East Troy High School

1. Take high school courses that will help you prepare for college and your future.
2. Research schools to find out which ones meet your needs. 
3. Visit campuses and/or go to college fairs.  
4. Select three to five schools to apply to by the start of your senior year.  Colleges are encouraging prospective students to apply online.  Most colleges begin accepting applications in early September and some may have strict deadlines.  If you have any questions, please see your counselor.
5. Apply for financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 
6. Upon receiving an acceptance letter students should begin to think about Regional Placement Testing. Registration for placement testing starts on February 1st.

Most colleges/universities begin accepting applications in late August-early September. Additionally, many colleges/universities have deadlines for applications to be received (ex. November 1st) so it is necessary to keep track of those deadlines. 

There are many ways to start applying to the post-secondary school of your choice i.e. directly through the school's webpage, however, a preferred method is using Common App. By setting up a Common App account which is directly linked to your Xello Account, your ETHS Teachers (recommenders), and School Counselor can upload your recommendation letters, transcripts, school profile (see below for profile recommendation form), etc all in one spot!!

College application fees vary, but generally it costs from $35 to $50 to apply to each college. Fees are nonrefundable. Many colleges offer fee waivers to students who cannot afford to pay; however, you would need to contact the college to see what the qualifications are. 

The college essay matters. Your essay reveals something important about you that your grades and test scores cannot—your personality. It can give admission officers a sense of who you are in regards to your character and strengths, as well as showcasing your writing skills. The number one piece of advice from admission officers about your essay is “Be yourself.” The number two suggestion is “Start early". For more helpful tips please visit the BigFuture website, created by the college board. 

The ACT exam is a national college entrance exam. The ACT is widely accepted at 4 year universities throughout the United States and is required by many Wisconsin and mid-western campuses. Students can take the ACT as many times as they like. Colleges use the highest score. 

Transfer Wisconsin can help you find out how your credits transfer, but it also offers you tools, resources, and a wealth of information right at your fingertips.  If you plan to transfer to a University of Wisconsin (UW) or a Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) campus, use this site to take the next steps to achieve your college education goals.