Frequently Asked Questions
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
No one in my family has been to college. What do I need to do to be ready?
Start preparing early by taking the most challenging courses you can in middle school and high school. The minimum high school graduation requirements will get you a high school diploma, but may not be enough to get you prepared for the rigor of college courses. Work with your school counselor to choose classes that meet the entrance requirements (link to recommended courses) of colleges and universities, and then work hard to keep your grades up.
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, it may take too long for you to get up to speed, and you’ll fall behind.
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 nonprofit colleges and universities 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 keep on thinking as you gain experience. Do some research, expand on your current interests and explore new interests, 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.
What about a job?
In the Knowledge Economy, people will change jobs multiple times in their working years. Those who succeed—as our graduates do—are those who developed their skills and abilities in college and have learned to be creative in a world of change.