Greetings from the Deerfield MS/HS Guidance Department!  Please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Landis, the MS/HS Guidance Counselor, with any questions you may have. 

 

 

Post Secondary Admissions Requirements

 

Students who plan to further their education at either a technical college or university must pay very close attention to admissions requirements when selecting their high school courses.  Admissions requirements vary considerably depending upon the college or university the student plans to attend.  It is extremely important that students and parents check specific college/university entrance requirements. All 4 year colleges/universities require ACT or SAT scores.  Technical colleges (MATC) require placement testing such as the COMPASS (see below for COMPASS information.)  Students must meet minimum entrance requirements in specific subjects in order to be granted admission to a four-year college/university.

  

·        University of Wisconsin System information:  www.wisconsin.edu.

·        UW- System application: www.apply.wisconsin.edu.

 

 

ACT and SAT Assessments

Deerfield High School identification code: 500-495.

Colleges and universities require that a prospective student take either the ACT or the SAT. The University of Wisconsin System prefers the ACT. It is recommended that those planning to attend a four-year college after graduation take one of these tests during the second semester of junior year.  Online registration and information about each of these tests may be found at the following websites:       

 

www.actstudent.org (For the ACT)                     

www.collegeboard.com (For the SAT)

 

*The ACT is administered at Deerfield High School approximately 4-5 times per year.  This is a great opportunity for Deerfield students to take the test.  Having familiarity with the test site is an advantage.  Test dates and practice books are located in the Guidance Department.  Online registration is recommended and may be found at: www.actstudent.org. 

 

 

COMPASS ASSESSMENT

This assessment is used for entrance and for course placement at technical schools including MATC.  The test is a computerized, un-timed test and includes assessments in reading, writing and math.   www.act.org/compass.

 

 

UW-System Admissions Requirements

 

Listed below are the subject area credit requirements for admission to UW colleges/universities.  Competition for admission to many colleges/universities continues to increase, which makes high school course selection quite important.  Colleges/universities want to see students take all the English, Math, Social Studies, Science, and Foreign Language courses they can.

·        4 credits English

·        3 credits Math (beginning with Algebra I)

·        3 credits Social Studies

·        3 credits Science

·        4 credits Electives

·        2 credits Foreign Language (UW-Madison, UW-Eau Claire)

* Please see individual college/university websites for specific admissions information.

* Also visit www.help.wisconsin.edu for specific UW-System information.

The best way to apply to the UW-System is online.  All UW-System applications can be found at: www.apply.wisconsin.edu.

 

 

Wisconsin Technical College Admissions

 

Technical college programs have admission standards and some have specific application “windows.”  Because of the popularity of some programs you must apply early.  Technical preparation should include a comprehensive high school curriculum to ensure success. 

For more information about the Wisconsin Technical College System, please visit www.wtcsystem.edu.

Online applications for all Wisconsin Technical Colleges may be found at:  www.witechcolleges.com

 

ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMS

Wisconsin Technical Colleges offer associate degree programs that will prepare students for a variety of mid-management or technical level jobs.  If a student attends classes full-time, associate degree programs usually take two years or more to finish.  Students take general education courses and classes in technical theory related to the program chosen.  Students learn to apply the theories studied to specific work-related situations.  Technical theory is stressed in associate degree programs, along with "hands-on" training in the laboratories.

 

TECHNICAL DIPLOMA PROGRAMS

Wisconsin Technical Colleges offer technical diploma programs that prepare students for specific work in skilled and semi-skilled jobs.  Most of these programs are one year in length, but some are two years long if attended part-time.  Most time will be spent in shops and labs learning the skills necessary for the job chosen.  Students will take some general education courses, but "hands-on" experience is the most important part of technical diploma programs.

 

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS

As an apprentice, students work under the supervision and direction of skilled workers in a chosen trade.  Apprentices attend college part-time and are paid by their employers for their school hours.  See specific school websites for detailed information.

