College Planning

MMSD College Bound - Get ready, get set, go to college

College Planning

Madison has a vision for all students – that they will not only graduate, but graduate with the skills and abilities to be successful in college, career and community.

We want our students to master academic content, build creativity, confidence and cultural competence, gain a strong sense of self and interpersonal skills and have a growth mindset to help them continually build the skills and abilities to be successful. This vision for Madison’s graduates was developed with input from more than 2500 staff, students and community members.

This page is designed to help families and students navigate the world of post-secondary education (college). You will find information on how to prepare for college while still in high school, how to find the right fit and apply to the school and finally information on how to pay for education after high school.

Finally, know that you have supports and resources right at your school! Your school counselor is an expert in all things post-secondary education. Schedule a meeting with them soon to start discussing your journey!

Two Thirds of MMSD Graduates Enroll in a 2 or 4 Year College

Preparing in High School

It is never too early to start thinking about college. This site will help you discover opportunities such as dual credit courses (earn college credit while still in high school) in high school to help you get started on the path to postsecondary education. You will see information on high school graduation requirements as well as information on the testing required for college.

9th grade college planning checklist 10th grade college planning checklist

11th grade college planning checklist 12th grade college planning checklist

Ways to utilize your school counselor in the process

College Search

There are thousands of options when it comes to finding the right college for you - it can be overwhelming. Technical colleges, public, private, training programs. Start here to help you narrow down your list and find your best fit.

College Applications

Applying to college can feel like a full-time job, especially if you’re applying to colleges with different admissions requirements. There is a lot involved, so make sure you take care of all the details the college application requires.

Paying for College

The cost of college can be confusing and frightening - it doesn't have to be. This page is a starting place to help you understand the many ways that you can afford college. From grants, loans and scholarships to FAFSA this is a starting place for you to discover how to make it happen for you!

Ordering Your MMSD High School Transcript

Preparing in High School

Ways to utilize your school counselor in the process

Graduation Requirements

The first step to ensuring you are ready for college is graduating from high school! It is essential that you understand exactly what you need to do in order to graduate from high school on time. Check your transcript regularly and speak with your school counselor annually to ensure that you are on the right track!

How many credits do I need to earn a diploma from MMSD?

Typically, students need 22 credits to earn an MMSD diploma: The exact number of credits needed depends on the type of schedule at your high school and whether you only attend high school in MMSD or transfer into MMSD, sometime during your high school experience, from another school district.

Below you will find the number of credits you need for graduation.

9th-12th grade at East, West, Memorial or Shabazz (all have a 7-period day schedule).

22 credits

LaFollette Students (due to recent changes in the LHS schedule)

Class of 2022 - 23 credits

Class of 2023 - 22 credits

11th - 12th grade having spent 2-3 years at La Follette and the remainder at East, West or Memorial

24-26 credits (see your counselor)

9th - 12th grade at Capital

Graduation by portfolio

12th grade at an MMSD high school but spent some time in 9th-12th grade at a school outside of MMSD

Credits needed vary (see your school counselor)

What Specific Courses Do I Need to Earn my MMSD diploma?

Because of recent revisions to our graduation requirements (Summer 2016), the specific courses that you need to earn a diploma from MMSD varies depending on your grade level. Some variation may also exist for students receiving Special Education services based on their Individualized Education Plan. Please see the information below for more details.

Class of 2021 and beyond

English - 4 credits (Including successful completion of English 1 & 2)
Math - 3 credits (Including coursework in algebraic and geometric concepts)
Science - 3 credits (Including coursework in biological and physical sciences)
Social Studies - 3 credits (Including successful completion of US History and a semester of Modern US History)
Additional Requirements - 1.5 credits PE, .5 credit Health, Civics Exam (65% or higher), 1 credit of Humanities (e.g., Art, Theater, Music, World Language, etc.), successful completion of a course that incorporates financial literacy or consumer education

How do I know if I am on track to graduate on time?

It is essential that you monitor your credits to ensure that you are on track to graduate on time. You can do this by viewing your unofficial transcript in Infinite Campus (under Reports). It is recommended that you audit your transcript after each semester to ensure that it is accurate. This Reviewing Your High School Transcript tip sheet will help you know what to look for. Your school counselor is an excellent resource for additional support.

Selecting the Right Courses

Student with counselor — Students who meet with a school counselor to discuss financial aid are 6.8 times more likely to submit a FAFSA than those who do not meet with a counselor.

