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BHS College Kick-off Guide

Researching + Applying to College

BHS CollegeKick-off GuideResearching + Applying to College

This guide is designed to help BHS students and their families navigate the college admissions process.

What's covered:

  • Upcoming BHS College Events
  • Useful Resources
  • College Application Timeline
  • Researching Colleges (What to look for, Where to look, Tours, etc)
  • Applying to Colleges (Common App, Letters of Rec, Essays, etc)
  • Financial Aid + Scholarships
Thinking something other than College?
Check out information trade schools, military service, apprenticeships, employment, and career training programs!

📆 Mark your Calendars!

🎓 CLASS of 2026

🎓 BHS Senior Events/Graduation Info & Dates
This document shows important dates/deadlines for senior events such as Yearbook photos, Cap & Gown orders, Graduation ceremony and tickets, Senior all night party, etc. Contact Senior Advisors Becky Flood and Emily Olsen with questions.

🧍🏻‍♀️ CLASS of 2027

📆 Add BHS Student Events Calendar to your Calendar
Open Google Calendar. Scroll down to "Other Calendars".
Click the "+"
Select "From URL"
Paste the URL and click "Add Calendar"

✍🏻 College Essay Brainstorming Workshop - June 4th, 3rd + 5th hours

in the College + Career Center

3rd hour Sign up here

5th hour Sign up here

🙋 Drop-in College Application Help every Wednesday Sept-Nov

Are you confused about...the college application process?... filling out college applications?... not knowing where to start?


  • Starts Wed, September 3rd - Wed, November 5th
  • in College + Career Center
  • Bring your computer, lunch, and a friend!
  • Be sure to check out this guide and the BHS Counseling College website for answers to many of your questions!

🚩 College Info Sessions at BHS during September!

During a College Info Session, a college admissions representative/counselor presents to a group of BHS juniors and seniors about their college, admission requirements, application process, scholarships, campus life, and more!


Meeting the college admissions representative for a school you are interested in applying to can be very helpful during the application process. Especially if a school visiting is one of your first choices, introducing yourself to the representative can go a long way!


To attend a BHS College Info Session :

  • Be in the 11th or 12th grade
  • Sign up at least 1 day in advance. (Sign up for up to five info sessions)
  • Sign-up Genius confirmation email = Pass to leave class (You will not be called down)
🚩Sign-up for September College Info Sessions at BHS!
All College Info Sessions take place in the College + Career Center unless noted otherwise.

🚌 HBCU College Fair at Oakland Schools - September 26, 2025

BHS will be taking 30-40 juniors and seniors to Oakland Schools in Waterford for the HBCU Fair
morning of Friday, September 26th.


✅Signed permission slip due SEPTEMBER 9th

Permission Slip for HBCU Fair Field Trip
Signed permission slip must be returned to Mrs. Wyatt or Mrs. Belsky in Counseling Center by SEPTEMBER 9th

🆓 October is Michigan College Application Month! 💰

During College Application Month, many Michigan colleges will waive their application fees!
Some Michigan colleges will waive fees for only a specific week in October.

Check back for promo codes in late September!

⏬Scroll down for more information on college app fee waivers

🚩 BHS/Clawson/ROHS Future Fair - October 8, 2025

College + Career Fair

6:00-7:30 PM

BHS West Gym

Registration link

Grades 9-12 welcome!

🥳 Onsite Admissions Day at BHS - October 17, 2025

Onsite Admissions Day is your chance to meet one-on-one with college admissions reps right here at BHS in the LMC and even get accepted to college on the spot!


Participating colleges so far:

Central Michigan University

Grand Valley State University

Lawrence Tech

Michigan Tech

Oakland Community College

Oakland University

Western Michigan University

University of Detroit Mercy

💡 What to Expect:

  • Meet with admissions reps from colleges across Michigan (you can meet with more than one!).

  • Each meeting is about 10 minutes.

  • The reps are friendly and supportive — they want to help you get in!

  • You’ll get an admissions decision that day. No waiting!

  • Many students also receive scholarship offers or learn about exclusive opportunities!

💸 Bonus: It’s FREE to apply to all participating colleges!

💬 Every year, some seniors skip Onsite Admissions Day because they’re nervous or unsure.

