M a r t in Lu t h e r CoL L e ge PA R E N T S E D I T I O N

Sen d kid ing a o coll ff to Knig ege? Th h is f tWatc is or y h ou!

• Pre-College Checklist • Parents’ Top Worries • Financial Aid in 5 Steps

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID OWATONNA MN 55060 PERMIT #110

WINTER 2009-2010

MLC

1995 Luther Court New Ulm, MN 56073 Address Service Requested

winter 2009-2010

To All Parents

of College-Bound High Schoolers this magazine isn’t just about MLC. The information is Welcome! We’re so glad you’re taking a look at this But applicable to any family and any teen, no matter which colleges special “Parents’ Edition” of the MLC KnightWatch. As your teens finish their junior and senior year, you’re probably feeling the excitement—and the pressure—of all the important decisions to be made. What do your teens want to do? Where should they go to college? What can your family afford? What do you have to do now to be ready?

are in the running.

•

Our heavenly Father loves your teens—even more than you do.

This publication won’t give you every answer you’re looking for. But we hope it will provide a few hints—as well as some thought-provoking material for family discussion.

•

Our Lord Jesus knows how best to use your teens and your teens’ special gifts.

•

The Holy Spirit will guide your teens’ steps, opening and closing doors along the way.

•

God may challenge and pull and stretch your teens, but only so that they will grow.

•

And our faithful God will bless your teens, no matter what path in life they take. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

We’ll be straight with you: We’d love to have your teens here at Martin Luther College. In fact, if they don’t know what to do, we think MLC is an excellent place to be while they think and pray about their future. Here they’ll be nurtured in the Word, surrounded by other Christians, and mentored by wise and loving professors. And, practically speaking, the “general education” courses first-year students take at MLC can transfer anywhere.

God bless you during this exciting time! May you find strength in his promises:

KnightWatch is published by Martin Luther College and is intended to inform, inspire, and motivate young people who are considering enrolling at MLC to prepare for public ministry in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Comments are welcomed and should be directed to Martin Luther College Attn: Laurie Gauger 1995 Luther Court New Ulm, MN 56073 Vice President, Enrollment Management: Phil Leyrer Director of Admissions: Ron Brutlag Admissions Counselors: Dustin Sievert, Ross Stelljes, and Lori Unke Editor/Writer: Laurie Gauger Photographer: Bill Pekrul Proofreader: Heidi Schoof

President Mark Zarling meets a new family and helps them move in.

On our cover: First-year students and their families land on campus in August 2009.

2 Martin Luther CoLLege

15

SUPPER TABLE Conversation Starters Take a few minutes after supper to discuss a few of these questions about college—some serious, some not. Direct the questions to your teen, but let the whole family take part in the discussion and see where it leads.

4. If yo t s e r wha u go to t inte e t a h t e your will you college rs hr e t e r e . a aw m g f c m amil y mi iss the m ay from hree bers, na teen doin t e 5 ss th . Le e mo ost? Wh home, 1. Na. mFamily meamn see your en to advice dolla t’s say yo a st ab t u inh rs an you rs you c out t will s, “Lis in the end d d e y y a r a y e ou? s i y t ed fi in yo ou did care 19:20 tion, and people ve m s u n b r ’ t r w lif e r e h c i ante d to e—but ave to w llion 2. Proavccept insstreu.” Name tohored advice fo y w o o r ork. Wha u decide k a and ill be wi e you g lans. t d p v w i w r t you ould you ust to g d caree wan u y o r o n t y u a ? do? do an you ollege c llege ral or urb r o c u f o y do ? Ru at kin or small h W 3. o to: Big away? to g y or far b Near

8

.W you hich • S at co of the l • G ched lege? se mig u l e • K ttin ing y Does ht be g y • F eepin to cl our o our fa hard w f a g i s n • L ishin trac s on n co mily a or u k • G imitin g hom of ho time rses gree? g e y t • G ting ou ewo mew r o rk • M etting to be screen on ti rk d m an u t • Ea aging p in ti early e ime e m ting no y e hea our o in th ugh w lthy n m e mo one rnin g y