Your school counselor, your parents and your teachers are your best resource when it comes to selecting the right courses for you. Each student is traveling a different path so talk to those who know to help you make the best decisions. Below are a few things to keep in mind.

Challenge yourself - don't take the easy way out (not even your senior year!). Consider taking an Honors, Advanced Placement (AP) or Dual Credit (earn college credit while still in high school) course in a subject area that interests you. These courses are available to EVERYONE!
Explore - high school is a time to try new things. Check out that coding course, or that small engines class to help you discover your interests and talents.
Develop your passion- are you passionate about engineering, health sciences or another topic? Consider taking multiple courses in this area throughout your high school career to build your knowledge.
Meet requirements - make sure the courses you take meet the graduation requirements listed above.

While the school counselor will communicate progress to graduation at certain points in the year via letter, it is also the student’s responsibility to ensure that they are meeting graduation requirements.

Assessments / Testing

Assessments/Testing

Wisconsin Student Assessment System - These assessments are given to all MMSD students during school hours.

WI Forward Exam - All MMSD 6th, 7th, 8th grade students take the WI Forward Exam. The Exam is designed to gauge how well students are doing in relation to the Wisconsin Academic Standards. These standards outline what students should know and be able to do in order to be college and career ready.

ACT Aspire - All MMSD 9th and 10th grade students take the ACT Aspire assessment. The Aspire test is precursor to the ACT and can be used to predict how a student will perform on the ACT.

ACT - All MMSD 11th grade students take the ACT in the second semester. Students can select up to four schools to send their ACT scores to for free when filling in the pretest information. The ACT is accepted by all US colleges and universities, is the nation’s most taken college entrance exam, and is based on correct answers only. Students may also test the ACT on their own. Colleges consider a student’s highest score for admission. Income-eligible ACT takers receive college application fee waivers. See your school counselor for more information.

Optional/Other Assessments: All MMSD students may take these exams,

PSAT - 10th grade and some 11th grade students. The PSAT is the official route of entry to the National Merit Scholarship Program. See your school counselor for information on how to take the PSAT.

SAT - 11th and 12th grade students. The SAT is an admission test accepted by all U.S. colleges. Students may take the SAT multiple times. Colleges consider a student’s highest score for admission. Income-eligible SAT takers receive college application fee waivers. See your school counselor for more information. Read Should You Take the ACT or SAT to learn more.

Accuplacer - 12th grade students. Accuplacer is utilized at Technical and Community Colleges. Accuplacer testing is available at Madison College.

Test Prep: All MMSD students have access to Methodize through their Xello account.

Instructions:

Log in to Xello.
Scroll to the bottom of your homepage/dashboard.
Click Method Test Prep under Links and Resources.

This test prep site offers a 20-week course, 2 full-length ACT tests, lessons and quizzes in each subject area, and a vocabulary builder for FREE through Xello.

Extracurricular Activities

High school is a much more enjoyable experience when you get involved in volunteering, clubs and athletics. College admissions counselors are interested in learning about how you spend your time outside of academics. Find something you are passionate about and get involved. Your high school has a listing of all extracurricular activities on their website. Don't see something that interests you? Start a new club! The article below highlights a few important things to keep in mind as you explore your interests.

College Board - Extracurriculars Matter

Academic and Career Planning (ACP)

Madison has a goal for all our students to graduate with the skills and abilities to be successful in college, career and community. This goal was developed with feedback from more than 2500 students, teachers and community members. You can see these skills above in what we call the MMSD Graduate Vision. Teachers support student development of Graduate Vision skills as part of the Academic and Career Planning process.

Through Academic & Career Planning students are beginning to answer these questions:

Who am I?
Where am I going?
How will I get there?
Who are we together?

Early College Credit Opportunities / Dual Credit

Start College Now/Early College Credit Program and Part-Time Open Enrollment (formerly knows as Youth Options and Course Options) - There are many great ways to earn college credit while you are still in high school. It is our goal that all MMSD students will graduate high school with some college credits. Check out Early College Credit Options to discover ways to take courses at a Wisconsin Technical College or a Wisconsin Public or Private College. Deadlines to apply are October 1 and March 1 of each year.

Do we cover the cost for all students? Technically, after certain criteria per DPI, there should be a cost to the student/family.

Early College Stem Academy(ECSA) - Through ECSA students take all courses during 11th and 12th grades at Madison College, earning college credits as they go. In some cases, a student may graduate with an Associate's Degree. Students may apply and interview for this program in 10th grade.

