WBHS Counselor Connection

Have you started your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) but have questions?

This will be a virtual FAFSA Workshop where you can enter into a private chat room to ask your questions.

Please register using this link: https://apply.oakland.edu/register/?id=35ade44d-5fd1-4215-87c4-20932ba86477

Before you attend the FAFSA Workshop:

• Student applicants and each parent contributor should each create their own studentaid log in at studentaid.gov (if a user does not have a social security number, they will need to create their account at least three days in advance.)

• Determine which parent(s) will contribute information to the FAFSA if there are multiple households to consider- https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/is-my-parent-a-contributor.jpg

• Record each studentaid.gov login in a secure location or on Step One of the FAFSA Worksheet.

• Review the FAFSA Checklist to gather information necessary to complete the FAFSA.

• If you are unable to join the workshop on the date/time selected, you can access OU hosted workshops open to anyone regardless of college choice on the Financial Aid Events website

What is MiCareerQuest Southeast?

MiCareerQuest Southeast is the region's largest interactive career exploration event for high school students. It exposes students to a broad range of exciting, rewarding career opportunities as they prepare for their futures! It will be held on November 17th.

Thousands of high school students from Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Wayne, Washtenaw and Livingston counties will be meeting with working professionals who have built successful careers in a variety of fields. In addition, young people will have the opportunity to touch, feel and work with the equipment, tools and technology used by people every day in a broad range of in-demand jobs.

The goal is to connect classroom learning with real-world jobs and their requirements. Students also will discover engaging workplace opportunities, such as internships, job shadowing and more.

This field trip will fill up fast. Students should complete and return the parent permission slip and return it to the Counseling Office, Mrs. Mattson, Mr. Muylaert, or Mrs. Lafata. Click on the link below for the permission slip. You can obtain paper copies of the permission slip in the Counseling Office.

Space is limited and preference will be given to 11th and 12th grade students as we go every year. Once space is filled, we will create a wait list.

Hello 10th Grade Students and Parents,

Are you interested in exploring career opportunities and learning more about the programs offered at OSTC-NE? Check out these upcoming events!

Cosmetology Information Night

• Date: November 19

• Time: 6:00 PM

• Location: OSTC-NE Building

Interested in cosmetology? Join us to learn more about the Cosmetology program and discover where this exciting career path could take you! Please see the attached flyer for more information.

OSTC-NE Program Showcases

Want to explore different programs and discover what OSTC-NE has to offer? Join us for an upcoming Program Showcase! Showcases are offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays and provide a great opportunity to learn about programs, explore career interests, and see the possibilities available at OSTC-NE.

View upcoming dates and RSVP here:
https://www.ostconline.com/northeast/program-showcases

We encourage all students and parents to take advantage of these opportunities to explore future career paths and learn more about OSTC-NE.

We hope to see you at an upcoming event!

Every fall WBHS hosts college representatives in our building. We invite juniors and seniors to learn more about a variety of colleges and establish relationships with the college rep.

Below is a link to the visits currently set up. Please know that this list is updated daily! Please bookmark this page and check frequently for updates.

Out of respect for the representative's time, if you sign up, please make sure you attend. Remember that many times the rep hosting these meetings is also the rep reading your college application. This is a great opportunity to ask questions!

WB College Rep Visit Sign-Up

• Hit "send" and celebrate meeting that big November 1st deadline.
• Please clean up your college list in the Common App. Remove colleges you no longer plan to apply to.
• Students need to check email daily and follow directions from colleges on how to set up accounts/portals at their respective schools. This is how they can check for status updates, admission decisions, scholarships, and more.
• Write a thoughtful thank you letter to the teachers/counselors/staff who wrote a recommendation letter if applicable.
• Complete the FAFSA. Some will also have to complete the CSS Profile, which is another financial aid document.
• Maintain strong grades, as many colleges will request first-semester grades.

• Maintain strong grades in classes; junior year is the last academic year that colleges see when evaluating senior applications.
• Volunteer. Beyond transforming students personally, this can be a college essay topic and a meaningful part of your resume/application. The same goes for a part-time job.
• Start visiting campuses. Families can sign up for official tours and open houses on each college website. If you plan to tour during long weekends/winter break/spring break, register early, as those are popular days.
• Develop a standardized testing plan. We will give the test in April, but you may want to take it more than once. There are many colleges returning to requiring SAT/ACT scores, so research now. Complete online prep through Khan Academy or the College Board. Identify some dates that work for you and register early. (Juniors do not need to register for the SAT School Day test in April. They will receive further information in their advisory class.)

