This college prep series is designed for juniors who are interested in continuing their education in college. Join us each week as we share important details regarding the process. We know you have questions and we are here to help!
CLICK ON THE LINKS TO REGISTER
Testing, 1, 2, 3 - ACT/SAT Test Prep Planning and Advice Thurs., Feb 6, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in the auditorium
Is test-optional really test-optional? What is a “good” score? We will share updates to the new digital SAT and test prep strategies. We will help you develop a testing plan & teach you how to determine when to send (or not send)scores. Open to 10th & 11th-grade students.
Making Your College List and Career Search Tools February 13, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. In College and Career Center
We will teach you how to create your college list and explore your chances for admission using the Common Data Set. Come learn about fantastic schools that you might not have considered. College is expensive! It’s essential to know your “why” and explore your interests and career possibilities. We will share a variety of career search tools to help you with this process. You will leave with many resources to help you explore. Bring your charged device as you will start your own list with exploration activities.
College App Prep - Part 1- Common App Preview & Activities Section Prep -Thurs., Feb. 20, at 10:30 a.m. in auditorium
Mrs. Essig will walk you through the Common App so you can explore the college application. You can create your Common App account now and start filling out certain parts of the application. This is a huge bonus so you can identify areas to strengthen while you have time. Let’s identify key strategies to strengthen your activities section before September.
College App Prep - Part 2- Asking for Letters of Rec -Thurs., Feb 27, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in auditorium
It’s not as simple as it seems! Let’s talk about who you should ask for letters of recommendation and the information you need to provide for the recommender. There is a strategy for this as you can enhance the information your recommender provides on your behalf.
Paying for College - Virtual Junior Parent Night - March 12, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. virtual
Registration link: https://apply.oakland.edu/register/?id=39930417-d364-4ccc-8235-76ef55725598
Students and families are encouraged to join a live webinar to learn general information regarding the financial aid process. Topics include the elements of financial aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), private resources available, and more! Presentation Outline, FAFSA Worksheet, Federal Student Aid, State of Michigan Aid
Scholarships 101 - Event will be held in April/May. Registration link will be sent in April.
Looking for money to help you pay for college? Not sure where to start? Join us to learn how you can look for scholarships! Students will be given many links to help them navigate the search process. Bring your laptop/device. We will be working!
Essay Writing 101 - Event will be held in April/May. Registration link will be sent in April.
Join us as we discuss the Common Application essay prompts, personal statements, “Why XXX school” essays, and get students started with the planning and writing process. Mrs. Essig will share sample essays to help spark your ideas for your own essay!
Junior Parent Night - Preparing for the Senior Year - College Prep 101
If you were not able to attend the event that was held in December, please click on the links below for the information. In this educational presentation, we teach parents everything they need to know to support their juniors as they prepare for the college application and selection process.
Class of 2026 Junior Parent Night: Preparing for College Recorded Presentation
Class of 2026 Junior Parent Night: Preparing for College Slides
Class of 2026 Junior Parent Night: Preparing for College Packet
College App Boot Camp Class of 2026- August 2025 -Exact Date is TBD - iCenter
WBHS offers a College App Boot Camp prior to the start of school to provide assistance to seniors with their college applications. School counselors & teachers will be on hand to advise students on all aspects of the process. The sign-up will be released in May 2025.
All dates are subject to change as needed. Questions? Please email noelle.essig@wbsd.org or speak with your counselor.
We are thrilled to be hosting the Schools to Tools Mobile Field Trip on February 11th in and near the WBHS Auxiliary Gym. This is an amazing opportunity for students to explore construction trades and speak with industry professionals. Students will attend the event for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
The Schools to Tools Mobile Field Trip is touring schools across Michigan and features engaging hands-on challenges alongside dynamic virtual experiences that lets our students step into the world of the skilled trades. You can learn more about this event by clicking on this link: https://schoolstotools.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Video-Mobile-Field-Trip-Teaser-1.mp4
Students must sign up in advance because space is limited for this event. Once capacity is reached, we will close the registration and create a waiting list. Students should fill out the form below to express their interest. Mrs. Essig will send each student a confirmation email letting them know what time to report to the auxiliary gym.
Click on this link to register: https://forms.gle/KnfjzjTFJXh5eRwK8
Note: If you have a 2nd, 4th, 5th or 6th hour class with Mr. Muylaert or Ms. Mattson for 2nd semester, you do not need to sign up as they will be bringing their classes down and a space is already reserved for you.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Noelle.essig@wbsd.org. Thank you!
The Summer Scholars program provides scholarships for talented female high school students to participate in a summer academic program at one of our partner programs – some of the most rigorous and selective colleges and universities in the country.
