When Molly Johnson’s college tuition bill arrives and she begins to filter through and look at the total cost, a feeling of relief will come over her because she can subtract $4,000 from the total bill.
Luckily, Johnson is not the only
graduating senior that is able to
instantly reduce their upcoming
tuition bill by thousands. How
is it that so many Michigan high
school students are receiving free
money for college? The answer is
plain and simple: The MME.
Unlike the MEAP (Michigan Educational Assessment Program) which tested students multiple times throughout their academic career, the MME (Michigan Merit Examination) is a one time only exam.
First put to use in 2007, all students in the state of Michigan must take the MME in March of their junior year. The MME includes the ACT, WorkKeys job skills assessments, which include reading and math, and State of Michigan assessments in math, science, social studies, and persuasive writing.
“The MME was nice because I was able to take the ACT for free.But the other parts were really, really easy,” said senior Kelley Zinger. “Now I get free money just for taking that test.”
To qualify for the two scholarships, Michigan high school students must take all parts of the MME. The two scholarships are the Michigan Promise Scholarship and the Michigan Competitive Scholarship.
To get the MME Promise scholarship for your first year of college, you must achieve a level 1 or 2 to be eligible for all payments. The scores are derived from the combination of ACT, WorkKeys and the Michigan components. Even if you don’t meet the state of Michigan’s expectations, you will still be eligible for the $4,000 promise scholarship, but not until you have enough credits to be considered a junior in college.
For those students who meet or achieve the state’s standards, they will receive the first installment of $1,000 dollars for the first year of college, and another $1,000 for their sophomore year. Also, in order to receive the second payment installment of $2,000, all students must have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA after sophomore year.
Once you qualify, you simply need to tell the state of Michigan where to send your money. They will contact the school, and instantly your first year tuition bill will decrease because of the MME money. All you need to do is certify (online or over the phone) with the Michigan Promise Scholarship Office the institution that you are attending.
“The easiest way to let the state know is just to certify online” said Terry Stanton, Public Information Officer for The Department of Treasury. “It’s a simple process either way.”
The downside of the Michigan Promise Scholarship is that it is only able to be used within the State of Michigan. It cannot be transferred or exchanged; it is only valid for colleges, universities, and post secondary education in the state of Michigan. All private, public, and post secondary education centers that award certificates approved by the State treasury are able to receive the Promise scholarship.
However, there are loopholes that allow out-of state college students to take advantage of the free money. Taking summer courses is an easy and convenient way to take advantage of the Michigan Promise Scholarship money for those students who are attending college out of state. Another way is by using the money to study abroad. By basing your study abroad program out of a Michigan based college or university, you are able to utilize your MME money.
“It is helpful that my opportunity to use this money won’t go to waste just because I’m going out of state for college,” said senior Ali Giancarlo.