9. Psalm 13

9:14 s you bec ause I am ays, “I praise fearfully wonder full an wonder y made; your w d ful, I kno orks are w that fu Have ev ll w er you som yone in the roo ell.” m e someth thing you’re go tell ing that od at— m you “wo nder ful. akes ”

of going

6. Name twonbivleersssiintyg. sName two to a public u om, Dad, or an dangers. Has M tended a public older sibling at at wisdom can university? Wh they share? to a 7. Would youerayothueralgreoady college wher ple or where know lots of peo ew friends? you’ll meet all n

to seem ey o h w ple nk th o peo o you thi d w t e d a 10. Ntahmeir jobs. WhCyan Mom owr Dho love love heir jobs? r people t e enjoy f a few oth o think bs? jo r i id or the s—pa held? b o j t u 11. Wnhteaer—have rysoelf doing er? volu u see you t as a care a o Can y ing like th h t e ? t no som r why Why o

1

5. It’s do , im r e e g m lle emb portan o c t o: bou 14. What activities would you like to give the freed er that G t to ink a ? Yes or N h t care u a try in college? yo ou er p om to c od give hen worry y o hard. s W t a . y-at- ath: ele hoose s you 12 se things ill be to y c • Athlet ic team p • Drama h ysica home p trician, our ow the lasses w . . s n d a d l • Intramurals r was c d • Band frien her, therapis ent, tea octor, g • The l be bore ensive. n i k ch c guid • Dance/cheerleading • Choir t ’l ma p ing lothing , pastor, er, • You e too ex rd time 1 p d • Stude w a nt govern b r ment Cori e • Art Club • It’ll l have a h sick. nthi inciple i signer. indow t r h • l Stude e a s ’ T nt newspaper e pa n • Other ou • You l be hom ssag s 10:31 contain he we (y lp you in g l ’ n e . e i u C e ? h o an y d in “ Wh •Y anyt say to h o e r a e t r e h ver y u finish Is t an do o n? . 3 o 1 ents) c decisio u do ... 3 par ollege c r u yo w w w.mlc-wels.edu

Martin Luther CoLLege

Life Is Like Riding a Bike

14 Tips to help your kids ride on their own

Remember teaching your child how to ride a bike? The hardest part was knowing when to let go. Hang on too long, and your child depended on you and never learned to balance herself. Let go too soon, and your child lost control and crashed.

In the business of raising kids, every day is another bike ride. Every day you try to let go a little more. But sometimes— because you love them and don’t want to see them hurt—you hold on too long and too tightly. You think you’re protecting them, but actually you’re just hindering them from becoming independent. That can be dangerous, of course, because you can’t be with them all the time. Unless you plan on being your teen’s college roommate, they’re on their own. Here are a few things you can do to help your teens ride their bikes—and live their lives—with independence and confidence. That way, when it’s time to ride off to college, they’ll be ready. 1. 2.

Tell them they need to get a job, at least in the summer. Then let them be responsible for their work schedules. When they’re sick, let them call the boss, not you, and let them request their own vacation time.

3.

Encourage them to open their own checking account and hold them responsible for any late fees or finance charges.

4

Switch to a variable curfew policy. Have them tell you when they’re going to be home— whether it’s 10:30 pm on a Thursday movie night or 2 am on prom night. Then ask them, “And if you’re late? Then what?” Agree to consequences and carry through on them.

5. 4

As much as possible, have them choose their own classes in high school.

Have them fill out as many forms as possible themselves—applications for the ACT, medical forms for camps, release forms, etc. Make sure

they’ve got their Social Security number memorized.

6.

Don’t bail them out every time they forget something: a paper for school, socks for a basketball game, a toothbrush at a friend’s house. Let them suffer the consequences on occasion.

7.

Teach them how to use the washing machine and dryer. Teach them how to iron their own shirts. Guys too.

8.

Express your confidence in their abilities. Say, “I know you can do this” and afterward, “I knew you could do it!”

Then, when they get to college. . . 9.

