The Power of You is a program that makes college available tuition-free.  It covers the cost of tuition and fees for two years or up to 72 credits at Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC), Saint Paul College or Metropolitan State University through state and federal grants and private scholarships.  The Power of You supports as many students as possible based on student need and funds available for the program.

What are the eligibility requirements?

• Graduate from a Minneapolis or Saint Paul public high school in Spring 2008
• Reside in either the city of Minneapolis or Saint Paul
• Meet the criteria to apply for federal financial aid
• Meet the admission requirements of the college/university you wish to attend
• Meet placement testing requirements

How do I apply for the Power of You?
The steps below must be completed and submitted to the school you wish to attend by May 1, 2008 to be considered for acceptance into the Power of You program for fall 2008:

1. Complete and submit both sides of the Power of You program application as early as possible to the school(s) you wish to attend.
2. Submit the general admission application and complete the admission process for the school(s) you wish to attend.
3. Submit the 2008-2009 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and complete the financial aid process.  You can apply online (preferred) at www.fafsa.ed.gov
4. Complete the placement test(s) at the school(s) you wish to attend.  For testing hours and information, contact the Testing Center at the school(s) you wish to attend:
   • Saint Paul College (651) 846-1555
   • Minneapolis Community and Technical College (612) 659-6262
   • Metropolitan State University (651) 793-1460
     
5. Submit your high school transcript according to the process at the school(s) you wish to attend.

For information, visit or contact the colleges:

Saint Paul College  www.saintpaul.edu
    235 Marshall Avenue
    Saint Paul, MN 55102
    (651) 846-1325

Minneapolis Community and Technical College  www.minneapolis.edu
    1501 Hennepin Avenue
    Minneapolis, MN 55403
    (612) 659-6200

Metropolitan State University  www.metrostate.edu
    700 East Seventh Street
    Saint Paul, MN 55106
    (651) 793-1210

The Common Application can be used when applying as a freshman to over 315 participating schools.  Students can complete the Common Application online or in paper form.  For more information on participating schools check out the Common Application website.

Letters of recommendation can be a very important part of your college application.  They give the admissions committee a look at who you are as a student in the classroom and a member of your community.  Some applications will identify specific people you must collect letters from (English teacher, counselor, etc.), while others will allow you to submit letters from a wider range of people (coach, boss, etc.). 

When deciding who to ask for a letter of recommendation it is important to first ask yourself: Who has seen my best work?  Pick someone who knows you well, can speak to your strengths, and has observed you at your best.

Now that you have your letter writer(s) selected, here are the processes for getting a letter of recommendation from A) a teacher, and B) your school counselor:

    A) Getting a letter of recommendation from your teacher:

1. Before you ask the teacher, gather together your materials.  You should have a resume and a note that details: who the letter is for, how many copies of the letter you will need and what your deadline is.  You should also provide stamped and addressed envelopes for their convenience.
2. Plan ahead - you should request the letter at least two weeks in advance of your deadline.  Teachers are often writing several letters at one time, so they need time to complete your request.
3. Ask your teacher for the letter during a quiet moment - before or after school is a good time to catch them.
4. Give your teacher a friendly reminder a few days before the deadline.
5. Send a thank you note to your teacher!