of test registration at the ACT website. Registering for the test will include creating an account on the ACT website if you haven’t done so already.

Study on the Move There are several SAT and ACT prep apps available. You can track your test prep progress and prepare for the test wherever you go.

Get Oriented to ACT/SAT Content and Question Styles The different sections of the ACT/SAT test different knowledge and skill areas.

Hence, how to prepare for English will be different from how to prepare for Math, and so on. Additionally, the ACT/SAT has its own particular question styles and formats that you’ll want to become familiar with.

Web site: www.schoolcraft.edu Answer Center: 734-462-4426

14 • The QUAD • SPRING | 2018

Identify Your Weaknesses After you have an overall idea of what and how the ACT tests, you’ll want to establish a baseline of your own skills. The most important component of this is identifying your weaknesses, so you can target them in your prep.

The most reliable way to establish a baseline is to take a complete, timed practice test. Fortunately, ACT. Inc., has released six free and official practice tests, one online and five in PDF form.

Once you’ve taken the practice test, use the scoring guidelines provided in the back of the test booklet by ACT, Inc. to figure out your score. This will tell you what sections you’re weakest in, what you’re strongest in and where your overall starting place is.

Get to Class… or Tutoring If you find it hard to study on your own, you may want to consider taking a prep class. See if your school offers after-school programs or study groups, and you may also be able to find a privately run prep course in your area.

If you want to work on your skills at your own pace or feel you would benefit more from personal attention, a tutor may be a better choice for you.

Students should avail themselves to the many resources that are designed to help them do well on these exams. To give yourself the best chance to succeed, be sure to engage in all your best test-taking practices. Get plenty of sleep the night before, have a balanced, protein-packed breakfast, and pack your bag with pencils and an approved calculator.

If you give yourself plenty of time to study and take some or all of these tips, you will be prepared to face the tests head-on.

Good luck and remember, don’t stress the test!

University of Detroit Mercy resets tuition to reflect a more precise cost of attendance University of Detroit Mercy recently announced that it would significantly lower its published tuition price to give more precise cost information to students and families. The goal is to encourage more academically talented students and their families to take a closer look at Detroit Mercy.

Detroit Mercy’s Assure Your Boundless Future Tuition Reset will reset undergraduate tuition from $41,158 to $28,000 beginning the fall of 2018. The new price of $28,000 gives students and their families a more accurate cost of attendance at Detroit Mercy before scholarships and financial aid are awarded.

Over the last two years, Detroit Mercy has conducted extensive research on its tuition and the cost of other university competitors, as well as surveyed hundreds of prospective students and parents. Those analyses indicated that a tuition reset will not only increase prospective students’ awareness of the transformative, high-quality value of a Detroit Mercy education, but also attract and enroll even more academically talented students who may not have considered applying because of the published tuition price.

“By resetting our tuition to a price from a decade ago, we are responding to the concerns of students and families who want assurance that a high quality college education is affordable and attainable,” said Dr. Antoine M. Garibaldi, president of Detroit Mercy. “I know from conversations with

parents and school officials that students are interested in Detroit Mercy, but the previous tuition price prevented them from seriously exploring the university.”

As Detroit Mercy’s tuition for 2018-2019 returns to its 2008 cost, the University will continue to provide generous scholarships and financial assistance to students.

This initiative comes at a pivotal time for students interested in obtaining a high quality, Catholic, values-based education. Research indicates that from 1982 to 2012, the cost of college throughout the U.S. increased more than 1,120 percent. Moreover, studies show that U.S. college graduates incurred an average debt of $37,172 in 2016.

Detroit Mercy believes that a bold move was necessary to help students make well-informed decisions about the colleges they were considering.

Detroit Mercy’s transformational educational and extracurricular experience will remain exactly the same. This reset will assist both “high-need” and “low-need” students and families better understand the full-time undergraduate rate they will pay before scholarships and financial aid are awarded.

“The Assure Your Boundless Future Tuition Reset will also make it possible for federal and state grant dollars to go even further for students who qualify for the maximum need-based aid,” said Deborah Stieffel, Detroit Mercy’s vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs.”

The tuition reset also makes Detroit Mercy a more viable option for students who do not qualify for need-based aid and are often forced to overlook private Catholic higher education simply because of the high ‘sticker price,” she added.

This reset comes at a perfect time in the history of the university and city. Over the last two years, Detroit Mercy has had record enrollment numbers, a higher academic profile for the entering class in 2017-18 and an increase in many national rankings. This includes a #19 rank on the 2018 U.S. News and World Report’s Annual Best Regional Colleges in the Midwest. Detroit Mercy is the only Michigan school ranked in the top 20. Additionally, the University earned a No. 12 rank for Best Colleges for Veterans in the Midwest Region and was ranked No. 32 nationally for Best Value Schools.

“It is our expectation that this reset, coupled with other positive university initiatives on and around our campuses, will attract even more students who not only want to attend the University but also be a part of Detroit’s renaissance and make a lasting impact on the community,” Garibaldi said.

To learn more about the Assure Your Boundless Future Tuition Reset, please visit http://udmercy.edu/assure, call 313-993-1245 or email admissions@udmercy.edu today.

helps build your boundless future through: > > > >

Apply now at udmercy.edu and start building your boundless future today!

Exceptional academics, A vibrant American city —Detroit, Values–based education and Career opportunities in fields that offer an exceptional future.

Detroit Mercy tuition now reset from $41,158 to $28,000! More at udmercy.edu/admission/tuition-reset.

University of Detroit Mercy 4001 W. McNichols Road • Detroit, MI 48221-3038 • 800-635-5020

MI Chronicle Quad 2018_DetroitMercy.indd 1

SPRING | 2018 •

The QUAD • PM 15 2/2/18 1:20

Calling all Detroit High School Seniors

The Michigan Chronicle presents the 3rd annual 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

The Michigan Chronicle is awarding scholarships up to

$10,000

Apply by April 2, 2018 NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY. 2017-2018 Michigan Chronicle S.W.A.G. Awards entry period starts at 12:00 AM ET on 1/2/18 and ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on 4/2/18. Open only to 12th graders who are 16 and older who are legal residents of City of Detroit or Metro Detroit area who: (a) attend a public, charter, or private Detroit or Metro Detroit high school; (b) will graduate in spring 2018; (c) have at least a 2.5 grade point average (or equivalent); and (d) are in good community standing. Visit www.michronicleonline.com/swagawards for entry instructions. Submission requirements prizes and complete details. Only one (1) Submission per entrant. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

outstanding high school seniors who have demonstrated a commitment to community, integrity and service.

Current students that live and attend school in Detroit or theMetro Detroit area and planning to attend college or a trade school are eligible to apply.

presented by

To Apply visit: https: //michronicleonline.com/2018/01/03/swag-awards-2018/ For more information, email swagawards@michronicle.com 16 • The QUAD • SPRING | 2018