College: Planning, Applying, + Paying for it

Completing the Common App

Colleges on Common App

Use Common App's explore colleges feature to find out which colleges use Common App!

Explore the Common App

Class of 2026 Common App Information

Date of Entry = 09/2022 (if attended BHS since 9th grade)
Graduating class size = 310
Grading scale = 4.0 (list weighted GPA)
Class rank = We do not rank
Honors + AP classes are NOT college level
PA + Honors Zoo are NOT dual enrollment

Common App Overview Tour

Common App Tips

How to Make Your Common App a Lot Less Common, from Collegewise
Tips for Activities Section of Common App from the College Essay Guy

Help + Resources from Common App

Common App Writing Requirement Resource - find out colleges' essay requirements!
Common App playlist for First-time applicants - video
Common App for mobile
Common App Ready's Application Dictionary
College readiness tool for families

Sending Transcripts + Test Scores to Colleges

Applying via Common App?

BHS counselors will send transcripts via Common App, provided they have been listed in the student's Common App. To invite/list their BHS counselor, the student must complete the Education & FERPA/Recommender sections in Common App.

The BHS Counselor will also send mid-year report with transcript at the end of semester 1 to schools listed in student's Common App.

Applying via college website application?

Berkley High School has partnered with Parchment to order and send students and alumni transcripts securely. Students must order their transcripts using Parchment. Students will have to create a "New Learner" account. Students should only complete the required fields.

Students must indicate where they would like their transcripts sent (referred to as "Destination" in Parchment). Transcripts orders are fulfilled by the BHS registrar in 2-3 school days.

When to send transcripts?

When you are applying to colleges during 12th grade. Colleges will not review your application unless they have received your transcript via Parchment.
In May of 12th grade, once you know for sure which college you are attending the follow fall. When you request your final transcript be send to the college you will be attending, you must select "Hold for Grades" in Parchment. BHS will send your final transcript once 2nd semester grades are posted onto your transcript (a few days following graduation).
Sometimes colleges will ask to see your 1st semester grades from 12th grade (7th semester grades) before they make an admissions decision. If that is the case, you must order your transcript in Parchment and select "Hold for Grades". BHS will send your transcript once 1st semester grades are posted onto your transcript (a few days after the start of 2nd semester).

Sending SAT/ACT Scores to Colleges/Universities

If you would like to submit your tests scores to colleges (and you didn't do so when you registered for the test), you need to order your scores in either your ACT account portal or College Board account portal.

Colleges want to receive test scores directly from these portals, not from BHS.
Note: BHS does not have access to student portal login information.

Click below for more information and detailed instructions:

Send ACT scores
Send SAT scores

Letters of Recommendation

Does your application require a Letter of Rec?

Check the Common App Dashboard!

Once you created your Common App account and added the colleges you plan on applying to in the "My Colleges" tab, then you can click on the college and view their requirements.
In Common App, Teacher Evaluation (TE) = teacher letter of recommendation

Not using Common App?

Check the application requirements on the colleges' admissions websites!

BHS Student Request for Letter of Recommendation from BHS Teacher

All BHS students who require a teacher letter of recommendation for college or scholarship application must complete the Student Request for Letter of Recommendation from BHS Teacher (may be completed more than once).

Complete the Student Request for Letter of Recommendation from BHS Teacher if a teacher has already agreed to write you a letter of recommendation.

Ask a teacher (in person) if they are willing to write you a letter of recommendation.
If a teacher agrees to your verbal request, complete the Student Request form.
Then (if using Common App), add them as a recommender - be sure to spell their email address correctly!
Remind your teacher at least two weeks prior to the deadline if they have not already submitted your letter.
Be sure to write them a thank-you note or email for their time!

Unsure of what to do or how to ask? Check out these resources!

Writing College Essays

Does your application require an Essay?

Check the Common App Writing Requirement Resource!
Common Application Essay Prompts
If your colleges aren't on the Common App, check the colleges' admissions websites!

Essay Tips + Resources

Common App Resources from College Essay Guy Workshops

Supplemental Essay Resources from College Essay Guy Workshop

Community College | Transferring to a 4-year University

Michigan Transfer Network

Thinking of transferring? Check out this video!

