Where in the world is... "Admissions Nicole?"

Is it too late to sign up for the April 4th ACT?

Technically, you have missed the standard and late registration deadlines, but if you still want to try to get a seat for the April 4th ACT, you can try by way of ACT's standby testing.

You are not guaranteed a seat, and you have to pay more, but it's worth a try if you really want to take the test.  Here are step-by-step directions outlining how you can try to get a seat for the test via standby testing:

ACT STANDBY TESTING INFO

Who should be taking the April 4th ACT?  It's been outlined on this blog several times, but in case you've missed it:  

Juniors:  Traditionally juniors take the April ACT.  This allows these students enough time to take it a second time (in June and/or if needed September).  Students usually will take the test a second time to get the best score possible to submit to colleges for admission.*  *(Colleges treat multiple ACT scores differently.  UW-Parkside uses the highest ACT for admission and scholarships, but the most recent score report for academic placement. Check with the colleges that you are applying to, to see how they treat multiple ACT scores).

Seniors:  If you are planning to go to a 4-year college/university and have not applied for admission nor taken the ACT by now, it's getting so late - it's scary and you need to get moving!  If you have not taken the ACT you should be signed up for the April test and if you're not, click on the standby link for standby testing above.  If you miss the April test, take the June test.  There are schools out there like UW-Parkside, that admit this late.

Good luck and happy testing!

~ Nicole

Knowledge for College #17: The College Readiness QUIZ & Recipe!

Are you ready for college?  Do you really know what it takes to be prepared?  On my blog I'm always outlining various topics on this subject, but too see if you've been following along I found this fun and interactive quiz that tests your knowledge about college!

Are You Ready For College?  "The Quiz!"

Take the quiz and see how you check out.  When you're done it will direct you to some helpful sites. 

Of course this is not the only thing that will tell you if you're really ready for college.  College preparedness starts with you.  It's like cooking!

In cooking you have a plan that you must follow (a recipe).  The recipe gives you a list of the correct ingredients that you must work to combine in just the right way.  Think of the college planning process as your recipe - such as the college planning schedule that you need to follow each year of high school (click here for an example).  Then you have the ingredients (examples):

Freshmen Year:
1. EARLY Freshmen year: Meeting your Guidance Counselor and making them know your face, name and that you want to go to college and develop a 4-year plan with them (#2). 

Freshmen-Senior Year
2.  Taking the right college-prep curriculum with the proper amount of academic rigor that will not only challenge you, but prepare you for college.

Junior Year:
3. Taking the ACT or SAT (be sure to do some prep: http://testprep.knowhowtogowisconsin.org/)
4. Identifying the criteria in a college/university that best fits you? (Example:  www.fastweb.com)
5. Visiting these colleges/universities of interest (Junior Year)

Senior Year:
6. Applying to these institutions as well as their scholarships (Fall of Sr. Year)
7. Applying for financial Aid (Spring of Sr. Year)

Work hard with each and every ingredient in the correct steps, and wait for acceptance letters. Choose school and you're ready to cook!

Set Time to 4 years
Condiments: Add well-rounded tablespoons of student leadership, internship and volunteer experiences.
Temperature:  Light a strong fire below, always stir with motivation and check often!  Caution: If neglected, it will burn.

Result:  A college or university that is your BEST fit that yields well-rounded college experience and preparation for life after college!

Serves: 1

One of our many talents...

Our counselors, Jessica, Cassie and Nicole, along with our Office Manager Linda Perez, led in an Irish Dance by our Admissions Director Matt... wish you Happy St. Patty's Day!

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

FAF$A: Time Is Money!

If you are a high school senior planning to go to college, you should have recently completed the Free  Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).  If you have not completed the FAFSA yet, try to have a "goal date" of March 15th.  The sooner you apply for aid the better.  The early bird (that financially qualifies), gets the best aid. Don't put it off because time really IS money!   

Complete the FAFSA today at www.fafsa.ed.gov

Also, be sure to visit the UW-Parkside Financial Aid website.  They have an excellent website with some great tools to help you figure out cost of attendance, tips and FAQ's about financial aid! 

See you on the road,

~ Nicole

PS: CONGRATS to our Campus Ambassador KAYTEE MEO-MARTINO who found out this week that she's been accepted to UW-Madison's Pharmacy School!  We are so proud of you!