Encourage them to see college as their job. Being a full-time student is like being a full-time employee with full-time responsibilities.

10. Urge them to step out of their dorm rooms—and their comfort zones—and try new things. 11. Discourage them from coming home every weekend. Often, the weekends are when relationships are formed. 12. Together, locate the campus resource people (advisor, campus pastor, nurse, resident assistant, for instance). Then, when they get a sore throat, they know where to go. Calling you might be good for sympathy, but it’s the school nurse who can dispense the needed medication. 13. Affirm their good decisions, and forgive their bad ones—but don’t rescue them from the consequences. That’s when the learning occurs. 14. Finally, congratulate them on how they’re handling their own lives. Tell them you’re proud of them. You really can’t say it enough. Martin Luther CoLLege

Parents You’ve probably heard the term. Helicopter parents are those who hover too closely over their children. While “helping” their kids, they inadvertently take over—instead of letting their children step up, make their own decisions, and take responsibility for their own mistakes. When your student goes off to college, how will you know whether you’re simply a supportive parent (who might be footing the college bill, by the way) or a helicopter parent?

Well, you just might be a helicopter parent if you . . . call your student’s prof about a grade, call the Records office to request a schedule change, call the cafeteria to complain about the food, call your student to wake him up for class, interfere with roommate difficulties, or do your student’s homework. (Actually, if you do your student’s homework, you may have graduated from generic helicopter parent to “Black Hawk.”)

That’s not to say you should never step in. At times, students desperately need their parents, especially when they face problems bigger than they are: physical illness, depression or other emotional difficulties, substance abuse, addictions, severe financial trouble, etc. This generation’s students are closer to their parents than many students of years past. The love, encouragement, assistance, and advice you give your children—children on loan to you from God—are also great blessings. And only you know how much help your student needs. Only you know when your involvement is healthy nurture and when it becomes unhealthy interference.Rev. Finding that balance begins now, while they’re still in high school. It’s Jeff Bovee definitely something to pray about!

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what about the

Sibs Left Behind?

More physical space—with more room in the house, more access to the car, and more TV and computer time. More emotional space—with more room to grow and blossom, to develop a busier social life, and to take on more leadership roles. More time and stronger bonds with younger sibs. What can you do to help ease the way for those left at home? Schedule cell and computer conversation times with the college sibling. Skype, chat on Facebook, post on Blogger, send texts. Very young sibs will appreciate knowing that they’ll get to say hi to their college sister every Wednesday at supper, for instance.

When a child goes off to college, she’s not the only one making big transitions. The brothers and sisters left at home have challenges of their own. The house is suddenly unbalanced. Something has shifted, and emotions may run high for a while. Consider what a younger brother or sister may feel: A hole in the house—less companionship, less noise, fewer games and concerts to attend, and fewer people visiting the house, since losing the older sib means losing all his drop-in buddies too. Pressure—to step up and fill some big shoes, maybe to be the next “success story” in the family. You may never have put an ounce of pressure on your children. You may have told all of them repeatedly that you’re proud of them for who they are. But they may still feel this sudden burden to do great things. A little suffocated—as they are now the focus of more undivided parental scrutiny and more family demands. On the positive side, they may also feel this:

Put a campus visit on the calendar. Knowing that they’ll see their older brother on September 30 will give them something to look forward to. Schedule something special for the family at home. Go to a hockey match or a concert or the zoo, so they know that the family will still have lots of fun together. Have realistic expectations for times when the older sib comes home. Yes, the younger sibs will be excited to see the older one, but they may resent sharing the spotlight with him again. Meanwhile, the college student will be surprised that things at home have shifted a bit and his place in the family now has a slightly different shape. Finally, while the family is thinking the weekend will be one big family hug, the college student has actually scheduled most of the weekend with his friends. Schedule just one family meal and make that extra special. Sending a teen off to college is a new leg in the family journey, so the road will be unfamiliar and a little rocky. But these difficulties pass, and the family will find itself at a new place—different, yes, but stronger and far more interesting.

