Students and their parents can get a head start on preparing for college by attending Middle School College Night at Schoolcraft College on Tues., Mar. 12, 2013. The event will be held 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the VisTaTech Center on the college's main campus in Livonia, Haggerty Road between Six and Seven Mile Roads.

Representatives from Schoolcraft College, Central Michigan University, College for Creative Studies, Eastern Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Lawrence Technological University, Madonna University,  Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University, Northern Michigan University, Saginaw Valley State University, University of Michigan-Dearborn, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Wayne State University and Western Michigan University will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about their programs and offerings.

Staff from the Michigan Department of Education’s together with representatives from the Michigan Department of Treasury’s MET/MESP department  will present a “How to Pay for College” session for parents at 4:45, 5:45, and 6:45 pm. There will also be information on career trends, financial aid and scholarships, savings and investment ideas, high school course selection, ideas about getting ready for college, as well as tuition and cost information from universities and colleges in attendance.

Students are encouraged to “Play the game to learn how the CHOICES they make in high school create OPTIONS for college.”  Students who participate in at least three activities at each level—freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, college—are eligible for a prize drawing.  The activities range from science experiments, computer quizzes, hands-on challenges, or simple conversations with knowledgeable professionals.  In addition, representatives from a variety of colleges will be available to speak with students.

The event is free. More information is available on the college's website or by calling the college's Admission and Welcome Center, 734-462-4683.