Local UGRR;
College Preparation
University Sojourner Truth
E-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.
Essay Writing Tips


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.
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.