Plan your Transfer

Planning your transfer is an important step to earning your degree. Students in Michigan have several options when it comes to transferring.

You may want to:

Transfer a course
Complete the Michigan Transfer Agreement
Complete an entire associate degree before transferring to earn your bachelor's degree.

Use the resources on Michigan Transfer Network to help plan your transfer!

OPTION 1: Transfer your Courses

The Michigan Transfer Network allows students and advisors to view transfer course equivalencies between many Michigan colleges and universities.

You can search for courses by sending institution (the institution where you completed the course) or by the receiving institution (the institution where you plan to transfer the course). This information is provided as a resource to identify potential transfer credit and is not an official credit evaluation or a guarantee of transfer credit.

OPTION 2: Michigan Transfer Agreement

The Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) allows students to complete general education courses at participating colleges and universities in Michigan. Students may complete the MTA as part of an associate degree or as a stand-alone package at Michigan institutions.

To fulfill the Michigan Transfer Agreement, students must successfully complete at least 30 credits, with at least a 2.0 in each course and at least one credit completed at the institution awarding the MTA.

These credits should be met according to the following distribution:

One course in English Composition
A second course in English Composition or 1 course in Communications
One course in Mathematics from one of three pathways: Pathway to Calculus (includes College Algebra), Statistics, or Quantitative Reasoning
Two courses in Social Sciences (from two disciplines)
Two courses in Humanities and Fine Arts (from two disciplines, excluding studio and performance classes)
Two courses in Natural Sciences including one with laboratory experience (from two disciplines)

OPTION 3: Transfer your Associate Degree

Students can complete an associate degree at a community college in a program of study and transfer to a participating university. Colleges and universities maintain articulation agreements and transfer guides to help students navigate the transfer process.

Use these guides to help plan your transfer pathway!

Articulation Agreements

Articulation agreements are transfer agreements between two institutions of higher education ensuring that courses transfer to specific academic programs.

Transfer Guides

Transfer Guides are published by colleges and universities to help students understand how courses transfer to selected academic programs.

MiTransfer Pathways

MiTransfer Pathways provide guidance about transferring courses in specific academic programs to multiple colleges and universities in Michigan.

Oakland Community College Transfer Information

When transferring from OCC to another institution, it is up to the receiving school which classes will be accepted and how your credits will transfer. Students should work with an OCC counselor to discuss transfer credits and academic planning to ensure they stay on track for degree completion.

Students may find the Michigan Transfer Network to be a useful source of information.
In addition, transferring students are strongly encouraged to explore transfer opportunities that exist with post-secondary articulation agreements between OCC and many four-year colleges and universities.

Oakland Community College Short-term Programs

For high school graduates who are not interested in the traditional college path, OCC offers a variety of training opportunities to prepare them for in-demand, high paying jobs. Programs last six months or less, and some are free. They include:

Training programs that prepare students for jobs in fields such as supply chain logistics, advanced manufacturing, CNC, sterile processing, CNA, and computer security.
Pre-apprenticeship programs where students can explore a trade or technical occupation and develop the skills and knowledge needed to prepare themselves for employment or apprenticeship opportunities.
Apprenticeship programs where students receive the related technical instruction to complete a U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program while earning wages from day one. Students are also advised on certificate and associate degree options after successful completion of an apprenticeship.

HBCUs | Historical Black Colleges + Universities

Thinking about an HBCU?

Why choose an HBCU (UNCF)
There’s an HBCU for You: How to Choose a School (UNCF)
Find your HBCU match!
Searchable database of all HBCUs (the 107)
Steps in the Right Direction: Tips for Parents of College-Bound Kids (UNCF)
Sign up to receive scholarship, internship, and job alerts via email from HBCU Connect!

College: Planning, Applying, + Paying for it

Common Black College Application

Prospective students can apply to dozens of HBCUs for a single $20 fee using the Common Black College Application!

