FAQs

Q: Are there criteria students must meet to be admitted into the Blue Water Middle College?

A: There are no minimum grade or testing standards students must meet to enroll in the middle college, but it is important that students are ready for the challenges they will face. Students will be challenged academically in their SC4 courses with different and often higher expectations. Students will be challenged in other ways, as well, such as getting to and from SC4, staying organized, meeting deadlines and improving their level of self-awareness and willingness to seek help when needed.

Part of the enrollment process requires students to consider these challenges prior to making the decision to enroll. Students who honestly and carefully consider their readiness and willingness to confront the challenges will make the right decision. 

Students enrolling at SC4 are required to complete placement tests, called the ACCUPLACER, at the college or submit prior test scores (SAT or ACT) before registering for English and math classes. For more information and prep material, click here.

Q: Do I have to give up band, sports or other high school activities if I join BWMC?

A: Absolutely not! The great thing about college is that your schedule can be flexible. The middle college enrolls many students who play in their marching band, participate in sports, and do all the other high school activities they choose. 

Middle college students are not excused from academic requirements and expectations in their college courses because they are in the middle college. Nor are middle college students excused from practice, performance or competition expectations and requirements due to college requirements. 

It is important for BWMC students who are active in extracurricular activities to plan ahead well when scheduling college courses. If conflicts arise, students must personally contact their SC4 instructors and/or their coach or club sponsor to ask for alternatives to a conflicting activity. Instructors and coaches are often able and willing to accommodate such conflicts, but not always, and they are not required or expected to.

Q: Do I graduate with my high school class?

A: Yes and no.

BWMC students can participate in all graduation-related activities at their local/home high school at the end of their 12th grade year (as normal) as long as they've completed the Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements. They can also participate in other senior year activities such as prom, all-night party, graduation open-houses, etc. 

However, when students enroll in the BWMC, the middle college becomes their official high school and they do not officially graduate nor receive their diploma (from the Blue Water Middle College) until the end of grade 13.

Q: What can I earn as a middle college student attending SC4?

A: BWMC students have a tremendous opportunity by attending SC4. With proper planning, hard work and utilization of the numerous support resources offered by BWMC and SC4, students can achieve the following by the end of grade 13:

- Earn an associate degree
- Fulfill the requirements of the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA)
- Earn one or more professional certificates
- Participate in SC4 clubs
- Join SC4's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (a college honor society)

In addition to the achievements listed above, BWMC students learn how to succeed in college. From the new student orientation and the weekly seminar class for new students in their first semester at SC4 - to Success Sessions each semester (relevant to grade), about topics like: "Applying and Paying for College", BWMC students are provided with success strategies and academic and advising support. These supports not only help them succeed at SC4, but they also pave the way for success in students' next steps at four-year colleges or other career training.