Welcome to
West High School’s
Post High School Planning
Session!
January 31, 2008
Steps in Successfully Pursuing
Goals after High School
This Presentation…..
Slides with an “*” are in your handout
packet
Entire Powerpoint Presentation will be
uploaded to West Website in coming weeks
Tonight’s Agenda:
“Getting The Best For Your Student”
15 months until Graduation…
Be Proud! Consider your student’s unique
needs, dreams, and goals
Course Selection for Senior Year
Future Paths for School & Careers
ACT/SAT/AP
Post HS Admissions Requirements
The Search, Tools, & The Application Process
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Q&A
Level of Responsibility/
Independence
HIGH
MEDIUM LOW
-
The “Growing Up” Chart
_________________________________________________________________
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
AGE
(For each age, plot a point where you feel the level
of independence/responsibility your child has over their life should be)
West Graduates Do Very Well!!!
ACT Composite Scores: 2007
30
25
25.7
21.2
20
15
10
5
0
U.S Average
West Average
West Graduates Do Very Well!!!
SAT Test Scores: 2007
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
1257
1017
U.S Math/Verbal
West Math/Verbal
WEST HIGH’S COUNSELORS
Regent Learning Community (#1):
Len Mormino (A-O), Rick Rosen (P-Z)
Van Hise Learning Community (#2):
Becky Bebber-Wells (A-Mo)
Rick Rosen (Mp-Z)
Highland Learning Community (#3):
Sara Neuenschwander (A-G)
Carol Shepard (H-Z)
Ash Learning Community (#4):
Sara Neuenschwander (A-H)
Lucerne Rice (H-Z)
ELL: Marilsa Hansen
Save Time! Use the
*
Counseling Dept. Website!!
http://www.madison.k12.wi.us/west/
Check out our
favorite links.
Counseling Dept. Website
has information on:
·West’s Learning Community Setup
·2005-2006 Guidance Calendar
·ACT/SAT & Advanced Placement Exams
·Financial Aid & Scholarships
·Post High & Career Planning
·NCAA Clearinghouse and approved core courses accepted
from West HS
·Summer Programs - 2006
·College Visits 2005-2006
·Helpful Internet Links
·(I.E.-ACT,SAT,Princeton Review, TOEFL, etc.)
Timetable for Jr/Sr Year:
*
Spring of 2007 –
Senior Course Selections
ACT/SAT testing
College Visits and Reps (CRC)
Meetings with Counselors
Summer of 2007-
School Visits, Work, Intern,
Volunteer, Job Shadow, Travel
Sept. – Dec of 2007
December of 2007
Senior & Parent Meetings
Retake ACT/SAT?
Post-Secondary Applications
Financial Aid Meetings
January of 2007
Fill out FAFSA, Fin.Aid Forms
To Plan or Not to Plan…….
Do your research now.
Save time by using the
Counseling Department
Websites.
Talk to your counselor.
Create a timetable
Give freedom within
responsibility to your
student.
Consider the many
options…(next slides)
Many Future Paths to
Success:
*
4 year colleges
2 year colleges
Apprenticeships
Specialty schools
Military options
Combo of above
FACT: Many of the
job openings will
require training
beyond HS.
Specialty Schools:
*
One/Two Year
Programs in:
Art/Design
Cosmetology
Media/Broadcasting
Electronics
More…….
Check specific
entrance criteria.
I.E.- Beautician, Jeweler, Travel Agent, Media Engineer
Two Year & Technical Colleges *
(MATC/UW Colleges):
MATC (Technical College) &
UW Colleges
Excellent placement
rates/earning power
One/two yr programs
“Guaranteed” College
Transfer
Wide variety of Majors
Preparation guided by
employers
Increasing Enrollment from
Returning 4-Year Grads
I.E.- Nursing, Info. Technology, Business, Liberal Studies
Apprenticeships:
*
Bldg Trades + More
Call Union and/or MATC for
trade of interest
Apply & Test to get in
$$ Earn while you learn
Immediate training
Progress from apprentice to
journeyman
Currently high demand!!!
MMSD Youth Apprentice
Opportunities
I.E.- Carpentry, Electrician, Nursing, Biotech, Chef,
Mason, Autos, Childcare, Computers,
Cosmetology, Fire/Rescue, and MORE……..
Military Options:
Training & Education
benefits in return for
your paid service
Wide variety of
programs
Army, Air Force,
Navy, Marines,
National Guard,
Coast Guard
Part time:
Natl. Guard
Don’t sign until you
research all options!
Four Year Colleges:
3000+ colleges in U.S.
Check Entrance criteria
Check Major Areas of
Study
Research, talk to reps,
and visit if you can.
*
THE YEAR OFF………..
*
NEED TIME TO GET TO:
-KNOW YOURSELF?
-MAKE/SAVE MONEY?
-TRAVEL?
-MATURE?
-EXPLORE CAREER INTERESTS?
-REJUVINATE YOUR ACADEMIC MOTIVATION?
-EXPERIENCE THE REAL WORLD?
CONSIDER A YEAR OFF….
-Explore Career/area of interest
 Intern/Apprentice/Job Shadow
-Service
-Work
-Travel
-Study
THE YEAR OFF…..
Continued
*
Contrary to popular belief, a year off does not
automatically lead to a life of squalor.
Want some security?
-Apply and Defer (if your college offers deferment policy)
RECOMMENDATION:
1) Assess Options
2) Research them in Detail,
3) Evaluate
4) Choose
5) Make arrangements, Plan Structure, Limit to a year
Questioning College Motives…. *
Why do you want to go to college?
 keep learning, gain wisdom/intellect,
become ‘worldly’
 increase my earning potential
 “The college experience”- social,
independence, fun, etc.
 help me get into a satisfying career and
hobbies of interest
don’t know what else to do
 get away from home

