JUNIOR NEWSLETTER
GENERAL ACT TESTING INFORMATION
The ACT assessment is a entrance requirement universities use in admitting students to their institutions. Most
state-supported universities, particularly in the Midwest use the ACT. Typically students take the ACT in the
spring/summer of their junior year. The ACT measures academic skills in reading, math, science, and english.
There is also an optional writing test that some universities are requiring. The ACT maintains a list of colleges
on their website who currently require the writing portion. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is currently
the only school in the Wisconsin University System that requires the writing portion of the ACT.
How do I prepare for the ACT?
There are many ways to prepare for the ACT test. The best is by taking several courses in the core
subject areas (english, math, science and social studies). There are also test prep classes offered at
Belleville High School, Evansville High School, UW Rock County, Verona High School and through
Wisconsin Virtual School. The ACT website, www.actstudent.org offers many great test-taking tips and
questions to practice. Various websites offer free test prep, these links are posted on the Belleville HS
Guidance page under ‘Useful Links'. A few popular sites are http://knowhow2gowisconsin.org/ and
http://www.zaps.com. Students can also pick-up Test Prep booklets in the Students Services Office.
How do I sign up for the ACT?
On the ACT website at www.actstudent.org. Registration will require Belleville’s High School code
which is 500 175. This ensures the scores are sent to the high school as well as your home. Make sure
you know the registration deadlines in order to avoid a late fee. Also, a proper ID needs to be provided
to take the ACT test (for example a driver’s license or student ID card), along with your printed
admissions ‘ticket’. See the ACT website for proper ID and to print your ticket. If you need fee waivers
see Mrs. Norton.
How do I send my ACT scores to the colleges?
You may do this in multiple ways. When you register for the ACT, you can select to have your scores
sent to four different colleges/universities for free (college admissions officers recommend this option).
This means that the college or university will receive your ACT scores at approximately the same time
that you do. The colleges will then start a file for you awaiting your application. You may also test
first, see the results, and then release the scores to the colleges for a fee. You can release these scores at
www.actstudent.org, by telephone, or by mail. ACT will only release the scores for the test date you
request. If you have any other questions regarding the ACT, please contact Mrs. Norton.
2015-2016 WISCONSIN STATE ACT TESTING INFORMATION
In compliance with 2011 Assembly Bill 40 Act 20 and the 2013-15 biennial state budget, Wisconsin will assess
high school students in 9th, 10th, and 11th grades beginning with the 2014-2015 school year. The Wisconsin
Department of Public Instruction has entered into a partnership with ACT®, Inc. to comprehensively assess
Wisconsin high school students. Beginning last year, all 11th grade students will be required to take the ACT
Plus Writing. This year the ACT will be given on March 1st and the ACT WorkKeys on March 2nd. Each high
school will register their 11th grade students and provide the exam at their local high schools. Examinees will
have the option of sending scores to four colleges at no charge by entering the correct code(s) on his/her answer
document during the pretest session.
The ACT® Plus Writing - The ACT Plus Writing consists of four multiple-choice tests: English,
Mathematics, Reading, and Science; and a 30-minute essay test that measures writing skills. ACT Plus
Writing will be a paper and pencil test in Wisconsin for the 2016 administration. Students can practice
for the ACT at http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/
ACT® WorkKeys® - ACT WorkKeys is an applied skills assessment system that helps students
compare their skills to the skills real jobs require. Wisconsin students will take three WorkKeys
assessments: Locating Information, Reading for Information, and Applied Mathematics. ACT
WorkKeys will be a paper and pencil test in Wisconsin for the 2016 administration. Additional
information can be found at http://www.act.org/products/workforce-act-workkeys/
POST HIGH SCHOOL PLANNING
Throughout the school year students will meet individually with Mrs. Norton to discuss their future plans. During these
meetings we will discuss post high school planning, graduation requirements, and scheduling choices. The best time for
junior students to look at colleges is during spring break of their junior year or during the summer months before their
senior year. At this time, most campuses have junior visit day programs. Information about these can be found on the
college websites and in the Student Services area.
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. A student’s junior 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.
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 juniors to talk one-one
with an admissions rep. Information on when a representative will be visiting is read on the announcements, emailed to
all students, and is posted on the guidance web page.
PARCHMENT- ELECTRONIC TRANSCRIPT INFORMATION SYSTEM
We would like to introduce you to our great new electronic transcript system! 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 will walk you through the registration process. If you have any questions, feel free
to contact Mrs. Norton. We are excited about this new venture! Visit Parchment.com today!
PLAN YOUR LIFE: NEW CAREER WEBSITE
IT’S NOT TOO EARLY to take charge of your future. Whether or not you have your high school or college education
planned, career pathways can help you find the careers that are right for you and get you prepared for them. Get Started
Now! http://www.wicareerpathways.org/students/ All students should visit this site to take a career interest inventory
which will then connect them with education and career pathways. WONDERFUL site!!
COLLEGE SEARCH/CAREER WEBSITES/ACT & SAT TEST PREP
Please see the High School Webpage-Guidance for helpful links and additional information. If you haven’t already please
read ‘2015-2016 Junior/Senior Information Packet’ which was emailed at the beginning of the school year and is posted
on the Guidance Page.
English - 4 credits
REVIEW OF GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:
__1.0___ English 9 or Honors English 9
Social Studies – 3 credits
__1.0___ English 10 or Honors English 10
__1.0___ WCG/Civics
English - 4 credits
Social Studies – 3 credits
__1.0___ English 11 or Intro to College Writing
__1.0___ World History
__1.0___ English 9 or Honors English 9
__1.0___ WCG/Civics
& Reading or AP Language
__1.0___ U.S. History or AP U.S. History
__1.0___ English 10 or Honors English 10
__1.0___ World History
__1.0___ English Elective
__1.0___ English 11 or Intro to College Writing &
__1.0___ U.S. History or AP U.S. History
Physical Education – 1 credit
Reading or AP Language
__.5___ Physical Education
Math - 3 credits
__1.0___ English Elective
Physical Education – 1 credit
__1.0___ Algebra
__.5___ Physical Education
__.5___ Physical Education
__1.0___ Geometry or Int. Geometry
__.5___ Physical Education
Math - 3 credits
__1.0___ Algebra II or Int. Algebra
Health - 1 credit
__1.0___ Algebra
__.5___ Health 9
__1.0___ Geometry or Int. Geometry
Health - 1 credit
__.5___ Health 11/12
Science - 2 credits
__1.0___ Algebra II or Int. Algebra
__.5___ Health 9
__1.0___ Physical Science
__.5___ Lifelong Health & Wellness
__1.0___ Biology
Additional Requirements for Some Colleges:
Science - 3 credits
__1.0___ Science Elective
__2.0___ Foreign Language
__1.0___ Physical Science
(2 consecutive credits of one Foreign Language
__1.0___ Biology
with a ‘C’ or better)
CTE - .5 credit
__1.0___ Science Elective
Additional Requirements for Some Colleges:
__.5___ Personal Finance & Careers
__2.0___ Foreign Language
(2 consecutive credits of one Foreign Language with a
CTE - .5 credit
__.5___ Personal Finance & Careers
‘C’ or better)