Preparing for the Future 2015-2016

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE 2015-2016 Preparing for the future is a serious task. Seniors/Juniors and their families need facts on which to base their post-high- school plans. I will communicate pertinent information via the Daily Announcements, emails, special evening programs, articles in Parent Newsletters, and information posted on the Belleville Webpage. It is also important for each senior to check regularly with Mrs. Norton.

SEPTEMBER 12 ACT Test 15 UW Systems begins reviewing applications 16 Madison College Free Application Night 3:30-5 pm 16/23 College Application Assistance Nights 4:30-6 pm 18 Registration deadline for Oct. ACT @ www.actstudent.org 21 Registration deadline for PSAT Test (juniors) www.collegeboard.com OCTOBER 1 Registration deadline for Youth Options for the Spring Semester 1 Wisconsin Education Fair @ Sun Prairie H.S. 9-11 a.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. http://www.wefs.org/ 3 SAT Test 9 Registration deadline for Nov. SAT @ www.collegeboard.com 14 PSAT test (11th graders-optional) 24 ACT test NOVEMBER 5 Registration deadline for Dec. SAT 6 Registration deadline for Dec. ACT 7 SAT test DECEMBER 5 SAT test 9 Financial Aid Night 6-7:30 p.m. Seniors continuing their education after high school should attend! 12 ACT test 28 Registration deadline for Jan. SAT JANUARY 1 Seniors: begin filing FAFSA (The Free Application for Financial Student Aid) 8 Registration deadline for Feb. ACT 23 SAT Test FEBRUARY 5 Registration deadline for March SAT 6 ACT Test MARCH 1 Registration deadline for Youth Options for the Fall Semester 1 ACT Plus Writing (State mandated testing for all 11th graders) 2 ACT WorkKeys (State mandated testing for all 11th graders) 4 Registration deadline for April ACT 5 SAT Test 12-13 ACT ASPIRE (State mandated testing for all 9th and 10th graders) APRIL 8 Registration deadline for May SAT 9 ACT Test MAY 2-6/9-13 AP Testing: http://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/ap/about/dates 5 Registration deadline for June SAT 6 Registration deadline for June ACT 7 SAT Test JUNE 3 HS Awards Ceremony 10 a.m. 4 SAT Test 5 1 p.m. HS GRADUATION!!! 11 ACT Test COLLEGE APPLICATION CHECKLIST

___ Apply Online: Complete the college/university online application forms. Make sure you proofread all of your entries! ___ Request Transcripts: Go to the Parchment link on the Belleville ‘Guidance’ webpage: http://www.belleville.k12.wi.us/faculty/nortonm/hscounseling.cfm . Create an account, and login to the secure page to request transcripts to be sent to colleges/universities, Common App, NCAA and/or yourself. ___ ACT/SAT Scores (if required): Request online at www.actstudent.org (ACT) or www.collegeboard.com (SAT). If you requested your scores to be sent when you took the test, the college/university will already have them on file. ___ Letters of Recommendation (if needed): Request 1-3 letters of recommendation (1-2 from core teachers), collect and either mail yourself or deliver to Mrs. Norton to mail. (If you chose to use an electronic application such as Common App, your letters will need to be posted by your recommender electronically.) You may be asked by your recommenders to provide a ‘Recommendation Form’; these are available in the Student Services Office or on the Belleville ‘Guidance’ Webpage. ___ Essay (if required): Include a thoughtful, well-written ‘Personal Statement’ with your application. Admissions staff state that they are looking for 1-2 typed pages. Be creative and especially careful with your grammar and spelling! PROOFREAD!! Ask a parent or teacher to also proofread. ___ Copies: Save copies of everything you submit for your records. ___ Fees: If you need assistance with any fees, please see Mrs. Norton for fee waivers.

Belleville High School has partnered with Parchment for all transcript processing. Ordering transcripts online is safe, efficient, and accurate. Parchment.com has many great features. It makes it easy to search colleges, see your chances of being accepted and request, store, and send transcripts when you are ready to apply. The Parchment website accepts requests 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Most requests are processed and received within 48 hours. Most colleges and universities in Wisconsin, as well as many other institutions across the nation, accept and prefer to receive transcripts electronically. (There is a small $2.75 fee per transcript request.)

COLLEGE UPDATES

UW System: https://apply.wisconsin.edu/ University of Wisconsin System institutions begin processing applications for admission September 15th for the following fall semester. New freshmen applying for admission should meet priority or deadline dates in order to assure full consideration for admission. All new freshmen are required to submit a nonrefundable $50 application fee with each application for admission. The application fee is good for one year (two semesters and a summer session).

* UW-Systems information: http://uwhelp.wisconsin.edu/ ; Student Help-Line: 1-800-442-6459 From UWHelp On-Line you can visit a UW campus, talk to an advisor, calculate college costs, and much more. Get answers to questions about admission, paying for college, living on campus, choosing a major, new student programs, and credit transfer, etc.

