College Information

Interested in a four-year College?

Preparing to attend a four-year college or university is a serious task that deserves total effort on your part.  Many universities are becoming increasingly selective in accepting students so taking the right courses in high school can increase your options and career opportunities. 

Competition for admission to many four-year colleges/universities continues to increase, thus making high school course selection more important.  The following are minimum admissions requirements as determined by the University of Wisconsin system:

·        4 years of English

·        3 years of Math, including Integrated 1, 2, and 3.

·        3 years of Science

·        3 years of Social studies

·        2 years of electives in above areas or foreign language, fine arts, computer science, or other academic or vocational areas.

Note:  Only UW-Madison, UW-Eau Claire, and the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities specifically require two years of the same foreign language in high school in order to be considered for admission.

Many schools and majors require more than the minimum admissions requirements.  For example, you will not be admitted to the University of Wisconsin-Madison with minimum requirements.  The rigor of the program for the senior year is looked at very closely when determining who will be accepted at UW-Madison and other selective schools.  Therefore, the idea of taking a light load during your senior year is not wise.  Also, early graduation will not be in your best interest.  To keep your options open and to help you be successful while in college, a rigorous academic program is essential.

Application Process:  September is the time the state universities begin to accept applications. We have many of the Wisconsin and Minnesota College applications in the guidance office.  Students can also receive copies by calling the admissions office of the school of interest or by applying directly on-line.  The on-line application is the preferred method for the University of Wisconsin system schools.  The guidance department must send your official transcript to each university in which you apply.

Entrance Requirements: Enrollment limits are in effect at all UW institutions in an effort to control size.  Although entrance requirements vary somewhat among the various schools, the following are basic requirements established by the UW-Board of Regents.  Consult the UW- Helpline at 1–800–442–6459 or uwhelp.wi.edu for further information.

A.     Entrance Test: The University of Wisconsin system and the Minnesota State Colleges and University system requires all entering freshmen to submit ACT or SAT scores which applying for admissions.  The ACT is the preferred test.

B.     High School Class Rank: Within the UW system, the minimum class rank requirement varies significantly.  Generally for the four-year campuses, the minimum requirement ranges from the top 25 – 50%. 

C.     Courses Taken in High School: Use the attached worksheet on the next page to help you select the courses you will need in high school to meet minimum UW entrance requirements.

 College Planning Websites:

1)      College is Possible (www.collegeispossible.com) is a site sponsored by the Coalition of America’s Colleges and Universities.  Its goal is to serve as a resource guide to students, parents, and education professionals.  This site is an excellent first stop to guide you to the books, websites, and other resources that will assist in making college possible. 

2)    Think College (www.ed.gov/students/prep/college/thinkcollege/index) is another wonderful source of information sponsored by the US Dept. of Education.  Full of tips for parents and links to other useful websites, it is great for those hoping to send a student to college in 4 years or in just a few months.

3)      Year-by-Year planning (www.nacac.com/p&sfreshman.html) What should a freshman, a sophomore, a junior, and a senior in high school be doing to prepare for college?  Check the calendars on the site of the National Association for College Admission Counseling for useful tips.

4)      Steps to College (www.nacac.com/p&s_steps.html) is an online newsletter produced by NACAC.  It has articles focused on college selection issues, making the transition from high school to college, and a wide variety of related topics.  These are very good articles for both students and parents who are involved in the college search, application, and transition process.

 College Sites