The Muskego High SchoolThe Muskego High SchoolCounseling TeamCounseling Team

welcomes you towelcomes you to

Planning for CollegePlanning for College

MHS School CounselorsMHS School Counselors

A-DA-D Mr. AntoniewiczMr. AntoniewiczE-JE-J Ms. WiesbrockMs. WiesbrockK-MicK-Mic Mrs. MergMrs. MergMid-SchrMid-Schr Ms. KraljMs. KraljSchs-ZSchs-Z Ms. SchuettMs. Schuett

4-year/2-year college4-year/2-year collegeTechnical collegeTechnical collegeWorkWorkMilitary Military TradesTradesApprentice programsApprentice programs

You can organize the college You can organize the college planning process inplanning process in

6 SIMPLE STEPS!6 SIMPLE STEPS!

Step 1: Step 1:

Recognize your strengths and weaknessesRecognize your strengths and weaknesses Analyze your interests and valuesAnalyze your interests and values Achieve a personal goalAchieve a personal goal Increase your earning powerIncrease your earning power Prepare for a career and expand learningPrepare for a career and expand learning Participate in extracurricular activities and Participate in extracurricular activities and

social lifesocial life Consider the influence of family and friendsConsider the influence of family and friends

Recommendations for Highly Selective Recommendations for Highly Selective Colleges Colleges

SUBJECTSUBJECT UNITSUNITSEnglishEnglish 4-5, including AP level4-5, including AP levelSocial SciencesSocial Sciences 4+ including AP level4+ including AP levelMathematicsMathematics 4+ including AP level4+ including AP levelScienceScience 4+ including AP level4+ including AP levelWorld LanguagesWorld Languages 4+ including AP level4+ including AP levelFine ArtsFine Arts 1+ recommended 1+ recommended

Performing Arts required for some schoolsPerforming Arts required for some schools

Computer ScienceComputer Science Computer proficiency recommendedComputer proficiency recommended

ElectivesElectives Academic Electives recommendedAcademic Electives recommended

TOTALTOTAL 20+ Academic Units20+ Academic Units

UW System Minimum UW System Minimum Admissions RequirementsAdmissions Requirements

17 Minimum College Preparatory/ Academic Credits17 Minimum College Preparatory/ Academic Credits EnglishEnglish 4 credits 4 credits (must include Composition and Literature)(must include Composition and Literature) MathematicsMathematics 3 credits 3 credits (must include Algebra II-Trig.)(must include Algebra II-Trig.) Natural ScienceNatural Science 3 credits 3 credits (must include 3 lab sciences)(must include 3 lab sciences) Social ScienceSocial Science 3 credits3 credits Academic ElectivesAcademic Electives 4 additional units from: English, 4 additional units from: English,

Math, Natural Science, Social Math, Natural Science, Social Science, Foreign LanguageScience, Foreign Language

A minimum 2 years of Foreign Language (in one single A minimum 2 years of Foreign Language (in one single language) are language) are requiredrequired for admission to UW-Eau Claire, UW- for admission to UW-Eau Claire, UW-Madison, Univ. of MN- Twin Cities, and Madison, Univ. of MN- Twin Cities, and strongly recommendedstrongly recommended at all other UW Campusesat all other UW Campuses

Many colleges may also require additional courses in:Many colleges may also require additional courses in:– Fine and Performing ArtsFine and Performing Arts– Computer ScienceComputer Science

UW System RequirementsUW System Requirements

All students are encouraged to exceed the All students are encouraged to exceed the minimum number of college preparatory credits minimum number of college preparatory credits required for admission. Students who choose a required for admission. Students who choose a rigorous high school curriculum (including senior rigorous high school curriculum (including senior year course work) are, in most cases, more year course work) are, in most cases, more successful in college. Strong academic successful in college. Strong academic preparation for college helps to ensure success. preparation for college helps to ensure success.

