Pankow Center Counseling

find a good career fit

There are some good resources you can use to figure out what is next for you.

- go play around in your Xello pages!  There is info on most careers you could want, related careers, info on what school programs lead to those careers, and how you get there, how much you can make... so much info!  If you are having trouble navigating it, see your counselor!    To get to Xello:

          • On your chromebook - go to "student resources" and choose Xello
          • Anywhere else - go to the LC-PS.org page, click "for students" and scroll down to Xello

- check out the new site Roadmap to Opportunity.  There is info on several up and coming high demand jobs.  Great info!

- there is a new website called Jobs Explained that has videos about high-growth, high-potential careers.

 - know you want to stay in Michigan?  Know you are interested in the Skilled Trades?  Check out the Pure Michigan Talent site.

- check out the offerings at Macomb Community College.  Because as of today, up to two years of community college is accessible for every graduate, via the Community College Guarantee, this is potential great place to start.  This Macomb Programs link shows every program you could major or specialize in.

- consider attending one of the Pankow sponsored career field trips. Click on the the links below for info on the school itself, and to sign up to go on the visit!

          1. Macomb Fire Academy - part of Macomb Community College
          2. Paul Mitchell - the School   - cosmetology and esthetics school
          3. Macomb Skilled Trades and Media and Communication Arts
          4. Irene's Myomassology Institute - massage therapy school
          5. The Motion Picture Institute - film school
          6. Macomb Dental Academy - for dental assisting and hygiene
          7. MI Career Quest Expo - a huge event with multiple careers represented - see Pankow lobby or your teacher for more details 


TRADE SCHOOLS & apprenticeships

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

Also - be sure to check out Macomb Programs for their trade programs (particularly since the Community College Guarantee makes this at or near free for current graduates!)

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.


MILITARY OPTIONS

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

If you are considering a military option, you will want to take the ASVAB (armed services vocational aptitude battery).  That link includes practice test info.

Pankow Center is offering the ASVAB on Tuesday, December 2nd.  Use this link to register to take the ASVAB.


COLLEGE APPLICATION process

The steps, which can be done in any order, are typically these:

              • Apply
              • Send Transcript
              • Do FAFSA

Some schools or programs may involve more than this, but that is the general list, and when they need more, they will let you know.  Here is more info on each:


Apply:

  • Common Application - many schools in one stop.
  • Or you can apply directly on many schools' websites.  For a list of Michigan Colleges and Universities, go to this link.  Michigan Schools  You can click thru to the school's page as well as get data on the school, and often find a link to that institution's scholarships.  
  • If you qualify to receive free or reduced price lunch, you are eligible for up to 4 application fee waivers.  See your counselor for help!
  • Many schools have no app fees, and some go FREEin October.  Here is the info and codes:


Send Transcipts:

  • Request LCN Transcripts  
  • Request LCHS Transcript
  • Once you are on your page, set up your account, and then go to "orders" to send.
  • Two pro tips:
    1. If all your applications were on CommonApp, your counselor will attach your transcript.  You can still send it thru Parchment as well, but you may not have to.
    2. It is still a good idea to request using the links above for "self-view" and make sure everything looks the way it should, before sending to colleges. 


Do your FAFSA:

  1. 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.  [You only have to do this step once in your life ]
  2. 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.  You and your parents can create your FSA ID now.(Pro Tip:  Make sure you note your FSA login info somewhere, as you need it to do the FAFSA!)
  3. Complete FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  This is the form you need to be eligible for grants, loans, and most scholarships.  Opens 10/01/2025 for the 26/27 academic year.  Make sure you are choosing the school year you will attend! [ You will do this step each year ]

If you would like to begin your FAFSA at school with some assistance, we will have lab 206 open from 7am to 3pm on Thursday, October 16th, for any senior to drop in.  No sign up required - just check in with your teacher to be sure they know where you are, and come on down.  On that day you will need to bring either your login (FSA ID, step 1 above) or your SSN.  Without one of those two things, you won't be able to proceed.  

If you cannot make that date, and still want help, please let Ms. Merkel know (contact info on the left).

The State of Michigan now offers the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.  It is estimated that 70% of Michigan students will qualify for this sizable award, and virtually ALL graduating seniors qualify for the Community College Guarantee (up to 2 free years at community college) - but you have to do your FAFSA to get it. 


Send SAT Scores (may be optional):

  • 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.



schools with free tuition

Below are some links to discover who offers free tuition, and in some cases free everything.  (conditions apply)  Most of these offers are family income contingent, but even then some of the bars are set so that lots of people will qualify.  Yet another good reason to do your best in High School!  :)

Always check with the school in question for current updates!



Looking for scholarships

Don't forget about the TIP program, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Community College Guarantee,  - you only need to do FAFSA and meet qualifications to access those.  Here are other Michigan Aid Programs as well.  And now, are you ready to look for even more?

Here are some ideas for your scholarship search.

This is far from exhaustive, but gives some good places to begin!



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 qualify for free or reduced price lunch, see your counselor for a fee waiver to retake SAT or take ACT at no cost.


Pankow awards

Keep an eye on this space for information about Honors Night.

Here is the program from last year's event:

         Pankow Honors Night Program 24-25.pdf


Pankow Counselor

Ann Merkel

I am available to help with whatever you need!  Located at the back of the Pankow office suite, nearest to the student restrooms - drop in to my office, and say "Hi!"   If you need to make an appointment, or want to ask a question, here is my contact info:

email:   merkean@lc-ps.org

text:   586-467-5943

call:   586-783-6570, x1226

Above and to the right are some helpful links, and info that you may need.

Also, check out my staff page