SENIORS – FILE FINANCIAL AID by FEB 15

• The senior AND parent must apply for a PIN ( www.pin.ed.gov ) before completing the FAFSA online.  Save this PIN for signing your FAFSA and making revisions to your FAFSA. Apply for a PIN - 1 for student, 1 for parent.  Apply in early Jan.
  
• Students should file an online FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as possible after Jan. 1 (for most people that is early Feb.) www.fafsa.ed.gov .  Student and parent will input info from their 2008 federal tax form.  You may use estimated values if you file your taxes later.
• FAFSA forms must be filed by Feb 15 to qualify for state aid.
• For assistance with the forms call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).
• Complete one FAFSA for each college student in the family and list one or more colleges to receive your financial data.
• Look for the family contribution number (the amount you are expected to pay) on your SAR (Student Aid Report) which will be emailed to you.
• Award letters should arrive from colleges listing the exact financial aid package – the mix of Scholarships, Grants and Loans you are awarded.
• Make your final decision with colleges by May 1.

MI Promise Scholarship

(This program may be cut as part of the MI 1020 state budget package)

Students who score a 1 or 2 in all test areas on the MME will be eligible for the Michigan Promise Scholarship (up to $4000). 

$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

The Senior Class of Lutheran High School Westland Michigan announces its Commencement Service

Friday evening, June 8th, 2012
7:00 in the High School Gymnasium
Admission by ticket only.   

15 tickets per graduate

Class Verse To be announced

RETAKE  ACT
a)   Students must take the ACT (or SAT) entrance test to be admitted to a 4-year college (not required for Henry Ford or Schoolcraft but  those students should take the ACT for potential future use).  
b)   Register online www.actstudent.org (you get your admission ticket a week earlier) or paper registration packets are available in the guidance office.  
c)   Optional writing test – some colleges (U of M, MI State) require the optional writing test.  Check actwriting for a complete list of colleges requiring ACT plus writing.
d)   Test Prep Courses:  Some students may wish to take a test prep course – flyers from local agencies offering courses are in the Guidance office.  Fees range from $65 to $2000.  Most students would benefit with a computer CD or self-study book from your local bookstore (assuming they will actually sit down and use it).
e)   Free practice tests are available in the Office and @ www.actstudent.org and @ www.princetonreview.com .   Most students wrongfully skip this practice test or any other prep.

  Register      Preparing for the ACT (PDF; 80 pages) or pick up a FREE copy in the Guidance Office. 
Test prep  Test tips  Test descriptions  Testing Page 

Completing College Applications

 VISIT: Visit at least 2 campuses in September or October with your parents. 

• ONLINE APPS Colleges prefer you to apply online – it is faster and reduces errors.   If you apply online, you must request (in writing) that Mr. Schwecke send your transcript directly to the college. Most students will apply to 2 or 3 schools.
• DEADLINES Apply during September, October, or November.  The more selective the school, the earlier you should apply.   Some have early decision deadlines as early as October 15.
• FEES You spend $30-$60 for each application.  Some schools charge less for online applications.
• COUNSELOR RECOMMENDATIONS  Most applications have a section for the counselor to complete (online apps ask you to print a page).  I complete my section, enclose your transcript, and mail it all together.  Allow 3 days to process. 
• ESSAYS  Only a few colleges require an essay.  If you write it – make it good!  See Mr. Gieschen for printed guidelines.
• LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION If your college/scholarship application requires a letter, choose teacher(s) or a coach that knows you well.  Give teachers at least 2 weeks notice, give them a stamped addressed envelop and any specific guidelines for what you are applying for.
• RECORDS RELEASE All tuition payments must be current before transcripts are sent.

1.   Apply to colleges by the end of November.  Applications filed early give you your best consideration for acceptance and give you plenty of time for an alternate choice if your application is postponed or denied. 

2.   Apply online, type or word process your application for neatness.  Have your application to make a good first impression. 