Obtained from UW’s Web Site:Obtained from UW’s Web Site: http://uwhelp.wisconsin.edu/admission/requirements/freshman/collegeprepreq.asphttp://uwhelp.wisconsin.edu/admission/requirements/freshman/collegeprepreq.asp

UW System Comprehensive ReviewUW System Comprehensive Review

Factors to look at in applicants:Factors to look at in applicants: Academic Preparation is primary importanceAcademic Preparation is primary importance

– Rigor of courseworkRigor of coursework– Class rank and/or G.P.A.Class rank and/or G.P.A.– Test score resultsTest score results

Other Factors in Addition to AboveOther Factors in Addition to Above– Experiences, work experience, leadership qualities, Experiences, work experience, leadership qualities,

motivation, community service, special talents, nontraditional motivation, community service, special talents, nontraditional vs. returning adult, U.S. Veteran, socio-economically vs. returning adult, U.S. Veteran, socio-economically disadvantaged, historically underrepresented racial/ethnic disadvantaged, historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groupgroup

UW-River Falls UW-River Falls Counselor Corner Counselor Corner

ColumnColumnTop Reasons Students Should Pursue a Top Reasons Students Should Pursue a Rigorous Curriculum While in High School:Rigorous Curriculum While in High School:

1.1. It will make college easier.It will make college easier.2.2. It prepares them for their major and It prepares them for their major and

career.career.3.3. It will save them money.It will save them money.

-written by Dr. Alan J. Tuchtenhagen-written by Dr. Alan J. Tuchtenhagen

Muskego High School ACT Muskego High School ACT ResultsResults

Class of 2011Class of 2011

Composite ScoreComposite Score

Core Core Classes Classes or Moreor More

Less than Less than CoreCore

24.124.1 22.722.7

Muskego High SchoolMuskego High SchoolClass of 2011 Results- Class of 2011 Results-

Avg. Math ACT Scores by Course SequenceAvg. Math ACT Scores by Course Sequence

THE BEST PREPARATION IS A SOLID THE BEST PREPARATION IS A SOLID HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUMHIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Become familiar with the ACTBecome familiar with the ACT®® test content and format test content and format Review your PLANReview your PLAN®® results to identify results to identify

academic weaknessesacademic weaknesses Learn appropriate test-taking strategiesLearn appropriate test-taking strategies Use ACT Online PrepUse ACT Online PrepTMTM—ACT’s test preparation program—ACT’s test preparation program Review Review The Real ACT Prep GuideThe Real ACT Prep Guide—the official test —the official test

prep bookprep book Take ACT’s free practice testTake ACT’s free practice test See your counselor for other test preparation materialsSee your counselor for other test preparation materials Visit the ACT website at Visit the ACT website at www.actstudent.orgwww.actstudent.org Participate in an ACT Preparation classParticipate in an ACT Preparation class

MHS offers ZAPS prep course several times per school yearMHS offers ZAPS prep course several times per school year

ACT vs. SAT: 4-year schools’ ACT vs. SAT: 4-year schools’ preferencespreferences

from 1,942 responses receivedfrom 1,942 responses received

ACT and SAT Accepted Equally…..1,367ACT and SAT Accepted Equally…..1,367ACT ACT

Preferred……………………………..257Preferred……………………………..257SAT SAT

Preferred……………………………..168Preferred……………………………..168ACT Required Exclusive……………………8ACT Required Exclusive……………………8SAT Required Exclusive……………………0SAT Required Exclusive……………………0Other test scores required…………….142Other test scores required…………….142

Remember—

Test scores are only ONE factor used

for college admission and

scholarship decisions.

Step 2: Step 2:

•Majors & educational programsMajors & educational programs•Type of school & degrees offeredType of school & degrees offered•Admission policyAdmission policy•Location & sizeLocation & size•Costs & financial aidCosts & financial aid•College affiliation & accreditationCollege affiliation & accreditation•Campus activitiesCampus activities•Support servicesSupport services

Step 3: Step 3:

Compile information from several resources:Compile information from several resources:•Internet/Websites Internet/Websites •College catalogs, viewbooks, videos, and College catalogs, viewbooks, videos, and computer-based services (DISCOVER®), computer-based services (DISCOVER®),

WISCareersWISCareers•College representatives and college fairsCollege representatives and college fairs

Collegeweeklive.comCollegeweeklive.com•Counselors and teachers at MHSCounselors and teachers at MHS•Parents, students, and alumniParents, students, and alumni

