College and Career Planning
The MCI College and Career Planning Office is your resource for helping you plan your academic career with individual goals in mind. Whether you plan to go to college after graduation, go directly into a career or the military, the Academic Office can offer guidance as you reach those goals.
Led by the Dean of Academics, our office includes the Director of Academic Affairs, two academic/career counselors, and the Registrar/Student Data Coordinator. Our counselors assist students during their college search, application process, and can help you explore and work toward your future career goals while developing life-long plans. We offer guidance with classroom presentations, interview preparation with college representatives, college fair planning, college representative visits to MCI, military information, and assist with other needs students may have.
The Registrar/Student Data Coordinator is your resource for school transcripts and assistance with PowerSchool.
For more information or for assistance, contact the Academic Office at (207) 487-3355. We are located on the main floor of Founders Hall.
Student/Family or Academic Office?
Student & Family Responsibility
1) Discuss post secondary planning with your counselor
2) Do research on colleges & programs of interest
3) Add colleges of interest to College board list and Common Application*
4) Complete Common Application*
5) Send SAT & AP scores directly from College board
6) Ask teachers (in person) for recommendation letters
7) Visit colleges (in person of through virtual tours)
8) Interview at colleges when the option is available
9)Register for the SAT/SAT Subject/AP and ACT Exams
10) Tell your counselor when you have submitted and application
11) Keep us in the loop about admissions decisions
12) Bring counselors your acceptance letters to copy and file
13) Create a FAFSA ID (senior year)*
14) File the FAFSA (senior year)*
15) File CSS Profile (senior year)*
16) Research appropriate scholarships and apply
17) Meet with military recruiters*
18) Schedule a Senior Exit Interview in May
Academic Office Responsibility
1) Write letters of recommendation
2) Write fee waiver letters (as needed) *
3) Assists with college & career planning
4) Assists with college application questions
5) Send requested documents to colleges
6) Organizes financial aid evenings
7) Organizes FAFSA completion evening
8) Answers all questions in regards to academic/college & career planning
9) Provides resources
10) Assists with College board and Common Application accounts
11) Provide College Tour opportunities
12) provides meeting times with college, military and career representatives
13) Provides opportunities to interview with college/alumni
14) Provide recommendation letters and transcripts for scholarships
15) Provides resources for all post secondary planning
Senior Post Secondary Planning Information
- Grade 12 College & Career Access Sessions
- Recent MCI Post Secondary Planning Advice
- College Representative Visits
- University of Maine College & Career Fair
- Annual MCI College & Career Fair
- Annual FAFSA Fiesta
- International University Alliance Partnership
- Young Alum Panel Discussions
- SAT Prep
- TOEFL
- Scholarship Opportunities
- Surveys For MCI's Senior Class
Grade 12 College & Career Access Sessions
The Academic Counselors schedule and present College & Career Access Sessions (by grade level) throughout the year.
The Counselors Present on the Following Topics:
Seniors
* Collegeboard Account: The counselors will ensure that all seniors have a Collegeboard Account, which is critical in the college & career planning search process, but also when sending SAT and AP scores.
* Common Application Account: The counselors work with MCI's Humanities faculty to ensure that seniors have created a Common Application Account and are working towards completing it. (over 75% of our seniors will use the Common Application when applying to colleges of interest)
* SAT/ACT/AP/TOEFL: The counselors will cover information about SAT/ACT/AP and TOEFL Testing information, including dates and competitive scores for colleges of interest. The counselors will follow up with each senior to help them register for an exam, if needed.
* College List on Collegeboard: The counselors will work with each senior to create their college list on Collegeboard. This becomes very important when they are ready to submit their applications. It also gives the counselor a sense of each seniors reach, probable or safety school, allowing them to help guide each student if needed.
* Guided Questions: These questions are created to help students understand the type of information that they should be considering when researching colleges of interest. Often, students are attracted by the name of a school and not necessarily the "best fit" for their college & career goals. The seniors will be asked to research various schools of interest and to answer specific questions about each. These questions include: What is the name of the school that you have chosen? What are the admissions deadlines? What tests are required? What are the admissions requirements? What is required to apply for financial aid? What is the financial aid deadline? What's at least one club or activity the college offers that you are interested in? What is the two or four year graduation rate? What is your overall impression of the college website? And more!
* Scholarship Search: The counselors will cover information about scholarship opportunities, including how to access them through College board and other resources
* Financial Aid: The counselors will discuss the importance of FAFSA completion, and give seniors specific details about when to file, while also encouraging them to utilize resources given for help, including the Annual FAFSA Fiesta held in early October.
* Teacher Recommendations: The counselors instruct students to reach out to teachers that they would like to write a letter of recommendation. Asking early will be stressed, and hopefully something that most of them have already done! Once they ask teachers in person, they will need to follow up with a request through their Common Application Account.
* Club & Activity Information: The counselors will discuss the importance of the Club & Activity Requirement and how being connected to school beyond the classroom separates them from other students applying to the same colleges, or perhaps applying for the same jobs.
* Community Service Information: The counselors will discuss the importance of the community service requirement at MCI.
* Curriculum Pathways for College Planning: The counselors will -re-introduce the "Curriculum for College Planning" document, reminding them that the path they choose (General, CP, AP, etc.) will determine their post secondary options.
* The College Essay: The counselors work with English teachers to be sure that each student has started a college essay, especially those applying Early Decision or Early Action. Senior will have at least one polished essay with support of the English department and Academic Office before applying to schools of interest.
* Resume Builder: The counselors will continue to encourage each senior to complete a resume. The hope is that each graduating senior will leave MCI with a working resume that they can use when applying to colleges, jobs, etc.