We often observe:
A lack of awareness about the realities of a career in
which one’s Major leads to can land one either:
A) Disappointed in job options and going back to
college to study something else, or
B) “Working in low skilled, low wage jobs while they
search in vain for an opening in the field in
which they studied.”
Ken Gray, Penn State University
C) Staying in an unsatisfying career
Explore Career Interests Through... *
Coursework
(limited view of realities of the job)
Career Resource Center




Catalogues like “College Majors and Careers”
Personal Education Plan
WisCareers Website
COPS Assessment
Job Shadowing, Service,
Internships, Work
Personal Education Plan
Personalizes the West
Learning Experience by:
Assessing:
• Study Skills •Learning Styles
• Multiple Forms of Intelligence
• Employability Skills
Exploring FuturePaths of interest via:
• interest surveys
• occupational searches
• college searches • lifestyle $ budgeting
(Direct link with WisCareers Web Account)
Personal Education Plan-
Continued
Connecting your FuturePaths of
Interest with your West Activities:
• Coursework
• Clubs and Activities
• Community Activities (jobs/internships/volunteering)
Setting Goals for “Journey Beyond High School”
Continuously adding to your Resume for
use with college applications or job hunting
(Wiscareers)
Personal Education
Plan Logon Instructions
Go to West High School Counseling Department
Website
Click on PEP at the center of the page
Username= student’s ID number
Password= student’s first and last name
(no space in between) as it appears on report card
Call your Counselor if you need help getting on or
navigating your student’s PEP
Senior Year Course Selections: *
A time for Interests and Engagement
Youth Apprenticeship/ Marketing Internship
Summerschool
Feb.1st- Get Course Selection Cards
Feb.2-13- Review Courses with your students
Feb.14/15- Teachers make Recommendations
Feb.18- Enter Course Requests Online
Senior Year Course Selections: *
Need to carry 2.5 credit minimum per semester
If 4-Year College bound, should include at
least 3 academic courses each semester
(prioritize English and Math)
Should have 7 semesters of literature or
writing coursework prior to graduation
Consider areas your student wants to
improve in, gain exposure, or prepare for
testing in:
 AP or SAT II subject areas
 foreign language placement exams
West Graduation
Requirements:
22 total credits
4 in English
3 in Social Studies
2 in Math (Algebra and Geometry)
2 in Science
1 1/2 in Phy. Ed.
1/2 in Health
9 Remaining credits
1 Semester Of Recent U.S. History
*
Youth Options
If you have “topped out”
of a subject area, the
district sometimes
funds UW/MATC
coursework.
You must apply by
3/1/06 and 10/1/06
for following
Fall/Spring semesters.
See your counselor.
See the West
Guidance
Homepage:
TESTING:
*
Plan to take the ACT/SAT in
Spring of Junior Year.
Register on-line: www.act.org or
www.collegeboard.com
Most colleges accept either ACT or SAT