More cared for—simply because you have more time for them. 6 M a r t i n L u t h e r C o ll e g e

the

W-Curve

For some students, going away to college is like going to a foreign country. They experience a kind of culture shock. Two psychologists, Zeller and Mosier (1993), explain this with the W-Curve. How long it takes to move up and down, from stage to stage, will vary with each student, but maybe knowing about it ahead of time will help ease the ride—both for your student and for you! The Honeymoon: Students can’t wait to get to college. Once there, everyone is so welcoming, and campus feels geared to their comfort—not to mention the sweet taste of freedom: no parental oversight and no more high school cliques. Everything is great. Culture Shock: The adrenaline wanes. They face reality: sharing bathrooms, getting along with roommates, missing Mom’s cooking, and doing collegelevel work. Homesickness sets in, and they stock their rooms with high school memorabilia and family photos.

being home for a longer break, such as Christmas. They feel caught between two worlds and belonging to neither one. Things at home have changed: younger siblings have more of the family’s attention, a pet has died, or their high school romance has tanked. They feel homesick for home, the home they used to know. And yet college doesn’t feel like home yet either. They may be disappointed in their friendships, their grades, or their athletic team. If they are at a Christian college, they may be surprised that students there sin. They may question their major, their career plans—all their dreams. They feel isolated and alone.

W-Curve Initial Adjustment: They alter their expectations and habits: Their roommates aren’t what they expected, but the relationship is working. The cafeteria is actually quite good. And they manage a B+ on a first test. They’re back in the saddle! Mental Isolation: This stage occurs later, after

Acceptance and Integration: They take a deep breath and resolve to make this college thing work. They develop more history with their new friends, they find a club or activity that really fits, and they discover a professor or staff member who kindly mentors them. In short, they feel connected. Eventually, they might even slip and call college “home.” Take that as a good sign: they’re adapting and adjusting, just as you want them to.

From High School to College:

The Biggest Challenge

Martin Luther College first-year students weigh in on the hardest transition they had to make.

Laura Miller (Evergreen LHS) Distance. In Washington, my whole family was at my high school and church. I’m emotionally attached to so many people that it’s hard to be away from them. Scott Zietlow (Luther High) Time management. With greater amounts of homework, comes great responsibility! Paul Spaude (Antigo HS-WI) Dorm life. It was a bit hard to get used to, but now that I am all settled in, it’s a blast!

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Sophomores

Pre-College Checklist Take the PLAN test: Talk to your guidance counselor about when this test is offered. It’s good preparation for the ACT test, which most colleges require. When the results come back, discuss them with your guidance counselor. Research: Go to your guidance office and check out college guidebooks. Get online and look at different colleges: a big state university, a medium-sized community college, a small private college, a technical school. When you go to a college for a sports or music event, look around and ask yourself: Could I see myself as a student here?

Juniors

Take the PSAT: This test is not used for college admission, but it prepares you for the ACT or SAT, which will be used. Also, if you do very well on the PSAT, you may be eligible to receive a National Merit Scholarship, which is a great honor—and a big financial help! Study: Colleges look closely at the higher-level courses you take. Sign up for courses that will challenge but not overwhelm you. Keep those grades up. And keep saving your work in your portfolio. Make a preliminary list: Which five colleges most interest you? Check out their websites and e-mail them for more information. See whether they require the ACT or the SAT. Keep your family in the loop: Your parents and siblings know you better than anyone else. They can give you valuable insights as you move closer to making your college and career decisions.

Take school seriously: Take challenging classes. Keep your grades up. Save your best work and all awards in a box, file, or portfolio. Join some clubs and teams. Colleges notice co-curriculars! Talk to college reps: It’s not too early to talk to admissions counselors who visit your school. Don’t know what to ask? That’s okay. They’ll guide the conversation. Get your number: Do you have a Social Security number? If not, call your local SS office to obtain one. You’ll need it to apply for college and obtain financial aid. Make campus visits: Choose one or two from your list and call them to set up a tour. Going on vacation? See whether there’s a college nearby to visit. Use the summer wisely: Find a job related to a career that interests you. Sign up for a class. Ask to shadow a professional in a field you’re considering. Attend college fairs and financial aid nights: Take your parents along, and bring home literature from any college that interests you. Start your scholarship search: Check your guidance office. Go online. Don’t forget to look into local scholarships offered by businesses and community groups. Register for the ACT or SAT: Your guidance counselor knows the dates when they are offered. Decide which colleges you want to receive your scores. Take practice tests to help you prepare.

