Counseling

Are you planning to continue your education after high school graduation but are overwhelmed at the prospect of paying for it? Do you aim to better understand the college funding options available to students? Have you heard of the FAFSA, but are confused on how to fill it out? No worries! We are here to help! The counseling office will be hosting a financial aid information session on Wednesday, November 12 during Advisory. Students will get an overview of financial aid and answers to some of the frequently asked questions. While the session is geared towards seniors, underclassmen are welcome to attend as they prepare for the future. If you are interested in participating, please complete this form by Tuesday, November 11 at noon. 

The Academy Program provides 9th-12th grade students with opportunities to learn about the professional world and complete an internship. Students will meet at a business location in West Michigan and will immerse themselves in the business with a team of other students from around Ottawa County to solve a real challenge that the business is facing. The program runs 2 days/week from approximately 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Jan. 6 to Feb. 28 (16 total meetings) and students will need to provide their own transportation. First year participants can earn 3 free transferable college credits and second year participants earn 3 additional credits. More information and a link to register are available HERE. 

Seniors/Senior Parents: The 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is NOW AVAILABLE. Submitting the FAFSA is the first step to getting student grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and loans for post-secondary education. It also helps determine eligibility for most state aid programs, like the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which can cover up to $27,500 for college.  Please follow the steps outlined in this letter for more details.

Juniors/Junior Parents: Here is the Slides presentation from the counseling office junior planning meeting held during Advisory on 10/1.  It contains important information regarding the junior year.  If you have not already done so, please complete the fall junior survey. Thank you.

Seniors and families looking for help paying for college are encouraged to register for a virtual financial aid presentation provided by MI Student Aid.  Participants will be able to gather information on the following financial aid topics: FAFSA application information, federal financial aid programs, state financial aid programs, scholarship search resources.  Sessions are offered on various dates throughout the school year.  More information is HERE. 

Seniors: The counseling office recently hosted a Common App help session. The slides from the presentation can be found HERE. If you were unable to attend the meeting and have questions about the Common App, please feel free to reference the slideshow and reach out to your counselor.

Seniors: The State of Michigan is offering online information sessions for students and parents to learn more about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship Program, valued at up to $5500/year for 5 years for Michigan high school graduates who continue their educational training in-state. Scholarship opportunities are available for both two and four year colleges, as well as career training. For more information about the scholarships or to register for the info sessions, please go here. 

Seniors/Senior Parents: Please utilize this senior year planning checklist for information relevant to your last year of high school.  It is very important that you complete the senior survey in order to inform your counselor if you would like to schedule an individual meeting to review post-high plans and ask questions. 

Is a healthcare career in your future?  Mary Free Bed is hosting healthcare career seminars for students age 16+ for a variety of career areas in their organization.  Staff will share information on education, salary, field outlook, what to expect in a typical day, and more.  Check out this flyer for more information and to register.

Feel free to follow the "Zeeland High School Counseling Office" on Facebook to stay up-to-date with important information, reminders, and deadlines.