
Ike Counseling Newsletter: February
Mid-Winter 2024
Counselor Caseloads (Last Name Alpha Breakdown)
A – Da: Ms. Chappelle amy.chappelle@uticak12.org 586-797-1369
Db – H: Mrs. Ahlborn maura.ahlborn@uticak12.org 586-797-1360
I – Me: Mr. Versele thomas.versele@uticak12.org 586-797-1363
Mi – Sc: Mrs. Hotts carla.hotts@uticak12.org 586-797-1367
Sd – Z: Mrs. Frederick brienn.frederick@uticak12.org 586-797-1362
Check your class Schoology page regularly!
Important Counseling Office Staff
Want to be an OU Honors College Student for a Day?
Are you a high-achieving high school student entering your sophomore, junior or senior year in the fall? Would you like to participate in an exciting program that will provide you with the opportunity to discover what it's like to be in an Honors College? We would love to have you apply for this fabulous opportunity!
Event: March 28th from 10:30-2:30pm at the OU Honors College
Applications are Due: March 8th. We will notify those selected!
Students with a 3.7 or higher GPA are welcome to apply. We will select 30 students to join us (at no cost!) on the beautiful campus of Oakland University on Thursday, March 28th from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Lunch will be provided! We have a fun-filled and enriching day planned just for YOU!
Click HERE to apply!
Updates from Federal Student Aid: Delays Announced
Recently, the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) released an announcement regarding the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), also known as the Better FAFSA. Government agencies and higher education institutions are not expected to receive FAFSA data until sometime in March.
What Does This Mean for Students and Families?
- This delay does not impact a student’s ability to complete the 2024-25 FAFSA. We encourage high school seniors to complete the 2024-25 FAFSA as soon as possible.
- Upon completing the FAFSA, students will receive an email informing them that their FAFSA form has been fully processed and their FAFSA information has been sent to the institutions they listed on their form.
- Students who applied using the online FAFSA form will receive an email that they can access their FAFSA Submission Summary by logging into StudentAid.gov using their account username and password.
MI Student Aid will continue to provide updates as more information is available.
Contact Information: michigan.gov/mistudentaid // mistudentaid@michigan.gov // 888-447-2687
The online FAFSA application is OPEN!
SENIORS: APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR!
The 2024-2025 school year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be available this month (December 2023). Families are encouraged to complete the application early to maximize your eligibility for financial aid. This must be completed by the parent/guardian and requires information from your 2022 tax returns. FAFSA is completed online. Oakland University provides additional assistance with the process. You can register here for an online FAFSA workshops (Click here!). Do not delay this step in your college planning!
Additional FAFSA Resources:
- FAFSA Questions: Stand Out College Prep
- FAFSA Worksheet (From OU)
- Paying for College Presentation Outline (from OU)
- FAFSA Workshops (From OU)
- Financial Aid Offer Evaluation (From OU)
- Estimating Costs of College (From U of M)
- Applying for Aid: New Undergraduates (From U of M)
- Types of Aid
- Financial Aid Planning Tools
Class of 2024 Schoology Group: Important Info
💸Several NEW SCHOLARSHIPS have been added to the "Class of 2024" Schoology Group. Most of these scholarships are for OUR students only! Be sure to check back regularly! 💸
MI STUDENT AID VIRTUAL COLLEGE FINANCIAL AIDNIGHTS
MI Student Aid hosts virtual college financial aid nights once a month December thru April. The webinars are intended for students and families looking for college financial assistance. Topics include FAFSA application information, federal financial aid programs, state financial aid programs, and scholarship search tools. The webinars begin at 6:30 p.m. on their respective dates. Click HERE to register!
Scholarship Information & Important Links
- Fastweb Scholarship Search Platform
- College Counseling: Scholarships & Contests
- National Scholarship Newsletter: Registration Page
- Michigan Scholarships
- Check out the Class of 2024 Schoology Group!
JUNIORS: Paying for College Presentation
Save the date! We are hosting a virtual Financial Aid Presentation "Paying for College" on Thursday, May 2nd at 6pm. Join us from the comfort of your home as Dr. Gilchrist shares information imperative to current Juniors (and their parents) that plan to attend college. More information to follow as we get closer to the virtual event!
State/National Testing: Practice Information
Testing Season has officially begun! In April, students will be participating in PSAT-10, SAT, and ACT WorkKeys. Test preparation is key to doing your very best on these important assessments. Check out these testing resources:
- Khan Academy - Test Prep (online, free, & individualized)
- MISD Student SAT Prep Workshop (March 9th) - must register for in advance
- MISD Student SAT Prep Workshop (March 16th) - must register for in advance
SENIORS: Request your Mid-Year transcript via Xello!
Students applying to non-common app schools will use the Xello platform to submit supporting documents for college applications. Click here to view the instructional video.
UCS Career & Technical Education (CTE) information
The UCS Career and Technical Education department has updated its website and pathways, including new informational videos that provide an overview and benefits of its programs. Below are links to the new pathway sites and videos:
School-to-Work Internships
There are positions available for students who are interested in School to Work opportunities for the 2024-2025 school year. Job opportunities are available in medical, business, and manufacturing.
For more information, contact Mrs. Lelito at catherine.lelito@uticak12.org or send her a TEAMS message. Use the QR code to apply for a STW position for the 24-25 School year.
Macomb Engage!
Check out the amazing Macomb Engage website from our local MISD. It has a Career Spotlight Series, Future Planning Resources, Career & Technical Education Information, and Industry Engagement resources.
UCS Wellness
Scheduling Information
Course requests for the 2024-2025 school year are happening NOW! Counselors recently presented to current 9th-11th graders regarding scheduling information. We are meeting with students one-on-one in the coming weeks to review course selections and ensure student selections are requested in PowerSchool. Please see scheduling information HERE.
UCS College Central
Welcome to UCS College Central - Home for all current and future UCS Alumni! Consider this your one stop for valuable resources as you prepare for your next academic step. These resources are organized with links and videos to provide students and parents self-directed assistance to navigate through the post-secondary planning process. Visit the UCS College Central today!