The best thing about the future is that it only comes one day at a time. ~Abraham Lincoln

1. Waukesha South High School Fall 2014 SENIOR MEETINGS The best thing about the future is that it only comes one day at a time.~Abraham Lincoln

2. High School Graduation Requirements • All students must complete the following credits to obtain a diploma from the School District of Waukesha: • English 4.0 credits • Mathematics 3.0 credits • Social Studies 3.5 credits • Science 3.0 credits • Physical Education 1.5 credits • Health .5 credits • Electives 9.5 credits • Total required credits 25.00

3. Youth Options Program • This program allows students to enroll in a college, university or technical school during the school year and take courses for credit towards high school graduation. • Seniors may participate for no more than two consecutive semesters. January grads are not eligible for the spring semester classes. • Completed request forms are due in the Guidance Office by Oct. 15th for the 2015 spring semester. • http://dpi.wi.gov/forms/doc/f8700-a.doc

4. Senior Class Meetings • Guidance Bulletin Boards • Scholarship information • Senior Information sheets • Transcript release forms • Application Process • ACT/SAT test dates • Check out waukeshasouth.com • Spotlight; newsletter • WSGuidance - Twitter

5. TEST DATESFall 2014 • ACT • October 25, 2014 • December 13, 2014 • February 7, 2015 All test dates are offered at all 3 high schools • SAT • October 11, 2014 • November 8, 2014 • December 6, 2014 * SAT testing is NOT offered in the district

6. ACTPREP COURSES • ACT Prep Plus • 262-255-9580 ZAPS • Available March 2015 • Waukesha North 6:30-9:00 p.m. • zaps.com • WCTC • 262-691-5318 • UW-Waukesha • 262-521-5200 • IN ADDITION: Waukesha North has an ACT Boot Camp course. $100. 20 students per course. Course runs 5-6 weeks prior to each ACT test date. Pay at South. • https://sites.google.com/a/waukesha.k12.wi.us/waukeshanorth/student-services (link to sign-up)

7. Students Ask about the ACT: • Do applications and ACT scores have to be sent at the same time? • What if I have not taken the ACT yet? • What if the retake score is lower than the first time? • Is the application deadline affected if the ACT has to be retaken? • How long does it take to get ACT scores? • Is there a cost to send ACT scores? • Should I take the Writing test?

8. SENIOR Portfolios • Use wiscareers.wisc.eduto update your personal portfolio which can include: • Academic achievements • Extracurricular/volunteer activities • Work history • Career goals and college choices • Honors, awards and recognitions • Personal Interest Inventory • Personal website resources • *NEW* RESUME TOOL • “Register”; code is: shs-c526

9. College and University Admissions and Applications • University of Wisconsin Admission Requirements: (AP Classes A+) • 4 units English • 3 units Social Studies • 3 units Mathematics (Algebra, Geometry & algebra II) • 3 units Science (Biology and Physical Sciences) • 4 unitsOther academic options; fine arts; foreign language 17 units *These are MINIMUM requirements

10. Foreign Languages • The following UW schools REQUIRE a minimum of two years of a single foreign language for admissions: • UW- Madison • UW- Eau Claire • Marquette; major dependent • Please check carefully the requirements for private and out of state schools

11. Requirements forAthletes • Division I & II prospective athletes must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse at the beginning of their senior year. • Go to: www.ncaaclearinghouse.net • -click on prospective student-athletes -click on domestic student release form complete form -print copy - bring to Guidance Office with $5 to send a transcript or parchment.com

12. Parchment- e-transcripts • Go to www.parchment.com • Click on “sign up” • Set up an account (e-mail required) • Pick destination by clicking on highlighted word “Deliver” • Specify “current transcript” or “next grading period” • Cost $3.00 payment with credit card • Once account has been set up just click on “My transcript” then “deliver” to order additional transcripts • Questions contact Mrs. Blackburn in guidance (262-970-3703) or email at mblackbu@waukesha.k12.wi.us • Mrs. Blackburn is contacted and releases information for the transcript to be sent out. • You should receive a confirmation e-mail that your request is being processed.

13. Colleges prefer online applications. Go to www.uwhelp.wisconsin.eduOR https://apply.wisconsin.edu/Help/Instructions.aspx Application fee can be paid online ($44.00) Personal statement helps to personalize the application Transcripts and any other inclusions can be sent by the Guidance office You must have a transcript release form on file for printed copies Records are maintained as to where transcripts are sent ACT results have to be sent to colleges directly from ACT, not South UW Application Process

14. Students ask about Applications & Letters of Recommendations: • If I do not declare a major does it impact my acceptance? • What is the importance of class rank and GPA vs. the rigor of the classes taken? Who do I ask for letters? Are letters needed for scholarships?