Recent MCI Post Secondary Planning Advice
"Always remember your goal and work hard for it"
"Start early and apply early action if the option is available. It will save about of stress and worry. It’s okay not to get into every school, make sure that you are applying to the schools that you have carefully picked and are actually interested in attending. Everything works out for the best".
"Don’t wait until the last minute and use your academic advisor, they are very helpful"
"Don't take for granted your time at MCI. This will honestly be one of the best experiences you have in your life. Even though it may be hard sometimes, it's worth it. At MCI, you'll always have support. Whether it's from your teachers, or a group of friends. Enjoy your experience while it lasts because it doesn't last forever. Appreciate your teachers, friends, and your time at MCI because some day you'll really miss it"
"Ask for help if you are stuck. There are so many people on staff who want to see their students succeed and go on to live a successful life. Reach out to a counselor or teacher if you need help, or even if you want to discuss your plans. You will not regret it"
"Keep your options open and look at the financial part of it too. It’s gonna seem like a lot, but it will be worth it in the end. Don’t stress, it’ll be okay"
"Communicating with your peers, teachers, and your academic counselor, especially, is very important. Take advantage of the tools and opportunities our school offers. Be grateful for it and trust the process"
"It is important to be prepared. I started preparing late in my sophomore year, looking into careers that interested me and then finding colleges where they offered courses for it. I was able to meet with administrators from those colleges that helped me narrow it down to a few ideas. Then in my junior year I was able to connect with those few places that I had a good idea of where I was interested. I was able to connect and become familiar with people on the administrative offices in those places which helps in your acceptance sometimes if they are familiar with you. It is just important to not procrastinate and be prepared as early as possible for less stress in the long run"
"Definitely start thinking about it earlier and you can use your senior project to find out if that’s what you want to do. If not you can always just go to college for the basic classes"
College Representative Visits
Each year, the MCI Academic Office invites & welcomes various college representatives to campus. Our students register to speak with the admissions reps. in their Naviance account. These 45 minute sessions are a wonderful way for MCI students to engage in conversation with a representative of a college of interest. All grade levels are encouraged to participate, as it is very important not only for the practice, but also because of the relationship building that takes place. This can go a long way in determining whether a student is accepted to a college or not in the future!
University of Maine College & Career Fair
Annual MCI College & Career Fair
The Academic Office is proud to offer the Annual College & Career Fair for students & parents. The fair happens each April, attracting college representatives from schools across the United States. Typically, MCI welcomes over 65 different colleges, giving our students the unique opportunity to meet with college representatives at MCI. We will hold the 12th Annual MCI College & Career Fair on Thursday, April 29 from 2:00-3:30 pm. We look forward to providing this virtual event for students & families! We encourage all students, parents, friends & family to attend!
Annual FAFSA Fiesta
In early October, the MCI Academic Office organizes the Annual FAFSA Fiesta, giving seniors & their parents the wonderful opportunity of completing the important FAFSA on this evening, and much earlier than many other students. Teaming with the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME), the evening includes a Mexican Style dinner in the MCI Dining Commons before transitioning to a College Financial Aid Presentation by FAME, and then the completion of the FAFSA. FAME representatives are available throughout the event for individual needs and questions about the FAFSA, scholarships, etc.
International University Alliance Partnership
The MCI Academic Office is excited to partner with Shorelight Education & The International University Alliance to offer our international students a unique opportunity while applying to many ranked schools across the United States. Nicole Steeves, an alum of MCI in '99, who is also a representative for Shorelight Education, works closely with the Academic Office staff in helping students apply to the following schools:
* Adelphi University
* American University
* Auburn University
* Florida International University
* The University of Kansas
* Louisiana State University
* University of Central Florida
* University of Illinois at Chicago
* UMASS Boston
* University of the Pacific
* University of South Carolina
* University of Utah
"Shorelight creates life changing experiences for students worldwide. We partner with top U.S. Universities to expand their reach far beyond the traditional campus and help talented international students thrive, graduate, and become successful, globally minded alumni".
A great resource for many students and families!
Young Alum Panel Discussions
The academic counselors are committed to bringing the post secondary experience to MCI's campus. As a result, they have held several "Young Alum Panel Discussions" over the years. The panel is comprised of various recent graduates of MCI, each taking a different post secondary path. These paths have included 4 year college, 2 year college, military, workforce, etc.
As part of this event, current students at MCI are encouraged to participate to learn a little bit about the experience of recent graduates. Some who they may have even shared a classroom with the previous year.
We have amazing graduates who are very generous in giving their time to speak with MCI students.
SAT Prep
The Academic Office works with "Lets Get Ready" and Colby College to offer SAT Preparatory classes. Currently, several students are participating in SAT prep class two days a week at nearby Colby College. Transportation is provided by MCI administration. As well as prepping for the SAT, students have the opportunity to eat on Colby's campus!
We look forward to offering this again in the Spring!
MCI offers the SAT exam on campus throughout the year, giving our students easy access to a testing facility. Counselors are also available should students need support in registering for the SAT.
TOEFL
MCI is happy to not only help students prepare for the TOEFL Exam, but to assist in providing transportation to Bangor, Maine for testing. Each month, a member of the Academic Office will provide transportation to the TOEFL Testing facility. Counselors are also available to help students register for the TOEFL if needed.