Step 3: Step 3:

•Prepare a college Prepare a college comparison checklistcomparison checklist

•Weigh advantages Weigh advantages & disadvantages& disadvantages

•Contact the office Contact the office of admissionof admission

•Schedule appointments Schedule appointments for your campus visitsfor your campus visits

CHECKLIST FOR A CHECKLIST FOR A CAMPUS VISITCAMPUS VISIT

Meet with an admission counselorMeet with an admission counselorVerify admission requirementsVerify admission requirementsDetermine actual college costsDetermine actual college costsAsk about financial aid opportunities Ask about financial aid opportunities Take a campus tourTake a campus tourInvestigate your academic program(s)Investigate your academic program(s)Attend a classAttend a classTalk with students and facultyTalk with students and faculty

Step 4: Your senior Step 4: Your senior yearyear

•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

The Application ProcessThe Application Process

A.A. Starts fall semester, senior yearStarts fall semester, senior yearB.B. Cost for applications: Cost for applications: $30 to $75 (some free)$30 to $75 (some free)

C.C. Read instructions & follow deadlinesRead instructions & follow deadlines Apply OnlineApply Online

A.A. Presentation matters!Presentation matters!B.B. Have ready:Have ready:

1.1. Personal resume of accomplishments, Personal resume of accomplishments, awards, and activitiesawards, and activities

E. Have ready (E. Have ready ( continuedcontinued ):):

2.2. Essay, personal statement and/or question Essay, personal statement and/or question responses- be sure to PROOFREAD! responses- be sure to PROOFREAD!

Colleges look closely at the personal statement!Colleges look closely at the personal statement! Web sites, resources to helpWeb sites, resources to help

2.2. ACT/ SATACT/ SAT Know dates and scores Know dates and scores Know what the school requires (official score)Know what the school requires (official score)

2.2. Letters of Recommendation, Letters of Recommendation, i f necessaryif necessary• Ask EarlyAsk Early• Ask someone who knows you well and can write Ask someone who knows you well and can write

specifically about your leadership and personal specifically about your leadership and personal qualities (i.e. teacher, coach, counselor, employer, qualities (i.e. teacher, coach, counselor, employer, administrator, clergy)administrator, clergy)

F. While Waiting for Acceptance:F. While Waiting for Acceptance:

1.1. Continue to talk to people and gather Continue to talk to people and gather informationinformation

2.2. Contact financial aid office for scholarship Contact financial aid office for scholarship applicationsapplications

3.3. Attend Financial Aid Night at MHS for Attend Financial Aid Night at MHS for seniors and their parentsseniors and their parents

4.4. Apply for financial aid and scholarshipsApply for financial aid and scholarships5.5. Continue to studyContinue to study

G. Once You’re Accepted:G. Once You’re Accepted:

1.1. Review your pros/cons based on informationReview your pros/cons based on information2.2. Make your decisionMake your decision3.3. Notify the school of your choice in writing and Notify the school of your choice in writing and

pay the deposit required to hold your spotpay the deposit required to hold your spot4.4. File housing applicationFile housing application5.5. Notify the other schools that you will not attendNotify the other schools that you will not attend6.6. Continue to study!!Continue to study!!7.7. Request final transcript through Docufide or from Request final transcript through Docufide or from

Student Services OfficeStudent Services Office

KEEP ACCURATE RECORDS!

Step 5: Step 5:

•Determine college costs•Investigate all possible resources

ParentsSavingsSummer earningsFinancial aid: scholarships, grants, loans, and work-studyOther sources

•Secure necessary forms and note deadlines•Apply for financial aid as early as possible

Financial AidFinancial Aid

Assistance or Aid PackagesAssistance or Aid Packagesa.a. ScholarshipsScholarships

Based on merit (achievement, promise, abilities)Based on merit (achievement, promise, abilities) Do not have to repayDo not have to repay Web site list, list outside of MHS Student Services & Web site list, list outside of MHS Student Services &

Administrative Office, scholarship searchesAdministrative Office, scholarship searchesa.a. GrantsGrants

