Understanding College Admissions

The not-so-ordinary story of a CASL transfer student

jpow — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:36:23 +0000

The not-so-ordinary story of a CASL transfer student jpow Wed, 02/05/2025 - 10:36

That day was strange. No one came to school except me and a few close friends. The image of running through the empty halls is clear in my mind. We were all clueless and had no idea what was happening. The government had announced that we were going into a pandemic and that, for a short period of time, the schools would be closed. At first, I was optimistic about having some time away from classes, but I was entirely wrong. After that day in March, running through the halls of a seemingly abandoned school, I didn’t realize it would be my last time there.

The first year of the pandemic was difficult. In addition to a general uncertainty about what would happen, my grades took a massive hit. I had begun my freshman year of college, and by the end of my first semester, my overall GPA was low. I mean really low. My motivation was gone.

When I began my sophomore year it was quite the journey. The lockdown had been lifted and I was back in a physical classroom after almost two years at home. While I was excited to have in-person classes again, it didn’t feel like a real experience. People were spaced out and wearing masks, and the lack of human connection made me feel distant.

However, it was during my junior year that everything changed. It was a few months after my mom had a heart attack and a year after going back to in-person classes. My mom’s health scare was an event that shook me and put a lot into perspective. No longer would I sit in the passenger seat. That’s when I decided to make a change.

I transferred from my local community college to the ÿ�մ��. As I entered the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters auditorium, I was amazed at the very thought of me making it here. As the weeks flew by, I met so many amazing people who would change my life forever. I met Teaching Professor Jerilyn Mannion who encouraged me to get involved in the French department. I also met Associate Professor Margaret Murray who helped me transition into becoming a public relations student and later find employment as a Language, Culture, and the Arts Student Ambassador.

I remember the first time I visited the French Club. The experience I had was amazing and enlightening. I was so fortunate to have met Professor Mannion, who helped me realize that I still had a passion for the language. She also helped me receive a minor in French studies. Never would I have imagined that after a few months working alongside Professor Mannion — and previous French Club President Jay Cormier — it would lead me to the position I’m in now.

Later that year, I won multiple awards. My grade point average improved — a lot. I made it onto the French Honors Convocation list and the Dean's List, and it's all because of the chance I took here at the ÿ�մ�� (with the encouragement of my family). I elevated myself by going after my dreams, and the vast resources available here at the university helped me do so.

Even though I started as a not-so-motivated college student in the middle of a pandemic, I was fortunate enough to have such a great supportive system that led me to where I am today. I’ve found that, in the face of adversity, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s just waiting for you to make that first step.

Majors & Careers

Student Stories

Transfer Students

Understanding College Admissions

Wed, 02/05/2025 - 15:36

CASL transfer student Bryanna Worthy documents her journey from an unmotivated first-year student in the midst of a pandemic to a thriving senior who has made her way on the Dean's list and is leading multiple organizations on campus.

UM-Dearborn Admissions Blog

5 Reasons to Visit a College Campus

jpow — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 13:48:21 +0000

5 Reasons to Visit a College Campus jpow Thu, 10/27/2022 - 09:48

As you’re narrowing down your list of schools, you’re likely paging through brochures with pictures of students strolling through campus, or gathering in common areas with friends over slices of pizza. But nothing compares to seeing a campus community in action. Getting a real-time view of classes and activities in session, offers a glimpse of what life might look like as a student at your future college home. Now more than ever, universities provide various opportunities for interested students to experience campus through virtual and in-person events. Whether you choose to peruse your schools of choice on foot or via Zoom, here’s why getting a closer look at campus is an important step in your college search.

You’ll have the opportunity to ask burning questions. There are many ways to learn about a school, but talking to those who know the university best will provide invaluable insights. That’s why at ÿ�մ��, our admissions counselors make themselves available through Admissions Counseling Appointments and Virtual Drop-In Sessions. During your one-on-one with an admissions counselor, be sure to ask questions like: “What are the requirements for my major?” “What are some of the benefits of the university’s small class sizes?” And, “how do faculty and staff support student success?” Asking questions, not only about the admissions process, but the overall academic environment can help give you a well-rounded view of the school's offerings.
Current students can give you real insights into student life. From the best places to grab coffee on and around campus to quiet nooks ideal for studying before exams, active students know the ins and outs of their college community. At UM-Dearborn, campus tours are led by current Dearborn Wolverines who can candidly answer questions about the student experience on our campus.
Seeing is believing. It’s one thing to read about state-of-the-art buildings and small class settings, but it can be entirely unique to get a feel for these attributes of a university in person. Guided tours allow you to see the interaction between professors and students in classes of 20 students or less, and newly minted labs (like the ones in our recently opened Engineering Lab Building, for example) are often even more impressive on site.
You’ll have the chance to walk the walk. Being on campus gives you a sense of place. You’ll be able to feel the energetic buzz of groups gathering in common areas, or venture off to the more serene enclaves outdoors. By now, you’re probably familiar with University of Michigan’s large network and lively sports culture. But did you know that our charming campus is home to 300 acres of land complete with idyllic nature trails? Visiting campus will reveal that you can earn the Michigan degree from a picturesque landscape in the heart of metro Detroit.
You can venture off course. Your GPS can estimate the distance from your prospective university to nearby attractions, but taking the trip yourself gives you an opportunity to explore the surrounding areas and discover hidden gems along the way! When visiting UM-Dearborn, grab a bite to eat in downtown Dearborn’s up-and-coming food oasis, zip over to downtown Detroit or visit our sister campus in Ann Arbor to learn just how conveniently located the city of Dearborn, Michigan is.

