Local UGRR; College Preparation

University Sojourner TruthE-Mentoring Program

November

Michigan UGRR Routes

As this map shows, there were seven MAIN routes through Michigan and into Canada.

Adrian College

Adrian College was built on the belief that all persons regardless of their gender, race, or background would be accepted as students and educated,

Under the Oaks

It was in Jackson that the party name “Republican," was formally adopted. 

A political platform (the soul of a party) was passed and a slate of candidates was chosen for elected office. 

Sojourner Truth

Finally escaping to freedom, she would eventually change her name and become a nationally known abolitionist.

Davis Family Home Diagram

This diagram shows how slaves hid in the Samuel Brown house.

Ann Arbor, Michigan

The founding meeting of the Michigan Antislavery Society was held in the First Presbyterian Church located on this site on November 10, 1836.

Ypsilanti, Michigan

The house was built in 1841 by Mark and Justin Norris, both conductors on the Underground Railroad.

Detroit, Michigan

Just miles away from the freedom that the Canadian border offered to escaped slaves, the church soon became a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Pre-College Preparation

Today we will discuss effective ways to search for scholarships, fill out applications, write essays, and interview/be interviewed.

Scenario 1

An 18-year old Hispanic male, who has no extra curricular activities, goes home everyday with his family and helps out at his mother’s church on the weekends.

What can he apply for?

Scenario 2

A 17-year old girl hasn’t done well in her classes over the past four years.

The only unique things about her are that she is left-handed and loves to draw.

So what money can she get?

Many Options

There are a numerous amount of scholarships available to students so make sure to explore the options available to you.

College Application Tips

Make no mistakes on your application!

College Application Tips

Use your computer or typewriter if you can; black pen only on applications that allow you to print your information.

College Application Tips

Be clear and concise – wordiness will get you in trouble.

College Application Tips

If you have questions about completing an application, call the college admission representative and ask.

College Application Tips

Fill out all sections and follow exact directions; if a college asks you to follow specific guidelines, follow those instructions!

College Application Tips

If those writing those excellent recommendations don’t know you, then they have nothing to write an “excellent” recommendation on.

College Application Tips

Have someone proofread/edit your applications.

Essay Writing Tips

Have a strategy – do some research on the school or program you are applying to, know the question being asked and pay attention to successfully answering that question without being repetitive.

Avoid redundancies in your essay.

For example, don’t restate your GPA and courses you have taken in your essay when you have already put this information in other areas of your application.

Essay Writing Tips

Don’t make excuses for failures and/or grades – tell what you have learned from those experiences.

Essay Writing Tips

Keep the goals of your essay in mind – avoid running off on a tangent and discussing issues/experiences not related to the question at hand.

Essay Writing Tips

Make sure to answer “Who am I” and “What I have to offer” – the essay is written to see what you have to offer the school of choice and how effectively you can use what they have to offer you.

Essay Writing Tips

Show your development into a positive and determined person.

Essay Writing Tips

Have a strong voice in your essay and avoid writing a boring conclusion.

Essay Writing Tips

Graduation Requirements

Your high school graduation requirements should be almost completed at this time.

Don’t Procrastinate!

Please don’t wait until the end of the semester to find out what you requirements are.

Relax a Little

A very important thing to remember: Don’t feel overwhelmed with the tips and advice given to you.