Award based on financial needAward based on financial need Do not have to repayDo not have to repay

a.a. LoansLoans Student loans generally have lower interest ratesStudent loans generally have lower interest rates Usually after graduation 2-30 yearsUsually after graduation 2-30 years Must repayMust repay

Financial AidFinancial Aid

d.d. Work StudyWork Study Part-time, on-campus jobPart-time, on-campus job Arranged by financial aid officeArranged by financial aid office Generally limited hoursGenerally limited hours i.e. food service, library, gym, admissions officei.e. food service, library, gym, admissions office

d.d. Determining if family qualifies for financial aidDetermining if family qualifies for financial aid File Free Application for Federal Student Aid File Free Application for Federal Student Aid

(FAFSA) after January 1(FAFSA) after January 1stst of child’s senior of child’s senior yearyear

PROFILE service of the College Scholarship PROFILE service of the College Scholarship ServiceService

Here’s how f inancial aid is calculated:Here’s how f inancial aid is calculated:

COST OF ATTENDANCECOST OF ATTENDANCE(including tuition, fees, books, room, board)(including tuition, fees, books, room, board)

- YOUR FAMILY’S CONTRIBUTIONYOUR FAMILY’S CONTRIBUTION(based on the results of your needs analysis)(based on the results of your needs analysis)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

= FINANCIAL NEED= FINANCIAL NEED(will vary depending on the cost of each college you’re (will vary depending on the cost of each college you’re attending)attending)

Examples of how Financial Aid is Examples of how Financial Aid is calculated:calculated:

2-year 2-year PublicPublic

4-year 4-year PublicPublic

4-year 4-year PrivatePrivate

Cost of Cost of Attendance Attendance

per yearper year

$14,285$14,285 $19,388$19,388 $39,028$39,028

Family Family ContributionContribution

$3828$3828 $3828$3828 $3828$3828

NeedNeed $10,457$10,457 $15,560$15,560 $35,200$35,200

To begin exploring your financial aid options and get To begin exploring your financial aid options and get an early start on the financial aid processan early start on the financial aid process

Your family will receive an early estimate of eligibility Your family will receive an early estimate of eligibility for federal student aid for federal student aid

Opportunity to increase your knowledge of the Opportunity to increase your knowledge of the financial aid process; become familiar with the financial aid process; become familiar with the various types of federal student aid that are various types of federal student aid that are available; and investigate other sources of aid, such available; and investigate other sources of aid, such as grants and scholarships as grants and scholarships

When you're ready to apply for aid, you can easily When you're ready to apply for aid, you can easily transition from FAFSA4caster to transition from FAFSA4caster to FAFSA on the WebFAFSA on the Web

www.fafsa4caster.ed.govwww.fafsa4caster.ed.gov

Don’t eliminate any college because of costs before

receiving financial assistance information!

REMEMBER…CHECK WITH COLLEGE OFFICIALS

FOR ACCURATE COSTS.

Estimated Expenses for a Year of CollegeBudget 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 ChoiceName of College

—————— —————— ——————

Direct CostsTuition and fees —————— —————— ——————Room and board —————— —————— ——————

Indirect CostsBooks and supplies —————— —————— ——————Transportation —————— —————— ——————(including car expenses)

Miscellaneous —————— —————— ——————

Totals —————— —————— ——————

Costs at Your College Choices

Step 6: 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

Test scores and high school grades ARE important. However, they measure ONLY PART of your POTENTIAL.

ACT Test ScoresACT Test ScoresHigh School GradesHigh School Grades

•Study habitsStudy habits•MotivationMotivation•Course selectionCourse selection•PlacementPlacement•InterestsInterests•CommitmentCommitment

Keep in mind…making sound DECISIONS will lead to satisfying and successful EXPERIENCES.

Muskego High SchoolMuskego High SchoolSchool Code 501-607School Code 501-607

www.mnsd.k12.wi.uswww.mnsd.k12.wi.us>Schools>Muskego High >Schools>Muskego High

School>Students>School>Students>Plan for Post H.S. SuccessPlan for Post H.S. Success

Thank You!Thank You!

Remember, this is a Remember, this is a PROCESSPROCESS, , not an event.not an event.

We, in Student Services, are We, in Student Services, are here to assist you!here to assist you!