You can get ready to file and read about documents you will need here: FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid

You can estimate your cost of expected aid here: Federal Student Aid Estimator | Federal Student Aid

The best way to get an idea of college affordability is by using Net Price Calculators. These are available through a simple google search (Michigan State + Net Price Calculator) and can be completed in minutes. Each college and university in the US is federally mandated to offer the NPC for prospective students and families. While these are not exact, they do provide a ballpark of idea of expected aid.

The CSS Profile provides a deeper look at your finances and is required by some colleges. Most colleges don't use it, but seniors should complete it if their college requires it. It is a financial application that provides universities with more financial context. The CSS Profile is required by Adrian, Hillsdale, Olivet, and the University of Michigan if a student is applying for financial aid.

To see what colleges out of state will require the CSS Profile, go here: CSS Profile Participating Institutions and Programs (collegeboard.org). A few more examples: Boston College, Carnegie Mellon, College of the Holy Cross, Drexel, Duquesne, Northwestern, Stetson, Syracuse, University of Miami, Villanova.

This is a unique opportunity to learn more about West Point, life as a Cadet, and the application process. Register to reserve your place for this great opportunity to learn more about the Academy, if it is the right fit, and how you can apply.

• Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
• Time: 4:00 PM
• Location:
  Redford | Detroit Public Library
  21200 Grand River Ave
  Detroit, MI 48219-3851

REGISTER HERE!

ASBC HBCU Fest Is Back

Admissions. Scholarships. Connections. Opportunity.

With 70+ colleges and universities participating over two action-packed days, students can:

✨ Meet college representatives face-to-face

🎓 Get on-the-spot admission decisions

💸 Have college application fees waived

🏆 Discover scholarship opportunities

📚 Learn about programs, majors, and campus life

🤝 Build connections that can open doors to their future

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

ALL MUST register to attend. This is a virtual event.

Bring your questions. Bring your transcripts. Bring your college dreams. Your HBCU journey could start here.

HEALTH SCIENCES DAY — this Friday, October 23

Ready to jump-start a career that makes a difference?

There is still time to register to join Lawrence Tech faculty, staff, and students for Health Sciences Day on Friday, October 23 — an unforgettable look at programs that lead to exciting careers in health and life sciences!

Register Here: https://apply.ltu.edu/register/fall2026healthsciencesday

At Health Sciences Day, you’ll:

• Explore LTU’s programs in Allied Health Sciences, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Nursing, Physics, Pre-Health Professions, and Psychology.

• Meet professors who bring real-world experience, groundbreaking research, and professional networks right into your classes.

• Experience our close-knit community where small classes and hands-on learning put you at the center.

• Learn why LTU’s Nursing program is the only one in Michigan where you start nursing courses on day one!

• Find out how many of these majors qualify you for our STEM Scholar Award — up to $19,650 per year ($78,600 over 8 semesters) for eligible students.

Don’t miss this chance to connect with inspiring people, explore our campus, and picture yourself thriving at LTU.

BUSINESS AND IT EXPERIENCE DAY — Friday, November 6

What if YOU could create the next big business idea?

Join us at Lawrence Technological University for our Business and IT Experience Day on Friday, November 6th for a hands-on challenge where business, technology, creativity, and AI come together!

Register Here: https://apply.ltu.edu/register/Fall26CoBitDay

At Business and IT Experience Day, you’ll:

CREATE — Team up with fellow high school students to identify a real-world problem and develop your own business solution.

BUILD — Work alongside current LTU CoBIT freshmen and use AI tools to bring your idea to life — create a logo, website, digital product, or working simulation.

COMPETE — Showcase your creation and compete to be named one of the TOP THREE TEAMS, selected by current CoBIT students!

Bring your ideas. Bring your creativity. We’ll provide the technology.

Discover what YOU can build at Lawrence Tech!

A 7-Day Reset for Students with Missing Assignments and School Overwhelm

Missing Assignment Recovery Plan for High School Students

If Testing is Optional, Why are Students Sending Scores?

Students Are Sending SAT Scores Again Even Though 95% Of Colleges Don't Require Them

Campus Tours Rise in Popularity

Colleges Invest Heavily in Creating a Perfect Campus Tour

How to Begin a Scholarship Search

Where to Find the Best College Scholarships — Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship

How to Increase Scholarship Chances

Who Wins College Scholarships? Sallie Data Shows Early, High-Volume Applicants

Scholarship Compilation Lists

Top Scholarships for High School Seniors: Class of 2027 | Fastweb

Below is a list of open house events on college campuses in Michigan. Students can register on the college websites and must provide their own transportation.