 

 

Wisconsin Private Colleges and Universities

For detailed information on admissions and financial aid, the individual college/university website is going to provide the most comprehensive information.   The Wisconsin Private Colleges & Universities Guidebook is available for student loan from the IMC or the Guidance Department.  Online information and applications may be found at  www.wisconsinmentor.org.

 

 

Out-of-State Colleges/Universities

 

Entrance requirements may vary greatly from state to state. The UW entrance requirements previously listed are minimum requirements for most four-year colleges.  For more specific information, consult the specific college/university websites for the most comprehensive information.

 

 

Youth Options

 

Youth Options is an agreement between the State Department of Education, high schools, and post-secondary institutions to allow 11th & 12th grade students to enroll in one or more courses (up to 15 credit hours per semester) at a UW campus, technical college, or private college.  Deerfield students typically attend UW-Madison, MATC, or Edgewood College. 

When taking a postsecondary course through Youth Options, the Deerfield Community School District pays the tuition, fees, books and other necessary material directly related to the course.  Any books or equipment purchased by the school become property of the Deerfield Community School District and must be returned to Doreen Treuden or Mark Landis upon completion of the course. 

 

To qualify for this program students must:

• be in good academic and disciplinary standing.
• meet the criteria and timelines established by the post-secondary institution.
• have exhausted all courses offered at Deerfield High School in the subject area of interest.

 

Students must meet the application deadlines as follows: 

• Applications must be received by March 1 for fall semester. 
• Applications must be received by October 1 for spring semester.

 

 

Collaboration with Cambridge High School

 

Deerfield High School has a reciprocity agreement with Cambridge High School in which Deerfield students may take certain courses available at Cambridge that are not available at Deerfield.  Students must provide their own transportation.  See Mr. Landis for more information.

Possible courses for students to consider include:

·        Agriculture courses

·        AP Calculus

 

Students may also consider these options:

·        Independent study contract with a Deerfield High School teacher.

o       Students who wish to pursue this option need to submit an independent class course proposal (developed with a teacher who will serve as the supervisor).  Independent course contracts are available in the guidance office.  All independent study contracts are subject to principal and guidance counselor approval. 

·        Accelerated coursework is available with teacher recommendation.

·        Online courses.

·        Students may obtain more information about these opportunities from Mr. Landis in the Guidance Department.

 

 

Youth Apprenticeship Programs (Grades 11 and 12)

 

          The Youth Apprenticeship Program is a unique opportunity for juniors or seniors to start preparing for a career while still in high school.  As a youth apprentice you will earn an hourly wage while learning from skilled professionals.  Upon completion you will receive your high school diploma and a Business/Industry Skill Certificate. 

            The Youth Apprenticeship Program provides two levels of instruction:

 

• Level 1 – The following Level 1 (One Year) Youth Apprentice Programs are available to both juniors and seniors in the following areas:  Auto Technology, Biotechnology, Banking and Finance, Health, Plastics Manufacturing, Printing, Production Agriculture, Tourism, and Information Technology.  Students will receive a State of Wisconsin one-year Skill Certificate if 50% of the competencies and the work based requirements are met.  Students may negotiate articulated or advanced standing credits to be received with the MATC program or the university in which they are seeking enrollment.  The Construction Trades Skills Program is a level 1 program available to seniors only.
• Level 2 – Levels 2 Youth Apprentice Programs are a continuation (second-year) of the Level 1 programs.  Students will receive a State of Wisconsin two-year Skill Certificate if 100% of the competencies and the work-based requirements are met.  All of the above Level 1 programs can be continued as Level 2 programs.  All students in the Level 1 and Level 2 Youth Apprentice Programs may attend MATC or MATC equivalent classes related to the program of their choice.  Depending on the program, these classes could be held during the school day, evenings, or Saturdays.  Students may receive between 1 and 3 credits per semester for these classes.  Students taking classes at MATC will receive dual enrollment credits. 

 

After completion of the Youth Apprentice Program, students are encouraged to enroll in a 2-year technical school or a 4-year university for additional training and career development.  It must be noted that students may choose to enter the workforce at above entry-level positions as full-time employees or as part-time employees to help pay for their college education. 