Then they see their friends getting into multiple colleges, receiving scholarships, and avoiding the stress of waiting... and they regret not signing up. Don’t make that mistake!

🥳 Onsite Admissions Day class of 2025 stats:

49 seniors participated | 94 offers of admission! | $886,200 in scholarships


12 colleges participated: Central Mich, Ferris State, Grand Valley State, Kettering, Lawrence Tech, Michigan Tech, Oakland Community College, University of Detroit Mercy, University of Michigan Dearborn, University of Michigan Flint, Western Michigan University

✅ What You Need to Do:

  1. Sign up by October 9th.

  2. Attend the Mandatory Lunch Meeting on October 10th in College + Career Center.

  3. Submit your applications by each colleges' deadlines listed on the Sign-up!

  4. Show up October 17th ready to meet with reps and make moves!

🥳 Sign-up for Onsite Admissions Day by October 9th
Put your appointment times in your phone and/or on your calendar!
Make sure you submit your application by each colleges' deadline listed on the sign up!
BHS - My College List Tracker
Use this document to keep track of all college things! There are 5 different tabs, so you can keep track of colleges you are thinking about, colleges you are applying to, whether those colleges require essays, passwords, and scholarships!

Get Schooled

Super helpful website that’s all about making your life easier when it comes to school and jobs. They’ve got free tips, tools, and advice to help you with stuff like applying to college, finding scholarships, building a resume, and landing a job. It’s made for teens like you, so you can hit your goals without feeling overwhelmed.

College Application Hub

College Essay Guy is an awesome resource that helps you tackle your college essays and applications without all the stress. It’s packed with free tools, tips, and guides to help you write essays that stand out, discover your best stories, and feel confident about the whole process.

"How to College" Playlist from CrashCourse
Check out this 16 video playlist from CrashCourse covering everything from "To College or Not to College", "How to Apply for College", "How to Choose a Major" to "Finances After College"

📲 College Advising Textline (free 24/7)

Sign up for Get Schooled's Free College & First Job Advising Textline! We're here to help you prepare, find financial aid & scholarships, succeed in college, and more!


You'll receive weekly texts to support you in planning for college & help finding a job.
You can also text us your questions & our College/Career advisors will reply with 1:1 guidance on:

  • Stay in the know of new scholarships and exclusive to Get Schooled scholarships
  • Help with completing financial aid forms for college (like FAFSA)
  • Finding a first job & meeting your career goals
  • Building your resume (and get feedback from us for free!)
  • Writing college application essays (and get your essay reviewed for free!)

College Timeline for 9-12th grade

11th gr: ⛄Winter-Summer🌞

  • Research colleges
  • Tour campuses
  • Create your College Resume/Activities List
  • Write the Personal Statement / Common App Essay (if required)

12th gr: 🍂Fall

  • Create your college application list
  • Ask teachers for letters of recommendation (if required)
  • Write supplemental essays (if required)
  • Attend any college events at BHS, on campus, virtually
  • Complete your FAFSA starting October 1st
  • Submit applications by November 1st

12th gr: ⛄Winter

  • Apply for scholarships
  • Wait for admissions decisions
  • Review financial aid award packages from colleges (once accepted)

12th gr: 🌼Spring

  • Apply for scholarships
  • Decide where you will be attending college and pay deposit/housing (by May 1st!)
  • Accept/decline financial aid package
  • Complete the BHS Senior Survey and the EDP Tasks in Xello!
  • Order your final high school transcript to be sent to the college you will attend

What are you looking for in a college?

  • In-state? Out of state? How far from home?
  • Big campus or small?
  • Large student body? Medium? Small?
  • Rural, Suburban, or Urban campus?
  • Any must-haves? Clubs, sports, activities, programs?
  • Which academic program/major(s) are you thinking about? Do the schools have them?
Free 4-Year Tuition Programs in Michigan
Free Tuition Programs for Low-Income Students at Four-year Colleges and Universities in Michigan

Start a "Colleges I'm thinking about" list

Keep track of your research on colleges
Use this document to keep track of all college things! There are 5 different tabs, so you can keep track of colleges you are thinking about, colleges you are applying to, whether those colleges require essays, passwords, and scholarships!