Transcripted Credit Courses - Most of our high schools offer courses for transcripted credit (TC) to Madison College (these credits may transfer to other colleges). See your school's course guidebook or speak to your school counselor for a full listing of these classes). These courses are open to any student, no application is required.

Advanced Placement (AP) Credit Information - Students who enroll in Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school have the potential to earn college credits after taking and earning certain scores on the AP exam. These college-level courses prepare high school students for the rigor of college coursework. These courses are open to any student, no application is required.

Pre College Programs

Pre College Programs are designed for students who are curious about college. These programs often offer individualized support to high school students as they navigate the college preparation process. Each program has unique application processes and deadlines.

AVID/TOPS - Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a college readiness system that includes 3 components: 1) an AVID Elective Course for students in the academic middle in grades 7-12 supporting students in the academic middle to attend post-secondary education; 2) AVID Schoolwide, which ensures every student has access to key strategies to help them become college, career, and community ready; 3) the highest quality training and resources to support all school staff. See your school's AVID website or speak to your school counselor for application information.

Personalized Pathways - In a Personalized Pathway, a student will progress through their core high school content courses, from ninth grade until graduation, in a smaller learning community, allowing them to develop strong, positive relationships with a close-knit group of students and staff who check in regularly and provide support to help students reach their goals. Students apply in 8th grade. Students may also join at the semester throughout high school. See your school counselor for more information.

People Program - PEOPLE is a college prep scholarship program for students of color and low-income students, most of whom are the first in their families to potentially attend college. Their journey prepares them to apply, be successfully admitted and enroll at the University of Wisconsin System institutions with an emphasis on University of Wisconsin-Madison. Students may apply in 8th grade.

ITA (Information Technology Academy) - Through ITA, high school students build knowledge and skills with hands-on training, academic support, mentoring, leadership development, community service and internship opportunities. At the same time, the students’ communities benefit from greater access to technology and from the skills and experience gained by these future leaders. Students may apply in 8th grade.

TEEM Scholars (Tomorrow’s Educators for Equity in Madison) - Forward Madison T.E.E.M. Scholars is designed for 9th and 10th grade MMSD students with strong academic potential, an interest in attending UW-Madison and teaching in MMSD who are: African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native; Asian, Chicano/a, Puerto Rican, Latino/a, Biracial/Multiracial, low income, first generation college or other underrepresented students. Students may apply in Spring of their 9th grade year or in 10th grade. Applications are available at your high school

Student Athletes (NCAA)

Collegiate Athletic Information

Scholar Ahead - This website connects you to finding internships, research opportunities, enrichment programs and more.

UW Madison Precollege and Youth Programs - Our precollege programs provide youth ages 5-18 with transformative learning experiences in academic and recreational areas of interest. In addition to getting a taste of the college experience, youth benefit from interacting with UW–Madison’s outstanding facilities, resources, and faculty.

Student Athletes (NCAA)

Athletes, particularly those considering a Division I or Division II school have specific course requirements while in high school. This site can help you navigate those requirements. Students should connect with their school counselor if they intend to participate in college athletics to ensure they are enrolling in the correct courses and meeting all requirements.

To play Division I and II collegiate athletics, you need to qualify academically. You must meet minimum requirements for both divisions to qualify for NCAA athletics:

Graduate from high school
Complete 16 Core Courses, in required subject areas
Earn a minimum of 2.3 GPA in core courses for Division I and minimum of 2.2 GPA in core courses for Division II to be able to receive athletic scholarship and compete in your first year of college
Earn a combined SAT or ACT score that matches your core course GPA on the sliding scale.

For more information talk to your coach and your school counselor. Also check out 2.3 or Take A Knee.

Quick Reference Guide to Collegiate Athletics

First Generation College Students

If you are the first in your family to attend college, the process may seem particularly overwhelming. There are many many supports available to you. Be sure to ask for help and look for organizations and offices at your institution of choice that specifically support first generation college students. The following sites will give you step by step support for getting to or through college.

Students of Undocumented Status

College Search

General College Search

Don’t know where to start? These resources will help you begin your college search:

Big Future - College Board provides their Big Future website to help students navigate the college application process. This is a resource that includes college searches, planning tools, scholarship opportunities, assessment resources, and many other tools to help you plan and put in action your college application process.

Xello - The new Career Cruising. Xello is your one stop shop for your Academic and Career Planning needs. Log in through your school's home page. (Log in Instructions)

You Visit - Virtual College tours are a great way to experience the campus without leaving your house.

Finding Your Fit

How do you know if a college is right for you? The following resources can help you determine what you are looking for in a college.

