Applying for College
Applying for College
Most colleges open their admissions applications in the fall of the student's senior year. Start by visiting the website of the schools of interest, and review entrance requirements and deadlines. If you are applying to a selective college, prepare early. Some colleges have Early Action or Early Decision deadlines as soon as mid-October. Additionally, some technical college programs can fill quickly and establish waitlists, so applying as early as possible is strongly recommended. |
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Four-year colleges and universities want students to have both a broad-based education, and education in a specific subject area or major. In order to ensure that a student receives a well-rounded education, most four-year colleges/universities require that students take 25-50% of their classes in general education courses like English, math, science, and social studies. Many of the general courses are taken during freshman year, therefore, "undecided" students can use their first year of college to fulfill general education requirements and to decide on a major. Admission requirements vary greatly. Regardless of the entrance requirements, most universities will be looking at high school preparatory coursework and other factors that show the applicant will be successful on their campus.
Helpful Four-Year College/University Links:
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Chippewa Falls Senior High School participates in Direct Admit, which offers students early admission to participating Universities of Wisconsin campuses. Academic records of students who opt in are sent to Direct Admit at the end of their junior year. Admission offers arrive over the summer. Students then complete the Direct Admit Form (by May 1 of their senior year) to notify colleges that they are interested and want to learn more. There is no traditional application, essay, or application fee required.
Direct Admit Wisconsin
Participating Universities
Direct Admit Form -
Technical colleges provide affordable, career-oriented programs, which enable students to begin their careers after only one or two years of college. Technical colleges also offer short-term training in a wide variety of career fields. Many technical college programs are open access; meaning no entrance exams or scores are required for admission. However, some programs have GPA and/or ACT score requirements. Additionally, some programs may have specific coursework requirements. Be sure to check the technical college website for more detailed information.
Helpful Technical College Links:
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The Wisconsin Guarantee offers admission to the University of Wisconsin - Madison for first year applicants who rank in the top 5% of their class at the end of their junior year. It also guarantees admission to all other Universities of Wisconsin campuses for students in the top 10% of their class. Students must also complete the required courses for admission.
Unlike Direct Admit, students must submit an application by the university’s deadline. Those applying to UW-Madison with the Wisconsin Guarantee, must submit an application by the Early Action Deadline (Nov. 1).
The implementation of the Wisconsin Guarantee led to updated minimum course requirements. Even with these revised guidelines, students are strongly encouraged to take rigorous coursework that prepares them for a competitive college environment.
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The UW-System has two-year branch campuses located throughout the state. These colleges have more open admission requirements, lower tuition, and guaranteed transfer options. Two-year colleges offer smaller classes, more personalized attention, and are less competitive. Two-year branch campuses (i.e. UW-EC Barron County) typically require the same high school preparatory coursework as the four-year schools, however, admission is more flexible.
Helpful Two-Year College Links:
- UW-Help Application Guide (includes deadlines, essay prompts and tips, etc.)
- UW-Help Website
- UW-Eau Claire - Barron County
- Entrance Requirements
- How to Send your Transcript and Test Scores