Universities Adopt New Admissions Requirements

Presidents Council 230 N. Washington Square Suite 302 Lansing, MI 48933 (517)482-1563 March, 1991

The state universities of Michigan have adopted specific admissions requirements for students who graduate from high school in 1995 and thereafter and who wish to enter any of the 15 public universities (Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Lake Superior State University, Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University, Northern Michigan University, Oakland University, Saginaw Valley State University, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor/Flint/Dearborn, Wayne State University and Western Michigan University). The new statement is an outgrowth of an iniative begun over five years ago to improve academic preparation of students seeking admission to a state university. At that time, the Presidents Council developed a document entitled Designing Your Future in which students were provided guidance in selecting courses to enhance their preparation for university level work. the revised version of Designing Your Future outlines selected course completion requirements while retaining some of the original recommendations.

The state universities have agreed that to be eligible for regular admission to a four year degree program, a high school student graduating in 1995 or thereafter must successfully complete the following course requirements: *English-four (4) years required. *Science-three (3) years required. *Biological/Physical Sciences-two (2) years required; three (3) years strongly recommended to include one (1) year of a biological science and one (1) year of physical science. At least one (1) year of a laboratory course is also strongly recommended. *Mathematics-three (3) years required, including intermediate algebra; four years strongly recommended. *History and Social Sciences-three (3) years required; one (1) year of American History and one year of world history strongly required.

Prospective students are also encouraged to complete courses in the following areas: *Foreign Language-three (3) years strongly recommended. Fine and Performing arts-two (2) years strongly recommended. Computer literacy-one (1) year of hands-on experience in using computers strongly recommended.

The universities recognize that, for a variety of reasons, some students may not be able to complete all of the requirements. In such circumstances students may still be considered for admission and, therefore, are encouraged to apply to the university of their choice. In all instances, each university has final authority for admissions decisions, based on the level of achievement required and other indicators of potential for academic success.

Copies of the new Designing Your Future will be distributed in the near future. In the meantime, this statement can be duplicated for use in working with students, particularly current eighth graders who will begin high school next fall. Students are encouraged to make the best use of courses that are offered at their high school. By doing so, they are more likely to develop the competencies and skills that are essential for academic success and, at the same time, have greater control over their choice of college and career options.

4 YEAR PLANNER-COLLEGE PREPARATORY

Those students who are planning to attend college will need additional course work to build a strong foundation for their college academic preparation. We suggest that college-bound students use the guidelines listed below to insure that their preparation is as complete as possible. Please also see the form titled "Presidents Council."

FRESHMAN YEAR/9th Grade

English I, Algebra I or Geometry, Biology or Physical/Earth Science, U.S. History, French, German or Spanish I, Concert, Jazz, Chamber, Symphonic Band/Orchestra or Choir, Keyboarding, Physical Education and/or Personal Health & Wellness

SOPHOMORE YEAR/10th Grade

English II, Geometry or Algebra II, Biology or Physical/Earth Science, World Civilizations, French, German or Spanish II, Concert, Jazz, Chamber, Symphonic Band/Orchestra or Choir/Elsingers, Keyboarding, Word Processing, Web Page Design, Physical Education and/or Personal Health & Wellness

JUNIOR YEAR/11th Grade

English III, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus or Math Analysis, Chemistry, Physics or Human Anatomy & Physiology, Psychology and Anthropology & Sociology, AP U.S. History or AP European History, French, German or Spanish III, Concert, Jazz, Chamber, Symphonic Band/Orchestra or Choir/Elsingers, Keyboarding, Word Processing, Web Page Design, Physical Education and/or Personal Health & Wellness

SENIOR YEAR/12th Grade

English Literature or AP English Literature/Composition, Pre-Calculus, Math Analysis or Calculus AB/BC, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics or Human Anatomy & Physiology, U.S. Governments and Economics, French, German or Spanish IV/AP, Concert, Jazz, Chamber, Symphonic Band/Orchestra or Choir/Elsingers, Keyboarding, Word Processing, Web Page Design, Physical Education and/or Personal Health & Wellness