Xello - Log in through your school's home page. (Log in Instructions)

Big Future - Open to anyone

A few things to consider when starting your college search to make sure your college works for you:

Type (2-year, 4-year, training program, public, private etc.)
Size (number of students who attend, how large your classes will be, etc.)
Location (urban, rural, suburban, east coast/west coast, proximity to home, etc.)
Majors offered
Extracurricular opportunities
Graduation rate of students (what percentage of students who attend this school actually graduate? Find that information on College Scorecard or College Results)
Cost (specifically the financial aid package that the school will be offering you)
Diversity of student body
Selectivity (how selective the school is with admissions)
Housing (where are students allowed or required to live)
Additional Support Programs (tutoring, disability services, accessibility, etc.)
Student athletes should also consider
- Coaching Style
- Athletic Fit (playing time, style of offense/defense)
- Distance from family (can family come see you play?)
- Athletic scholarship money (Full, Partial, None)
- Time commitment for sport (practice, classwork, off-time, traveling to competitions, etc.)

Madison's Top Ten

Top 10 Schools MMSD Student have attended in the last 10 years

Madison College (MATC)
University of Wisconsin - Madison
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
Edgewood College
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
University of Wisconsin - Platteville

Common Helpful Organizations

Students and families can find information regarding college options by referring directly to individual college websites. The following are helpful starting points to learn more.

UW HELP- The UW Higher Education Location Program (UW HELP) is the front door to the UW System and all 26 of its campuses. The program helps students of all ages and backgrounds find UW System campuses that meet their needs. It also provides guidance as they prepare for college and connects them to UW System schools for a lifetime.

Wisconsin Technical Schools- Students and families can access the WTCS website to learn more about attending and applying to a Wisconsin Technical School. School counselors are great resources for students to get additional information about a variety of college options.

Wisconsin Private Colleges and Universities- Students and families can access the Wisconsin Private Colleges website to learn more about attending and applying to a Wisconsin Private College. School counselors are excellent resources for students to get additional information about a variety of college options.

Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) - The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities represents more than 470 colleges and universities committed to Hispanic higher education success in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Latin America, and Spain. HACU is the only national educational association that represents Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs).

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) - Historically Black Colleges and Universities are schools of higher learning that were accredited and established before 1964, and whose principal mission was the education of African Americans. HBCUs offer culture, a rich history and rigorous academic programs. Students who are interested in learning additional information about HBCU’s should connect with their school counselor.

LGBTQ+ College Resources - LGBTQ+: Campus Pride Academic institutions continue to take steps to create environments and policies that meet the needs of students with a wide range of gender and sexual identities. These populations have historically been underserved by hegemonic culture, so many college administrations are spearheading efforts to raise awareness of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) identities. BEST COLLEGES FOR LGBTQ STUDENTS

College Applications

Preparing to Apply

LHS Counselors attend College Application Boot Camp

College Application Checklists

Worried you might miss something? These checklists will help you keep organized. Find the one that works best for you.

The Fair Opportunity Project offers a free Checklist Program for juniors and seniors. This program provides checklists, feedback, guidance, and active reminders for what students need to do to complete college, financial aid and scholarship applications. The Fair Opportunity Project also offers "The Guide" a free college admissions and financial aid guide for all students.

Letters of Recommendation

Employers and colleges often ask for two or three recommendation letters from people who know you well. These letters should be written by someone who can describe your skills, accomplishments and personality. See your school counselor for a brag sheet to provide to people writing your letters. It is common courtesy to give your recommender at least two weeks (or more) to write a strong letter for you.

College Essays

Most colleges require a personal statement or essay as a part of your application. There are a variety of helpful websites offering guidance on how to write a college essay.

The College Essay Guy offers many free resources to support you along the way (Disclaimer: MMSD does not endorse The College Guy paid services).
College Xpress offers helpful recommendations for students regarding How to Write a Great College Essay.
Common Application Essay Prompts - These are released several months before the fall application season to give students plenty of time to prepare.

Requesting a Transcript

How Do I Order a Copy of My Transcript?

Transcripts may be ordered at Parchment.com by Madison Metropolitan School District graduates, guardians of students, and by current students (who are over the age of 18). This electronic service allows you to order transcripts online at any time and track the status of the transcripts that you have requested to be sent. Consult with your counselor determine if you qualify for a fee waiver.

How Do I Get a Copy of My Transcript for Personal Use?

Current Students and their families may download and print a copy of a transcript from Infinite Campus for personal use.