8 Martin Luther CoLLege

Are You

Ready?

Seniors

Continue all the above: Keep thinking, talking to admissions counselors, researching colleges online, and making campus visits. Keep your grades up. And keep busy with student clubs and teams. Can you be the president of your club or the captain of your team? Colleges see that as a great asset. Take your ACT or SAT: Get lots of sleep the night before. Bring your pencils and your calculator. And relax! You’ll do fine. (And if you’ve done some practice tests, you’ll do even better.) Apply to your favorite schools: Can you get your list of possible colleges down to three or four? Fill out their application forms and send them in, either by mail or online. Make a calendar: Write on it every due date and deadline you need to be aware of: test registration dates and test-taking dates, and admission deadlines and financial aid deadlines for every college you’re interested in. Get your letters of recommendation: Ask teachers, guidance counselors, coaches, and employers for letters of recommendation to include with your college admissions. Give them at least three weeks’ notice. Provide the forms, any special instructions there are, and a stamped, addressed envelope. Write them a thank-you note afterwards. Complete your FAFSA: As soon as January rolls around, have your parents file their income taxes. Then complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. (Get it online at fafsa.ed.gov.) Submit it as soon as possible after January 1. (Keep copies. In fact, keep copies of everything until the end of your first year.)

Submit your SAR: Look for your Student Aid Report (SAR) in the mail after you’ve sent in your FAFSA. Then submit that report to the financial aid offices of the colleges you’re looking at. (Keep copies.) Apply for scholarships: Complete as many scholarship applications as you can. You might be surprised what you are eligible for! Remember, you must report any private scholarships and grants to the college you attend. Get them your transcripts: Ask your guidance counselor to send your transcripts to the college(s) of your choice after first and second semester. Watch the mail: You should be receiving acceptance letters and financial aid packages from the colleges you’ve applied to. Compare financial aid packages: Read carefully. One college might have higher tuition but offer much more aid, resulting in less expense to you. Make sure you really understand how much you’ll have to pay. Pick the winner: Choose a school! Send in your tuition deposit before the deadline. Sign and return the necessary financial aid award letters. Then notify the other schools that you will not be attending. Watch the mail (again): You’ll be receiving information on housing, food plans, roommates, orientation, course selection, and more. Respond promptly to all requests. Enjoy yourself! This is an exciting time! Make the most of your last days of high school and look ahead to a new phase of life!

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TOP WORRIES OF

& WHY YOU SHOULDN’T

1

He’ll stop going to church.

2

She’ll choose the wrong major—or even the wrong college.

3

He’ll get into trouble with alcohol, drugs, gambling, credit card debt, etc.

4

She’ll be homesick.

Most students will continue doing what they’ve been trained to do, so if your family has gone to church every Sunday, he’ll keep going at college. If he’s going to attend a non-WELS or ELS college, why not go together to find the nearest church or the campus chapel and meet the pastor.

There’s probably no such thing as a wrong choice, but she may decide that she’d like to make a different choice. That’s okay. Lots of students change their minds, and they usually don’t lose any ground. Her first-year credits will transfer to another college. She’ll have to start over with the friend-making process, but that will probably just make her stronger.

You could probably worry yourself silly ticking off all the mistakes he could make. Once again, he won’t become a totally different person at college. If he has grown up to make relatively responsible decisions, he’ll probably continue to do so. But please don’t expect him to be perfect. He will make mistakes. And that’s when he’ll need your love and forgiveness the most.

Yes, she probably will. It’s like separation anxiety for young adults. But she needs to go through this. She needs to loosen the ties a bit and make her own path, setting her own goals and achieving them in her own way.

