The Muskego High School Counseling Team welcomes you to Post High School Planning

MHS School Counselors A-DMr. Antoniewicz E-JMs. Wiesbrock K-MicMrs. Merg Mid-SchrMs. Kralj Schs-ZMs. Schuett

What are my options after high school?

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

Know Yourself What is important to you? Recognize your strengths and weaknesses Recognize your strengths and weaknesses Analyze your interests and values Analyze your interests and values Achieve a personal goal Achieve a personal goal Increase your earning power Increase your earning power Prepare for a career and expand learning Prepare for a career and expand learning Consider the influence of family and friends Consider the influence of family and friends

Military High School Diploma High School Diploma Take the ASVAB Test Take the ASVAB Test Research (Specific Websites, WISCareer, materials in Student Services) Research (Specific Websites, WISCareer, materials in Student Services) Speak with a military representative Speak with a military representative

Technical College (WCTC) High School Diploma High School Diploma Research Programs of Study and Colleges that offer the program you are interested in (specific websites, WISCareers, materials in Student Services Research Programs of Study and Colleges that offer the program you are interested in (specific websites, WISCareers, materials in Student Services Visit the campus (Open House) Visit the campus (Open House) Speak with a Representative Speak with a Representative

Apprenticeships High School Diploma High School Diploma Research and decide on a trade that interests you Research and decide on a trade that interests you Research pro and cons of choosing Union vs Non-Union Placement Options Research pro and cons of choosing Union vs Non-Union Placement Options Attend Open Houses Attend Open Houses Apply at Technical College Apply at Technical College

2 year College (UW-Waukesha) High School Diploma High School Diploma Minimum high school coursework requirements Minimum high school coursework requirements Prepare for and take the ACT Prepare for and take the ACT Research the college and make a college visit Research the college and make a college visit Speak with a Representative Speak with a Representative

4 Year College High School Diploma High School Diploma Must have college admissions requirements met Must have college admissions requirements met Prepare for and take the ACT Prepare for and take the ACT Research Programs of Study and Colleges that offer the program you are interested in (specific websites, WISCareers, materials in Student Services Research Programs of Study and Colleges that offer the program you are interested in (specific websites, WISCareers, materials in Student Services

4 year College (continued) Make a campus visit Make a campus visit Speak with a representative from the college Speak with a representative from the college

Does my high school course selection matter for getting into college?

YES!!!!

Comparison Chart Course Muskego HS Graduation Most Colleges Competitive Colleges English4 credits 4 credits (AP recommended) 4- 5 credits include AP Math2 credits 3 credits (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 4+ credits include AP Science2 credits 3 credits (AP recommended) 4+ credits include Biology, Chemistry, Physics (AP level) Social Studies3 credits 3 credits (AP recommended) 4+ credits include AP World language Not required Recommended UW Madison 2-4 UW Eau Claire credits of the same language Health 1 credit (.5/ 2014 on) Physical Education1.5 credits Fine Arts1 credit May count as academic elective 1 or more recommended; performing arts required for some Computer Science Not required Recommended May count as academic elective Computer proficiency recommended Electives 7.5 (8/ 2014 on) 4 academic electives Academic electives recommended Total22 credits17+ Academic Credits 20+ Academic Credits

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:

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

UW-River Falls Counselor Corner Column Top Reasons Students Should Pursue a Rigorous Curriculum While in High School: 1. It will make college easier. 2. It prepares them for their major and career. 3. It will save them money. -written by Dr. Alan J. Tuchtenhagen

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  Participate in an ACT Preparation class  MHS offers ZAPS prep course several times per school year

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

Your senior year Your senior year Narrow your choices Review college admission test requirements (including the optional ACT Writing Test) Know application fees $30 to $75 (some free) and deadlines Submit application materials: UW System begins reading applications on September 15 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

Presentation Matters Have ready: 1.Personal resume of accomplishments, awards, and activities 2.Essay, personal statement and/or question responses-be sure to PROOFREAD! College look closely at the personal statement! 3.ACT/SAT know dates, scores, and what the school requires (official score) 4.Letters of recommendation, if necessary Ask someone who works with/supervises you often and give them at least 2 weeks. Ask someone who works with/supervises you often and give them at least 2 weeks.

$$$$$$ How do I pay for College?

Determine college costs – college website 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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

What do I need to do now as a Junior?

Do your best in the classroom! Do your best in the classroom! Stay involved in co-curricular activities Stay involved in co-curricular activities Prepare for and take the ACT Prepare for and take the ACT Research programs of study and colleges that interest you Research programs of study and colleges that interest you Plan college visits Plan college visits Speak with Representatives Speak with Representatives

Remember Remember This is a PROCESS, not an event. We, in Student Services, are here to assist you!

Muskego High School School Code >Schools>Muskego High School>Department>Student Sevices Plan for Post H.S. Success