The document provides guidance to students on planning for college. It outlines a 6 step process: 1) recognizing strengths and weaknesses, 2) researching majors and programs, 3) compiling information from various resources, 4) applying during senior year, 5) determining costs and financial aid, and 6) selecting a college. It also provides details on admission requirements, financial aid, ACT/SAT testing, and campus visit checklists. The goal is to help students through the entire college planning and selection process.

1. The Muskego High School Counseling Team welcomes you to Planning for College

2. MHS School Counselors A-D Mr. Antoniewicz E-J Ms. Wiesbrock K-Mic Mrs. Merg Mid-Schr Ms. Kralj Schs-Z Ms. Schuett

3. 4-year/2-year college Technical college Work Military Trades Apprentice programs

5. You can organize the college planning process in 6 SIMPLE STEPS!

6. Step 1: Recognize your strengths and weaknesses Analyze your interests and values Achieve a personal goal Increase your earning power Prepare for a career and expand learning Participate in extracurricular activities and social life Consider the influence of family and friends

7. Recommendations for Highly Selective Colleges SUBJECT UNITS English 4-5, including AP level Social Sciences 4+ including AP level Mathematics 4+ including AP level Science 4+ including AP level World Languages 4+ including AP level Fine Arts 1+ recommended Performing Arts required for some schools Computer Science Computer proficiency recommended Electives Academic Electives recommended TOTAL 20+ Academic Units

8. UW System Minimum Admissions Requirements 17 Minimum College Preparatory/ Academic Credits English 4 credits (must include Composition and Literature) Mathematics 3 credits (must include Algebra II-Trig.) Natural Science 3 credits (must include 3 lab sciences) Social Science 3 credits Academic Electives 4 additional units from: English, Math, Natural Science, Social Science, Foreign Language A minimum 2 years of Foreign Language (in one single language) are required for admission to UW-Eau Claire, UW-Madison, Univ. of MN- Twin Cities, and strongly recommended at all other UW Campuses Many colleges may also require additional courses in: Fine and Performing Arts Computer Science

9. UW System Requirements All students are encouraged to exceed the minimum number of college preparatory credits required for admission. Students who choose a rigorous high school curriculum (including senior year course work) are, in most cases, more successful in college. Strong academic preparation for college helps to ensure success. Obtained from UW’s Web Site: http://uwhelp.wisconsin.edu/admission/requirements/freshman/collegeprepreq.asp

10. UW System Comprehensive Review Factors to look at in applicants: Academic Preparation is primary importance Rigor of coursework Class rank and/or G.P.A. Test score results Other Factors in Addition to Above Experiences, work experience, leadership qualities, motivation, community service, special talents, nontraditional vs. returning adult, U.S. Veteran, socio-economically disadvantaged, historically underrepresented racial/ethnic group

11. UW-River Falls Counselor Corner Column Top Reasons Students Should Pursue a Rigorous Curriculum While in High School: It will make college easier. It prepares them for their major and career. It will save them money. -written by Dr. Alan J. Tuchtenhagen

12. Muskego High School ACT Results Class of 2011 Composite Score Core Classes or More Less than Core 24.1 22.7

13. Muskego High School Class of 2011 Results- Avg. Math ACT Scores by Course Sequence

14. THE BEST PREPARATION IS A SOLID HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM Become familiar with the ACT ® test content and format Review your PLAN ® results to identify academic weaknesses Learn appropriate test-taking strategies Use ACT Online Prep TM —ACT’s test preparation program Review The Real ACT Prep Guide —the official test prep book Take ACT’s free practice test See your counselor for other test preparation materials Visit the ACT website at www.actstudent.org Participate in an ACT Preparation class MHS offers ZAPS prep course several times per school year

15. ACT vs. SAT: 4-year schools’ preferences from 1,942 responses received ACT and SAT Accepted Equally…..1,367 ACT Preferred……………………………..257 SAT Preferred……………………………..168 ACT Required Exclusive……………………8 SAT Required Exclusive……………………0 Other test scores required…………….142

16. Remember— Test scores are only ONE factor used for college admission and scholarship decisions.

17. Step 2: Majors & educational programs Type of school & degrees offered Admission policy Location & size Costs & financial aid College affiliation & accreditation Campus activities Support services

18. Step 3: Compile information from several resources: Internet/Websites College catalogs, viewbooks, videos, and computer-based services (DISCOVER®), WISCareers College representatives and college fairs Collegeweeklive.com Counselors and teachers at MHS Parents, students, and alumni

19. Step 3: Prepare a college comparison checklist Weigh advantages & disadvantages Contact the office of admission Schedule appointments for your campus visits

20. CHECKLIST FOR A CAMPUS VISIT Meet with an admission counselor Verify admission requirements Determine actual college costs Ask about financial aid opportunities Take a campus tour Investigate your academic program(s) Attend a class Talk with students and faculty