Where can you find information on colleges?

College Databases + Guides

👋 Contact Admissions Counselors + College Info Sessions

Every college/university has an admissions counselor/representative assigned to BHS!
📖They are often the people who read your application first!


  • Call or email with the admissions counselor to ask questions, get contact information regarding a major/program.


  • Ask to be connected with advisors, professors, students in the majors/programs you are interested in.


  • To find out who the Admissions Counselor is for BHS --> go to colleges' undergraduate admissions websites and look for "Meet our Team" or "Find my rep".


  • Attend College Info Sessions at BHS, talk to reps at College Fairs, attend Admissions Events on campus or virtually - Colleges keep track of that stuff!

📩 Sign up for Email Updates + Request Info!

  • Request more info/email updates on the colleges' undergraduate admissions websites!


  • Follow colleges' undergraduate admissions on social media!


  • 📩 HACK: Create an email address that is just for college applications, so important emails do not get buried in your other email accounts!

🏫 Official Campus Tours and College Fairs

  • Make a plan to visit a couple schools based on your college research! Set up tours on schools' undergraduate admissions websites.


  • When arranging a tour -- email or call the admissions office to ask if you can be connected with advisors, professors, students in the majors/programs you are interested in while you are on campus!

💻 Virtual Tours and College Fairs

  • 💻 If getting to the campuses isn’t possible, learn as much as you can online via virtual information sessions.


  • ⏩ Check out CampusReel - the tours on Campus Reel are led by real, current students, usually in selfie-mode on their phone, and you get to hear them share more about what they love (and don’t love) about their college, whether you’re following them on their way to class, in the dining hall, or at a get-together.


  • Fall 2025 Virtual College Fairs:

    Colleges and universities from the US and worldwide will be ready and waiting to talk with you at these upcoming NACAC Virtual College Fairs. Don’t miss these free, one-day events for high school students, transfer students, and families.


    Go to nacacattend.org/fairs to register for each program and to see the list of participating colleges. Then log in on any fair date to attend sessions, chat your questions, download informational resources, and demonstrate interest… all without leaving home. It’s a great way to connect with several colleges in a short amount of time to learn about majors, scholarships, and more.


    • September Virtual College Fair: Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 -- 1p.m. – 6p.m. ET
    • October Virtual College Fair: Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 -- 1p.m. – 6p.m. ET
    • November Virtual College Fair: Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025 -- 1p.m. – 6p.m. ET

Specialized College Information

Did you know? With a 3.0 GPA or higher...

💯 You will be admitted to....

  • Central Michigan University
  • Eastern Michigan University
  • Ferris State University
  • Lake Superior State University
  • Northern Michigan University
  • Oakland University
  • Saginaw Valley State University
  • University of Michigan - Flint
  • University of Michigan - Dearborn
  • Wayne State University


Michigan Assured Admission Pact (MAAP) - https://maap.org/

Create your "Colleges I'm applying to" list

📝 Apply to 3-8 schools (at least 1 in-state!)

Use document 👇 below to keep track of your applications, requirements, username/passwords!

Keep track of college app requirements, passwords, essays!
Use this document to keep track of all college things!

Types of College Apps

Common App

🐻 Education Section: Class of 2026 specific info

  • Find School = Berkley High School

  • Date of Entry = 09/2022


  • Grades tab:

    • Graduating class size = 310

    • Class rank reporting = None

    • GPA Scale reporting = 4

    • Cumulative GPA = (MiStar, or email counselor for a transcript copy)


  • Current or Most Recent Year Courses = SENIOR YEAR CLASSES
    • Honors + AP classes are NOT college level
    • PA + Honors Zoo are NOT dual enrollment (they are Honors)
    • PA should be listed in your courses currently taking as:
    1. WRT105: Practices of Academic Writing (Project Advance-Syracuse University) - Semester 1
    2. ENG181: Class and Literary Text (Project Advance-Syracuse University) - Semester 2

Common Black College Application

Understanding College App Deadlines

Three (3) main parts of a College App

💬 HACK: Create an email for college applications!!!

Create an email address that is just for college applications, so important emails do not get buried in your other email accounts! 📩

Part 1: College Application

☝🏻 See above section on Types of College Applications ☝🏻

🆓 Fee Waivers for College Apps - 3 types! 💰

If you meet certain qualifications, you can request a fee waiver!