Keep an eye on our Visits & Events site to learn more about how you can engage with our campus community as you continue your college search.

UM-Dearborn Experience

Understanding College Admissions

Thu, 10/27/2022 - 13:48

You’re invited! Experience the Dearborn difference for yourself

As ÿ�մ�� insiders, current Dearborn Wolverines show interested students around campus.

UM-Dearborn Admissions Blog

Why Should You File the FAFSA?

jpow — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 19:38:09 +0000

Why Should You File the FAFSA? jpow Fri, 10/21/2022 - 15:38

A college education is one of the first big investments most young adults make in their professional careers. And with all the talk surrounding student debt looming, it’s important to ensure that you choose a school that offers an education that fits into your budget and pays off in the long run — thankfully, our students graduate with the second-lowest amount of student loan debt and the second-highest average starting salary among 15 Michigan public universities.

Along your application process, you’re probably constantly reminded to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, more commonly referred to as the FAFSA. And though you might be experiencing application fatigue, this is an important one.

The FAFSA is an essential step in understanding how to make college affordable for you. Not only will you learn how much federal aid you qualify for, you’ll also discover scholarship opportunities and unique aid programs developed specifically by your colleges of choice. As a Dearborn Wolverine, filing the FAFSA can unlock a host of opportunities for financial support. Learn more about three of them here:

Go Blue Guarantee
For years, University of Michigan has demonstrated its commitment to academic excellence at an affordable rate for high-achieving students in need through the Go Blue Guarantee. Now, UM-Dearborn students are eligible, too! The Go Blue Guarantee promises free tuition for standout students from low-income households. First step? Complete the FAFSA to determine your financial need.

Scholarships
UM-Dearborn offers a range of scholarships, whether you’re a first-year student, transferring from another university or a graduate student pursuing your master’s degree. While most scholarships provide financial support to high-achieving students based on merit, many at our university still require you to file the FAFSA.

Work-Study
Securing employment on campus is a great way to earn money while earning your degree. It’s also a failsafe way to get to know university systems and meet fellow students whose interests align with your own. You guessed it — you’ll need to complete the FAFSA to determine whether you demonstrate the financial need to qualify for a federal Work Study program.

Learn more about the various types of aid available at UM-Dearborn. And when you’re ready, file your FAFSA to determine what you’re eligible for!

Financial Aid

High School Students

Understanding College Admissions

Fri, 10/21/2022 - 19:38

Learn just how affordable it can be to earn your college degree

Financial aid advisors are available for both in-person and remote appointments to help you determine the financial aid opportunities that you may qualify for.

UM-Dearborn Admissions Blog

How to Earn College Credit in High School

jpow — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 19:31:29 +0000

How to Earn College Credit in High School jpow Thu, 09/01/2022 - 15:31

There are a number of reasons to begin earning college credit while on the path to earning your high school diploma. First, taking on challenging classes shows admissions officers that you’re a high-achieving student capable of keeping up with collegiate-level coursework. It also allows you to apply credits toward your degree. Students interested in earning their bachelor’s degree in less than four years may consider getting a head start by beginning to rack up credits their junior or senior year in high school (which can even save you money toward tuition!). Taking on a few credits in high school can also allow you to lighten your course load once you’re on campus for anyone who may be juggling work or extracurricular commitments. If you’re considering ways to earn credits during your high school career, there are two ways to do it.

Advanced Placement

Though these courses tend to be more rigorous than traditional high school-level courses, the benefits of successfully completing AP courses in high school far outweigh the challenges. Having AP courses on your transcript will give you an edge when the time comes to apply to colleges and universities, plus, the credits you earn may afford you an opportunity to bypass some general education classes in college, allowing you to hone in on courses specific to your major and minor. Consult your guidance counselor to learn more about AP courses that you may qualify for. You can also visit ÿ�մ��’s Advanced Placement site for an overview of the process.