Scholarship Opportunities
Skowhegan Savings High School Scholarship
https://www.skowhegan.com/scholarship-program
Ascent's Easiest Scholarship Essay
Due Date: September 30, 2021
https://tinyurl.com/46pvke9k
Cappex Easy Money Scholarship
Due Date: September 30, 2021
https://tinyurl.com/sb4jtcr6
Chick Fil A Scholarship
Due Date: September 30, 2021
https://tinyurl.com/mf49upwb
Unigo's Shout it Out Contest
Due Date: September 30, 2021
https://tinyurl.com/3aztdpj8
Willard & Smackman Scholarship
Due Date: October 1st, 2021
https://tinyurl.com/49mxymh3
http://www.mainelycharacter.org
No Sweat Scholarship
Due Date: December 1, 2021
https://tinyurl.com/6tvk5pks
The Coolidge Scholarship
Due Date: January 26, 2021
https://coolidgescholars.org/
Clyde Russell Scholarship Fund
Due date: February 1, 2022
http://www.clyderussellscholarshipfund.org
Scholarship For Women: Transportation Related Careers
Due Date: February 15, 2022
http://www.wtsinternational.org/chapters/maine/scholarship
Mainly Character Scholarship
Due Date: March 1, 2022
http://www.mainelycharacter.org
AGC Maine Scholarship
Due Date: March 1, 2022
https://agcmaine.org/scholarship/
Mainly Character Scholarship
Due Date: March 1, 2022
http://www.mainelycharacter.org
Barosky Scholars
Due Date: March 15, 2022
https://tpi.org/scholarships-college-success/
Maine Society of Professional Engineers Scholarships
Due Date: March 18, 2022
http://www.mespe.org
Margaret Chase Smith Essay Contest
Due Date: April 1, 2022
http://www.mcslibrary.org/awards
Michell Scholarship
Due Date: April 1, 2022
http://mitchellinstitute.org/scholarship/#slide-2
The Stephen Phillips MemorialScholarship Fund
Due Date: April 4, 2022
http://www.phillips-scholarship.org
MaineGeneral Health 2022 Scholarship
Due Date: April 6, 2022
https://give.mainegeneral.org/scholarships
Joseph B. Ezhaya Memorial Scholarship
Due Date: April 25, 2022
http://www.midmainechamber.com
The Maine Manufacturers Career & Training Foundation
Due Date: April 30th, 2022
https://mainemfg.com/Students
Ruffed Grouse Society Scholarship
Due Date: May 13th
http://www.rgsmaine.org
Surveys For MCI's Senior Class
Senior Survey
https://tinyurl.com/ycm7xyvn
Senior Activities Sheet
https://tinyurl.com/ybt25nqw
Senior Questionnaire
https://tinyurl.com/yc3o4dmz
Senior Exit Survey
https://tinyurl.com/ydejpcfu
Senior Scholarship Application
https://tinyurl.com/ycot2us3
Club & Activity Fair Survey
https://tinyurl.com/y844nutu
Junior Post Secondary Planning Information
- Grade 11 College & Career Access Sessions
- College Representative Visits
- University of Maine College & Career Fair
- Annual MCI College & Career Fair
- International University Alliance Partnership
- Young Alum Panel Discussions
- SAT Prep
- TOEFL
- Surveys for MCI's Junior Class
Grade 11 College & Career Access Sessions
The Academic Counselors schedule and present College & Career Access Sessions (by grade level) throughout the year.
The Counselors Present on the Following Topics:
Juniors
* Collegeboard Account: The counselors will ensure that all juniors have a Collegeboard Account, which is critical in the college search process, but also when sending SAT and AP scores.
* SAT/ACT/AP/TOEFL: The counselors will cover information about SAT/ACT/AP and TOEFL Testing information, including dates and competitive scores for colleges of interest. The counselors will follow up with each junior to help them register for an exam, if needed.
* Colleges I'm Thinking About List: The counselors will work with students to begin a preliminary college list in College board. While plans could change, this gives the student & counselor a baseline of colleges that are of interest. This helps with post secondary planning, as the counselors can guide students about realistic expectations, while also encouraging them to take a more rigorous course load during their senior year if necessary.
* Transcript Review: Transcripts are the #1 most important application material that will be submitted. It is important for students to understand it's value. As part of these sessions, juniors will review their own transcript when determining the type of college that they could potentially apply to.
* Guided Questions: These questions are created to help students understand the type of information that they should be considering when researching colleges of interest. Often, students are attracted by the name of a school and not necessarily the "best fit" for their college & career goals. Each junior will be asked to research various schools of interest and to answer specific questions about each. These questions include: What is the name of the school that you have chosen? What are the admissions deadlines? What tests are required? What are the admissions requirements? What is required to apply for financial aid? What is the financial aid deadline? What's at least one club or activity the college offers that you are interested in? What is the two or four year graduation rate? What is your overall impression of the college website? And more!
* Curriculum Pathways for College Planning: The counselors will -re-introduce the "Curriculum for College Planning" document, reminding them that the path they choose (General, CP, AP, etc.) will go a long way in determining their post secondary options.
* Financial Aid Information: The counselors will discuss the importance of FAFSA completion, while giving juniors specific information about when to file the FAFSA, and the types of awards that they could receive.
* Scholarship Information: The counselors will cover information about scholarships, which include how to access them in their College board account and other resources. It is very important that juniors begin thinking about scholarships and how to access them during their junior/senior year.
* Club & Activity Information: The counselors will discuss the importance of the Club & Activity Requirement and how being connected to school beyond the classroom separates them from other students applying to the same colleges, or perhaps applying for the same jobs.
* Community Service Information: The counselors will discuss the importance of the community service requirement.
* Social Media Information: The counselors will encourage juniors to be cautious in regards to their social media accounts, as colleges and employers are giving it a closer look when determining who to accept or hire.
* Resume Builder: The counselors will continue to encourage each junior to complete a resume. The hope is that each graduating senior will leave MCI with a working resume that they can use when applying to colleges, jobs, etc.
* Teacher Recommendations: The counselors will encourage juniors to begin thinking about teachers whom they will ask to write recommendations. It is important to get this list going early, while also giving teachers a "heads up" in advance.
