SUCCESS STORIES

Cindy Hopp

East Jordan

Hi.   My name is Cindy Hopp and I wanted to let you know that I really appreciate the Learning Lab for my success in my college career.

I came to the learning Lab around 2009 because I needed help with my language, some math, and computer skills.

I was able to start my college in that summer. I went to get my certificate in the Medical Assistant Program. I’m happy to say that I should be graduating this May and doing my clinical this summer. I also should be getting my certificate in the CNA Program as well.

While at the Learning Lab, I took the Study Skills class and I want to say, that was a big help for me as I learned how to organize all my classes. I can say that I know where all my work is at all times. The study skills is a great class.  I’m sure that if I had not had this class I would of never been so organized, and I have to say that it helped me get the grades that I deserved.

I just wanted to say thank-you so much for the help that I was given; it really helped me with my studies. Patti was so great in showing me how to set up, arrange and study  for my test. You see I have a fear of test taking and she was so helpful on training me how to stay calm and breath! Well I've survived AND I can say that it helped me tremendously. You see when I graduated way back in 1978, I had a around about  2.35 grade average and right know I ‘m holding a 3.89 average.  I also want to say that I made the President's list last semester!!! I was so thrilled to receive my letter from the college that I’m having it framed. I had been on the dean list up to that point.

I also want  to say that if I had not had the Learning Lab I don’t think I would of done as well as I did. Please keep up the good work that you are doing at the Learning Lab. It really does make a difference --especially to people who have been out of school a long time and need to have the refreshers of learning all over again.

I’m getting nervous that I’m almost through with all my studies and will soon be out looking for a job with the skills that I have learned from the college and the Learning Lab.

Again, I just want to thank all of you who so helped me with my career.

Thanks,

Cindy Hopp

What It Takes

To be ready for college, you must have the skills necessary to enroll and succeed in a credit bearing general education courses in a postsecondary institution without remediation. 

It is important to understand that just passing the GED doesn’t mean that you are prepared for college.  Studies have shown that scores in the 600+ are needed to be successful.     

 

College readiness is determined with a college placement test.  In Northwest Michigan, the local colleges use the ACCUPLACER® Test. The ACCUPLACER® computer-adaptive college placement test will:

  • Evaluate your skill levels in Reading, Writing, Writing Essay and Math.
  • Scores will place you in the appropriate courses based on each individual college's assignments.

 

If you have been out of school for a while, it is important to know that a little remediation can go a long way to help you eliminate the need for the college remedial classes. You can take the ACCUPLACER® test at any local Northwest Michigan Works! Service Center.   After taking the test, you will be provided with the cut-off scores for the college that you plan on attending.  If you see that you will need to take remedial courses, you can register in a Northwest Michigan Works! Learning Lab to complete a review of the skills you are missing.  You can then take the 2nd ACCUPLACER® test to re-evaluate your skill levels.   Information on the ACCUPLACER®  test can be found by clinking on the following link CollegeBoard Accuplacer

 

Also important to note is basic computer and word processing skills are needed to be successful in college. 

Click here for a great site to get some basics in Computers, Reading and Math.

Click here for the Michigan Education Library (MEL) for test preparation, computer skills and much more!

Don't forget---typing is a necessary skill for almost all your college classes. Click here for a typing check tool

Think you know your Microsoft Office?  Click here to take a quick skills test.  Don't be misled by the website title, it's for everyone!