“Navigating the college application process can be daunting, especially when you¹re the first in your family to consider secondary education,” said Brandy Johnson, Michigan College Access Network executive director. “We want to drive home the idea that each student should have the opportunity to attend college regardless of circumstance.”
The national initiative, hosted by Michigan College Access Network, seeks to provide each high school senior with the opportunity to apply to institutions that will further their education. Emphasis is placed on students who are first-generation college students, minorities or of low-income status.
Several schools throughout Michigan will be designated host sites where activities will take place to guide high school seniors through completing a college application. Resources and materials will be provided to educators by MCAN, and schools will dedicate classroom time to isolate the different parts of the application process so that seniors have a clear step-by-step understanding of how to determine what schools or training fits their needs.
In collaboration with area high schools, many Michigan colleges will be waiving their application fees for the week, removing financial barriers that may hold students back.
By the end of the week, all seniors are encouraged to have at least one college application completed.
During the 2014 College Application Week, 35,313 college applications were submitted with 91 percent of applications going to in-state institutions.
“Since our pilot year in 2011, we have seen significant increases in application submissions and overall college acceptance,” Johnson said. “We’re committed to continuing this trend to provide an educated and sustainable workforce for Michigan.”
This is the fifth year that Michigan is participating in the national College Application Week initiative. Last year, nearly 300 high schools hosted college-readiness activities. Michigan ranks nationally in college readiness and enrollment of low-income students. Between 2002 and 2012, Michigan’s college participation rate for low-income students increased by 22.4 percent, ranking Michigan fourth among all states.
Michigan College Application Week is part of MCAN¹s three-part series through the academic year that outlines the entire college-going process with College Cash Campaign in the winter and College Decision Day in the spring.