Wisconsin Private Colleges: http://www.waicu.org/students/ If you may be interested in a Private College do not be scared away by the ‘sticker price’. Contact each institution to discuss the possibility of financial aid, usually they come close to a state school tuition.

Madison College (MATC): http://madisoncollege.edu In addition, Madison College offers an excellent variety of one- year diploma and two-year college transfer programs that are accepted by the UW System. Information describing all programs are available online. Applications for admission to Madison College will be considered on a first-come-first-serve basis. Applying online extremely speeds up this process and costs $30. Several programs fill up on the first day applications are accepted (September-October); therefore, early application is advised. Completed applications (including online application, transcripts, fees, test scores, ect.) received by Madison College after the third Monday in October will be considered on a program availability basis. Additionally, specific programs are already accepting and close in October (see the Madison College website for exact information) . *Check the program information for your degree program to see if there are any additional admission requirements, such as ACT, COMPASS, SAT or Asset scores, or other documentation that you will need to submit prior to the admissions deadline.

Wisconsin Technical Colleges: www.witechcolleges.com

University of Minnesota: http://admissions.tc.umn.edu ; Student Help-Line: (800) 752-1000 or 612-624-9547.

Reciprocity Agreement: The University of Minnesota System and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System campuses have a reciprocity agreement whereby residents of one state pay in-state tuition in the other state. In the spring, students must complete a Reciprocity Application in order to be eligible for in-state tuition. Students must file the application on-line. The site is http://heab.state.wi.us

Tips from Admissions Officers: . Grades matter, but so does the rigor of your courses. It’s best to take four years of english, science, social studies, math, and world language, plus a variety of electives. Try to finish high school stronger than when you started. Most universities and colleges are routinely increasing entrance requirements. . It is best to participate in a few school/community activities over a length of time rather than having a long list of one-time experiences. Document the amount of time spent on your activities. . You should be completely responsible for completing your applications – that includes writing required essays. . Admissions offices spend less than 15 minutes on each application. Spelling, grammar, and neatness count. Typed applications are appreciated. . If you are wait listed, persistence can make the difference. Write back and tell them you’re still very interested. Provide any new information they need to know. . Look for the best fit for you and not someone else. Remember, you’re trying to get into the best college for YOU!

COLLEGE ENTRANCE TESTING

Testing: There are no uniform guidelines for students regarding college-entrance and college-placement testing. Some prefer one, some accept either, and some may have their own tests. However most Wisconsin colleges, technical schools, and specialty schools require admissions exams (and prefer the ACT). The ACT, SAT I, COMPASS and in some cases the SAT II Subject Tests are the most popular college entrance exams. Most technical colleges use the COMPASS test for placement into courses.

ACT/SAT Prep Books We have a number of test prep books available for students in the Pupil Services Office. Many of these books provide test-taking strategies, along with valuable practice tests. Check out sample questions for the ACT- www.actstudent.org or visit www.collegeboard.com for SAT information. Brodhead, Albany, Belleville and Verona also offer ACT Prep courses. This information is available in the Pupil Services Office and will be posted on the school webpage as it becomes available. Free practice tests are also available at http://www.knowhow2gowisconsin.org . ACT: www.act.org ACT – American College Test - $39.50 (ACT) $56.50 (ACT plus writing). If you need assistance with the fee payment please ask Mrs. Norton. The ACT is offered locally at West HS, Memorial HS, and Verona HS.

SAT: www.collegeboard.com SAT – Scholastic Achievement Test, SAT I - $54.50. If you need assistance with the fee payment please ask Mrs. Norton. SAT II: Subject Test – See website for specific fees. The SAT is offered locally at West HS.

FINANCING YOUR EDUCATION

SCHOLARSHIPS are granted for academic merit, need, career interest, and/or leadership. Throughout the school year Belleville High School is notified of scholarship possibilities from community organizations and specific colleges and technical schools. Notice is posted on the Financial Aid/Scholarship portion of the webpage, in the hall outside the IMC, and via email. See Mrs. Norton for specific scholarship information. Watch the specific deadlines for each of these scholarships. Follow the same steps for filing scholarship applications as for filing college applications. Note: Most Local Scholarships are not available until SPRING! Seniors will receive more information at that time.

*You will not receive a scholarship unless you apply! *Beware of scholarship scams. Don’t pay for a scholarship service to look for scholarships for you. They give you information you can find yourself without a fee.

FINANCIAL AID originates from these sources: 1) your parents; 2) federal government; 3) state programs; 4) college programs; 5) private organizations. There are six major federal financial aid programs: Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Work-Study (FWS), Perkins Loans, Stafford Loans, and Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). Grants are monetary awards that do not need to be repaid; work-study gives the student the chance to work on campus and earn money; and loans (these are low interest loans) must be paid back (once you graduate). If you receive financial aid, your financial aid “package” may be a combination of the above. There are periodic changes in financial aid programs and policies.

The Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed by students wishing to apply for federal student financial aid. “Federal student financial aid” means federal grant, loan and work-study money for your education. The federal student assistance program can help you pay for most kinds of education after high school. The aid is available if you are attending a college, a professional school, a vocational or technical school. After you submit a FAFSA, the processing agency will analyze the information supplied by the applicant, then forward that analysis to each college coded on the FAFSA. All information is confidential. The college(s) and/or program(s) then decide whether the applicant will receive aid, and the amount. * December 9th @ 6pm there will be a “Financial Aid Night” to discuss ALL AID and how to file the FAFSA. Seniors and their parents are highly encouraged to attend!! (A letter will follow with details.)

ADDITIONAL POST-HIGH SCHOOL OPTIONS

Information for Student Seeking Employment/Apprenticeships While in High School: Mrs. Gartley coordinates student employment through BHS’s School-Career Program. She will assist in job placements, internships and apprenticeships. See her with any questions.

After High School: Job Service is a state public employment office, which facilitates the matching process between applicant and employers. Students who wish to obtain full-time work or summer employment may contact Job Service. The office hours are 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday. The telephone number is 608-245-5390. This office offers employment counseling and there is no fee for their assistance.

After High School: An apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training and classroom-related instruction through which workers learn the practical and theoretical aspects of a highly skilled occupation. There are hundreds of apprenticeship programs available in construction, service and industrial occupations. Programs range from 2 to 5 years in length. By combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction, the apprentice learns through hands-on experience and related classroom instruction. Plus, the apprentice will be getting technical back up necessary for a complete understanding of a chosen field. The Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) provides the related instruction component to supplement the apprentice’s on-the-job training. By statute, registered apprentices get paid their hourly wage to attend 144 hours of trade-specific schooling per year. Additional course work may be required. To find out more about the apprenticeship program visit the website at www.witechcolleges.com, or telephone 608-246-5202.

Information About the Military The military trains men and women to protect the interests of our country. The United States military offers qualified high school graduates a salary and free job training. The military also provides discipline and structure, as well as opportunities for career advancement and travel. The military is the nation’s single largest employer and it offers training in over 2,000 job specialties, 75% of which have civilian counterparts. The four major branches of the military are the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Marines. Military opportunities also exist in the Coast Guard, the National Guard, and the Reserve. Students who want to go to college before they enter the military should consider attending a college that has an ROTC program. Representatives from the military will be visiting Belleville High School throughout the year. Listen for announcements, check the school webpage, and/or check with Mrs. Norton for more information.

* College Application Night: The college application process can be very overwhelming. Some seniors could benefit from hands-on assistance in completing the application process; so I have set up two application nights to assist seniors in submitting the college application, HS transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, and any additional supplements. I will be available in the Pupil Services Office to assist in any way: Wednesday, September 16th from 4:30-6 p.m. Wednesday, September 23rd from 4:30-6 p.m. If you plan to finalize your application you may need your SSN, credit card information, and login information. Bring your chromebook and I will see you then!

In addition, on Wednesday, September 16th from 3:30-5 p.m. a representative from Madison College will be here to assist with college applications. Students who apply at that time will receive free application waivers to Madison College!! *IMPORTANCE OF JUNIOR CLASSES: Most students apply to college in the fall of their senior year. This means that colleges are making their admissions decisions based upon the students cumulative grades from 9th, 10th and 11th grade. Most 9th and 10th grade schedules are required classes that all students must take and pass to graduate. In their junior year students have more opportunity to pick classes and thus show colleges that they are challenging themselves. This year is particularly important because colleges will look at the rigor of the classes the student selected and how well they performed. They will also look at the rigor of the senior year schedule.

*THE WISCONSIN EDUCATION FAIR: at Sun Prairie High School, Thursday, Oct. 1st from 9-11am and 6:30-8:30pm. All Juniors and Seniors are encouraged to attend especially if they are unsure of their options after high school. You will have the opportunity to meet with various college/university/technical schools/and military representatives from the Midwest. Remember to make sure to register BEFORE you come to the WEF at www.gotocollegefairs.com. It is important to print off the barcode and bring this with you to the fair.

*COLLEGE ADMISSIONS REPRESENTATIVE VISITS: Throughout the course of the school year many college admission representatives visit Belleville High School. They are interested in talking to junior and senior students about their campuses. This is a great time for students to talk one on one with an admissions rep. The information on when a representative will be visiting is read on the announcements, emailed to students and posted on the school webpage.

*SELECTIVE SERVICE REGISTRATION A reminder for male students who are or who will be turning 18 years of age! You must register within 30 days of your 18th birthday for the selective service so as not to jeopardize any issues with future financial aid or federal jobs. You may register over the Internet at www.sss.gov or at the local post office.

**I will review this information with your student, but your student should also be aware of his/her credit status.

Good luck and please feel free to contact me with any questions!