15. Application Checklist ONLINE APPLICATIONS ARE PREFERRED BY MOST SCHOOLS! • Check that all work is done neatly and spelling is correct and all parts are filled out completely; correct school • Add extra pages for personal statement or activities if needed. • Many applications, personal statements etc. are also used for school scholarships • Letters of recommendation (request 2-3 weeks) • Include application fee or pay online • Due dates for UW systems vary so check college website • Please submit all materials to guidance at least one week before admission deadlines!!

16. Midwest Student Exchange Program • Website: www.mhec.org • Further information is available via the UW helpline at www.uwhelp.wisc.edu • Colleges in Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Missouri, N. Dakota & Wisconsin have reached a tuition agreement where tuition is not to exceed 150% of in state tuition • Check website to see which colleges are participating! • NOTE: This is not the same program as the standard Minnesota/Wisconsin tuition reciprocity agreement.

17. TECHNICAL COLLEGES WISCONSIN Admission requirements: Graduation from high school • Apply online at the college of your choice at www.witechcolleges.org by March 1st; earlier if possible • Select your desired program of study • Submit the $30 application fee • Contact regarding financial aid *WCTC High School Night(s) *WCTC Career Exploration Nights (s) *www.wctc.edu\careernight

18. THE PAPER TRAIL It is important to keep: • A copy of all applications • Contacts and communications with the college or lending institution • Copy of the FAFSA form • Scholarship applications and essays • Letters of reference

19. Financial Aid Night • Wed., Dec. 3, 6:30 – 7:30p.m. • North High School • Guest speaker will outline: • FAFSA form (www.fafsa.ed.gov) • Scholarships, grants and loans • Working with college financial aid office • Answer parent questions *UW Waukesha College Goal Day, February 21, 2015, 2:00 p.m. Watch for info. in the Spotlight

20. SCHOLARSHIPS • Show Me The Money! • College financial aid offices • FAFSA (fafsa.ed.gov) • Internet Websites • Employers • Community Agencies • South Guidance Department Website for Scholarship • Do I Qualify for the $?? • ACT score • Via application process • GPA and class rank • School Activities • Community Activities • Volunteer Service • Major • Post Secondary Plans

21. Scholarship Application Process • Go to waukeshasouth.com or the direct website for a particular scholarship. • Check bulletin board; Mrs. Blackburn • Ask teachers for letters of recommendation if required. Guidance will keep letters on file, but will only send them upon your request. • Provide a copy of transcript or ACT scores if needed. • YOU are responsible for mailing all applications. • Deadlines are FINAL.

22. CAREER CENTER • Located off of the Guidance Office • Materials Available for viewing • 4 year college, tech. school, military, and private school guide books • Computers available for use for wiscareersaccess, college applications, career searching, military research, etc. during study halls, before or after school in the library (most applications are online)

23. College Fairs Wisconsin Education Fairs When: Thursday, October 9, 2014 Where: New Berlin West H.S. Time: 6:30 p.m. -8:30 p.m. www.wefs.org or www.gotocollegefairs.com

24. Military • Boys must register for the Selective Service when they turn 18. • Parent release of information to recruiters • Students can meet with recruiters at school • Military Academies • Process should have begun in Junior year • Complete ASVAB tests

25. Students ask about Recruiters: Where can I meet with a college or military recruiter? Are college reps at South all day? Do I need to make an appointment to meet with a college rep? Do I have to contact Guidance before going on college visits?

26. Guidance Office Calendar • Located near Mrs. Blackburn’s desk or outside of the Guidance Office on the bulletin board in the hallway • Information about college and military recruiters, upcoming ACT and SAT exams, on-campus admission counselor visits, and other important school events • If you’d like to see a college or military recruiter, please speak with Mrs. Blackburn; mblackbu@waukesha.k12.wi.usor 262-970-3703

27. Internet Resources The following websites provide useful information for careers, colleges & financial aid: www.wisccareers.wisc.edu www.finaid.orgwww.fafsa.ed.gov www.myfuture.com www.ed.gov www.collegeview.comwww.studentaid.ed.gov www.petersons.com www.kaplan.com www.gocollege.com www.act.org www.collegeboard.org There are many other resources available via the internet.

28. FINALLY…GRADUATION!! IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER: * Wednesday, May 27, 7:00PM Senior Honors Night * Friday, June 5st 9:00AM Graduation Rehearsal * Final Exams June 8-12 * Saturday, June 13th 2:00PM Graduation; door open at 1:00