24666 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, MI 48075

Session Details

Session 1: Navigating College Administration

Speaker: Dr. Connie Tingson Gatuz, PhD (AVP of Student Life, University of Michigan) 

  • Strategic Planning: Early preparation, setting milestones, and building a portfolio.

     

  • Effective Communication: Best practices for engaging with admissions officers and building relationships.

     

  • Compelling Essays: Storytelling techniques and understanding what committees look for. 

Session 2: Comprehensive Financial Aid Guide

Facilitated by: U-M Financial Aid Department 

  • Application Steps: Creating an FSA ID and filing the FAFSA/CSS Profile. 

  • Financial Evaluation: Calculating the Cost of Attendance (COA) and determining your true Net Cost. 

  • Scholarship Directory: Access to verified resources like College Board BigFuture, Fastweb, and Scholarships.com. 

  • Holistic Growth: Valuing self-discovery over “rushing” the education process. 

  • Overcoming Stereotypes: Addressing the “smart Asian kid” pressure and managing performance anxiety. 

  • Life Balance: Preparing for the transition to independent living and time management. 

  • Support Networks: The importance of peer support and mental health resources.

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Session 3: Mental Readiness for Your College Journey

Facilitated by: Yeonhee Choi, Life Leadership Coach

  • Recognizing Pressure: Explore how expectations and stereotypes can influence your body and mind under stress

  • Practicing the Pause: Experience simple mindfulness exercises that support clarity in high-pressure moments

  • Mental Readiness: Leave with a clearer sense of how practicing mindfulness can support your college journey over time

Event Schedule