ACT=Math, Reading, Social Studies, Science, Writing
SAT I= Math and Verbal Reasoning, Writing
Scores:

ACT= Sends one test date, SAT= Sends them all
ACT writing sample- which schools require it?

UW-Madison
Test Prep
*
You can prepare in several ways…

take a good college prep curriculum
take a course like ZAPS, MMSD summer
ACT/SAT Prep, Kaplan, etc.
CRC resource books in Rm. 203
CD for Purchase on ACT/SAT prep

ACT/ College Board website Practice ?’s






ACT/SAT prep tutors
Allow time for retakes
Don’t send your first scores if concerned
How To Send ACT / SAT
*
Results to the Right Place:
When you register for the test you can list 4
colleges you want the results to go to, for FREE.
Send additional score reports by going to
ACT or SAT online- @$7.50 per school,
fee waivers available.
Remember, we can’t send your scores,…
Colleges usually require “official” scores that
must be ordered by you directly from ACT or
The College Board from the STUDENT.
October thru December of senior year are the
last chances to earn scores that can be used
for college admissions. Watch early decisions
deadlines.
Take the SAT II Test
if needed:
Some colleges also require the SAT II
Achievement Tests.(Better check in advance!)
Test this June if you are just finishing
the highest course available in the
SAT II subject area of choice.
Register for October test if you didn’t
take them earlier.
AP Tests
Test dates- May 5-16, 2008
Registration On-Line March 3-7, 2008

*
Download registration form from MMSD website to
turn in with fee to Counseling Secretary
Cost: $96 per test
Location: Alliant Energy Center
Registration meeting for students not
currently enrolled in an AP courseWednesday, Feb.27th- 12:30pm in the
Counseling Office- Room 203
Students registered for AP exams will be
required to attend a 1/2 hour PreAdministration session during the last 2
weeks in April (TBA)
More AP information on the MMSD web-site
SOON
TOEFL-Test of English as a
Foreign Language
If English is your second language, and the
language barrier is an impediment to achieving
your best test scores, the TOEFL can validate this
to admissions counselors, and help them to know
how flexible they should be in making their
admissions decisions when considering your
transcript and test scores.
They might recommend some college level
language coursework to support your student.
Students with an IEP…….
Should register to take the ACT/SAT/SAT II/AP
tests with Extended Time or appropriate
accomodations.
Earlier registration deadlines apply for ACT/SAT.
See your counselor and/or case manager to
assist you with this A.S.A.P..
Criteria to Consider when
starting your Search…...
*
-Location
(WisCareers Search Criteria)
-Major
-Tuition/ Financial Packages
-Number of Students/Size
-Competition or Admission Req.’s
-Athletics
-Public/Private/Affiliation
-Area/Community Size
-R.O.T.C. Programs
UW System : General *
Admission Requirements
17 credits, including:
4 cr of English