College Representative Visits
Each year, the MCI Academic Office invites & welcomes various college representatives to campus. Our students register to speak with the admissions reps. in their Naviance account. These 45 minute sessions are a wonderful way for MCI students to engage in conversation with a representative of a college of interest. All grade levels are encouraged to participate, as it is very important not only for the practice, but also because of the relationship building that takes place. This can go a long way in determining whether a student is accepted to a college or not in the future!
University of Maine College & Career Fair
Annual MCI College & Career Fair
The Academic Office is proud to offer the Annual College & Career Fair for students & parents. The fair happens each April, attracting college representatives from schools across the United States. Typically, MCI welcomes over 65 different colleges, giving our students the unique opportunity to meet with college representatives at MCI. We will hold the 12th Annual MCI College & Career Fair on Thursday, April 29 from 2:00-3:30 pm (virtual). We encourage all students, parents, friends & family to attend!
International University Alliance Partnership
The MCI Academic Office is excited to partner with Shorelight Education & The International University Alliance to offer international students a unique opportunity, while applying to many ranked schools across the United States. Nicole Steeves, an alum of MCI in '99, who is also a representative for Shorelight Education, works closely with the Academic Office staff in helping students apply to the following schools:
* Adelphi University
* American University
* Auburn University
*Cleveland State University
* Florida International University
*Gonzaga University
* The University of Kansas
* Louisiana State University
* University of Central Florida
* University of Illinois at Chicago
* UMASS Boston
* University of the Pacific
* University of South Carolina
* University of Utah
"Shorelight creates life changing experiences for students worldwide. We partner with top U.S. Universities to expand their reach far beyond the traditional campus and help talented international students thrive, graduate, and become successful, globally minded alumni".
A great resource for many students and families!
Young Alum Panel Discussions
The academic counselors are committed to bringing the post secondary experience to MCI's campus. As a result, they have held several "Young Alum Panel Discussions" over the years. The panel is comprised of various recent graduates of MCI, each taking a different post secondary path. These paths have included 4 year college, 2 year college, military, workforce, etc.
As part of this event, current students at MCI are encouraged to participate to learn a little bit about the experience of recent graduates. Some who they may have even shared a classroom with the previous year.
We have amazing graduates who are very generous in giving their time to speak with MCI students.
SAT Prep
The Academic Office works with "Are you Ready" and Colby College to offer SAT Preparatory classes. Currently, several students are participating in SAT prep class two days a week at nearby Colby College. Transportation is provided by MCI administration. As well as prepping for the SAT, students have the opportunity to eat on Colby's campus!
We look forward to offering this again in the Spring!
MCI offers the SAT exam on campus throughout the year, giving our students easy access to a testing facility. Counselors are also available should students need support in registering for the SAT.
TOEFL
MCI is happy to not only help students prepare for the TOEFL Exam, but to assist in providing transportation to Bangor, Maine for testing. Each month, a member of the Academic Office will provide transportation to the TOEFL Testing facility. Counselors are also available to help students register for the TOEFL if needed.
Surveys for MCI's Junior Class
Senior Entry Survey
https://tinyurl.com/y7esqdau
Club & Activity Fair Survey
https://tinyurl.com/y844nutu
Sophomore Post Secondary Planning Information
- Grade 10 College & Career Access Sessions
- College Representative Vists
- Annual MCI College & Career Fair
- SAT Prep
- TOEFL
- Surveys for MCI's Sophomore Class
Grade 10 College & Career Access Sessions
The Academic Counselors schedule and present College & Career Access Sessions (by grade level) throughout the year.
The Counselors Present on the Following Topics:
Sophomores
* Transcripts: The counselors will re-introduce transcripts to each sophomore, while helping to explain what one looks like to be accepted to a four year competitive college, four year college, two year college, workforce, military, etc.
* College board: The counselors will ensure that each sophomore has a College board account and is active in using it. College board is crucial in their college & career / post secondary planning.
* PSAT/SAT Information: The counselors will look at individual PSAT scores with students, discussing the meaning of them. They will also discuss the upcoming SAT and the importance in college admission.
* Career Interest Survey: The sophomores will be asked to complete a "Career Interest Survey", which will will give them an opportunity to think about careers of interest (and ones that they possibly never knew they were interested in!).
* Curriculum Pathways for College Planning: The counselors will -re-introduce the "Curriculum for College Planning" document, reminding them that the path they choose (General, CP, AP, etc.) will determine their post secondary options.
* Club & Activity Information: The counselors will discuss the importance of the Club & Activity Requirement and how being connected to school beyond the classroom separates them from other students applying to the same colleges, or perhaps applying for the same jobs.
* Community Service Information: The counselors will discuss the importance of the community service requirement.
* Social Media Information: The counselors will encourage sophomores to be cautious in regards to their social media accounts, as colleges and employers are giving it a closer look when determining who to accept or hire.
* Resume Builder: The counselors will continue to encourage each sophomore to complete a resume. The hope is that each graduating senior will leave MCI with a working resume that they can use when applying to colleges, jobs, etc.
College Representative Vists
Each year, the MCI Academic Office invites & welcomes various college representatives to campus. Our students register to speak with the admissions reps. in their Naviance account. These 45 minute sessions are a wonderful way for MCI students to engage in conversation with a representative of a college of interest. All grade levels are encouraged to participate, as it is very important not only for the practice, but also because of the relationship building that takes place. This can go a long way in determining whether a student is accepted to a college or not in the future!
