Post-Secondary Planning
Announcements
22-23 Senior Newsletter (Updated Weekly)
College Reps Visiting MHS/CSCS
*Required* CSCS Senior Family Meeting- Wednesday, Sept 28th at 6pm.
Purpose:
Share information about Senior year logistics related to Senior Photos, Cap/Gown Ordering, Prom, Graduation, Google Drive and more!
Make sure CSCS students and families have the information and know how to access the resources for applying to college and other post-secondary opportunities.
Share information and expectations regarding your Mastery Transcript.
Who should attend:
All CSCS seniors and at least one parent/guardian
If only one person from your family is able to attend, that is okay.
If no one from your family will be able to attend, please let Kim Gauen know (kgauen@mcpasd.k12.wi.us) so I can make sure you have the information you need for your senior year.
ECCP and Start College Now Applications are DUE Friday, September 30. This is an opportunity for high school students to take up to 2 classes at UW Madison (ECCP) or Madison College (SCN). It must be a class that is not offered at Middleton High School and you must make sure you meet the prerequisite requirements. Schedule a time to meet with Kim if you have questions or need help with the application.
Start College Now Application (for Madison College courses)
ECCP Application (for UW Madison courses)
Upcoming Events
Date/Time/Location | Event Name | Event Description |
---|---|---|
September 28, 2022 6:00pm - 7:00pm | REQUIRED CSCS Senior Student and Family Meeting | Information about transcripts, applying to colleges and all things senior year! |
September 30, 2022 | ECCP and Start College Now Applications Due | For Juniors/Seniors who want to take a class at Madison College or UW Madison in the spring |
October 1, 2022 | FAFSA Application Opens | To apply for college financial aid |
November 1, 2022 | Early Action Deadline for many 4 year colleges | Early Action = Get a decision earlier, all schools will have a “regular decision” deadline as well |
Transcripts
Post-Secondary Planning Resources
Applying to College
Planning for College
Planning Checklist
What if I'm Undecided?
Xello
Xello is an online program that helps you create your own unique road map for college, career and future success. Interactive assessments highlight career pathways aligned with your skills, interests and unique personality.
To login, go to https://tinyurl.com/CSCSXello and choose your MCPASD email account.
CSCS Family Perspectives
Choosing a College
Finding a "Good Fit"
Campus Tours
Applying to College
College Application Checklists
Resources to Support the Process
College Admissions Tests (ACT & SAT)
ACT
Juniors should plan to take the ACT through CSCS on Tuesday, March 8. This is a state required assessment so it is free and all juniors are automatically registered.
Students who would like to take the ACT an additional time will need to schedule this through ACT.org. These tests will not take place at CSCS, but there are locations within Dane County. If the testing fee is a barrier, please contact Sarah Estrella or Kim Gauen for information about fee waivers.
SAT
Most colleges will accept both the ACT and the SAT so make sure to check school admissions requirements before deciding whether or not to take the SAT.
The SAT is not offered at CSCS so students will need to register independently through the College Board website.
Test Prep Options
The most effective way to "study" for standardized tests is simply attending and engaging in your CSCS seminars and workshops! Although we cover content in a different way, the knowledge and skills you gain align with topics covered on all of the high school standardized tests.
We've gathered additional information, resources, test-taking strategies and access to online test prep in the slides below.
Financial Aid Planning
Scholarships
General Scholarship Information
Scholarship Links- Updated Weekly!
MCPASD Local Scholarship (Coming Feb 2022)
FAFSA
Completing the FAFSA is the first step in the college financial aid process. This is a required form for any student seeking federal aid including: grants, loans, scholarships and work study opportunities.
Complete the FAFSA at fafsa.ed.gov.
The FAFSA opens on October 1, 2021. While there is no deadline, many colleges require the information before providing your financial aid package so the sooner you complete it, the better.
This can be a complex application to complete so look for free FAFSA support sessions in Upcoming Events for help from the experts.
Other Financial Aid
There are many options for additional aid to make college affordable.
Here are some available Financial Aid Resources to help navigate questions around public and private loans, understanding your college financial aid letter, comparing and understanding loan options and FAQs for filling out the FAFSA.