WHAT AM I GOING TO DO AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?Senior Conference 2013

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

4 year College or University (public or private)

2 year campus or technical college for 2 + 2

2 year technical or community college

Apprenticeship

Trade SchoolMilitary

Employment

?

4 YEAR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY

4 YEAR COLLEGES OR UNIVERSITIES Entrance requirements vary greatly.

Open admission – require a high school diploma Highly selective - high ACT/SAT scores, high GPA,

extracurricular activities, leadership, etc. Ex. UW-Madison: Typical Applicant – GPA 3.5-3.9, Class

Rank 86th-96th percentile, ACT 26-30

GENERAL ADMISSION STANDARDS FOR COLLEGE

Grade Point Average (GPA) Class Rank Strength of subjects ACT or SAT scores Recommendations Personal essays Activities/awards Volunteering/Community Service College Prep Classes (on next slide) Portfolios/Interviews (Rarely used)

COURSES RECOMMENDED FOR COLLEGE ADMISSION

All colleges and universities want applicants who have followed a college prep program in high school

4 credits of English 3 credits of high school math, including Algebra II 3 credits of laboratory science 3 credits of social studies 2-3 credits of high school Foreign Language (some

schools) In Wisconsin it is a requirement for the following public

colleges: UW-Madison and UW-Eau Claire. Four year universities want students who are in a

rigorous class schedule during their senior year, which includes enrolling in a fourth year of math and science.

GO ON CAMPUS VISITS

Make arrangements with the admissions office for your visit

Tour the campus: Check out the dorms, dining hall, library, bookstore, computer labs and other key areas

Can you picture yourself going to school here?

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR 4 YEAR COLLEGES Apply online (UW School start accepting

applications on September 15th the earliest review date is November 1st and the earliest deadline is December 1st)

Pay application fee (if eligible, see counselor for fee waiver)

Request your high school transcript be sent to the college through www.Parchment.com

Request your college transcripts be sent to the college

If you are on the border of typical acceptance, send letters of recommendation

Send ACT/SAT scores

TESTS FOR COLLEGE ENTRANCE ACT—A college entrance exam with four subjects:

English, Math, Reading, and Science. There is also an optional writing test. ACT Test Dates:

September 21, October 26 (offered in Arcadia), December 14, February 8 (offered in Arcadia), April 12, and June 14.

Arcadia High School offers ACT Prep Sessions in October and January. Make sure to take advantage of this opportunity.

SAT I—A college entrance exam measuring verbal and mathematical reasoning. SAT II are subject tests the may be required by a college. The SAT is generally not taken in the Midwest. All colleges throughout the US will accept an ACT score.

UW PLACEMENT TESTS

If you will be attending a UW campus, you may need to take the UW Placement Test

The results will be used to assist you and your college advisors while you register for classes

Tests in: Math, English, and Foreign Language

More information at testing.wisc.edu

AP TESTS

You have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation’s colleges and universities.

Having AP courses on your transcript will help your efforts with admission to colleges and for scholarships.

Arcadia High School currently offers AP classes in Calculus, US History, and Environmental Science taught by an in house teacher. Project Circuit (2 way classes) also offers additional AP classes, see your curriculum guide for a listing.

NCAA DIVISION I (DIVISION II) 16 (14) Core-Course Rule 4(3) years of English. 3(2) years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher). 2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab). 2(1) years of additional English, mathematics or natural/physical science. 2 years of social science. 4(3) years of additional courses (from any area above or foreign language)

Division I: Core GPA and Test Score Sliding Scale (in NCAA Packet).Division II: 2.0 GPA ACT sum score of 68 (Sum score = Math subscore + English subscore +

Science subscore + Readling subscore)scale for ACT sum score and GPA.

For more information go to: www.eligibilitycenter.org

Other Post-Secondary OptionsFinancial Aid

YOUTH OPTIONS

11th or 12th grade students are eligible to attend a Wisconsin College for classes

Not available if district offers a comparable course with approximately an 80% match in course content.

Deadlines March 1st – Fall semester October 1st – Spring Semester

Other Post-Secondary OptionsFinancial Aid

2 YEAR UW CAMPUSES

2 YEAR UW CAMPUSES

2 YEAR CAMPUSES (EX. UW COLLEGES)

University of Wisconsin 13 two year campuses

more open admission requirements lower tuition solid academic foundation classes guaranteed transfer into any UW four-year college if the GPA criteria is met

Offers two-year associate degree and transfer options May offer housing and a limited range of extra-curricular activities.

Other Post-Secondary Options

Financial Aid

TECHNICAL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGES

TECHNICAL COLLEGES IN WI

TECHNICAL OR COMMUNITY COLLEGES

Technical colleges provide AffordableCareer-oriented programsEnable students to begin their careers after only one or two (or less) years of college

Students spend most of their class time in job-related settings where they receive hands-on training from experienced instructors.

COURSE CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE TECHNICAL COLLEGE STUDENTStudents who graduate from high school can be admitted to a technical college in the state of Wisconsin. Some programs require certain courses to be accepted into specific programs.

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR TECHNICAL OR COMMUNITY COLLEGES

Students may begin applying for technical or community colleges NOW

Apply online The earlier you complete your application the

better; programs fill up. Request an official transcript to be sent

through Parchment.

TECHNICAL COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS

COMPASS—A technical college entrance exam. The COMPASS is a computer-based series of basic skills of writing, reading, and pre-algebra.

Accuplacer—Typically a technical college entrance exam. The colleges that use the Accuplacer will send information after a student applies to the school.

The ACT can be used in place of the technical college entrance exams in Wisconsin.

Some schools will still require a student to take their specific exam.