 

NOTE:  Students interested in the Youth Apprenticeship Program should see Mr. Landis or Mr. Weidensee for additional information about each of the listed apprentice programs.  The number of apprenticeships will be determined by the availability of district funds as well as completion of an application to the program.  Admission will be based on the application as well as an interview with the selection committee.

 

 

Work Learning Experience

                                               

Juniors and/or seniors wishing to earn credit through Work Learning Experience must see Mr. Weidensee to apply and discuss details.  Students will be required to sign and keep the conditions of the contract in order to earn credit.  Grading is pass/fail. 

 

 

Financial Aid and Scholarships

 

As college costs continue to rise, paying for post-secondary training becomes a major concern of parents.  To help defray part of the cost of attending school, a student may be eligible for scholarships and financial aid.

Financial aid through the federal and state government and most universities is based on need determined by a financial needs analysis.  Applications for this type of assistance are filled out after January 1 of the senior year.  This form is quite complicated.  To assist with this process, the Guidance Department will provide a financial aid night each year where an expert on financial aid will present valuable information.  He/she will discuss the philosophy of financial aid and the mechanics involved in applying for aid.

 

Financial aid is available in three forms as indicated below:

1. Grants: Aid that does not have to be repaid.

2. Loans: these usually have low interest rates and must be repaid.

3. Work Study Program: Work opportunities available to qualified students. The amount a student receives from each of these sources is determined by the student's need and the resources available at the school.

*Contact Mr. Landis in the Guidance Department for more information.

 

Scholarships are available for deserving students. Most regional, state, and national scholarships are very competitive.

When searching for scholarships check the following sources:

• Internet sites.

• Scholarship bulletin board outside of the Guidance Office.

• Local Scholarships become available to Deerfield High School Seniors in late February/March.

• Financial Aid Office at the college/university you plan to attend.

• Parents' and students' places of employment.

• All organizations that the student or parents belong to.  Look at churches, lodges, companies, civic organizations, etc.

• Military service branches. 

• College/University specific websites as they most likely have their own. For instance, a music school, business school or psychology department within a post-secondary school may sponsor scholarships.

 

WARNING: DO NOT PAY FOR SCHOLARSHIP SEARCHES!

 

Financial Aid & Scholarship Links

www.fafsa.ed.gov - FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

www.fastweb.com – Scholarship search

www.students.gov - US Government resource site (career, college, military, financial aid, etc)

www.heab.state.wi.us - The Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB) is the state agency responsible for the management and oversight of the state's student financial aid system for Wisconsin residents attending institutions of higher education.

www.studentaid.ed.gov - Federal Student Aid Center

www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov - Federal student aid projector tool

www.finaid.org - Financial aid information

www.guaranteed-scholarships.com - Merit and other aid listed by college

Service Academies
US Military Academy www.usma.edu
US Naval Academy www.nadn.navy.mil
US Air Force Academy www.usafa.edu
US Merchant Marine Academy www.usmma.edu
US Coast Guard Academy www.uscg.mil

NCAA Eligibility Center (https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/common)

In order for a college or university to contact a high school student for recruiting purposes, that student needs to be registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center.

 

AP Course Information (www.apcentral.collegeboard.com )

Are you ready for a unique learning experience that will help you succeed in college? AP courses are for students who want to learn and achieve at the highest level.  Through AP's college-level courses and exams, you can earn college credit and advanced placement, stand out in the admissions process, and become more prepared for higher education.

 

 

 

Deerfield High School Yearly Student Guidelines

 

Freshmen

 

Get involved.  Make the effort to get involved with groups, clubs, or teams that interest you.

 

Know your graduation requirements.  This will help make sure you graduate on time.

 

Make the grade.  Get off to a good start with your grades.  They will impact your GPA and class rank.

 

Explore your interests and possible careers.  Discuss your skills and interests with your friends, parents, teachers, counselor, principal, etc.