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FIRST-YEAR PARENTS–

WORRY ABOUT THEM 5

He’ll get bad grades.

6

She’ll get a bad roommate.

7

He’s going to change.

If he’s used to teachers and parents nagging and checking and encouraging and praising him, then, yes, he might struggle a bit. But if he’s already learned self-reliance, if he’s a good time manager, if he’s already paid some consequences for late homework and learned his lesson, then he’ll do just fine.

Roommates can become best friends or simply neighbors who happen to share a room. Either way is fine, and learning to live with someone else can be a wonderful growing experience for her. As a parent, know that this is an area outside your control. While you can offer advice to her, the actual working out of the relationship is something she has to do. Phone calls or e-mails from you to the roommate or the roommate’s parents are not appropriate. You’ll need to stand on the sidelines and just watch, hard as that may be.

Well, let’s hope so! You don’t want to be ironing his shirts or giving him an allowance when he’s 25 years old. But the question goes deeper than that, doesn’t it. More likely you may be worrying, “Is he going to turn into someone new— someone with new ideas, new interests, new ways to look at life?”

Again, let’s hope so. While he most likely will not forsake his faith or the values you’ve taught him, he will certainly grow and change. And that’s a good thing. College is a time for him to try new activities, develop new interests, grow stronger in his faith, and see life in new ways. While exploring these new depths and distances, he’ll develop a clearer view of who he is and how he’ll use the gifts God has given him. The answers he arrives at might not be the answers you had anticipated. But that’s okay. It’s all part of the process of individuation—growing up and separating himself from you, taking everything you’ve given him and becoming an individual who will make his own distinctive mark on God’s world. 11 w w w.mlc-wels.edu

Martin Luther CoLLege

a basic college

lexicon

So that you and those admissions counselors are speaking the same language . . . Adjunct Professor: A part-time professor Baccalaureate Degree: Also known as bachelor’s degree, it is the typical degree earned after four years of college instruction. Credit: Typically represents one hour of instruction per week. Most college courses have three or four credits and meet three or four times a week. A full-time load is about 15-19 credits per semester. Dean: Person traditionally in charge of a major school or discipline at a college, such as School of Humanities. Experiential Learning: Sometimes called “service learning,” this consists of experiences outside the classroom in which you learn more about your field of study. Gen Eds: Short for “general education,” these are required introductory courses in liberal arts and sciences for first-years and sophomores. Gen Eds transfer easily from college to college. Master’s Degree: A more specialized degree you may pursue after graduating with your baccalaureate degree. Room and Board: The cost of having a place to sleep (room) and food to eat (board). If you live on campus, this is usually a pre-set fee, although some colleges have different meal plans to choose from.

an

MLC

If you’re interested in a little Martin Luther College-ese . . .

Amazon Run: A jog in the park—sort of. Groups of students tear through Flandrau State Park on foot, in shorts, and off trail—the more brush and bramble, the better. First one to bleed wins!

Aulic: Informal evening faculty talks. MLC students invite professors to speak on topics of the students’ choosing. Convocation: Special events scheduled within the school day, several times a year. Usually a speech from an off-campus expert on a topic in the teaching or preaching ministry. Daylight USA: An MLC program through which students provide short-term ministry assistance to congregations around the country. Daylight International: An MLC program that facilitates the placement of MLC students in one-year teaching positions overseas. ECE: Early Childhood Education. A four-year degree program for those who want to teach children age 0-8. Student teaching occurs at MLC’s own Early Childhood Learning Center.

RAs: Resident Advisers. Students in charge of a floor or wing of a residence hall (dormitory) who assist you with adjusting to college, getting along with your roommate, and just about anything else.

