Pankow Center Counseling

find a good career fit

There are some good resources you can use to figure out what is next for you.

First - go play around in your Xello pages!  There is info on most careers you could want, related careers, info on what school programs lead to those careers, and how you get there, how much you can make... so much info!  If you are having trouble navigating it, see your counselor!  (To get to Xello, go to the LC-PS.org page, click "for students" and scroll down to Xello.)

Next - there is a new website called Jobs Explained that has videos about high-growth, high-potential careers.

Also consider attending one of the many fall and winter career school field trips offered at Pankow.  For more info, see the "Find your Future" presentation on Schoology.  To sign up for one or two of the trips, go to:   Career Field Trips

TRADE SCHOOLS & apprenticeships

There are far too many trade schools to list!  Please come see Ms. Merkel, and we can chat about your goals and how to find a good fit for you.

Also - be sure to check out Macomb Programs for their trade programs (particularly since the Community College Guarantee makes this at or near free for you!)

An apprenticeship is typically a situation where you are in school and on the job concurrently, earning while you are learning.  There are many of these available!  Below are some links to a couple of the options.   Each link has info on many opportunities.

• MUST Construction Careers - Info for Michigan's unionized construction careers apprenticeships.  
• US Apprenticeships - all things related to US Dept. of Labor sponsored apprenticeships. 
• MAP+ at Macomb - if you are interested in apprenticeship, but don't feel quite ready - this program is training to be an apprentice, and if you qualify, it is free. 
• Also see our Career & College Exploration page for more options!

MILITARY OPTIONS

Get more info on available options, and how to enlist or apply using these links:

• Army 
• Navy
• Air Force
• Marine Corps
• Coast Guard
• Space Force
• National Guard
• The US Military Academies

If you are considering a military option, you will want to take the ASVAB (armed services vocational aptitude battery).  That link includes practice test info.

Pankow Center offers the ASVAB once each fall or winter. This year it is on December 6th.  Sign up by going to this link:   Take the ASVAB

COLLEGE APPLICATION process

Apply:

• Common Application - many schools in one stop.
• Or you can apply directly on many schools' websites.  For a list of Michigan Colleges and Universities, go to this link.  You can click thru to the school's page as well as get data on the school.  Michigan Schools
• If you qualify to receive free or reduced price lunch, you are eligible for up to 4 application fee waivers.  See your counselor for help!
• Many schools have no app fees, and some go free in October.  See your counselor for an updated list.

Send Transcipts:

• Request LCN Transcripts  
• Request LCHS Transcript
• Once you are on your page, set up your account, and then go to "orders" to send.
• Two notes:
  1. If all your applications were on CommonApp, your counselor will attach your transcript.  You can still send it thru Parchment as well, but you may not have to.
  2. It is still a good idea to request using the links above for "self-view" and make sure everything looks the way it should, before sending to colleges. 

Send SAT Scores:

• Your scores appear on your transcript, so in most cases this is an unneeded step.
• If, after receiving your transcript, (about 2 weeks after you send it) your college is still asking for SAT scores, then you will need to send scores directly from your College Board account.  There is a small fee for this.

Do your FAFSA:

• Create your FSA ID - this is the ID you will use every year to complete your FAFSA, and to manage your federal student aid, including loans. 
• Use that same link above for each parent/guardian.  They will each need an FSA ID as identified contributors to your FAFSA process. Any questions about contributors or special circumstances?  Go to this webpage from Federal Student Aid for more details.  You and your parents can create your FSA ID now.(Pro Tip:  Make sure you note your FSA login info somewhere, as you need it to do the FAFSA!)
• Complete FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  This is the form you need to be eligible for grants, loans, and most scholarships.  Opens 12/01/2024 for the 25/26 academic year.  Make sure you are choosing the school year you will attend!
• The State of Michigan now offers the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.  It is estimated that 70% of Michigan students will qualify for this sizable award, and virtually ALL graduating seniors qualify for the Community College Guarantee (up to 2 free years at community college) - but you have to do your FAFSA to get it. 

improve your test scores

• SAT prep - help on preparation and practice tests.
• Retake SAT - it often helps to do it again.  Schools will take your best score.
• Take the ACT - sometimes it helps to try both exams.  All colleges accept both.
• If you qualify for free or reduced price lunch, see your counselor for a fee waiver to retake SAT or take ACT at no cost.

Pankow Senior awards

The Pankow Awards are changing beginning with the class of 2025.  

Stay tuned for details!