Personal transcripts are not considered official and will not be accepted for admission purposes to colleges and universities, the Common Application, or the NCAA. Most athletic offices, employers, and some scholarship applications will accept a printed copy of the personal transcript.

Transcripts needed for scholarship purposes are free. In order to request an official transcript for scholarship purposes, please contact your counselor.

Sending ACT/SAT Scores

How do I send my ACT scores?

When registering for the ACT students are able to select up to four schools to send their score to for free. To send scores to a school after you've taken the ACT, follow these instructions. Fee waivers are available for those that qualify (see your school counselor for more information).

Applying Online

All colleges provide links to their applications online. Below are the most common links MMSD students use.

The Common Application

The Common Application is a college application that is used to help prospective college students apply to multiple institutions at once. Students can create a Common Application account to apply for the institutions of their choice. The Common Application is a not-for-profit, member organization committed to the pursuit of access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process.

The UW Systems Application

Students interested in applying for a University of Wisconsin System college may apply online. Applications are typically available August 1 of each year. It may be helpful to visit the UW System Admission Path website for directions on how to apply. School counselors are available to help students navigate the college application process.

Madison College

Students wishing to attend Madison College can apply online via the Madison College Application process. School counselors are an excellent resource if students or families have questions about attending Madison College and are interested in additional opportunities regarding learning about this option. Students who have been admitted to our Early College STEM Program or other early college courses will need to set up a Madison College Account.

Below are 2 options to creating a Madison College Student Account. The first option is a direct link and the second is a step by step video on YouTube.

Common Black College Application

The Common Black College Application (CBCA) is a similar process with some key features. Whereas most of the time you pay application fees to each college you submit an application to, the Common Black College App allows you to apply to all 53 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) who are members of the service for a one-time application fee of $35

If school(s) of choice do not use any of the application systems above, your school counselor or ACP coordinator can assist you with going through the application.

Paying for College

Students and Parents attend Bootcamp and filled out FAFSA

Financial Resources

UW Help Financial Resources
Wisconsin's Private Colleges Financial Aid Information
Madison College Financial Aid
Dollars for Change - A Student Financial Aid Planning Toolkit

Expected Family Contribution Calculator

Students and their families are expected to contribute to the cost of college to the extent that they’re able. Use this 2020-21 academic year Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Calculator to:

Estimate how much the student’s family will be expected to contribute for the year. After all, you can’t make a realistic plan to cover the student’s share if you don’t have any idea what the student’s share could be.
Gain insight into the student’s financial aid eligibility. If you’re unable to contribute the entire cost of college, financial aid is available to bridge the gap. That's how the financial aid system works. The difference between the total cost and the student's EFC is considered the student's financial need and the amount of aid you’re eligible to receive.

Don't let the sticker price scare you. There are many ways to pay for college.

Big Future: College Savings Calculator

The University of Wisconsin-Madison provides this Net Price Calculator as a tool for early financial planning for college. The calculator is an approximation of federal and state aid eligibility for undergraduate students that plan to attend UW-Madison. This is for your information only and it is not an application for financial aid. (This calculator is availble for all to access, you do not have to be planning to attend UW-Madison to use it)

UW Madison Net Price Calculator

Financial Aid - FAFSA

All seniors, regardless of your family’s income, should complete this application, which will qualify you for grants, loans, scholarships and work-study. Many colleges require the FAFSA to be filled out in order to provide financial assistance or awards to students. The application opened on October 1 and should be completed as soon as possible. You’ll need to register for an FSA ID prior to completing the FAFSA.

APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID

FAFSA OPENS OCTOBER 1

What is Federal Financial Aid?

Financial aid from the federal government can help you pay for education expenses at an eligible college or career school. Grants, loans and work-study are types of federal student aid. You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to apply for this aid. Types of Federal Aid video is a helpful video that explains the difference between types of federal aid available to students. Additional information about federal student aid can be found on the Federal Student Aid website.

Who Should Apply for Need-Based Financial Aid?

All students with a social security number (see your school counselor if you do not have a social security number and need support finding money for college) should apply for need-based financial aid. Many families mistakenly think they may not qualify for this type of aid based on their income and assets. However, if students choose not to apply for need-based financial aid, they may be closing the door on opportunities that could help pay for college, like scholarships from their college. There are other sources of financial assistance available regardless of need, but most require that the student file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) first.

What Do You Need With You To Fill Out the FAFSA?