12

Tuition: The cost of your classes. Depending on the college, tuition may be a set fee per semester or it may be based on the number of credits you take.a M a r t i n L u t h e r C o ll e g e

lexicon EFE: Early Field Experiences, or mini-internships, that all MLC education students are required to do every year. First-year EFE is on campus; the other two years’ EFEs, as well as student teaching senior year, are off campus. EME: Early Ministry Experiences. Parallel to Early Field Experiences, EMEs are for preseminary students, but they are voluntary. Jobs Express: A job seekers’ program at MLC, it notifies students by e-mail if a new job listing in their area of interest comes up. Kangaroo Song: The unofficial MLC fight song, sung to the tune of “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” while bouncing up and down on bleachers. An inflated kangaroo—with a Knight in his pouch—became the unofficial mascot of our teams about 10 years ago. Moodle: An online learning forum where profs post homework and hold online discussions. Portal: Intranet service that provides daily news and directory information to everyone on campus. Informally dubbed “StalkerNet” by MLC students. Seal: A marble version of Luther’s Seal set in the middle of the mall. Walking on the seal is verboten. It’s heated so that not even snow can hide it.

EFE at MLC Many first-year students at MLC aren’t sure they want to be here. And it’s no wonder: How do they really know if the teaching or preaching ministry is for them? One way we try to assist them is with Early Field Experience (EFE) during the first week of Spring Break. The first-years in Educational Studies hear motivational speakers, learn how to plan lessons, teach mini-lessons and get peer feedback, role play classroom situations, participate in small faculty meetings, and then teach living, breathing grade school children who come to the college for this very purpose. EFE tends to be a clarifying experience for our students. A few will decide after EFE that they don’t want to be teachers, and the next year they may switch to preseminary studies or go to a different college entirely. And that’s okay. The majority, however, are confirmed in their decision. They are inspired and rejuvenated as they continue to train for ministry. EFE is yet another reason that we encourage undecided students to come to MLC for a year. Whether they decide to stay or not, they’ll have matured spiritually and emotionally; they’ll have gotten some “gen ed” credits under their belt; and they’ll have met fellow Christians who will be their friends for life.

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M a r t i n L u t h e r C o ll e g e

ANCIAL AID•FINANCIAL AID • ancial Aid • Financial Aid • Financial 14

5

BASIC STEPS

Did You K n

ow?

In 2008-2 institutio 009, MLC awarded nal aid to students $2 million in students . Over 90 receive so % of me form either fro of financ MLC m MLC, g ial aid, overnm grants, or private sc ent loans or holarship s.

OF FINANCIAL AID 1.

Go to fafsa.ed.gov on or after January 1 to complete and send in your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). MLC’s ID number is 002361.

2. Complete the MLC Financial Aid form. We

will send it to you as soon as we receive your application for admission. The MLC Financial Aid form collects basic financial information as well as special family expenses and circumstances. If you wish to be eligible for MLC need-based grants, you must submit this form to MLC by April 15. Apply

for

other

scholarships.

Check

3. ScholarshipExperts.com for starters. Any

Martin Luther College Merit Awards Every year, dozens of students win MLC scholarships based on their grades and/or ACT scores. National Merit Finalist Scholarship: $3000 awarded to each National Merit Finalist; renewable based on maintenance of a GPA of 3.75. Presidential Scholarship: $2500 awarded to each high school valedictorian; renewable based on maintenance of a GPA of 3.50.

scholarships must be reported to MLC. After you have completed the FAFSA, the

4. FAFSA processor sends you what is called a Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR will indicate your family’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and tell you if you are eligible for a federal Pell Grant. Carefully review the SAR for errors and make corrections if necessary. (MLC receives this same information electronically.) After MLC receives your FAFSA, your SAR from

5. the FAFSA processor, and your MLC Financial

Aid form, we will send you an award letter describing your financial aid package. We begin sending these letters in early April.