1) Common App Fee Waiver

  • The Common App Fee Waiver will waive the application fee of any program you apply to through Common App.
  • You can find the Common App Fee Waiver in the Personal Information section.
  • To apply for this fee waiver:
    1. Answer “Yes” to the fee waiver statement.
    2. Enter your signature to certify your request.
  • Your high school counselor has to approve your request through their Common App account.

2) SAT / College Board Fee Waiver

Request a fee waiver code from your school counselor or request a fee waiver yourself.

  • Two free SAT tests (no late registration or cancellation fees)
  • Unlimited SAT score sends to colleges
  • Waived application fees at participating colleges
  • Free CSS Profile™ apps to apply for financial aid from participating schools

3) NACAC Fee Waiver

NACAC Fee Waiver (If the link doesn’t work, download this form)

  1. Name of the college or university (completed by student)
  2. Student (completed by student): Student can sign by using the “Fill & Sign” tool on the PDF or type up the initials.
  3. Authorized official (completed by school counselor)
  4. Economic Need (completed by student)

Then...save the completed form and send it to the college office of admission:

  • Student should contact the office of admission to determine the school’s accepted mode of delivery (e.g., mail, email, fax). School counselor can help with fax and mail.

Part 2: Sending BHS Transcripts to Colleges

Applying via Common App?

BHS counselors will send transcripts via Common App, provided they have been listed in the student's Common App.


👉For transcripts to be sent, BHS students must:

  1. Complete the Education and FERPA sections (suggested to waive rights) in Common App
  2. Invite their BHS counselor in the Recommender counselor section (spell their email correctly!)


BHS counselors will also send mid-year reports with transcripts at the end of semester 1 to schools listed in students' Common Apps.

Applying via College Website Application?

Students must use Parchment to order their transcript. Parchment is a transcript delivery service that we (and most high schools and many colleges use). The account you create will be the same account you will log in to in May to order your final high school transcript and years from now if you need to request a transcript to show proof of graduation.


1. Create your Parchment "New Learner" account using your personal email address & password

  • Be sure to use your full legal name so that your account can be properly matched to your transcript.
  • You will have to waive FERPA rights.
  • Only complete the required fields!


2. You will be sent a verification code to the email address that you used. This can take a few minutes.


3. Once you enter the code, you must link Berkley High School to your account.

  • Look for the + sign at the center of the screen.
  • If you don’t see it, click on the Parchment Icon at the top left of your screen and click on Dashboard to take you to the correct screen.


4. Order Transcripts.

  • Select the Destination (Name of college, employer, etc).
  • Transcripts orders are fulfilled by the BHS registrar (Mrs. Wyatt) in 2-3 school days.
  • Free for seniors - no charge!
Order your BHS transcripts (Parchment)
Use Parchment to order your transcripts when applying via website app (not Common App).

Part 3: SAT/ACT Scores

College Testing Policies

  • TEST OPTIONAL: school is one that accepts, but does not require, test scores from applicants.

  • TEST BLIND: school is one that will not consider test scores from any student, even those who might wish to submit them.

  • TEST FLEXIBLE: school is a generally test-optional school that places limitations on applying without test scores. (for instance, you might need to have a certain GPA in order to apply without a test score or answer additional essay questions)

💡 Good to know

  • Many college are still test optional for admission. However, some colleges are beginning to shift back to requiring SAT or ACT score for admission. Some colleges offer merit scholarships based on test scores. It is important to research and keep track of college requirements and scholarships!
  • While colleges accept either test, understanding their differences can help students choose the one that aligns best with their strengths. It's advisable for students to take practice tests for both to determine which suits them better.​
  • Students can take SAT (or ACT) as many times - on Saturday National Test dates at local schools. BHS Juniors will take the SAT during the school day in April at no cost, and no registration is needed.
Class of 2027 - SAT/ACT Planning and Registration Information
This information was emailed to families in the class of 2027 from your school counselor and was posted in the Counseling News in May 2025.