21. Step 4: Your senior year Narrow your choices Review college admission test requirements (including the optional ACT Writing Test) Know application fees and deadlines Submit application materials Application for admission If applying online, click “Submit” at end of application and turn in High school transcript sent through Docufide Recommendations Admission test results Know scholarship requirements You can never start the process TOO EARLY! Your application date can determine other things, such as availability of housing

22. The Application Process Starts fall semester, senior year Cost for applications: $30 to $75 (some free) Read instructions & follow deadlines Apply Online Presentation matters! Have ready: Personal resume of accomplishments, awards, and activities

23. E. Have ready ( continued ): Essay, personal statement and/or question responses- be sure to PROOFREAD! Colleges look closely at the personal statement! Web sites, resources to help ACT/ SAT Know dates and scores Know what the school requires (official score) Letters of Recommendation, if necessary Ask Early Ask someone who knows you well and can write specifically about your leadership and personal qualities (i.e. teacher, coach, counselor, employer, administrator, clergy)

24. F. While Waiting for Acceptance: Continue to talk to people and gather information Contact financial aid office for scholarship applications Attend Financial Aid Night at MHS for seniors and their parents Apply for financial aid and scholarships Continue to study

25. G. Once You’re Accepted: Review your pros/cons based on information Make your decision Notify the school of your choice in writing and pay the deposit required to hold your spot File housing application Notify the other schools that you will not attend Continue to study!! Request final transcript through Docufide or from Student Services Office

26. KEEP ACCURATE RECORDS!

27. Step 5: Determine college costs Investigate all possible resources Parents Savings Summer earnings Financial aid: scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study Other sources Secure necessary forms and note deadlines Apply for financial aid as early as possible

28. Financial Aid Assistance or Aid Packages Scholarships Based on merit (achievement, promise, abilities) Do not have to repay Web site list, list outside of MHS Student Services & Administrative Office, scholarship searches Grants Award based on financial need Do not have to repay Loans Student loans generally have lower interest rates Usually after graduation 2-30 years Must repay

29. Financial Aid Work Study Part-time, on-campus job Arranged by financial aid office Generally limited hours i.e. food service, library, gym, admissions office Determining if family qualifies for financial aid File Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after January 1 st of child’s senior year PROFILE service of the College Scholarship Service

30. Here’s how financial aid is calculated: COST OF ATTENDANCE (including tuition, fees, books, room, board) YOUR FAMILY’S CONTRIBUTION (based on the results of your needs analysis) ____________________________________________________ = FINANCIAL NEED (will vary depending on the cost of each college you’re attending)

31. Examples of how Financial Aid is calculated: 2-year Public 4-year Public 4-year Private Cost of Attendance per year $14,285 $19,388 $39,028 Family Contribution $3828 $3828 $3828 Need $10,457 $15,560 $35,200

32. To begin exploring your financial aid options and get an early start on the financial aid process Your family will receive an early estimate of eligibility for federal student aid Opportunity to increase your knowledge of the financial aid process; become familiar with the various types of federal student aid that are available; and investigate other sources of aid, such as grants and scholarships When you're ready to apply for aid, you can easily transition from FAFSA4caster to FAFSA on the Web www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov

33. Don’t eliminate any college because of costs before receiving financial assistance information! REMEMBER…CHECK WITH COLLEGE OFFICIALS FOR ACCURATE COSTS.

34. Estimated Expenses for a Year of College Budget Item Average Annual Range Tuition and fees $5,000 – 21,000* Room and board $5,000 – 8,000* Books and supplies $ 800 – 1,700* Transportation $ 400 – 1,500* Miscellaneous $1,200 – 2,700* (laundry, entertainment, and recreation) Total $12,400 – 34,900* *These figures represent average tuition and fee costs for Midwestern states. Some schools will be lower in costs, while other schools will have higher costs. These figures should be used as a guide only. Students should check with the institution(s) in which they are interested to determine more specific costs. Budget Item 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice Name of College —————— —————— —————— Direct Costs Tuition and fees —————— —————— —————— Room and board —————— —————— —————— Indirect Costs Books and supplies —————— —————— —————— Transportation —————— —————— —————— (including car expenses) Miscellaneous —————— —————— —————— Totals —————— —————— —————— Costs at Your College Choices

35. Step 6: Talk with your parents and counselor Select a college that meets your needs and preferences Follow up with colleges to which you have applied

36. Test scores and high school grades ARE important. However, they measure ONLY PART of your POTENTIAL. ACT Test Scores High School Grades

37. Study habits Motivation Course selection Placement Interests Commitment Keep in mind…making sound DECISIONS will lead to satisfying and successful EXPERIENCES .

38. Muskego High School School Code 501-607 www.mnsd.k12.wi.us >Schools>Muskego High School>Students> Plan for Post H.S. Success

39. Thank You! Remember, this is a PROCESS , not an event. We, in Student Services, are here to assist you!