Guidance Department
Mr. Tim Gieschen, Guidance Director    Email: Timothy Gieschen
"If you wonder about what the future holds, trust HIM who holds the future."

GUIDANCE LINKS                  Careers      College Financial Aid      College Selection      MI College Directory      National Honor Society      Scholarships      Seniors      Testing      Transcripts    DOWNLOADS                     School Profile (pdf)   Academic Course Catalog(pdf)   Coll. guidelines book (pdf)   Gear Up for College (pdf)   Application Organizer (doc)   Brag Sheet- Profile (pdf)	Michigan Merit Exam (MME) The required testing is free to juniors.  The MME consists of 7 tests given over 3 days:    ACT plus writing     WorkKeys (math and reading)    Michigan Math     Michigan Science     Michigan Social Studies    Michigan Reading    Michigan Writing    MME Test Spring   2009     JUNIORS                      Tues March 10  7:55-12:15  ACT Plus Writing®          English, Math, Reading, Science Reasoning, Writing  Wed March 11   7:55 - 12:00  WorkKeys®  + MI Math Thur March 12   7:55 - 12:00  MI Social Studies + MI Science Make-Up Tests:       March 24-26
	The Senior Class of Lutheran High School Westland Michigan announces its Commencement Service Friday evening, June 5th, 2009 7:00 in the High School Gymnasium  Admission by ticket only.    15 tickets per graduate Class Verse Proverbs 4:11 "I have taught you the way of wisdom;    I have led you in the paths of uprightness." (ESV)
	ACT test preparation -  Sophs and Juniors Test Prep Courses:  flyers from local agencies offering courses are in the Guidance office.  Fees range from $65 to $2000.  CD or self-study book from a local bookstore TESTGEAR:  A free online course, funded by the state, gives students up to 30 hours of ACT training.  Create a free account by clicking the link on the www.lhwl.lhsa.com homepage. Free ACT practice tests are available in the Guidance Office or online at                        www.actstudent.org and www.princetonreview.com.   Test tips               Test descriptions   How can a student prepare for the Michigan Merit Exam (MME)?  Michigan Virtual High School (MVHS) has licensed testGEAR as a FREE online test preparation tool for the ACT®, Michigan Math, Michigan Science and Michigan Social Studies portion of the MME.  How long does it take  to complete the testGEAR program? The time it takes an individual student to complete testGEAR varies.  TestGEAR provides a maximum of 60 hours of instructional test prep materials. How does a student begin using testGEAR? Students must create a unique username (Portfolio) and password in order to access the test preparation tools and save their work in a secure environment.     THE  TESTGEAR  PROGRAM          1.  Take the BrainScan diagnostic (30 minutes) to assess your strengths and weaknesses. 2. Based on your diagnostic results the Smart Curriculum will prescribe a customized study plan. 3. If you choose not to follow the entire Smart Curriculum and want to focus on specific area, then refer to the Course Library. 4. MicroCourses, Practorials and the VocabLab will help you build skills and provide useful strategies to help you ace the test you’re preparing for. 5. Take the Practice tests to gauge your skills with test items that mirror the formats on the real test. 6. Once you’re ready, get a feeling for the real thing by taking the2 full-length practice tests. You will need to create a new portfolio.     REGISTER        New Users: Visit: http://www.bridges.com/mvhs ·     Click the “First time user?” button to create your username.  ·     Follow the listed directions to create your portfolio. Once you have finished registration, you will see “Your Tools.”
	Seniors: Apply for fin aid in January 1.  Apply for a PIN - 1 for student, 1 for parent.  Apply in early Jan. 2.  File your FAFSA online  by March 1
	ACT - JUNIORS Register online ($30) @ www.actstudent.org You Students are encouraged to set up a Student Web Account.  With a web account, students will immediately confirm their test date and site and print the admission ticket. Paper registration packets are available in the guidance office if online registration is not possible.  Juniors will take one ACT plus writing in March as part of the MI Merit Exam.  Most students will choose to take the April or June ACT also.  Optional writing test – some colleges (U of M, MI State) require the writing test.  Check the ACT website for a complete list of colleges requiring writing. Preparing for the ACT (PDF; 80 pgs) or pick up a FREE copy in the Guidance Office. Register online.(Takes 30 minutes)
	EXPLORE RESULTS - FRESHMEN Freshmen:  Complete your World of Work Career explorations using the         EXPLORE website or      ACT Career Planning Website or       LHW Career Planning Website   PLAN RESULTS - SOPHOMORES Sophomores:  Complete your World of Work Career explorations using the         PLAN website or      ACT Career Planning Website or       LHW Career Planning Website
	Michigan Promise Scholarship Students from the class of 2008 who pass the MME will be eligible for the Michigan Promise Scholarship (up to $4000).  Students who receive qualifying scores on the MME  may receive up to $1,000 per academic year for each of their first two years of college enrollment and up to $2,000 after the successful completion of two years of postsecondary education with at least a 2.5 GPA     Students who do not receive qualifying scores on the MME may receive up to $4,000 after the successful completion of two years of postsecondary education with at least a 2.5 GPA