"The Exercise Science program at LSSU definitely prepared me for a career in the clinical field. The background experiences that I attained from my placements and internships helped me spearhead the development of a cardiac rehab program in Sault Ste Maire, ON. I feel that my degree at LSSU paved the way for my career today."
As with many things in life, being prepared for college can be a daunting task. But here at Lake Superior State University, we pride ourselves on going the extra mile to assist our students.
We have developed the following page to help guide you and your parents through the process. This guide is tailored to Lake State admission and financial aid processes, but much of this information is applicable to other universities and colleges.
If you have a question about college planning or Lake Superior State University, give us a call at 888-800-LSSU.
High School! It's never too early to start planning!
Helpful LSSU Links
Freshman Year (Spring)
While selecting fall courses, review with your guidance counselor the minimum requirements for university admission and adjust your schedule if necessary. It is important to make sure that the courses follow the high school’s college preparatory curriculum. (This review should be repeated each time you select courses.)
At LSSU, the basic college prep courses are required: 4 years of English, 3 years of Math, 3 years of Science, and 3 years of Social Studies.
Taking a foreign language is not required, but it is encouraged. Some of the degrees here at the University require that you complete anywhere from 1-4 years of a foreign language at the University level. Use high school as an opportunity to get a head start in your discipline of choice.
Assess your reasons for going to college. What are your goals?
Make a list of factors that are important to you in choosing a college, including two-year vs. four-year, location, cost, atmosphere and variety of programs offered.
What learning opportunities are most important to you?
Do your college plans include career plans? What are your career interests?
Discuss with counselors, teachers, parents and friends.
Develop a list of institutions that possess characteristics you identified as important. Sources of information include: college catalogs, viewbooks, DVDs, college representatives, current students, guidance counselors, teachers, handbooks, computerized information systems, Web sites and open houses. (Request LSSU information today!)
Attend college fairs; meet with university representatives visiting your school. Consider all universities that match your personal inventory.
Register and take the ACT or SAT I. Results should be received within a month.
LSSU school’s ACT code is 2031
LSSU school’s SAT code is 1421
Summer
Visit universities. Schedule your visit to LSSU, at least two weeks in advance and specify things you would like to do:
Take a campus tour
Interact with students and faculty
Attend classes
Investigate your academic, co-curricular and athletic areas of interest
Verify admission process and criteria
Discuss scholarship and financial aid procedures
Discuss your own admission potential.
You should allow at least three hours for each visit and try to schedule a meal in the student dining area. Be sure to be on time, dress neatly and arrive with specific questions (refer to important characteristics you developed earlier). Family vacations are an excellent time for initial visits to university campuses.
During your visit, keep a record of important features, such as class size, extracurricular activities, financial aid and scholarship deadlines, and contacts for admissions and financial aid.
Take/retake ACT/SAT (if you would like to improve your spring scores or have not taken them yet).
Begin your scholarship search. Research Web sites, books and within your community. (List of LSSU Scholarships)
Talk with parents about scholarships that may be available through their employers.
Identify university characteristics important to you:
Apply for Federal Aid. Deadlines vary. To ensure your aid package includes as many sources as possible, apply as soon as you can after January 1. Consult financial aid offices and www.fafsa.ed.gov for necessary forms.
Keep up second-semester grades, and stay active in sports and the community.
Apply for a summer internship to get a taste of a career you’re interested in.
Spring
Request that your high school send an offical copy of your FINAL transcript to Lake State.
Complete parents’ and your IRS 1040 Form and retain copies for financial aid file.
Complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online once your federal tax returns are completed and make copies of all documents for your files. (Beginning in April, Lake State prepares financial aid awards within 10 days after files are complete.)
March 1, for priority consideration for financial aid and for scholarship consideration.
Study for those Advanced Placement exams in May. High scores on these tests can result in college credit, which may save you time and money once you get to college.
Once your FAFSA has been processed, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Verify the information. If you need to make changes or you want the FAFSA sent to additional schools, make changes on the SAR and return the form to the processing company. (LSSU applicants, accept Official Offer of Award)
