Welcome toWest High School’sPost 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 goalsCourse Selection for Senior YearFuture Paths for School & CareersACT/SAT/APPost HS Admissions RequirementsThe Search, Tools, & The Application ProcessFinancial Aid & ScholarshipsQ & A

The “Growing Up” ChartLevel of Responsibility/

Independence HIGH -

--------

MEDIUM ---------

LOW -

_________________________________________________________________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!!!

21.2

25.7

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

ACT Composite Scores: 2007

U.S AverageWest Average

West Graduates Do Very Well!!!

1017

1257

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

SAT Test Scores: 2007

U.S Math/VerbalWest 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

http://www.madison.k12.wi.us/west/

Check out our favorite links.

Save Time! Use the * Counseling Dept. Website!!

·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.)

Counseling Dept. Websitehas information on:

Timetable for Jr/Sr Year: *

Spring of 2007 – Senior Course SelectionsACT/SAT testingCollege Visits and Reps (CRC)Meetings with Counselors

Summer of 2007- School Visits, Work, Intern,Volunteer, Job Shadow, Travel

Sept. – Dec of 2007 Senior & Parent Meetings Retake ACT/SAT?Post-Secondary Applications

December of 2007 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 timetableGive freedom within responsibility to your student.

Consider the many options…(next slides)

Many Future Paths to * Success:

4 year colleges2 year collegesApprenticeshipsSpecialty schoolsMilitary optionsCombo of aboveFACT: Many of the job openings will require training beyond HS.

Specialty Schools: *

One/Two Year Programs in:Art/DesignCosmetologyMedia/BroadcastingElectronicsMore…….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 interestApply & Test to get in

$$ Earn while you learn

Immediate training

Progress from apprentice to journeyman

Currently high demand!!!MMSD Youth Apprentice

OpportunitiesI.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 -Travel -Work -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 EngagementYouth Apprenticeship/ Marketing InternshipSummerschool

Feb.1st- Get Course Selection CardsFeb.2-13- Review Courses with your studentsFeb.14/15- Teachers make RecommendationsFeb.18- Enter Course Requests Online

Senior Year Course Selections: *

Need to carry 2.5 credit minimum per semesterIf 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 credits4 in English3 in Social Studies2 in Math (Algebra and Geometry)2 in Science1 1/2 in Phy. Ed.1/2 in Health 9 Remaining credits1 Semester Of Recent U.S. History

Youth OptionsIf 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:

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.comMost 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

decisionsdeadlines.

Take the SAT II Testif 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, 2008Registration On-Line March 3-7, 2008 Download registration form from MMSD

website to turn in with fee to Counseling Secretary

Cost: $96 per testLocation: Alliant Energy CenterRegistration meeting for students not currently enrolled in an AP course- Wednesday, Feb.27th- 12:30pm in the Counseling Office- Room 203Students registered for AP exams will be required to attend a 1/2 hour Pre-Administration 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 Studies3 cr of Math (Alg.II/Trig)3 cr of ScienceForeign Language- Eau Claire2 addtl. credits of arts, comp sci, academic, or elective studyAdequate GPA and ACT

UW Madison: Highly Competitive!

Most students accepted have:

4 cr of English3-4 cr Social Studies4 cr of Math 4 cr of Science2+ cr of Foreign Language2+ cr of academics, arts, comp sci, elective studyTop 10% of classACT 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 Student5200 Lovely Drive

Madison, WI 53713Academic ExperienceWest High School, Madison, WI 2002-2006, 3.67 GPA, ACT 28, SAT 1810

Achievements, Honors, Awards, or RecognitionHonor Roll, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th GradeForensics (Speech Team) 9th Grade, Lettered, earned a perfect score at the State Competition

Fine and Performing Arts ExperienceCello Lessons (6th – 12th grade), once weeklyWisconsin State Honors Orchestra 2005

AthleticsClub Soccer (6th – 12th grade)Winter Indoor Soccer League (6th – 12th grade)

VolunteeringSenior Citizens (Help freshmen transition to high school, in addition to other school service projects), 2005UW Hospital (2003-2004)

Other Extra-Curricular ActivitiesCPR/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-TeamAsk your counselor for more information on how to access these leadership opportunities.

YOUTH VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

HELPING CHILDREN, TEENS, AND FAMILIESYMCABRIARPATCH

HELPING OLDER ADULTSOAKWOOD VILLAGE – WESTMADISON SENIOR CENTER

ENVIRONMENTALUW ABORRETUMDANE COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY

ARTS AND RECREATIONCTM MADISON FAMILY THEATER MADISON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

HELPING IN A MEDICAL SETTINGUW HOSPITAL AND CLINICSST MARYS HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER

EMERGENCY SERVICESCOMMUNITY ACTION COALITIONSALVATION ARMY

OTHER RESOURCESWest 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…...

WebsitesCounseling Resource Center (CRC)Purchased Resources

----------------------------------Current Students or AlumsCollege RepsSchool 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 * you can… If you were going to

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 qualitiesCheck 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: $10,000UW System: Approx. $8700 - $12,000Private & 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 GradesIf 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 groupsCRC 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

Time for your questions!!! *

If you have questions later, feel free to: call or write.Counseling Office: 204-3073Registrar: 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.)

See the West Counseling Homepage:

See the West Counseling Homepage:

Thanks for your cooperation!!!

Best wishes in this year to come!!!

From West High School Counselors