| COLLEGE PLANNING
What to do now.
College will open the door to more opportunities and choices for you in your future. But high school is where you start the journey. College enrollment is at an all-time high in Wisconsin. Get ahead of the competition and get planning!
CHECKLIST
Get Good Grades
Your transcripts will say a lot about you and your GPA and class rank may impact scholarships and grants you receive.
Take Challenging Courses
While grades matter, colleges want to see that you don’t go for the easy “A” but take some tougher courses. Honors and AP classes demonstrate your desire to learn. You may be able to earn college credit.
Take a Variety of Courses
Take subjects that you may want to study in college. You will show that you have different interests. It is not enough to focus on classes you need to graduate from high school. You must take classes you need to get into college.
The Extras
Choir, forensics, band, drama, clubs – they show what interests you and can lead to scholarships. But get involved to learn new things.
Volunteer or Work
Volunteer and work experiences will help build discipline and other life skills. New experiences and meeting people can help you gain insight into your future career interests.
Ask for advice
Talk to your guidance counselor or STEP-UP Coordinator. He or she can help you chart your course. Or stop in at the Milwaukee Career Center. We can help explain the requirements you need to get into college.
Talk to your guidance counselor or STEP-UP Coordinator. He or she can help you chart your course.
What are my choices?
The type of school you choose will depend on your career goals and the type of learning environment that is best for you. Names can be confusing but here are the types of school available.
Making the selection
What Matters to You?
What size school is best? Where would you like to attend? What else is important to you? Extracurricular activities? Social life?
Consider Many Choices
Develop a list of schools that offer the academic programs you want and take the time to look at each one. Consider tuition, travel and living costs.
Visit the Campus
You can never tell if a school is right for you from a web site. Visit your top three choices when school is in session and schedule a tour.
Apply for Admission
Fall of your senior year will be a busy time! Some colleges have an open admission policy, meaning all students who meet requirements may enroll. Other colleges have selective admissions, for example, a state university.
Compare the Costs
If you are considering several schools you will receive your financial aid package in spring. Look the offers very carefully before making your decision.
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