First-year Presidential Scholars 2009

Messenger Scholarship: $1500 awarded to each first-year student with a high school GPA of 3.75-4.00 or an ACT score of 30 or above; renewable based on maintenance of a GPA of 3.50. Witness Scholarship: $1000 awarded to each first-year student with a high school GPA of 3.50-3.74 or an ACT score of 27 or above; renewable based on maintenance of a GPA of 3.25-3.49. Martin Luther CoLLege

TIPS & TERMS What a college costs is not necessarily what it will cost you. You don’t know what a college will cost until you get your financial aid package. A more expensive college may actually cost you less than others, because it will award you more financial aid. More expensive colleges may not be higher- quality colleges. A college might jack up its price to make itself look more prestigious. Don’t be fooled. You need to allow for variable costs as well. No matter what college students choose, they need to pay for books, classroom supplies, transportation, personal items, and miscellaneous expenses. This figure varies widely, depending on how far your student must travel to and from college and how frugal they are with their living expenses. Figure about $2,000-$4,000. Beware of scholarship scams. A scholarship program might be fraudulent if it requests a fee, the web site looks cheap, it promises to find you “secret” scholarships, or it guarantees you a scholarship.

FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, required for any student who wants to be considered for federal financial aid of any kind. Grants: Money you receive from your college, the government, or some other organization. Grants are often based on need. Like scholarships, you do not need to pay them back. Loan: Money your school, your bank, or the government gives you but that you must pay back at some point. Some loans have no interest; some don’t collect interest until you graduate. Scholarship: Money your college or other organizations give you for your tuition. Scholarships are usually based on merit (your grades and other accomplishments). You do not need to pay them back. Work Study: A job you may have on campus as part of your financial aid package. At MLC, work study-eligible students might be hired as librarians, assistants in the fitness center, part-time janitors, tutors, tour guides, or many other jobs.

Remember that cost isn’t the most important factor in choosing a college. If you choose a college because of its cost but your child is unhappy there, it simply isn’t worth the money. Choose the college and the program that are the best fit for you!

For more i n

formation

,

contact Dir ector o Gene Slett edahl at sle f Financial Aid ttega@ 507.354.82 mlc-wels.edu or 21. Or go to m lc-wels.ed u/go/finaid . w w w.mlc-wels.edu

INANCIAL AID•FINANCIAL AID • nancial Aid • Financial Aid • Financial A

SOME FINANCIAL AID

15

Virtual Beyond the

Virtual tours and web sites, brochures and phone calls—they’re all fine and good. But nothing beats a campus visit. Park your car in a real-life college parking lot, take an actual tour, talk to students face to face, sit in on a class, and sample the pizza. The deciding factor for high school seniors again and again is the college campus visit. You need to sit on a bench in the quad, look up at the brick buildings, and ask, “Does this place feel right? Is it me?” Call and make appointments at all the colleges you’re interested in. Try to visit when students are on campus so you can get a true picture of collegiate life. If you’re interested in MLC, here’s what you need to know:

MLC SPRING 2009 Campus Visit Opportunities February 18-20

Focus on Ministry

March 25-27

Focus on Ministry

Ask your guidance counselor when your high school is making their “Focus on Ministry” trip to MLC. Stay overnight in the dorm and experience campus life. Meet MLC students who faced the same questions and choices you face today. Talk to athletic coaches, music directors, and professors. Discuss your future with admissions counselors. April 23, 3 pm

Family Open House

Juniors, seniors, and parents, you’re invited to learn about our programs, costs, financial aid, housing, co-curriculars. Tour campus and watch the Children’s Theater production. Call us if you can come! Any day

Personal Visit

Juniors and seniors, choose a day that works for you. Experience campus and dorm life with your personal MLC student host. Visit classes and enjoy co-curriculars. Give us a call and we’ll help you set up a time.

MLC Admissions Staff Ronald Brutlag Director of Admissions 507.354.8221 x360 brutlaro@mlc-wels.edu Dustin Sievert Admissions Counselor 507.217.6334 sieverdd@mlc-wels.edu Ross Stelljes Admissions Counselor 507.354.8221 x362 stelljra@mlc-wels.edu Lori Unke Admissions Counselor 507.354.8221 x361 unkell@mlc-wels.edu Megan Kassuelke Administrative Assistant 507.354.8221 x280 kassuemr@mlc-wels.edu

For more information, call 877.MLC.1995 or visit www.mlc-wels.edu. 16 M a r t i n L u t h e r C o ll e g e