Annual MCI College & Career Fair
The Academic Office is proud to offer the Annual College & Career Fair for students & parents. The fair happens each April, attracting college representatives from schools across the United States. Typically, MCI welcomes over 65 different colleges to campus, giving our students the unique opportunity to meet with college representatives at MCI. We will hold the 12th Annual MCI College & Career Fair on Thursday, April 29 from 2:00-3:30 pm (virtually). We encourage all students, parents, friends & family to attend!
SAT Prep
The Academic Office works with "Are you Ready" and Colby College to offer SAT Preparatory classes. Currently, several students are participating in SAT prep class two days a week at nearby Colby College. Transportation is provided by MCI administration. As well as prepping for the SAT, students have the opportunity to eat on Colby's campus!
We look forward to offering this again in the Spring!
MCI offers the SAT exam on campus throughout the year, giving our students easy access to a testing facility. Counselors are also available should students need support in registering for the SAT.
TOEFL
MCI is happy to not only help students prepare for the TOEFL Exam, but to assist in providing transportation to Bangor, Maine for testing. Each month, a member of the Academic Office will provide transportation to the TOEFL Testing facility. Counselors are also available to help students register for the TOEFL if needed.
Surveys for MCI's Sophomore Class
Club & Activity Fair Survey
https://tinyurl.com/y844nutu
Freshmen Post Secondary Planning Information
- Grade 9 College & Career Access Sessions
- Annual MCI College & Career Fair
- Surveys for MCI's Freshmen Class
Grade 9 College & Career Access Sessions
The Academic Counselors schedule and present College & Career Access Sessions (by grade level) throughout the year.
The Counselors Present on the Following Topics:
Freshmen
* Transcripts: The counselors introduce transcripts to the freshmen class, while helping to explain what one looks like to be accepted to a four year competitive college, four year college, two year college, workforce, military, etc.
* Collegeboard Account: The counselors will ensure that each freshmen has a College board account and is active in using it. College board is crucial in their college & career / post secondary planning.
* PSAT/SAT Information: The counselors will discuss the importance pf the PSAT & SAT and encourage students to be prepared for these exams.
* Personality Type Assessment: Each freshmen will be asked to take a "Personality Type Assessment", giving them an idea about areas of interest, and why. The 9th graders can take the information from the assessment to explore careers that may be a good fit in the future. Often, freshmen have no idea (or a lot of ideas) about what to do, when to start, or what to look at when thinking about their future. This assessment gives them a good start!
* Curriculum Pathways for College Planning: The counselors will introduce the "Curriculum for College Planning" document, showing each freshmen that the path they choose (General, CP, AP, etc.) will determine their post secondary options.
* Club & Activity Information: The counselors will discuss the importance of the Club & Activity Requirement and how being connected to school beyond the classroom separates them from other students applying to the same colleges, or perhaps applying for the same jobs.
* Community Service Information: The counselors will discuss the importance of the community service requirement.
* Social Media Information: The counselors will encourage freshmen to be cautious in regards to their social accounts, as colleges and employers are giving it a closer look when determining who to accept or hire.
* Resume Builder: The counselors will encourage each freshmen to complete a resume during their time at MCI. The hope is that each graduating senior will leave MCI with a working resume that they can use when applying to colleges, jobs, etc.
Annual MCI College & Career Fair
The Academic Office is proud to offer the Annual College & Career Fair for students & parents. The fair happens each April, attracting college representatives from schools across the United States. Typically, MCI welcomes over 65 different colleges, giving our students the unique opportunity to meet with college representatives at MCI. We will hold the 12th Annual MCI College & Career Fair on Thursday, April 29 from 2:00-3:30 pm (virtually). We encourage all students, parents, friends & family to attend!
Surveys for MCI's Freshmen Class
Club & Activity Fair Survey
https://tinyurl.com/y844nutu
Freshmen End of Year Survey
https://tinyurl.com/y7njcjvh
Useful Post Secondary Planning Links & Resources:
College & Career Planning
https://www.collegeboard.org/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/
College Application
https://www.commonapp.org/
Financial Aid
https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
https://www.famemaine.com/
Test Registration & Prep
https://tinyurl.com/yb9a7g83
https://tinyurl.com/y6ywgjgv
https://www.khanacademy.org/
College & University Acceptance List
- Best National Universities
- Best Regional Universities
- Best National Liberal Arts College
- Best Regional Colleges
Best National Universities
| Adelphi University |
| American University |
| Arizona State University |
| Auburn University |
| Baylor University |
| Binghamton University |
| Boston College |
| Boston University |
| Brandeis University |
| Brigham Young University-Provo |
| Case Western Reserve University |
| Clark University |
| Clarkson University |
| Columbia University |
| Drexel University |
| Emory University |
| Florida Institute of Technology |
| Florida State University |
| Fordham University |
| Georgia Institute of Technology |
| Hofstra University |
| Illinois Institute of Technology |
| Indian University-Bloomington |
| Iowa State University |
| Kansas State University |
| Kent State University |
| Lehigh University |
| Louisiana State University |
| Loyola University-Chicago |
| Miami University-Oxford |
| Michigan State University |
| Montclair State University |
| New York University |
| Northeastern University |
| Nova Southeastern University |
| Oregon State University |
| Pace University |
| Penn State University |
| Pepperdine University |
| Princeton University |
| Purdue University |
| Rennsselaer Polytechnic Institute |
| Rochester Institute of Technology |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick |
| Saint Louis University |
| San Diego State University |
| St. John's University |
| Suffolk University |
| SUNY Stony Brook |
| Syracuse University |
| Temple University |
