year.  As soon as your senior decides that BTC is the right place for him/her,

homework for you.  However, our staff requests 24 hours to get it together.
You can request homework at 361-3029.  Make sure to state your teen's
name and the number of days you want work for, starting with the day
he or she is first absent. PLEASE, remember to pick it up in the Guidance
Office. It's OK to ask a student/friend to bring it home for you.

ACT Test Dates
The ACT will be given at Beloit Memorial on December 12th, February 6th
and April 10th.    The test fee is $32.00. The writing Test is an
additional $15.00. Seniors should take it as soon as possible.
You can complete an on-line application at www.actstudent.org.
  
Scholarship Scams
Parents may be getting mail from various scholarship search
businesses promising lots of scholarships and "free money" for
your children. Beware!!  No one can guarantee a scholarship.
Scholarships are competitive and the companies doing this provide
data only.  They are not the ones making the selections.  You
should not have to pay to apply for a scholarship and searching is
free on the Internet. See our website,
www.sdb.k12.wi.us/memorial/guidance for links.
 
College Entrance Requirements
The UW System entrance requirements include four years (or credits) of
English, three years of math beginning with Algebra I or Core Math 1,
three years of science, and three years of social studies. Students
need to be aware that these are MINIMUM requirements.  All the
schools recommend that a student take as many challenging classes
as possible to prepare for the rigors of higher education. It is also
important for the applicant to continue a rigorous course of study
their senior year. Admission to all UW schools is competitive and
selective.  Any admission invitation is conditional upon successful
completion of a student's senior year.  Early graduation is discouraged.
On-line application is encouraged.
 
And for Madison
UW-Madison looks for more than four credits of English, at least four
years each of Math, Science, and Social Studies and at least 2-4 years
of a single foreign language.  Most students accepted at UW -Madison
have a GPA of at least 3.50 and an ACT composite of 26-30 and the
written portion of the ACT is required. In the admissions process,
extra emphasis is placed on the applicant's personal statement or
essay, extra-curricular and community service, and recommendations
included with the application. UW Madison requires on-line applications.
 
Changes to Senior Schedule
Seniors, if you have applied to or been accepted to any college or
university, you cannot change your schedule until you get written
permission from those schools. Your acceptance decision is partially
based on your senior year curriculum and if you are contemplating a
change, the admissions offices need to know about it.
 

various times throughout the year. (Almost all the UW campuses have
these during state teacher convention at the end of October.) These
events are a good opportunity to see the campus and get the
"inside scoop" from students currently attending.
  
Wisconsin Private Colleges/Universities
In addition to the many public universities in the state, Wisconsin has

twenty private schools not supported by taxpayers, thus costing more for
tuition and fees. The financial aid packages offered by these schools
many times surpass anything the public universities may offer, thus
making them affordable for all. Many times the total price the parent
pays is the same, regardless of public or private.  Need more
information?   Call 1-800-4-DEGREE.
 

 education. Sadly, for the majority, that is not the case.  While
scholarships range from $100 - full costs, the average student receives
only a few hundred dollars, if anything, in scholarships.  The majority
of financial aide is in the form of student loans.  The solution? 
Save, save, save.  Have a realistic conversation with your teen
about costs. As a fall-back plan, choose a less expensive school. Apply
for financial aide, and then make your final choice. The least expensive
way to get a college education?  Attend a 2 year college and then transfer
to a 4 year UW campus as a junior. Be prepared, take a full load, don't
drop classes, and graduate in 4 years.
 
Fee Waivers for College & Tech School Applications and Tests
Fee waivers for the ACT and some college, university, or technical schools applications are available to those students who are on free or reduced
hot lunch. Students must apply for free/reduced hot lunch to qualify by
filling out the application.  Forms are available in the main office.
 
Applying for Financial Aid??
If so, get your PIN number now.  Whether you apply on-line or use the paper application, having a PIN number will allow you to make corrections quickly
and easily.  A PIN is an electronic signature that is required if you apply
on-line.  Log on to www.pin.ed.gov to get yours. The Free Application
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be available on-line January 1.  Be
sure to file as soon as possible because some aid is awarded on a
first-come, first-served basis.   Get your 2008 Federal and Wisconsin
Income Tax information together to complete these forms. To calculate
your college costs check out www.nelnet.com/collegeplanning www.nelnet.com/collegeplanning for online calculators that can quickly
show you the difference every penny of debt can make when it's time to
repay your loans.
 
A Resume will enhance your chances of getting a job, being accepted
into college, or maybe winning a scholarship.  Do you have yours
finished? If you need a sample or a template, go to wiscareers.wisc.edu
or access.bridges.com
 
Check Out Our Website
The guidance website, www.sdb.k12.wi.us/memorial/guidance has over
500 links to  information about helping your son or daughter make decisions concerning careers, colleges, technical schools, the military, apprenticeships, financial aid, scholarships, etc.  Check it out. 
 
Did You Know?
It now takes an average of 5 years 8 months to get a "4-year" college
degree.  Ways to speed this up?  Don't change your major. Don't drop
classes.  Prepare well so that remedial course work is unnecessary. Take
a full load of credits. Pass everything.
 
Why College???