7 semesters of reading/writing
3 cr of Social Studies
3 cr of Math
(Alg.II/Trig)
3 cr of Science
Foreign Language- Eau Claire
2 addtl. credits of arts, comp
sci, academic, or elective
study
Adequate GPA and ACT
UW Madison:
Highly Competitive!
Most students accepted have:
4 cr of English
3-4 cr Social Studies
4 cr of Math
4 cr of Science
2+ cr of Foreign Language
2+ cr of academics, arts,
comp sci, elective study
Top 10% of class
ACT composite: 27+
GPA: Upper 3’s
MATC
Apply before December 1st of senior
year!!!
MATC’s two-year degrees boast of great job
placement rates and high earning power.
They focus on real-world job competencies.
Many jobs don’t require a 4yr. college degree.
College transfer program is one route to get
to a 4 year college. (high bacceloreate
graduation rate compared to 4 yr. College
freshman)
Continuous Waiting List Programs *
at MATC:
-Animation
-Paralegal
-Architectural Technician
-Photography
-Chef
-Phys.Therapy Asst.
-Nursing
-Radiography
-Dental Hygenist
-Respiratory Therapy
-Clinical Lab Tech
-Veterinary Technician
-Fire Protection
-Graphic Design
-Interior Design
Submit College Applications *
September 15th-December 1st
Plan to submit applications between Sept 15-Dec 1
(The early bird gets the worm)
Students are encouraged to apply ON-LINE
Students should create a personal resume over the
summer to include with all applications
The Personal Statement is more important than ever
before.
Further instructions for the college applications
process TBA in Senior Guidance Newsletter in
August
Ima Student
5200 Lovely Drive
Madison, WI 53713
Academic Experience
West High School, Madison, WI 2002-2006, 3.67 GPA, ACT 28, SAT 1810
Achievements, Honors, Awards, or Recognition
Honor Roll, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th Grade
Forensics (Speech Team) 9th Grade, Lettered, earned a perfect score at the State
Competition
Fine and Performing Arts Experience
Cello Lessons (6th – 12th grade), once weekly
Wisconsin State Honors Orchestra 2005
Athletics
Club Soccer (6th – 12th grade)
Winter Indoor Soccer League (6th – 12th grade)
Volunteering
Senior Citizens (Help freshmen transition to high school, in addition to other school
service projects), 2005
UW Hospital (2003-2004)
Other Extra-Curricular Activities
CPR/AED Professional Rescuer certified (2004-present)
Water Safety Instructor certified (2005-present)
Advisory Team, 12th grade, (see attached sheet for description), 4 times a week for a year
West Leadership Opportunities
*
-Tutoring Program
-Club/Activity/Sport Leader
-Class Assistant
-Elementary/Middle School Tutor/Mentor
-Student Government and School Committees
-Senior Citizen
-Honor Guard
-A-Team
Ask your counselor for more information on how
to access these leadership opportunities.
YOUTH VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
HELPING CHILDREN, TEENS, AND FAMILIES
YMCA
BRIARPATCH
HELPING OLDER ADULTS
OAKWOOD VILLAGE – WEST
MADISON SENIOR CENTER
ENVIRONMENTAL
UW ABORRETUM
DANE COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY
ARTS AND RECREATION
CTM MADISON FAMILY THEATER
MADISON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
HELPING IN A MEDICAL SETTING
UW HOSPITAL AND CLINICS
ST MARYS HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER
EMERGENCY SERVICES
COMMUNITY ACTION COALITION
SALVATION ARMY
OTHER RESOURCES
West Career Center
West Volunteer Board
(This is on PEP)
Athletics in College???
Ask your coach,
athletic director, or
counselor about the
NCAA Clearinghouse
requirements and
information.
See www.ncaa.org
Searching for the right college *
for you…...
Websites
Counseling Resource Center
(CRC)
Purchased Resources
---------------------------------Current Students or Alums
College Reps
School Visits when possible
Tools You Can Use
In Assessing for
*
Safety, Realistic, Reach (NONE ARE FOOL PROOF)
WisCareers School Search: Sort by
“Low”, “Medium”, “Highly Competitive” Schools
College Reference Catalogues in CRC like
Barron’s Profile of American Colleges
Other Tools to give you more information *
to discriminate between schools
(Objective and Subjective)
Websites: U.S.News, Peterson’s, etc.
CRC Resources:

Rugg’s- Groups by strength of Programs of Study

Gourman Report- Ranks by strength of Prog.Of St.
College Finder- Lots of information:
I.E.- Colleges that are good for students who are:
into Liberal Arts, Want to be a Doctor, Outdoorsy,
Shy, Republ./Demcr., Gay/Lesbian, Kosher, ETC.!
Insider’s Guide- brief, honest descriptions by students