| Texas Christian University |
| The Ohio State University |
| Tulane University |
| UCLA |
| UMASS Amherst |
| UMASS Boston |
| UMASS Dartmouth |
| UMASS Lowell |
| University of Alabama Tuscaloosa |
| University of Arizona |
| University of Buffalo SUNY |
| University of California-Davis |
| University of California-Irvine |
| University of California-Riverside |
| University of California-San Diego |
| University of California-Santa Barbara |
| University of California-Santa Cruz |
| University of Central Florida |
| University of Cincinnati |
| University of Colorado-Boulder |
| University of Colorado-Denver |
| University of Connecticut |
| University of Dayton |
| University of Delaware |
| University of Hartford |
| University of Houston |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
| University of Illinois-Chicago |
| University of Kansas |
| University of Kentucky |
| University of La Verne |
| University of Maine |
| University of Maryland-College Park |
| University of Miami |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities |
| University of Missouri |
| University of Montana Missoula |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
| University of New Hampshire |
| University of North Carolina |
| University of North Carolina-Greensboro |
| University of Oklahoma |
| University of Oregon |
| University of Pittsburgh |
| University of Rhode Island |
|
University of San Francisco |
| University of South Carolina |
| University of South Florida |
| University of Tennessee-Knoxville |
| University of the Pacific |
| University of Utah |
| University of Vermont |
| University of Virginia |
| University of Washington |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
| University of Wyoming |
| University or Rochester |
| Villanova University |
| Virginia Tech |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute |
Best Regional Universities
| Anna Maria College |
| Baruch College |
| Belmont University |
| Bentley University |
| Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania |
| Bryant University |
| Butler University |
| California Ploytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo |
| California State University-Chico |
| California State University-Northridge |
| Canisius College |
| Carroll University |
| Champlain College |
| Concordia University |
| Curry College |
| Elon University |
| Embry Riddle Aeronautical University |
| Emerson College |
| Endicott College |
| Fairfield University |
| Farleigh Dickinson University |
| Florida Gulf Coast University |
| Florida Southern College |
| Franklin & Pierce University |
| Husson University |
| Ithaca College |
| Jacksonville University |
| James Madison University |
| Johnson & Wales University-Providence |
| Keen State College |
| Kings College |
| La Rouche College |
| Lasell College |
| LIU Post |
| Manhattan College |
| Merrimack College |
| Milwaukee School of Engineering |
| Minnesota State University-Mankato |
| Northern Michigan University |
| Norwich University |
| Plymouth State University |
| Point Park University |
| Quinnipiac University |
| Rutgers-Camden |
| Saint Leo University |
| Salve Regina University |
| San Jose University |
| Seattle University |
| Seton Hill University |
| Simmons University |
| Southern New hampshire University |
| Springfield College |
| St. Cloud State University |
| St. Joseph's University |
| St. Joseph's University-ME |
| SUNY Buffalo State College |
| SUNY College-Potsdam |
| SUNY Plattsburgh |
| Thomas College |
| University of Bridgeport |
| University of Dallas |
| University of Evansville |
| University of Maine Fort Kent |
| University of Maine Presque Isle |
| University of Nebraska |
| University of New England |
| University of New Haven |
| University of North Carolina-Wilmington |
| UNiversity of North Florida |
| University of Portland |
| University of Scranton |
| University of Southern Maine |
| University of Tampa |
| University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse |
| Wentworth Institute of Technology |
| Western New England College |
| Westminster College |
| Woodbury College |
Best National Liberal Arts College
| Bard College |
| Bates College |
| Beloit College |
| Bennington College |
| Bowdoin College |
| Colby College |
| College of the Atlantic |
| Colorado College |
| Connecticut College |
| Dickinson College |
| Eckerd College |
| Emmanuel College |
| Franklin & Marshall College |
| Gettysburg College |
| Gordon College |
| Goucher College |
| Hendrix College |
| Hobart & William Smith Colleges |
| Hope College |
| Lawrence University |
| Marymount Manhatten College |
| McDaniel College |
| Middelbury College |
| Mount Holyoke College |
| Mulenberg College |
| Northland College |
| Ohio Wesleyan University |
| Saint Anselm College |
| Saint Michael's College |
| Sarah Lawrence College |
| Skidmore College |
| Smith College |
| Southern Virginia University |
| St. Johns University MN |
| St. Lawrence University |
| Stonehill College |
| Susquehanna University |
| Transylvania University |
| Trinity College |
| Ursinus College |
| Vassar College |
| Washington College |
| Wells College |
| Wheaton College-MA |
Best Regional Colleges
| Becker College |
| Brevard College |
| Brigham Young University-Idaho |
| Calvin College |
| Catawba College |
| Colby Sawyer College |
| Dean College |
| Flagler College |
| Goshen College |
| Lynson State College |
| Maine Maritime Academy |
| Mount Ida College |
| Paul Smith's College |
| St. Mary's of the Woods |
| Unity College |
| University of Maine Augusta |
| University of Maine Farmington |
| University of Maine Fort Kent |
| University of Maine Presque Isle |
| University of New England |
Admit in a Day Program
The MCI Academic Office is excited to offer "Admit in a Day" sessions with the following schools:
* Husson University
* Kennebec Valley Community College
* University of Maine
* University of New England
* University of Southern Maine
Other Useful Planning Resources
- Admission Tricks
- Early Decision or Early Action?
- Essay Help
- Recommendation Tips
- How to Apply
- Been Waitlisted?
- Financial Aid Tips
- Testing Tips
Admission Tricks
1) The "hot" college that everyone in your class wants to go to will be harder to get accepted to. Too many applicants from one school can cut down your chances. If there's a school you want to go to, keep your mouth shut!
2) Colleges give points for geographical diversity (state and rural/urban), being related to an alumni, and
ethnicity. Consider schools in various locations and don't forget schools family members attended.
3) If you don't need financial aid - let 'em know. If the school is short on funds or loaded with applicants
who need aid, it may help.
