Frequently Asked Questions
No one in my family has been to college. What do I need to do to be ready?
Start early to prepare for college by taking the most challenging courses you can in middle school and high school. The minimum requirements for high school graduation will get you a high school diploma, but probably won’t be enough to get you into college. Work with your school counselor to choose classes that meet the entrance requirements of colleges and universities, and then work hard to keep your grades up.
How can I afford college?
If tuition and other costs seem beyond your reach, talk with the financial aid office at any college or university. The people there will show you how grants, scholarships, work-study jobs, and subsidized federal loans can lower your out-of-pocket costs and make your education affordable. The first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, in January of your senior year. You can access the FAFSA through WisconsinMentor.org or at finaid.org.
What is financial aid?
Financial aid is the money available to you to close the gap between your family’s ability to pay and the cost of college. There are two types of financial aid: gift aid, money given to you that you don’t have to pay back; and self-help, additional resources that a student is responsible for earning or paying back. Gift aid comes in the form of scholarships, money awarded based on academic achievement or talents, and grants, money awarded based on a student’s financial situation at any given college. Self-help aid is either through educational loans or work-study.
There are so many colleges and universities. How can I find the one that’s right for me?
Start with a good search engine like WisconsinMentor.org that allows you to sort colleges by majors, sports, location, size, and other attributes. Compare and contrast them to whittle down your list. Then make a point of visiting as many as you can. Getting on campus will help you determine if a college or university is the right “fit” for you.
What should I look for in a campus visit?
A college is much more than just its buildings and grounds, so look beyond the scenery. Ask your tour guide about his or her classes, and ask what students do on weekends: do they all leave campus, or stick around? Ask to see a room in a residence hall along with athletic facilities, classrooms, and dining options. Consider a “shadow visit,” when you can be paired with a student and attend classes, eat in the dining hall, and even stay overnight in the residence hall.
I have a pretty good high school GPA up to this point. Now that I’m a senior, don’t I deserve to ease up on coursework and enjoy myself before college?
It’s not a good idea to “coast” during your senior year. First of all, many colleges ask to see your final-semester grades, and they could rescind your acceptance. Second, you need to keep your brain sharp by continuing to take challenging classes until you get your high school diploma—otherwise, when you get to college, where the pace of learning is faster, it may take too long for you to get up to speed, and you’ll fall behind.
Will studying abroad for a semester keep me from graduating in four years?
Students can spend time studying abroad and still graduate in four years. The key is to work with your academic advisor and the staff at the international office at your college or university, who will make sure that the credits you earn overseas will count toward graduation. Widen your horizons by learning and traveling outside the US, and still graduate on time!
I am worried about succeeding in college. Is there a support system to help me transition to college?
One of the benefits of a private college is the personalized attention to help you take the right courses, plan for your career goals, and find the support to ensure your success. Many of Wisconsin’s private colleges have free tutoring, writing centers, and other academic support services. Wisconsin’s private colleges have higher retention and graduation rates because we provide this extra support.
What if I know that I want to go to college, but I am not sure what I want to study?
Sometimes it is difficult to decide, especially for students who enjoy many different things and have the ability to do lots of things well. One thing that can help is to begin thinking about your choices early and to consider all the different aspects of a job. Do some research, find out what jobs are available, and talk to people who work in an area that you think sounds interesting. It may not be necessary to decide on a specific career immediately, but it is a good idea to narrow your choices as much as possible. Use the Career Matching Assistant module to assist your search.
When should I start thinking about college?
It is best to begin thinking about college no later than junior high or middle school. A student who decides to go to college before high school is able to use all four high school years to help reach his or her goals. If you know the courses you need to take in high school, you can start satisfying college admission requirements as early as the 8th grade. Take control! The decisions you make about your high school studies can influence whether the college you choose will also want you. But don’t worry: if you are already in high school, college is still possible! Talk to your counselor today to get yourself, and your studies, on the right track.