 

Set up your WisCareers Account.  Investigate and explore careers and college/universities in Wisconsin that interest you.  The WisCareers website is:  www.wiscareers.wisc.edu.

 

Sophomores

 

Begin learning about the college admissions process.  Get familiar with general college entrance requirements.

 

Stay on track with your courses.  Know your graduation requirements and make sure you are enrolled in courses that challenge you and will help prepare you for a college/university and/or your career.

 

Keep your grades up.  Remain focused on doing well in your courses.  Read books, practice writing, improve math skills.

 

Contact colleges/university/programs that interest you.  Write to schools and ask for more information about their academic requirements and any programs or activities that you are interested in.

 

Juniors

 

Make a college list.  Include colleges that meet your most important criteria.  (Ex. size, location, cost, academic majors or special programs)  Weigh each factor and develop a preliminary ranking of the schools on your list.

 

Take the ACT after completing your junior year math course.  It is recommended that students take the ACT at least twice – ideally once junior year, and again in the late summer/fall of senior year.  Many students use the summer to study. 

 

Learn about financial aid.  Examine your family's financial resources and gather information about financial aid from the schools you're interested in.  Attend school-sponsored financial aid nights. 

 

Visit colleges.  Visit the campuses of your top five college choices.  Call the admissions office to set up an interview, tour, and a meeting with a professor or coach if you're interested.  Most campuses have tours on weekdays and sometimes on Saturdays. Many campuses also schedule special preview days for visiting and meeting with academic advisers.

 

Try to job shadow.  Think about occupations you would like to job shadow.  Ask your parents and friends if they know of anyone to job shadow.

 

Start working on application essays.  Compose rough drafts of the essays you'll need for your college/university applications.  These also will help with scholarship applications.  Have a teacher read and discuss them with you.  Make revisions.  Proof read many times.

 

Meet with your guidance counselor.  Discuss your schedule, class rank, GPA, and future plans.  Make sure you are on track for graduation. 

 

Visit the College & Career Center.  Research higher education, military opportunities, and apprenticeships.

 

Contact your recommendation writers.  Ask people who know you well and will have positive things to say.   Pick up a letter of recommendation form from the Guidance Office.  Fill out and make copies to distribute to your letter writers.  Make sure to give letter writers plenty of time.  It is best to tell your letter writers at the end of junior year so they have the summer to complete it.  That way you are ready to begin applying to schools and scholarships at the beginning of senior year.        

 

Seniors

 

Continue to research and visit colleges.  Fall is a great time to look at colleges because classes are in session.  You will have the chance to meet and talk with students and professors.

 

Stay on track with your grades.  Colleges will look at what you've done your senior year, so stay focused on doing well and maintaining a commitment to activities.

 

Take the ACT &/or SAT.  Register for and take these tests for the final time.  Do practice tests and study.

 

Complete university/college applications (online is preferred by most schools).  Finish application forms for the colleges/universities you're interested in.  Be sure to proof read your applications and make extra copies before you send them.  Make sure you include all the necessary documents.  You must request your transcript to be sent to schools you apply to.  Transcript request forms are located in the Guidance Department.

 

University of Wisconsin System - www.apply.wisconsin.edu

Wisconsin Technical Colleges www.witechcolleges.org/apply.php

 

Apply for scholarship opportunities.  Search for and apply for scholarships.  There are a lot of scholarships out there; you just need to spend a little time and effort to find them. 

 

Complete FAFSA.  Fill out the FAFSA as soon AFTER January 1 as possible.  The FAFSA is the main avenue for federal and state financial aid.  It will determine how much you're expected to pay. 

 

Complete enrollment paperwork for the college you will attend.  Once you accept an offer you should receive information from the college about course scheduling, orientation sessions, housing arrangements, and other necessary forms.  Be sure to complete all required paperwork by the appropriate deadlines. 

 

**Utilize your resources - including teachers, parents, counselor, principal, and others - to make sure you are on track for life after graduation.  Be sure to ask questions and keep the lines of communication open.