The Michigan College Advising Corps (MCAC) is a diverse group of recent University of Michigan graduates working full-time as college advisers in high schools throughout Michigan.

The 2017-2018 Michigan College Advising Corps

From the Program Director

Welcome to the first MCAC newsletter of the 2017-2018 academic year!  This newsletter provides program updates, college-related tools and resources, and general reminders surrounding deadlines and professional development opportunities. Additionally, the newsletter is dedicated to acquainting our supporters with the advisers who serve our partner high schools across the state. As a graduate of Jackson High School, one of MCAC's twelve partner schools, I take great pride in working for a program that gives back to my home community and other communities like it.  

MCAC is always looking for ways to serve our partners, supporters, and students. Please reach out to me if you have any questions about our work.  Along with my advisers, I look forward to working with you to inform, engage, and inspire students across the state of Michigan to reach higher. 

--Mollie Bush
Michigan Application Day 2017

Students from J.W. Sexton High School (Lansing), Eastern High School (Lansing), Ottawa Hills High School (Grand Rapids), and Holland High School.

Over the course of September 26, 27, and 28, MCAC hosted 107 students from our twelve partner high schools on the campus of the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor for "Michigan Application Day". One of two annual events hosted by MCAC, this experience prepares students to apply to the university. Students participated in presentations from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, and Sweetland Writing Center. Students reviewed their college application essays and spoke with current U-M students about their experience on campus. 
Michigan College Month

This October marks the annual Michigan College Month (MCM), a national initiative supported locally by the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN). During this time, advisers and counseling staff work to engage students with college application and FAFSA completion. Below are a few examples of events MCAC advisers have planned for the month ahead:
  • FAFSA nights facilitated by various college/university representatives
  • On-site admissions sessions for various colleges/universities
  • Drop Everything and Apply - a two-hour time block dedicated to college applications
  • Free Application Fridays
  • Senior Boot Camp - featuring college reps, military reps, and trade school representatives to help students learn about post-secondary options
Visit MCAN's website to learn more!
Featured Adviser:
Abigail Zrike

Hometown:  Ridgewood, New Jersey
Major: Art and Design
College: University of Michigan, Stamps School of Art and Design
MCAC Partner: Jackson High School

What was your favorite part about your college experience?

"The people I met here at U of M are my people. They are my family. I have created a whole life out here in the Midwest, far away from my hometown. It is for that reason I decided to stay in Michigan post graduation."

What is your favorite part about Jackson High School and the surrounding community?

"I love the warmth from both the students and the administration. I am inspired and in awe at least once a day whether that be witnessing the student's politeness, reading a stellar essay, or discussing a student's dreams.  There are some amazing kids here, and I am really lucky to learn from them every day."
Featured Adviser:
Matthew Bozzo

Hometown: Riverview, MI
Major:Psychology, Minor in Community Action and Social Change
College: University of Michigan (College of Literature, Science, and the Arts)
MCAC Partner: Battle Creek Central High School 

What sparked your interest to work with the Michigan College Advising Corps?

"I wanted to get involved with MCAC due to two former MCAC advisers I know who highly recommended the experience. I knew I wanted to get involved with schools and working toward creating more equity and inclusiveness. MCAC is 100% about striving towards college access equity."

What's one piece of advice you would like to give to current high school seniors?

"The hardest part of the college application process, is that you decide for yourself that you want to go to college. Once you realize this, there is support for you whether that be your friends, school counselors, college advisers, teachers, etc. Be brave and remember you are never alone!"
10th Annual Michigan Pre-College and Youth Outreach Conference
10th Annual Michigan Pre-College and Youth Outreach Conference

Administrators, counselors and teachers are invited to the campus of UM-Ann Arbor Monday, November 6th for the 10th annual Michigan Pre-College and Youth Outreach Conference. This year's conference is titled "The Urgency of College Access: Challenges, Opportunities, and Impacts." Jamie Casap, Google's chief education evangelist, will keynote. Scholars, researchers and practitioners from around the state will demonstrate the impact of promising approaches to inform, engage and inspire Michigan's youth to pursue postsecondary education. The event will also feature a conversation with Michigan lawmakers about education in the state. 

Announcements and Upcoming Events
  • Michigan College Month spans October 1 - October 31. For more information, visit the Michigan College Access Network's Michigan College Month page.
  • The early application deadline for the University of Michigan is November 1. Ensure that your interested seniors are working to complete their applications during the month of October.
  • The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is open! Encourage students to file.
  • The Michigan College Access Network invites you to submit a breakout session proposal for its 2018 conference, Cultivating Tomorrow's Talent, which will take place March 12-13, 2018 at the Lansing Center in Lansing, MI. The deadline to submit a proposal is Friday, October 27. To learn more or to submit a proposal, click here.