3. If you are requesting college admission on an Early Action or Early Decision basis, be sure that your application materials are submitted by the deadline.

4.   You complete the student portion (and essay if required) and give it to the guidance secretary with your application fee check (made payable to the college).  We will add your transcript, complete the Counselor’s section and mail the application.  Transcripts must be mailed directly from LHWL and are not official if given directly to the student. Allow two (2) days to process and mail the application

5.   If you require letters of recommendation (other than the one by the Counselor on the application form), give a written request to a teacher or coach at least 2 weeks before it is due. 

• List the name and address to which the recommendation is to be sent and the reason (admission/scholarship) for the recommendation.  

• Include a stamped envelop
• Ask a teacher or employer who knows you well and who will write you a positive recommendation. 

• Follow up with your referers in 2 weeks to ensure that forms have been sent 

If you are seeking an athletic scholarship, contact the appropriate coaches; ask your high school coaches about contacts they have.

If you are seeking an NCAA Division I or NCAA Division II school, register with the NCAA Clearinghouse.

College Financial Aid Seminar

For Parents and Students
   Targeted for Juniors and Seniors but all are welcome.

Monday Jan 17, 2011    7:00pm     LHW Media Center

May 1-Make your final decision about which college you will attend. Notify the college of your choice in writing by the appropriate deadline. Decline, in writing, other offers of admission (other students may be waiting for that place in the freshman class).

• Sign your financial aid award letter and any other items requiring your signature and return them. 

• Schedule an appointment with the school's financial aid administrator if you have questions or wish to discuss the contents of your award letter. If a personal visit is not possible, call the financial aid office and ask for an extension of time so that you can make up your mind

• Notify the financial aid office of any outside scholarships, grants, or other kinds of student aid from private sources that you will receive.

• Complete separate application forms for any loan funds that require such application; understand all of your rights and responsibilities before you and/or your parents sign a promissory note.

• Select a housing and a meal plan, if necessary.

• Find out when payment of school charges for tuition, fees, room and board, will actually be due; plan how you will meet those charges. Be sure you understand how financial aid will be disbursed and whether you can defer bill payment until the funds are available.

• Be aware of any summer orientation sessions that you must attend at the school in which you will enroll and make plans accordingly.

CERTIFY YOUR MI MERIT AWARD

Seniors who qualify for the MI Merit Award - based on MEAP test OR MI Merit Exam  must certify their award using their PIN number printed on their award letter.  Certify here.

The award provides up to $3,000 to high school graduates for outstanding performance on their  (MEAP) tests. 
  Overview of the program, including information about how to qualify.

• Continue to talk with your family about how you will pay for college expenses that financial aid will not cover. Investigate tuition payment plans that the school may offer or accept.

• Make a plan for saving a portion of your summer earnings

• Prepare a proposed budget for your freshman year.

• If a Federal Work Study opportunity is part of your aid package, remember that it may be your responsibility to find an appropriate job. You will need to follow up with the financial aid office as soon as you arrive on campus.

MICHIGAN MERIT EXAM (MME)  -   JUNIORS
All Lutheran High Westland juniors will take the free MME in March 2010. 
Students who pass the MME will be eligible for the MI Promise Scholarship (up to $4000).

The test is given at LHW. 
The MME is made up 5 tests given over 3 days. 
       ACT plus writing , WorkKeys (math and reading)
       Michigan Math, Michigan Science, Michigan Social Studies
The MME consists of 7 tests given over 3 days:

   MME Test Spring   2009     JUNIORS      

Tues March 9   7:55-12:15  ACT Plus Writing®  
       English, Math, Reading, Science Reasoning, Writing 

Wed March 10   7:55 - 12:00  WorkKeys®  + MI Math

Thur March 11   7:55 - 12:00  MI Social Studies + MI Science

Make-Up Tests:       March 23-25

ACT Test Prep
Sophs and Juniors and Seniors

College Representatives Admission representatives will be at LHW to meet with interested students in Sept, Oct, and Nov.  Students are responsible for any missed class work.