Scholars receive a full or partial scholarship, based on demonstrated financial need, to cover tuition, room and board, travel expenses, and supplies. The Joyce Ivy Foundation works directly with our set of program partners to combine Joyce Ivy scholarships with additional financial aid provided by the summer program. The application for summer 2025 is now available!
The Details
Benefits
- Exposure to a diverse array of peers
- Exposure to a broader range of college options
- Development of leadership skills
- Academic and intellectual growth
- Greater self-confidence
- Scholars describe the experience as transformative
Eligibility
Eligible applicants are female identifying high school students living in Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio or South Dakota, who also attend high school in one of these eight states.
Applicants are academically high-achieving students who will be entering 11th or 12th grade in Fall 2025. Occasionally, an exceptional rising 10th grader is selected as a Summer Scholar.
Past Summer Scholars, who used their scholarships, are not eligible to apply again for another scholarship.
Dates & Deadlines
December 8, 2024 2025 application available online
March 1, 2025 Application deadline
By April 1, 2025 Decisions released via email
April 18, 2025 Scholarship reply deadline
Summer Scholar Application Components
- Three Short Answer Essays (250 words)
- One Long Essay (650 words)
- Parent/Guardian Tax Forms (Form 1040) for the prior 2 years
- Official Copies of PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores, if applicable
- Copies (screenshots) of financial aid applications submitted to partner summer programs
- One Letter of Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
- Official High School Transcript
Summer Scholars applicants must also apply directly to our summer program partners for admission financial
Please note- This is a highly selective program. Please see Mrs. Essig to have her review your application and offer suggestions. We have a great history of having students selected!
Due January 31, 2025
The Princeton Prize in Race Relations identifies and recognizes high school students who, through action and service, have demonstrated leadership in advancing racial equity, promoting racial understanding, or eliminating racial bias and prejudice in their schools and communities.
Prize recipients receive a cash prize of $1,000 and an all-expenses-paid weekend to a Symposium on Race at Princeton University, where they will meet and engage with other Prize recipients from across the country.
Prize recipients are recognized at ceremonies in their local regions by Princeton alumni.
PPRR operates through 28 Regional Committees and has an At-Large Regional Committee to support areas where we currently have no geographic presence. We are an alumni volunteer-run organization enlisting the support of over 450 Princetonians, all dedicated to an inclusive and supporting society.
June 13 - 27, 2025
The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy gives rising high school seniors the opportunity to discover business from the inside out. Explore how companies run, understand how leaders solve problems, and experience what it’s like to be a business student at Michigan Ross.
Application Deadline: Jan. 21, 2025 at 3 p.m. EST
Mrs. Noelle Essig, College and Career Counselor, regularly uses her expertise to provide a personalized college search experience for WBHS students. This fall, she is also using her expertise to help interested students find ways to help pay for their education. Join Mrs. Essig as she guides you through the process and provides time each week for students to research and work on scholarship applications. Mrs. Essig will also conduct mock interviews for students who get selected for scholarship interviews.
The next meeting will be January 22, 2025 in the iCenter.
10th and 11th grade: If you qualify for free and reduced lunch, you can receive a code to waive your fees for the ACT and/or SAT. Please apply for free and reduced lunch first and confirm that you qualify then see your counselor or Mrs. Essig.
Students and families looking for help paying for college can attend an upcoming Virtual Financial Aid Presentation provided by MI Student Aid.
Participants will be able to gather information on the following financial aid topics:
- FAFSA application information
- Federal financial aid programs
- State financial aid programs
- Scholarship searching resources
Are you not able to attend one of our Financial Aid 101 webinars? You can view a recording of the presentation.
Additional Financial Aid Webinars
Parents - You can view the information by being an "observer" of your student in Canvas.
Below are some helpful links for Canvas.
Interested in an HBCU but not sure where to look? Check out this search tool that allows you to search by major. http://thehundred-seven.org/matchme.php
Important Contacts
WBHS Counseling Department
Alpha Splits
Kelly Casinelli - Students with last names A-Ch
Joanne Wegrzynowicz - Students with last names Ci-Gra
Karen Brody - Students with last names Grb-Kl
Kason Dickerson - Students with last names Km-M
Kyle Landon - Students with last names N-Sh
John Hepper - Students with last names Si-Z
Noelle Essig - College & Career Counselor
Carla Jones - Mental Health Specialist
Administrative Staff
Mr. Eric Pace, Principal
Susie Aisner, Assistant Principal
Jamie Glinz, Assistant Principal
Dr. Stephanie Clark, Assistant Principal
Eric Pierce, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director
Newsletter Contact:
Email: noelle.essig@wbsd.org
Website: https://www.wbsd.org/west-bloomfield-high-school/counseling-office
Location: 4925 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, MI, USA
Phone: (248)865-6768
Twitter: @WBHSCounseling