💻SAT Overview

  • Sections: Reading & Writing, Math

  • Length: Approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes

  • Format: Fully digital, must use district Chromebook

  • Focus: Emphasizes algebra and data analysis

  • Time per Question: More generous, allowing deeper thinking​

  • Students who prefer more time per question and a focus on algebra may lean toward the SAT.

  • Cost: $68 for standard registration. Additional fees may apply for late registration or changes.

    • Fee Waivers: Available to low-income students in the U.S. or U.S. territories. Eligible students can receive up to two fee waivers for SAT Weekend tests.

    • Students should contact their school counselor to request a fee waiver or request a fee waiver directly from College Board.​

Register for SAT
Testing locations can fill up quickly, especially those close to home. To ensure your student secures a convenient testing site, we strongly recommend registering as early as possible.​

📝ACT Overview

  • Sections: English, Math, Reading, Science

  • Length: Approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes (without writing)

  • Format: Primarily paper-based

  • Focus: Covers a broader range of math topics and includes a science reasoning section

  • Time per Question: Faster-paced, requiring quick reasoning​

  • Those who excel in science reasoning and are comfortable with a faster pace might prefer the ACT.

  • Cost: $65 for the standard test (without writing). Additional fees may apply for late registration or changes.

    • Fee Waivers: Available to eligible students in the U.S. or U.S. territories. Eligible students can receive up to four fee waivers.

    • Students should contact their school counselor to request a fee waiver.​

Register for ACT
Testing locations can fill up quickly, especially those close to home. To ensure your student secures a convenient testing site, we strongly recommend registering as early as possible.​

💯Test Prep Resources

📫Sending SAT/ACT Scores to Colleges

  • Colleges want to receive test scores directly from these portals, not from BHS.
  • BHS does not have access to student portal login information for SAT or ACT.

Possible "Extra" Parts of College Apps

College Resume / Activities List

📝Start a Google Doc with your Extracurriculars! 👇

  • List sports, jobs, volunteering, clubs, hobbies, family obligations and any Honors/Awards
Use this! BHS Common App Activities List Template
Use this to to get a jump start on the Common App Activities List!
How to Create an Outstanding Common App Activities List (w/ examples)

Letters of Recommendation

💌 Does your application require a Letter of Rec?

Make sure the colleges require a letter before you ask a teacher!


Check the Common App Dashboard!

  • Once you created your Common App account and added the colleges you plan on applying to in the "My Colleges" tab, then you can click on the college and view their requirements.
  • In Common App, Teacher Evaluation (TE) = teacher letter of recommendation


Not using Common App?

  • Check the application requirements on the colleges' admissions websites!
Student Request for Letter of Recommendation from BHS Teacher
Complete this form *only* if a BHS teacher has already agreed to write you a letter of recommendation.
You will complete this for each teacher you ask to write a letter.

College Essays

🚨 Not all colleges require essays for admission!

  • Find out colleges' essay requirements using Common App Writing Requirement Resource! 👈
  • If applying via college website app, check the application requirements on website!
  • Follow College Essay Guy on social media! @collegeessayguy
BHS College Essay Guy Student Workbook
Mrs. Belsky's favorite College Essay Guy tool!
Free College Application Essay Review!
Need help with your college application essay? Get Schooled will review your college essay for free!
Keep Track of Scholarships!
Use this document to keep track of all college things! There are 5 different tabs, so you can keep track of colleges you are thinking about, colleges you are applying to, whether those colleges require essays, passwords, and scholarships!

BHS Counseling, College + Career News!

📥 Check your inbox every Monday!

important information, events, and opportunities we think you should know!

College + Career Center in Schoology

💁 All👏of👏the👏Info

Parents/Guardians can join the "College + Career Center" course in Schoology by using the appropriate join code below:

  • Class of 2026 - K82D-N48J-93NTM
  • Class of 2027 - Q92Z-K9B2-WWGGJ
  • Class of 2028 - GBCR-G893-B9K6T

BHS Counseling website!

🤯You'll know what we know...

Bookmark me!

Find information on:

  • Meeting with your counselor
  • Mental health resources
  • BHS course information/schedules
  • Life after BHS! (college, jobs, careers, scholarships, financial aid)
  • Calendar of upcoming BHS Counseling events
Christina Belsky
Christina is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters