Click on the following for post-secondary education resources:
Freshman & Sophomore Tip Sheet
Junior Tip Sheet
Senior Tip Sheet
Frequently asked questions regarding post-secondary education
Newsletters:
November
February
Post-Secondary Websites and Information
University of Wisconsin System www.uwhelp.wisconsin.edu
This website is very useful, includes the online applications, and links to all the UW schools, and major mania lists what programs are offered at which schools.
Wisconsin Private Colleges and Universities www.wisconsinmentor.org
Your choice for virtual campus tours, college planning, financial aid information, and online applications.
Minnesota Colleges and Universities
www.mnscu.edu
Much like the UW System website except not all of the schools are a part of this website.
Wisconsin Tech Colleges
www.witechcolleges.org
Another very useful website that lists programs at every college, costs, job placement and online applications.
Career Searches
www.Tuitionfundingsources.com is good website that contains info on careers, colleges. One can take career interest and personality test to narrow down choices. One may also consider taking the ASVAB test which is offered at Sparta High Wednesday December 12th at 8:00 AM in the Library. If you are looking for help to narrow down career choices, the career exploration component of the test may help. Anyone may take the test, if you are joining the Military, you must attain a certain score to be eligible. The test is free, if you are interested sign up in the guidance office. Your scores will not be released to the Military unless you give permission to do so. If further questions, please see your counselor.
Financial Aid Night The meeting is December 3rd at 6:30 PM in the high school auditorium. This meeting is for students and parents to get more information on how to apply for financial aid. The application is called the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid.) The application is free, ignore any literature you may receive in the mail, promising you help with the application or guarantees you financial aid, there are many scams out there collecting money, be wary. The soonest one can apply for financial aid is January 1st 2008 after federal income tax returns have been completed.
- www.fafsa.ed.gov
Can apply online for federal financial aid, recommended for all students who plan on post-secondary schooling.
Scholarships Counselors will discuss this information during Senior Meetings, information sheets will be handed out, and listen for announcements. This information is also on this website under "Scholarships."
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One of the best scholarship websites to search is http://www.fastweb.com/ which is free of charge, with over 1.3 million different scholarships and awards worth over $3 billion available.
APPLY EARLY You have your best opportunity to be admitted to the university of your choice, plus some school close admissions early once they reach their target number of incoming freshman. Also some tech school programs are very popular, first accepted, first served. Also, some schools will not send out scholarship information until after you are admitted, some deadlines for scholarships are as early as January 12, 2008. Another reason to apply early.
ACT Exam (for colleges) to register for the exam you must of online www.actstudent.org
Test date register by late fee required $17
Dec. 8 Nov. 2 Nov. 5
Feb. 9, 2008 Jan. 4 Jan.19
April 12 Mar. 7 Mar. 21
June 14 May 9 May 23
COMPASS Exam (for technical colleges) This test is offered every day in La Crosse at the WTC Campus. Call (608) 785-9566 to set up a testing time in room 154 in the Academic Resource Center building. Students will need a picture identification card and know their social security number. The test cost $20, retakes are free of charge. The computer based test takes two hours to complete.
Military Recruiters typically visit the high school once a month. If you are considering joining the military, you are strongly encourage to discuss career possibilities with every branch before deciding which branch will provide you with the best opportunity. You must take the ASVAB test, which will be offered at no charge at the high school Wednesday December 12, 2007 in the library. This is an exam used primarily for military entrance. HOwever, it also provides a useful interest inventory to help students learn more about career exporation and planning. Sign up in the guidance office.
• www.military.com
Information on military careers.


Career Information Search Sites
• http://stats.bls.gov.oco
- Occupational Outlook Handbook. Government information on careers and outlook of job availability in the near future.
For more information on career clusters and pathways, consider the following websites.
Nontraditional Career Awareness, recuitment, retention, and placement information.