CLASS OR JOB SHADOWS

Class Shadow – through Technical Colleges Tour Talk with teachers and students in selected

program Sit in a class

Job Shadow – through community Observing and learning about the occupation

Students may stop in the counseling office to get assistance with setting up either the job or class shadow.

YOUTH OPTIONS

The Youth Options Program permits any 11th or 12th grade student enrolled in a public school to attend a Wisconsin institution of higher education.

Not if the district offers a comparable course with approximately an 80% match in course content.

 Deadlines Fall Semester March 1st

Spring Semester October 1st

Other Post-Secondary OptionsFinancial Aid

FINANCIAL AID

FINANCIAL AID

There are two basic categories of financial aid: Merit-based is generally given in recognition of

special skills, talents and/or academic ability. Need-based (commonly called financial need) is

the difference between what it will cost to attend the post-secondary institution and what the family will be able to pay (expected family contribution).

GRANTS SCHOLARSHIPS WORK STUDY LOANS

FAFSA – FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID

Determines eligibility for federal aid but also state aid and loans. Available after January 1 of the year you will be attending

postsecondary school. Online application recommended www.fafsa.ed.gov

To complete the form you will need: Social Security Number (or alien registration card) Driver’s license or equivalent 2013 federal tax returns (yours and your parents) 2013 untaxed income records (yours and your parents) 2013 bank statements (yours and your parents) 2013 business and investment records (yours and your parents)

If you want an estimate of the Expected Family Contributions and types of federal grants, loans, and work-study you may qualify for now, you can go to www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov

SCHOLARSHIPS

Arcadia High School posts each and every scholarship that finds it’s way to the counseling office. Counseling office School website Arcadia High School Counseling (Arcadia, WI)

Facebook page Arcadia High School Local Scholarship

Application available in January and due mid March

Scholarship search engines www.fastweb.com www.scholarships.com

RECIPROCITY

The MN-WI Tuition Reciprocity Program provides tuition reciprocity for Wisconsin residents who enroll in an eligible Minnesota public institution program on a space available basis.

Reciprocity application forms are available in April at heab.state.wi.us/mnwiapp.html.

Timeline and Resources

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

Employment is an appropriate option for some high school graduates. Limited Career Options Getting a Job vs Entering a Career Making minimum wage

Job Application Answer all questions honestly Stop in the counseling office if you need help!

Resume Includes Skills, Experience, Education, References

Interview Practice, Practice, Practice

MILITARY

MILITARY The military offers qualified high school graduates a good salary and

free job training. The military also provides discipline and structure, as well as opportunities for career advancement and travel.

4 major branches of the military: the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines

College students who take ROTC will enter the military as officers, while academically gifted students will find excellent educational opportunities at the four military academies.

For more information go to www.todaysmilitary.com

Military Sites www.defenselink.mil www.airforce.com www.goarmy.com www.marines.com www.navy.com www.uscg.mil www.wisconsinguard.com

MILITARY EXAM

ASVAB—A multiple aptitude battery test. The ASVAB is required by the military. However, it can also be used as a career exploration tool.

APPRENTICESHIPS

APPRENTICESHIPS Students who prefer a hands-on approach to learning

may want to consider an apprenticeship program. Apprentices learn a skilled trade through a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training.

Apprenticeships are agreements in which employers pay individuals while they are learning their trade or profession. These programs demand hard work and dedication.

For more information go to www.dwd.state.wi.us/apprenticeship/

SENIOR TIMELINE

SENIOR TIMELINEFall Senior Year

Narrow down your college choices.

Go on campus visits

Apply!! Earliest deadline is December 1st

Write personal statements and college entrance essays – Attend the College Information Night on October 16th

Request HS transcript to be sent (if you have taken a college level class, you may also need to send your college transcript. To do this – go to the college’s website of where you took the class and search for transcript request)

If an official ACT score is needed, go to www.actstudent.org to send scores

Register and take necessary tests (ACT, ASVAB, Compass, etc.)

Update activities resume

Ask teachers, employers, etc. to write letters of recommendation

Search and apply for national/state scholarships

Spring Senior Year

Continue to try hard in high school—GPA your senior year is important

Fill of FAFSA (available Jan. 1, taxes should be completed first). Attend the Financial Aid Night February 24th from 5-7 pm

Send 1st semester grades to college (if required)

Apply for scholarships, local scholarship application available in January due mid-March (available on Moodle)

Review your Student Aid Report

Make final college decision—consider campus visits, financial aid package, programs, etc.

Let colleges know if you have chosen a different college

Take AP tests

End of Senior Year

Have final HS transcript sent to college of choice

Have final college transcripts sent to college (if applicable)

DIVISION OF DUTIES

DIVISION OF DUTIESStudent and Family Attend Senior Conference Fill out college applications online Attend the College Application Night at

AHS on October 16th Request electronic transcripts to be sent

to colleges and for scholarships Request ACT/SAT Test Scores to be sent to

college directly from testing company Request AND send letters of

recommendation Use the school counseling website and

facebook page for: Scholarship information College event information Resources - links

Attend the Financial Aid Night on Feb 24th Complete AND submit the FAFSA Complete AND send scholarship

applications Request application or testing fee waivers

from the school counselor (if on free or reduced lunch)

School Counselor Facilitate any questions about the

college, scholarship or financial aid application process

Write letters of recommendation (if requested)

Process electronic transcript requests Promote college rep visits, college

fairs, etc. Be available by appointment to

discuss and help direct the student’s college application process

Promote scholarships that are sent directly to the school counselor (school counseling website, school counseling facebook page, scholarship list)

Promote the completion of the local scholarship application

Provide application or testing fee waivers by request