High School Dual Enrollment

If you’re a high school or homeschooled student who has demonstrated exceptional academic performance and already have your eye on a top school of choice, it may be a wise choice to consider a high school dual enrollment program. At most universities, you’ll have free reign of campus facilities and advantages as a dual enrollment student, which will offer great insight to student life. Plus, you’ll also earn admissions privileges traditional applicants wouldn’t otherwise have. As a dual-enrollee at UM-Dearborn for example, once you graduate high school, you will be granted admission (provided you meet the minimum admission criteria), and the credits you earned during dual enrollment will already be on your transcript, saving you time and money!

Academics

High School Students

Understanding College Admissions

Thu, 09/01/2022 - 19:31

Learn whether AP courses and/or Dual Enrollment are right for you

UM-Dearborn Admissions Blog

4 Reasons to Consider a Commuter Campus

jpow — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 19:19:06 +0000

4 Reasons to Consider a Commuter Campus jpow Wed, 08/31/2022 - 15:19

Since its founding in the 1950s, the ÿ�մ�� has prided itself on being a commuter campus. Our team of distinguished faculty and staff are honored to offer students the opportunity to earn the Michigan degree from our serene enclave in southeast Michigan. Over the years, our students have saved thousands of dollars by choosing to enroll at UM-Dearborn. A commuter campus like ours reduces room and board costs significantly, allowing students to focus their investment on their academics, rather than additional fees. However, the pros of a commuter campus go far beyond cost savings. Here, a few more benefits to consider.

Flexible scheduling. To accommodate the needs of the student community, UM-Dearborn offers flexible scheduling for those balancing jobs and academics. Evening courses allow students to earn their degree outside of standard class times and professors often extend office hours beyond normal business hours. Plus, our small campus setting allows students to develop meaningful relationships with faculty and staff — we’re a university where professors know students by name!
The college experience. With more than 150 student activities, UM-Dearborn fosters a culture where commuter students don’t have to compromise an exciting college experience. Get involved in a sports team, join a Greek organization or, start your own club! For those interested in student organizations, evening and weekend activities make getting involved a breeze.
Proximity to the greatest attractions southeast Michigan has to offer. Nestled on idyllic grounds, our campus sits in the heart of Dearborn, Michigan, one of the state’s most culturally rich cities. Brush up on American history at The Henry Ford museum or indulge in Mediterranean cuisine at one of Dearborn’s finest restaurants. Plus, you can always catch the Detroit Connector for an easy trip to Ann Arbor or Detroit.
Familiar surroundings. If you’ve mastered the art of studying at home — you’ve got your desk, a reading nook, the perfect lighting for late-night study sessions — why rock the boat? Enrolling in a commuter school will allow you to earn your college degree from both a campus setting and from the comfort of your own home. Plus, if your family is a part of your support system, a commuter school allows you to keep them close without sacrificing your learning experience.

UM-Dearborn Experience

Understanding College Admissions

Wed, 08/31/2022 - 19:19

If you’re a Michigan resident exploring universities close to home, consider the many benefits of a commuter campus like ours

UM-Dearborn Admissions Blog

Being a college transfer student — should I stay or should I go?

jpow — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 14:05:46 +0000

Being a college transfer student — should I stay or should I go? jpow Mon, 06/13/2022 - 10:05

Blog post written by Bella Porbe

Whenever I’m identified as a transfer student, I am asked the same three questions: Why did you decide to transfer?; Was the process difficult?; and, Did you feel like you missed out on the “Freshman experience?” These questions are usually asked with the hopes of receiving a quick yes or no answer, but the reality is a little more complex than that. So to shed some light for those who may be going down a similar path (over 1 million students every year), here’s the rundown of how I got from point A to point B, and then to point C.

When I was in high school, there were four colleges I knew I wanted to apply to: Western Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, ÿ�մ��, and Michigan State University. I applied to all of them but never expected to find myself enrolled in a community college. Due to health concerns, I attended my first two years at Washtenaw Community College (WCC) with little choice. And although I loved it and was grateful to have all in-person classes my first year, I knew I couldn’t stay there forever. I needed to transfer to another school after completing my associate's degree. Transferring after two years of comfort and familiarity wasn’t going to be easy, but I was ready for the challenge.

Having a conversation with my WCC counselor about where I would go next was an encouraging experience. In the past, I had doubted my intellectual and educational abilities and was told that I wouldn’t get into the University of Michigan without a perfect GPA, attendance, and community involvement. But this time around, my counselor helped me explore all my options and made sure to prioritize my personal needs. With my newfound optimism, I resorted back to my high school dream, UM-Dearborn. I strived to be in a tight-knit diverse community with an intimate classroom setting and a location that was close to home. The 300-person lecture halls were not for me.

