A nationwide effort to support college application week has been declared by President Barack Obama, who proclaimed November National College Application month and in our state by Governor Snyder who recently declared Nov. 3-7, 2014 Michigan College Application Week. These efforts across the country can be seen on a local level at nearly 300 high schools and career technical centers across the state. As part of the nationwide American College Application Campaign (ACAC) initiative launched by American Council on Education (ACE), Michigan College Application Week seeks to increase the number of students applying to college in their senior year, with a focus on first-generation college-going students, low-income students and minority students who may not otherwise apply to college.
During Michigan College Application Week, seniors at participating high schools and career technical centers will be assisted as they complete college applications during the school day, with the goal of every graduating senior submitting at least one college application. Students may apply to any in-state or out-of-state college or university of their choice. School staff and volunteers will work with seniors to complete and submit their application successfully.
A number of Michigan’s community colleges and public universities with application fees have elected to waive their application fee during the week. Many other institutions already offer free online or paper applications.
“We’re thrilled the White House and Michigan’s governor support our efforts to increase the number of students applying to college,” said Brandy Johnson, Executive Director of MCAN. “This is the most crucial step on the pathway to college. At least 70 percent of all new jobs in Michigan will require at least an associate’s degree by 2020.”
The initiative is supported by Governor Rick Snyder, who proclaimed Nov. 3-7, 2014 Michigan College Application Week, and President Barack Obama, who declared November 2014 National College Application Month.
| Region | Number of Participating Schools |
| Upper Peninsula | 13 |
| Northern Lower Michigan | 30 |
| East Central Michigan | 30 |
| East Michigan | 37 |
| West Michigan | 46 |
| South Central Michigan | 28 |
| Southwest Michigan | 16 |
| Southeast Michigan | 35 |
| Metro-Detroit (Wayne, Oakland, Macomb Counties) |
60 |
| Total | 295 |
In 2013, 208 high schools and career technical schools participated in Michigan College Application Week. Of the 182 schools that reported data, 16,279 seniors participated with 20,975 applications submitted. 47 percent of the students indicated applications submitted during MCAW were their first applications, and 37 percent indicated they would be the first in their families to attend college. Most applications were submitted to in-state colleges and universities (19,719).
An interactive map of participating schools can be found at www.micollegeaccess.org/2014-host-sites or a list can be emailed to you by request. For more information on Michigan College Application Week and MCAN, visit https://www.micollegeaccess.org/statewide-initiatives/college-application-week.
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