Aquinas College Visit Days

Open House - Saturday, September 30 & Saturday, November 11 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Explore academic majors, engage with our dedicated faculty and meet students. Open Houses are a great introduction to first-time visitors and include a campus tour.

Information Session & Campus Tour - Select Saturdays at 10 a.m.

Aquinas College - Campus Visit

Grand Valley State Laker Experience Days

Visit GVSU on Saturday, October 3rd and Saturday, November 7th.

Register here: Laker Open House

Hillsdale College

If you are a senior applying to Hillsdale College, you will need an interview. Often, admissions reps will set up interviews in our area. Reserve your spot soon! You can set those up here: Visiting Campus - Hillsdale College.

On campus events are here: Visiting Campus - Hillsdale College

October 5,12, 23. November 2, 13, 20th.

Lawrence Technological University

November 14th and December 5th

Tour the Southfield campus with a Student Ambassador to see if Lawrence Tech is the right fit!

Kalamazoo College K Days

Fall Discover K Days:

• Saturday, November 14, 2026
• Friday, May 14, 2027

Register here: Discover K Day – Admission | Kalamazoo College

Michigan State Presentation and Tour Days

There are some Monday and Friday options for September, and many weekday openings for October. Register and reserve your space here: Michigan State University - Campus visit (msu.edu)

Michigan Tech

Prospective Undergraduate Student Events | Michigan Tech Events Calendar (mtu.edu)

Saginaw Valley State University

Your Academic Journey at SVSU

Saturday, October 24th

Visit Our Campus - Saginaw Valley State University (svsu.edu)

UD Mercy Visit Days

October 17, 2026

December 5, 2026
February 6, 2027

Visit campus between 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. to learn about all things Detroit Mercy. Guests can participate in a variety of sessions to explore academics, campus life and student success resources at UDM. University of Detroit Mercy (udmercy.edu)

University of Michigan Campus Tours

Tours are conducted on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays in both September and October. Register here to save your spot. University of Michigan - Campus Tours (umich.edu)

Western Michigan University Open House

Save the Date for Fall 2026 Open Houses!

• Friday, Oct. 9
• Saturday, Oct. 17
• Friday, Oct. 30
• Saturday, Nov. 7
• Open House Programs | Admissions | Western Michigan University (wmich.edu)

Students should use the QR code to register and must provide their own transportation.

Visit mi.gov/achievement to get started!

12th Grade - College Application Fee Waiver Codes are shared in the College and Career Center Canvas page. In October, many colleges will waive their fees. We will share the codes once we receive them. Below are a few we have. This list will grow! Also, do a quick internet search to find more!

COLLEGES IN MICHIGAN:

Central Michigan University: Central27

Calvin University: 1876

Eastern Michigan University: MBS

Lawrence Tech University: LTU1932

Michigan State University: SPARTAN1855 (use between Oct. 1-15th)

Wayne State University: WSU2027

OUT OF STATE COLLEGES:

Bowling Green State University: BGSU

Carthage College: BRIGHTFUTURE

Claremont McKenna College: CMC2027

Coastal Carolina University: CCU2027

College of Charleston: Charleston27

Colorado Mesa University: NEWMAV

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: GOERAU27

Jacksonville University: BEAPHIN

Kutztown University: GOLDEN

Lafayette College: LAF31

Northern Arizona University: JACKS

University of Alabama: Free if you apply through Alabama's online application (not the Common App)

University of Nebraska - Lincoln: HUSKER

University of Pittsburgh: UP1787

University of Vermont: Evergreen

Wheaton College (IL): ApplyEarly

University of Toledo: UT1872 also can use Back2School.

Additionally, college application fee waivers are available for students who qualify for free and reduced lunch. Your family needs to apply each year for free and reduced lunch. Please fill out the free and reduced lunch form by clicking here: https://www.wbsd.org/departments/nutriton-services

9th-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

Parents - You can view the information by being an "observer" of your student in Canvas.

Below are some helpful links for Canvas.

• Canvas Login Portal - Student/Staff
• Canvas Login Portal - Parent/Guardian
• Canvas Instructions for Parents and Students
• Canvas Parent Observer Instructions
• Canvas Sign-On Information

To get an estimate of your cost of attendance at a college or university, Google the name of the college with the term "Net Price Calculator." Each college has an estimator. This doesn't guarantee your cost of attendance but can be a useful tool.

Appointment with Counselor

College Rep Virtual Visits

Counselor Connection - Prior Editions

Financial Aid and Scholarships

NCAA Eligibility Center - College Athletics

Parchment- Sending Transcripts

OK2SAY

1-855-565-2729

Text - 652729

https://www.michigan.gov/ok2say

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Text - HELLO to 741741