Social Security Number/Alien Registration Card/Permanent Resident Card (a student needs a Social Security Number to fill out the FAFSA; however, a student's parents do not need one for the student to complete the FAFSA)
2019 Federal Tax Return and W2
2019 untaxed income records, such as child support or veteran's non-education benefits
Information on savings, investments, business assets and farm assets (if applicable)
Mobile phone (if you have one)
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) dates of birth
Month and year of parents' marriage, divorce or separation
FSA ID (if you have one). Visit fsaid.ed.gov to create an FSA ID (You will need this before completing the FAFSA) For help with this process, call 1-800-433-3243
- Every student and at least one parent of a dependent student will need an FSA ID
- If a parent already has an FSA ID or has more than one child attending college, the parent will use the same FSA ID to sign all applications, but each child must have their own FSA ID
- Each FSA ID user must have a unique mobile phone number and/or email address

I was selected for FAFSA Verification, what does this mean?

You might be notified that you’ve been selected for verification; or your college might contact you to inform you that you’ve been selected. Verification is the process your college uses to confirm that the data reported on your FAFSA form is accurate. If you’re selected for verification, your college will request additional documentation that supports the information you reported.

Don’t assume you’re being accused of doing anything wrong. Some people are selected for verification at random; and some schools verify all students' FAFSA forms. All you need to do is provide the documentation your school asks for—and be sure to do so by the school’s deadline, or you won’t be able to get financial aid. Below is information that can help you through the process.

How Does A Student Apply For Need-Based Financial Aid?

The FAFSA is the form used to apply for need-based financial aid. The student must complete the FAFSA to apply for need-based grants, as well as for federal financial aid and other aid from colleges. Students must apply every year.
The FAFSA4caster is a tool designed to assist families to plan for education beyond high school. Students can receive an estimated Expected Family Contribution (EFC) by entering their information into FAFSA4caster, a simplified version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA4caster also provides guidance on next steps for applying for admission, applying for federal student aid, and paying for education beyond high school. A Spanish version is available.

How Can We Get Help With the FAFSA?

FAFSA - A How To Guide for High School Students
College Goal WI College Goal Wisconsin workshops are offered each Wednesday at 6pm throughout October and November. Here you will receive personalized support from financial aid experts.

Is There a Deadline to Fill Out the FAFSA By?

There is a not a formal deadline to filling out the FAFSA, you can do it anytime. However, most colleges have a "Preferred Filing Date". By completing the FAFSA by this date you are increasing your chances of receiving scholarships and aid from the colleges you are considering.

FAFSA Preferred Filing Dates for UW System Schools

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for all kinds of students! This is FREE money that you do not have to pay back. MMSD lists all local scholarships on Xello (our Academic and Career Planning Website).

1. Log into your Xello Account (through your MMSD account)

2. Select College Planning

3. Search for Scholarships

Your college of choice will also have a website devoted to scholarships - in many cases you may have to fill out the FAFSA to be considered for these. Below are a few other places to start looking for free money for your education.

Disclaimer - Do not pay money to apply for a scholarship. See your school counselor if you have questions about applying for the right scholarship for you.

Mandela Barnes and Tammy Baldwin present award to student

University of Wisconsin System Schools

University of Wisconsin System Scholarship Information

Each college within the UW System offers unique scholarships. The links below will will take you to the scholarship pages for each institution.

Wisconsin Private Colleges & Universities

Wisconsin Private College & University Scholarships / Financial Aid

Each college within the Wisconsin Private College system offers unique scholarships. The links below will will take you to the scholarship pages for each institution.

Wisconsin Technical Colleges

Loans

Loans are money that you DO have to pay back with INTEREST! Be sure you completely understand the terms and conditions of what you are signing before accepting loans. Your college's financial aid office can help you understand more about taking out loans. Filling out the FAFSA will determine if you are eligible for any loans.

College Board: Loans

Grants

A grant is money given to you typically based on financial need, usually by the government, that you don’t have to pay back. Fill out the FAFSA to find out if you’re eligible for any grants.

Work-Study

While in college, you may consider getting a job on campus. Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides the opportunity to possibly get a part-time job easier for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. So, fill out the FAFSA to find out if you’re eligible for Work Study.

Reading Your Award Letter

After completing the FAFSA the college/s applied to will send the student an award letter that details what type of aid and how much financial aid a student is eligible for at that institution. Students can accept all the aid offered or can accept only what they need in order to pay for school. Your Financial Aid Award Explained is a good resource to understand your award letter. Your school counselor can also help explain what is on your award letter. Use the Compare Your Aid Awards tool to get a side-by-side comparison of your aid awards. Read about how to compare your aid awards and analyze your results.