Planning for College

  • Glossary of College Going Terms - Common phrases and terms used in the college application process and what they mean!

    Naviance - All 7th-12th grade students are required by the State of Michigan to update their Educational Development Plan once a year. This EDP is how our school helps students frame their educational experience and help them shape their time in school so that it supports their career goals after High School. Each grade level has different requirements that are geared towards their developmental needs. Students login to Naviance wthrough Clever.

    College Score Card - Dig deep into the data about a college or training program you're interested in. This tells you the average costs of attendance, retention and graduation rates. Don't get lulled into believing all the great things that are listed on 1 school's website. Instead, look at the federally reported information that is updated regularly. This is an easy to understand tool which helps you see facts clearly.

    Career and Technical Education - Students have the option, beginning their 11th grade year, to take any of a variety of CTE programs offered through Eaton RESA or the Ionia County Career Center. These programs offer hands on training in high demand career fields. This training can include the chance to earn college credit, certification in several career related aspects. These programs take up half the day at our school and result in earning various graduation credits as well. These programs are a year long.  

    Juniors: You should begin looking at the types of colleges, university, or training programs that you're interested in attending. Now is the time to start doing visits to a variety different settings - big schools, small schools, private or public. Get a feel for "the right fit." When you get a type of campus that you feel comfortable in, start looking at specific universities that are similar to that setting.

    Seniors: You have to complete FAFSA, which opens up October 1. Additionally, you need to begin applying to colleges early in your first semester. Take time to apply to a variety of colleges that aligned to your visits from your Junior year. Your applications should be specific to the institution you are applying to. If given an essay option - take it! When you're able to talk about why you want to go to that location talk about the experience you had during your visit your Junior year. If you haven't yet, it's also a good idea to see about a tour of the specific program you want to participate in. You should apply to colleges with in your GPA and SAT score range. It's a good idea to have 1-2 stretch schools (A college that has a bit higher GPA and SAT requirements than you currently demonstrate) as well as a couple sure bets!

Ready to Apply to colleges?

  • Many applications open over the summer before your senior year, some not until a month or so into your 1st semester. We recommend using CommonApp to complete 1 application for multiple colleges at once. 

    Answers to common questions about college applications include:

    1. We do not report class rank.
    2. Early decision plans are binding: A student who is accepted as an ED applicant must attend the college.
    3. Early action plans are nonbinding: Students receive an early response to their application but do not have to commit to the college until the normal reply date of May 1 
    4. You should consider either EA or ED for your "dream school."
    5. You must submit a transcript request through Parchment. If the college sends a request on your behalf we will not honor that. You must use Parchment.
    6. You should apply to around 6 total schools. 1 should be a reach school (Your GPA or test scores may be at the bottom of their average your admitance, but you really would like to go), 1 should be a safety school (You know for a fact you'll get in, and you'd be OK attending there). 
    7. You should book an appointment to talk about college fit choices with your School Counselor