Financial Aid + FAFSA | Resources + Information

Scholarships | Resources + Information

ACT + SAT | Information, Registration + Test Prep

Understanding College SAT/ACT Requirements:

Some universities, such as Michigan State University, have adopted test-optional policies, meaning they do not require SAT or ACT scores for admission.
Other institutions, including Ohio State University, MIT, and Brown University, do require standardized test scores.
However, some colleges have not indicated how they plan to handle standardized testing when it comes to the class of 2027 and we would like to make sure you are prepared.
Additionally, many colleges offer increased merit-based scholarships when students submit SAT or ACT scores alongside their GPA.

SAT vs. ACT: Understanding the Differences

Both the SAT and ACT are standardized tests used for college admissions and merit-based scholarships.
While colleges accept either test, understanding their differences can help students choose the one that aligns best with their strengths. It's advisable for students to take practice tests for both to determine which suits them better.

ACT + SAT | Information, Registration + Test Prep

SAT Overview

Sections: Reading & Writing, Math
Length: Approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes
Format: Fully digital, must use district Chromebook
Focus: Emphasizes algebra and data analysis
Time per Question: More generous, allowing deeper thinking
Students who prefer more time per question and a focus on algebra may lean toward the SAT.
Cost: $68 for standard registration. Additional fees may apply for late registration or changes.
- Fee Waivers: Available to low-income students in the U.S. or U.S. territories. Eligible students can receive up to two fee waivers for SAT Weekend tests.
- Students should contact their school counselor to request a fee waiver or request a fee waiver directly from College Board.

ACT Overview:

Sections: English, Math, Reading, Science
Length: Approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes (without writing)
Format: Primarily paper-based
Focus: Covers a broader range of math topics and includes a science reasoning section
Time per Question: Faster-paced, requiring quick reasoning
Those who excel in science reasoning and are comfortable with a faster pace might prefer the ACT.
Cost: $65 for the standard test (without writing). Additional fees may apply for late registration or changes.
- Fee Waivers: Available to eligible students in the U.S. or U.S. territories. Eligible students can receive up to four fee waivers.
- Students should contact their school counselor to request a fee waiver.

PSAT & SAT testing at Berkley High School:

All juniors will take the SAT during the school day in April at BHS, which is a graduation requirement. This school-administered SAT is provided at no cost to students.
Juniors will have an opportunity to take the PSAT/NMSQT next fall during the school day at BHS.
PSAT 10 scores from the previous April will be available on May 1st in your student’s College Board account.

SAT/ACT National Test Dates:

Students may choose to take the SAT or ACT on national test dates, which are typically held on Saturdays at local high schools. Participating in these additional tests can provide students with the opportunity to improve their scores or meet specific college requirements.

Testing locations can fill up quickly, especially those close to home. To ensure your student secures a convenient testing site, we strongly recommend registering as early as possible.

SAT Test Dates and Deadlines
ACT Test Dates and Deadlines

Registration Information:

SAT/ACT Test Prep:

Free SAT Prep course: Khan Academy SAT Prep
SAT Bluebook app: Free practice tests to familiarize students with the digital SAT format
Free ACT Online Prep: ACT.org
The Tutoring Center in Birmingham
Mally A.C.T in West Bloomfield

Sending SAT/ACT scores to Colleges/Universities

If you would like to submit your tests scores to colleges, you will have the option to send your score to four colleges/universities for free when you register online to take the SAT/ACT.

If you do not wish to send your scores for free at the time of registration and would prefer to wait for your scores before you send them to colleges, you may do so for a fee. To do this, you would need to send your scores through your ACT account portal or College Board account portal.

Colleges want to receive test scores directly from these portals, not from BHS.
Note: BHS does not have access to student portal login information.

Sending scores:

Send ACT scores to colleges/universities
Send SAT scores to colleges/universities

College Athletics | NCAA + NAIA

NCAA Eligibility Center

College-bound student-athletes preparing to enroll in a Division I or Division II school need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to ensure they have met amateurism standards and are academically prepared for college coursework.

NCAA Eligibility Requirements and timeline

NAIA Eligibility Center

PlayNAIA.org is the official clearinghouse for NAIA eligibility. Every student-athlete must register with the NAIA Eligibility Center to play sports at an NAIA college or university.

NAIA Guide for the College-bound Athlete

College: Planning, Applying, + Paying for it

This section is dedicated to all things college!

Interested in Trade Schools, Apprenticeships, Military, Gap Year or going straight to work?