4) Wanna let the colleges know you're really interested? Ask for an interview with the admissions officer
and talk to professors in your desired major. You'll stand out as an applicant.
5) A college is more likely to accept you if your major is in an under-enrolled area. Ask the admissions officer how your choice of major might affect your chances.
6) Stand Out! Colleges give extra points for talent and athletic ability. Let 'em know what you can do.
7) Don't let your parents do it! YOU make the phone calls to college for information. You may not be as polished but your enthusiasm and interest count more.
8) Don't just apply to 'reach' schools. Include at least one 'safety' school in the bunch. You don't want to end up with 6 rejections and no place to go.
9) Market yourself! If you do something special - art, photography, music, etc. - send a sample of your work.
10) Feel like the 'real' you can't be presented in a common application? Submit added information for explanations. Make sure your social security number and name are on every page.
11) Call every school you've applied to and make sure your application has been received and is complete. If anything is missing, get in to them pronto!
12) Send thank you notes after interviews, visits or if an admissions officer has been extremely helpful. You'll get your name in front of them again.
13) Didn't make the 'cut' at the college of your choice? Find out what community college that school uses as its 'feeder' school. Do your 2 year core curriculum there and you'll be able to transfer. It's a great way to save money, too.
14) Apply Early Decision only to your first choice school - applying ED is like adding 100 points
to your SAT score.
15) If you know alumni from the college - relative, employer, volunteer supervisor - ask them
to write a letter of recommendation for you.
Pierce, Valerie, and Cheryl Rilly. Countdown to College: 21 'To Do' Lists for High School. 3rd ed., Front Porch Press, 2014.
Early Decision or Early Action?
Early Decision
Early Decision is an option offered by some schools. Simply, you apply early and find out early if you are accepted. Early Decision can lessen your senior year load, but it has pitfalls:
-It's binding. If they accept you, you've got to go to that school. If you apply Early Decision, make sure it's your first choice school.
-You can't compare financial aid packages. Because you're committed, the school may not feel the need to be generous to you. They'll use the money to entice another student.
-Early Action work the same way as early decision bit it's non-binding. Check to see if your school of choice offers Early Action as well as Early Decision. Weight your options carefully.
-Don't slack off on regular applications to other schools
Essay Help
Essay Do's and Don'ts.....
-DO Answer the question. Questions are often open ended to allow you room for expression.
But make sure your essay fits.
-DO get personal. This essay's about you! Be passionate. If it sounds like 300 other people could
have written it, you're missing something.
-DO write a good lead. Hook 'em with the first sentence and they'll want to read the rest.
-DO read other essays to see what works.
-DO check your essay to see how you come across. Likable? Friendly? Interesting?
-DO give your essay a rest. Write it and then put it down for a couple of days or weeks if you can.
Fresh eyes can tell you what is missing.
-DO ask for help - from your English teacher or an editing service.
-DO edit and rewrite. Even Hemingway did.
-DON'T try to be funny.... unless you really are and can carry it off like a pro.
-DON'T suck up! They know you want to go to their college. Why else would you be doing all of this?
-DON'T go over the word count. Officials have to read thousands of essays. Too long and you may
be disqualified on a technicality.
-DON'T use big words when little ones will do. If you use them incorrectly, it'll count against you.
Plus you will run the risk of looking arrogant.
-DON'T let your parents write your essay. You don't want to sound like your 45 years old.
-DON'T plagiarize or buy an essay. This is about YOU. Besides there are plagiarizing programs that officials use and they'll spot you in a minute.
-DON'T use your friends of relatives to critique your essay. They're too biased. Use an English teacher or an editing service.
-DON'T be negative! Don't whine, complain or ask for sympathy. Don't ever try to explain a bad GPA or ACT/SAT score.
Other Ideas:
-Review last year's essay topics online at your colleges' website.
-Find out if you scholarship applications require essays.
-Check out the bookstores and libraries for books on writing college essays.
-Brainstorm a list of topics that you could use.
-Narrow down your topic selection by writing brief outlines and eliminate weak ideas.
-Write a draft of your essay(s). Don't read it for a few days, then....
-Edit and rewrite your essay(s). Make sure it answers the question asked.
-Tailor, blend in, or change your essay in some way to be more appropriate and fit the question asked if you're submitting it to more than one college.
-Proofread-don;t spell check-your essay. Computer spellcheckers can't tell the difference between 'know' and 'no'.
-Ask two objective people (i.e. English teacher/counselor) to review your essay.
-Make sure your final copy is neat and clean.
Pierce, Valerie and Cheryl Rilly. Countdown to College: 21 ‘To Do’ Lists for High School. ed. 3. Front Porch Press, 2014.
Recommendation Tips
How to get good recommendations
1) Select teachers who know you well (if you have a choice). It's a nice touch to include a
letter related to your proposed field in study.
2) Give each teacher a copy of your resume and personal statement of your goals. Include
the colleges you're applying to and why you chose them.
3) Remind the teacher who you are. Include any writings from his/her class or remind him/her of any special interests.
4) Include any necessary forms as well as a stamped, addressed envelope, or the online link. Provide the deadline date! You cannot send the recommendation yourself or make copies and send to multiple schools. Each one must come from the teacher or school on official letterhead.
5) Ask early.... before everyone else does. At the end of junior year, they'll have the summer
to write it. Do a polite follow up to make sure the letter was completed and sent.
6) Follow instructions. If a school requests a letter from a language teacher, don't substitute.
If they want two letters, don't send three.
7) Send thank you notes - handwritten, no emails!
Pierce, Valerie, and Cheryl Rilly. Countdown to College: 21 'To Do' Lists for High School. 3rd ed., Front Porch Press, 2014.
