College is an investment you make in yourself and the best way is to start planning early. Valuable information is available for students, parents, and high school counselors.

High School Counselors

Outreach training is provided to high school counselors each year to keep them updated on financial aid changes that will impact a student’s ability to go to college. Additional information is available:

• 2013 High School Counselor Webinar Series

  The following Webinars have been provided as a result of requests received from high school counselors. Questions regarding these Webinars may be directed to Patty Hill, High School Services, at 517-373-6051 or hillp@michigan.gov. NOTE: To view the Webinars, you will need to complete a short form. This helps us to count the number of people interested in these topics.

  • Financial Literacy: The Basics
  • Assisting Youth with Special Circumstances
  • Student Loans
  • Support Resources and Organizations for Counselors

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  • Handout for Financial Literacy: The Basics
  • Handout for Assisting Youth with Special Circumstances
  • Handout for Student Loans
  • Handout for Support Resources and Organizations for Counselors

• 2012 High School Counselor Webcast

  This link contains the recorded version of the 2012 High School Counselor Webcast, as well as the PowerPoint presentation, resource material, and questions and answers. If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact Patty Hill, High School Services, at 517-373-6051 or hillp@michigan.gov.

• SSG Newsletter for High School Counselors
• High School Counselor Resources

Federal Student Aid Program Requirements

As legislative changes come about, students should be aware of all new requirements for the federal student aid programs. This would include grants and scholarships (e.g., Pell Grant, etc.), Direct Student Loans, Perkins Loans, and Aid to Military Families.

• FEDERAL STUDENT AID SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Budgeting for College

As students prepare to enter college, it is important that they learn how to set goals, assess their needs realistically, budget how they will live, manage credit, and develop good spending and saving habits that will make a positive difference in their financial future. SSG has prepared a budget sheet and college checklist to help students plan ahead.

• Budget Sheet and College Checklist

Why Should I Attend College Fairs?

A college fair is an event organized by a high school, school district, or community organization and sponsored by school boards or professional guidance associations. This setting provides an excellent opportunity for students and parents to learn about many different universities and their admission requirements in one evening. Additional information is available on getting the most out of college fairs:

• College Fair Tips

Choosing a Career

What are your dreams? What are your goals? Where do you want to be ten years from now?

Answering these questions involves career planning. It is never too early to start planning for a career; students can start as early as middle school. The links listed below provide insight on self-assessment, occupational options, and action steps needed to achieve your lifetime career.

• Michigan College Access Network
• Michigan Virtual University
• Mapping Your Future
• Student Aid on the Web

College costs have increased over the last ten years; however, options are still available. Planning ahead will provide the most benefits.

Paying for College

This online publication provides a comprehensive overview of student financial aid including information about how to apply for aid, state and federal aid programs, searching for scholarships, helpful calendars and checklists for students and more.

• Supplemental Information

Michigan Postsecondary Handbook

A comprehensive but concise handbook that contains current information on admission requirements, campus characteristics, program offerings and application procedures for each postsecondary institution in Michigan.

Other related links:

• Student Aid on the Web (FAFSA)
• College Navigator
• Paying for College-Student Resource Guide
• Mapping Your Future
• College Answer
• OffToCollege