Much, Much More………


Visit the campus/ programs if *
If you were going to
you can…
spend 4 + years in a
new city, would you
want to meet it first?
• Call ahead
• Check for special visit
weekends
• Do more than the
tour: visit programs
and activities of
interest
• Checklists provided in
packets
Application Strategy:
Include one of each
Safety
Realistic
Reach
How Do I Know whether a *
school is a safe, realistic, or
reach school for me?
Do you have recommended course requirements?
Are you within their typical GPA or Rank?
Do your test scores fall within their typical range?
Are there any special qualities or circumstances
for schools to consider?
• artistic or athletic talent • learning disability
• minority status
• legacy
• exceptional service/leadership
• personal/medical challenges
• first generation college bound
“Early Decision & Early Action”
Should I???
Early Decision: You apply early, but if
they accept, you cancel all other
applications and are bound to go.
Usually only do this when you know
you absolutely want the school above
all others.
Given preference in admissions??
Financial Aid consideration affected???
Early Action: You are not
automatically bound to enroll.
Students with a Learning Disability *
If you plan to receive continued support in college,
and would like admissions counselors to consider
your learning disability when viewing your transcript:


Discuss this in your personal statement
Send a most recent copy of your IEP to the
“Students with Disabilities” dept. at the college, and
make a personal contact with a staff person there
asking them to review your IEP and consult with
admissions accordingly. This will also help setup
your support in advance should you be admitted
and decide to attend.
Financial Aid/Scholarships
*
Includes:
Scholarships, grants, loans, work study.
Based on: -need
-achievement
-service -unique qualities
Check the box requesting Financial Aid on
your college app.
Complete the FAFSA form in Jan-Feb of
senior year (Do your taxes ASAP in Jan.!).


Can practice on paper
Final draft on-line if possible:www.fafsa.ed.gov
More Financial Aid Tips… *
You can search monthly for community
scholarships by checking West’s own “Scholarship
Scoops” on our website, and FASTWEB.COM.
Deadlines vary widely. Pay close attention.
BEWARE OF FIRMS THAT ASK FOR $$
Attend the West Financial Aid Workshop in early
December 2008.
Apply for West High scholarships in January 2009.
The greatest potential for financial assistance
usually comes from the college you are attending.
 Usually, “Safety” or “Realistic” schools are more likely
to offer assistance than “Reach” schools.
 Don’t forget about financial assistance available within
the department you choose to major in during year 2,
3, or 4 of college.
Tuition + Room/Board $$$
(Just in case you were wondering)
Yearly costs:
MATC: $10,000
UW System: Approx.
$8700 - $12,000
Private & Out -State
Schools: $15,000 $40,000+
(Remember that a
school’s Financial Aid
can greatly alter the
above.)
Miscellaneous Details,
Then Your Questions:
The Importance of Senior Grades
If you are “wait-listed”
or a borderline decision,
strong first semester
grades could make all
the difference, and get
you admitted.
A second semester
significant drop in
grades could result in
Reversal of Acceptance
or Probation.
Jr. Student Meetings:
in Early March
 Meetings with
own counselors
in small groups
CRC Orientation
period with
students
PEP, WisCareers
 All Resources

What Next?
___ Apprenticeship/ Internship/ Exploratory Work Experience
___ Community Service
___ Youth Options
___ ACT/SAT Prep and/or Test Registration
___ WisCareers Occupational Search
___ Safety/ Realistic/ Reach List of Colleges
___ WisCareers Budget
___ School Visits
___ Explore Military Choices
___ Explore Workforce (DaneNet)
___ Activities and Achievements Resume
___ Portfolio/ Audition Preparation
___ Job Shadow
___ Prepare for Letter of Recommendations
___ Alternative Credit Opportunities
See the West
Counseling
Homepage:
Time for your questions!!! *
If you have questions later, feel free to:
call or write.
Counseling Office: 204-3073
Registrar: 204-3064
Use the Counseling Homepage
This presentation on Counseling Web Page
in 2-3 weeks.
(Counselors’ direct phone #’s are listed on
Counseling Homepage.)

Thanks for your cooperation!!!
Best wishes in
this year to
come!!!
From West High
School Counselors