The educational aspect was an easier process than I anticipated. Most of my credits were transferable, I continued to follow my major, and the financial aid office helped me with expenses. And once I got to UM-Dearborn, there were so many resources, departments, and individual mentors that made the first week go incredibly smooth. CRUISE to Success for incoming freshman and transfer students, my counselor, and the Wolverine Mentor Collective were there for me every step of the way, just to name a few. Having four different colleges on campus, College of Business, College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters, College of Education, Health, and Human Services, and College of Engineering and Computer Science, also helped me to make a distinction between the buildings. (Not to mention, the campus is beautiful).

In terms of missing out on my “Freshman year experience,” it didn’t feel like that was the case. When I transferred, I knew I wanted to get involved as much as possible. Outside of grade school, I never joined a club and wanted to build friendships that would last long after I graduated. So, I went out of my comfort zone and did some organization hunting. I interviewed with multiple groups and associations which aligned with my goals and desires and found the harmony I was searching for. Students and professors welcomed me with open arms whenever I showed the slightest interest. Talking to as many people as I could definitely paid off. Whether it’s complimenting someone’s shoes, holding the door, or explaining a lesson to your classmate, it makes all the difference.

Since we are also a commuter campus, there are fewer opportunities to meet students off-campus than at universities with dorm life. But participating in events, meetings, and organizations is a great way to become involved and spend your time creating connections at Dearborn.

I never thought I would be able to transfer to the ÿ�մ��. When my advisor told me I could 100% go to UM-Dearborn I genuinely couldn’t believe it. Since arriving, I’ve met so many new people and have garnered multiple new perspectives on life. I am so thankful to have the amazing experience UM-Dearborn has blessed me with and am excited to see what my senior year will bring.

Student Stories

Transfer Students

Understanding College Admissions

Mon, 06/13/2022 - 14:05

From deciding what college to attend to making friends at a new school, student blogger Bella shares her experiences as a transfer student.

UM-Dearborn Admissions Blog

Decoding UM-Dearborn’s Transfer Tools

jpow — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 15:03:02 +0000

Decoding UM-Dearborn’s Transfer Tools jpow Fri, 10/29/2021 - 11:03

Transferring to a new university is a process — a possibly daunting one without a little guidance along the way. At ÿ�մ��, nearly 50% of our students have transferred from community colleges and four-year schools across the country. That means, our faculty and staff have years of experience helping transfer students navigate the transition to our campus with ease. There are a number of resources available to support all students every step of the way, but a few were designed with you in mind.

Course Transfer System
To determine how much of your existing coursework will transfer to our campus, simply use our Course Transfer System. The database will tell you exactly how your previous coursework is recognized at UM-Dearborn.

Michigan Community College Transfer Hubs
Interested in transferring from a community college in the state of Michigan? If so, your college may be one of our Transfer Hubs — the 13 most-attended community colleges among our transfer students. If your school is on the list, we’ve developed easy-to-follow guides for applying to UM-Dearborn according to your college and prospective major.

MiTransfer Pathways
MiTransfer Pathways is a statewide initiative created to simplify the transfer experience. Any credits earned by completing Pathways courses, will apply to both an associate degree at say, your previous university or community college, as well as a bachelor's degree at UM-Dearborn. We’re proud to participate in all applicable Pathways!

Michigan Transfer Agreement
If you’re currently enrolled in a local community college, you’re in luck! The Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) is a resource that allows transfer students enrolled in Michigan-based community colleges, to complete a 30-credit block that satisfies most of the general education requirements at Michigan universities like UM-Dearborn. As of fall 2014, students at Michigan community colleges must complete 30 hours with at least a C or better in each approved course. Your community college should have a website that lists the approved courses for completing the MTA. Solomon — a current transfer student who made his way to UM-Dearborn via Schoolcraft College — says it best!

Transfer Scholarships
UM-Dearborn is committed to making the world-renowned Michigan degree accessible to all students. As a transfer student, you may be eligible for scholarships designed just for you. From Community College Transfer Scholarships to the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, our Transfer Scholarships site offers a list of resources for you to discover. Most recently, UM-Dearborn announced the launch of Go Blue Guarantee on our campus. The scholarship program is University of Michigan’s landmark promise of free tuition for high-achieving in-state undergraduate students from low-income backgrounds. Visit the Go Blue Guarantee site to see if you qualify.

Transfer Students

Understanding College Admissions

Fri, 10/29/2021 - 15:03

UM-Dearborn Admissions Blog