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But, yes, these schools have a better likelihood for him than Michigan or Michigan State when it comes to merit.
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@MYOS1634
I agree with the point that the likelihood that UMich or MSU would be affordable is next-to-zero…but what do you know about HUGE merit possibilities (amounts and likelihood ) at the schools you listed?
I wonder who is going to PAY for the college apps, sending scores, etc? If it’s the student, then he really needs to fine-tune his app list to ONLY schools that FOR SURE will give him HUGE HUGE merit.
Northern MI is one of the very least expensive 4-years in MI, and living costs are also low. You may want to check into it. Looks like you would also qualify for a $3,000/year automatic scholarship, based on grades and test scores. They have a great scholarship competition, and you qualify - the deadline is this month, so you’d have to get on it: http://www.nmu.edu/admissions/scholars .
Your scores are low for big automatic scholarships at MI 4-years, but they are high enough to get some money (and it all helps). Check into the automatic scholarships at Oakland, Wayne, and Ferris.
Another solid option is to go to a CC for two years - making sure to meet with an academic advisor to make an academic plan that will allow you to seamlessly transfer to a MI 4-year (there are articulation agreements in place). If you do very well at the CC, you may be able to score a great scholarship to a 4-year (tip: try to get into the honor society at the CC, because the 4-year scholarships often stipulate that you be a member of Phi Theta Kappa).