Pankow Center Counseling

COLLEGE APPLICATION process

Apply:

• Common Application - many schools in one stop.
• Or you can apply directly on many schools' websites.
• If you receive free or reduced price lunch, you are eligible for up to 4 application fee waivers.  See your counselor for help!

Send Transcipts:

• Request LCN Transcripts  
• Request LCHS Transcript
• Note - if you apply on CommonApp only, your counselor will attach your transcript, but it is still a good idea to request using the links above for "self-view" and make sure everything looks the way it should. 

Send SAT Scores:

• Your scores appear on your transcript, so in most cases this is an unneeded step.
• If, after receiving your transcript, (about 2 weeks after you send it) your college is still asking for SAT scores, then you will need to send scores directly from your College Board account.  There is a small fee for this.

Do your FAFSA:

• Create your FSA ID - this is the ID you will use every year to complete your FAFSA, and to manage your federal student aid, including loans.
• Use that same link above for each parent/guardian.  They will each need an FSA ID as identified contributors to your FAFSA process. Any questions about contributors or special circumstances?  Go to this webpage from Federal Student AId for more details.
• Complete FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  This is the form you need to be eligible for grants, loans, and most scholarships.  Opens 12/31/2023 for the 24/25 academic year.  Make sure you are choosing the year you will attend!
• The State of Michigan now offers the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.  It is estimated that 80% of Michigan students will qualify for this sizable award - but you have to do your FAFSA to get it.

improve your test scores

• SAT prep - help on preparation and practice tests.
• Retake SAT - it often helps to do it again.  Schools will take your best score.
• Take the ACT - sometimes it helps to try both exams.  All colleges accept both.
• If you receive free or reduced price lunch, see your counselor for a fee waiver to retake SAT or take ACT.

Military options

Get more info on available options, and how to enlist or apply using these links:

• Army 
• Navy
• Air Force
• Marine Corps
• Coast Guard
• Space Force
• National Guard
• The US Military Academies

If you are considering a military option, you will want to take the ASVAB (armed services vocational aptitude battery).  Pankow Center offers the ASVAB once each fall.  Stay tuned to this page for sign ups.

trade schools

There are far too many to list!  Please come see me and we can chat about your goals and how to find a good fit for you.

apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is typically a situation where you are in school and on the job concurrently, earning while you are learning.  There are many of these available!  Below are some links to a couple of the options.   Each link has info on many opportunities.

• MUST Construction Careers - Info for Michigan's unionized construction careers apprenticeships.  
• US Apprenticeships - all things related to US Dept. of Labor sponsored apprenticeships. 
• Also see our Career & College Exploration page for more options!

Pankow Senior Honor Cords

Career and Technical Education (CTE) - Maroon and Silver (Award of Achievement)   

Any senior who has done all of the following will earn an honor cord for their completed program(s):

• completed, or is on track to complete any CTE program
• will graduate having completed 4 or more CTE semesters
• has an average GPA of 3.3 or higher in all CTE courses taken

 [Please note that CTE designation includes the Performing Arts programs.]

Math/Science/Technology (MST) - Maroon and Silver (Award of Achievement)

Any senior who has done all of the following will be noted as Completer of the Program “With Honors”:

• completed all four years of the MST Program
• has an average GPA of 3.3 or higher in all MST courses taken

Mu Alpha Theta - Lavender and Gold (Award of Accomplishment)

Any senior who has met all of the following criteria will earn this cord:

• met the initial criteria for membership, including maintaining a 3.0 mathematics GPA
• maintained their membership for a minimum of two years
• adhered to the expectations set by the chapter which includes
  • tutoring
  • attending all scheduled meetings
  • participating in Pi Week
  • taking part in at least one mathematics competition per year

National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) - Purple and White or Gray

Pankow Leadership Council - Maroon and White (Award of Accomplishment)

Any senior who has met all of the following criteria will earn this cord:

• in good standing with student council
• at least 3 years of service on student council during high school

[Please note:  those with less than 3 years of service on student council may receive an Honor Cord, if they demonstrated outstanding service.  The Advisors of the Student Council will do an evaluation for the senior with less than 3 years of service.]

Science National Honor Society (SNHS) - Purple, Green, and Gold (Award of Accomplishment)

Any senior who has met all of the following criteria will earn this cord:

• met the initial criteria for membership, including maintaining a 3.6 science GPA
• maintained their membership for a minimum of two years
• has adhered to the expectations set by the chapter which includes
  • tutoring
  • attending all scheduled meetings
  • participating in events run by SNHS

Thespian (Theatre) - Gold and White

Any senior who has met all of the following criteria will earn this cord:

• met the initial criteria for membership by earning points through theatrical endeavors including:
  • acting
  • set work activities
  • stage crew activities
  • other theatre related activities. 
• maintained active status in Troupe 7494 throughout their membership by attending and participating in Troupe meetings, activities, and service projects.