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College Checklist

Our college checklist is designed to inform and assist students through the college search and admission processes. It serves as a handy guide to help identify what is helpful in the college search process, when activities or procedures should be started and completed, and who can assist the student along the way.

High School Juniors

  • Explore possible college majors and careers. Talk with counselors, family and friends about possible choices. Spend time in your library exploring career information. The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a great career information resource.
  • Consult college and university representatives when they visit your school.
  • See your school counselor or the admission adviser of any college you are considering attending. Make sure you will qualify for admission on the basis of class rank and high school course work. Plan to complete any deficiencies in high school course work. Be sure to check out the Freshmen Admission section of UW HELP On-Line.
  • UW System Admission offices use standardized test results as one of the criteria for admission. The UW System requires all new freshman applicants to submit the results of the ACT or SAT assessment. ACT is the preferred test. Students will not be advantaged in the admission process by taking one test rather than the other. Taking the ACT (or SAT I) at the end of your junior year will speed the application process. Your school counselor can provide ACT (or SAT I) information.
  • Tours and preview day programs offer a great opportunity to visit campuses. Contact the UW System campuses that interest you and make an appointment to visit.
  • Attend college and career fairs in your area. Wisconsin Education Fairs are held throughout Wisconsin.

High School Seniors

Fall

  • If you have not already taken the ACT or SAT, see your school counselor to register for the earliest possible test date.
  • Visit any college or university by making an appointment for a campus tour or preview day.
  • Attend the Wisconsin Education Fair in your area. Arrange with your school counselor to meet representatives of UW System institutions when they come to your school.
  • University of Wisconsin System institutions begin processing applications for admission on September 15 for the following fall semester. Ask your school counselor for an application or apply electronically.
  • Begin researching scholarship opportunities and financial aid. Check announcements at your school on scholarships, financial aid, college representative school visit, and education fairs.

Winter

  • Familiarize yourself with the financial aid process. If financial aid information sessions are offered at your school, attend with your parents.
  • If you haven't already applied for admission, don't delay! Many UW System campuses have admission or housing deadlines or priority dates after which they may not be able to accept applications.
  • Financial aid applications are available beginning January 1. Pick up a copy of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from your school counselor or apply electronically.
  • Check with your school counselor or campus financial aid office on the availability of local or campus scholarships. Several free scholarship searches can be found on the Web.

Spring

  • If you haven't already done so, you can still apply for financial aid. Be aware of campus financial aid priority dates!
  • Make a reservation to participate in placement testing, orientation, and registration programs. Each university will send information to admitted students with information on new student programs.
  • You can get a head start on your degree by enrolling in a summer session. Check on course offerings and apply for college credit course work.
  • If you applied and were admitted to more than one college or university, notify any campus(es) that you have chosen not to attend.

Summer

  • Orientation, advising and registration programs are held on most campuses. Be sure to register for the session you hope to attend or contact the campus for information or to make arrangements. (Keep any letters you receive for reference.)
  • From late May through July, financial aid award letters will go to students who applied on time. Be sure to read any letters carefully and respond by any deadline specified.
 

 

 

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