How to Apply
Applying: Deadlines will vary from school to school. Keep your eye on the due dates
Fall:
-Narrow Down your college choices and create a file for each college's information
-Create a calendar of deadlines for each college. Then create a master calendar for all deadlines
-Know who's responsible for gathering the necessary information (transcripts, etc.) and submitting your application, or if it's totally up to you. If applying online, know when to begin the process and provide names of teachers or counselors so that forms to be completed will be automatically forwarded
to them with sufficient time to be completed and returned.
-Be sure your final SAT / ACT scores have been sent to your selected colleges.
-Decide if you want to apply Early Decision or Early Action. Remember, these deadlines will be earlier.
-Ask your teachers, counselors and/or coaches for recommendations.
-Download your college applications after August 1 at colleges' websites or check application help sites.
Get applications for housing and financial aid at the same time. (also create a Common Application Account).
-Make copies of all blank applications (financial ones, too). Use copies to make rough drafts. Follow each school's directions to the letter.
-Finish all required essays
-Verify your high school transcript is correct. Have official transcripts sent directly to each college on your list.
-Make copies of each completed application for your files.
-Turn in your applications to your counselor if that's your school's process. If applying online, submit way before the deadline.
-Confirm that recommendations from teachers have been sent to the college or forwarded to your counselor for him / her to send to college.
-Check the college's online application link to see if: application complete, transcript received, test scores received,
teachers recs. received, housing application received. if anything is missing, get it to them immediately.
Winter:
-Withdraw your other college applications immediately if you are accepted Early Decision.
-Begin the financial aid process (starts earlier in October now, as seniors can complete the FAFSA sooner)
Spring
-Check housing deadlines, deposits and refund procedures. Make deposits where necessary to put hold on dorm space. If you haven't decided which college to attend yet, only send in those deposits that are refundable.
-Review and compare acceptance and financial aid award letters.
-Choose your college and notify the schools you won't be attending. You must do this to free up space for another student.
-Call the admissions officer if you are waitlisted. Ask how you can improve your application or better your chances.
-Send in your enrollment deposit
-Verify your housing situation with your college. Apply for housing deposit refunds from the colleges you won't be attending.
-Make your reservation for orientation and registration.
-Give a copy of your acceptance letter to your counselor for your file.
-Send thank you notes to everyone who has helped you. Inform them what school you'll be attending. Don't forget to
include the staff in the guidance office!
Pierce, Valerie and Cheryl Rilly. Countdown to College: 21 ‘To Do’ Lists for High School. ed. 3. Front Porch Press, 2014.
Been Waitlisted?
Have you been waitlisted?
Being put on the waiting list offers you a ray of hope, but be realistic. Schools can wait
list anywhere from 100 to over 2,000 students, many times with little chance of getting in. If you really want to be accepted, don't just sit there:
- Let 'em know you want in. Call the admissions department and tell them they're your first choice. Ask what you can do to increase your chances.
-Send extra letters of recommendation, especially ones that pertain to your field of study
or highlight how your being on campus would benefit the college.
-Bring 'em up to date. Get your grades up and tell them. Let them know about any new honors or awards you've received or new involvement in community service and activities.
-Ask for another interview and razzle dazzle them.
-Let them know if you don't need financial help. Many times offers are nearly empty and paying your own way could make a difference.
-Consider the schools that accepted you. You're their FIRST choice.
Pierce, Valerie, and Cheryl Rilly. Countdown to College: 21 'To Do' Lists for High School. 3rd ed., Front Porch Press, 2014.
Financial Aid Tips
-Don't wait to get an acceptance letter to apply for aid. By that time, most of the aid will be gone.
-College financial aid deadlines are different-and usually earlier-than federal and state deadlines.
Miss a college deadline and you may only qualify for loans.
-Early Decision could mean early deadlines. Check with the financial aid officer for deadline dates.
-Even if you don't qualify for federal aid, you may qualify for state aid. States are more generous than the federal government.
-Watch those scholarship deadlines and requirements. Missing one or having an incomplete application
will jeopardize your eligibility-even if it's not your fault.
-Empty spaces on your financial aid forms will count as errors and cause delays. Enter '0' in lines that don't apply.
-Call the financial aid offices to confirm your application has been received and is complete. If something is missing get it to them quickly.
-Correct errors immediately. Errors slow down the process which can ultimately limit your aid.
-Keep copies of EVERYTHING! You'll need them if your forms get lost or to correct errors.
-Ask your parents to call the Human Resources Department where they work and ask if the company will pay any of the tuition for employee's children.
Pierce, Valerie and Cheryl Rilly. Countdown to College: 21 ‘To Do’ Lists for High School. ed. 3. Front Porch Press, 2014.
Testing Tips
-SAT, ACT or both? Check with your colleges to see what they require and if you need to take any SAT II tests.
-Lay out your own calendar for when you'll take the test(s). Get this year's test dates from the testing organizations' websites or check with your counselor.
-Register at least 6 weeks prior to the test date. If you want to be assured that you will test at your first choice location, register much earlier-especially if your school is a test site. Test packets may be picked up in the guidance office or you may register directly with the testing organization at their website.
-Test 'stand by' if you missed the registration deadline. There's no cost involved. Contact the test organization or ask your counselor.
-Ask your counselor for a fee waiver if you can't afford the test. Also, ask for disability accommodations if you need
them.
-Prep for the test. Take the practice tests at the testing websites. Be sure to include at least one 'retired' test in
your preparation.
-Find out if prep classes or individual tutoring will be available at our through your school.
Pierce, Valerie and Cheryl Rilly. Countdown to College: 21 ‘To Do’ Lists for High School. ed. 3. Front Porch Press, 2014.