Scholarships
Seniors should check out MMSD's directory of local scholarships by logging into Xello (access via ClassLink) and clicking on "College Resources." This scholarship list is continually being updated as we find out about local scholarships. Students can also save a list of scholarships they wish to apply to and track their application progress in Xello.
West High Scholarships
West also offers a number of scholarships to graduating students. The West HS scholarship application will be shared with seniors via email on January 10th, 2024 and the deadline to apply will be February 2nd, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. The application will also be posted on the West counseling website on January 10th.
What is it? Each year, many local organizations and individuals generously provide approximately 45 scholarships for West Seniors. Each scholarship donor determines the criteria for their scholarship. The criteria vary widely, but may include one or more of the following: academic achievement, leadership, school/community service, athletic achievement, financial need, special interests/talents, personal character, or intended area of study.
Who can Apply? ALL SENIORS who have attended high school in the Madison Metropolitan School District for a minimum of three (3) full semesters. The 8th, or final, semester must be at West. West students at Early College STEM Academy are eligible to apply. In addition, seniors must complete and submit the West High Scholarship application to be considered for these scholarships.
Women In Focus Scholarship
Each year, Women In Focus, Inc. awards scholarships to deserving college-bound male and female students of color who have been selected by the WIF Scholarship Review Committee. Proceeds from the organization’s annual “I Have a Dream” Scholarship Banquet and Ball, as well as contributions from supporters are used in funding the awards.
Women In Focus, Inc. offers different types of scholarships:
- The majority of our scholarships are awarded to graduating high school students seeking to continue their education post-high school through an undergraduate degree or other post-high school degree or certification.
In November of each year, the updated application for WIF scholarships is posted on this website. Our scholarships are awarded to both men and women of color. Please check the application for requirements.
2024 Women in Focus Scholarship Application (due by Feb 1st)
Madison College Scholars of Promise
MADISON COLLEGE SCHOLARS OF PROMISE
We can help pay your college tuition!
The Scholars of Promise program provides low-income, graduating high school students an opportunity to access a college education without worrying about how to pay for it.
Program benefits include:
- Tuition Assistance: We cover tuition and fee costs that grants and scholarships do not for up to six consecutive semesters - summers excluded.
- Mentorship: Work with a mentor your first year, become a mentor your second year.
- Financial Aid Application Assistance: Dedicated support through focused application completion workshops.
- Academic Support: Academic advising and career counseling focused on SoP students.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Our newsletter helps you complete the required eight hours of service per term.
- Promise to Promise: Direct college transfer opportunities with UW-Madison's Scholars of Promise program.
UW Help Recorded Presentations on YouTube
PREVIOUSLY RECORDED PRESENTATIONS from UW HELP (the UW Systems Schools resource)
Missed a presentation? UW HELP presentations - like the Budgeting and Financial Aid and Accessibility/Disability Services webinars as well as Application Demos - are available to watch on the UW HELP YouTube channel.
YouTube:
www.youtube.com/user/uwHelp
FAFSA Soft Launch
What has happened since the 2024-2025 FAFSA launch?
The 2024–2025 FAFSA form is now available periodically as part of Federal Student Aid’s soft launch. The Department of Education has discovered minor issues affecting users during the application process that are being addressed and monitored.
What you can expect once you submit your FAFSA:
You’ll get an email confirming that the Department of Education received your FAFSA form with preliminary information related to your eligibility for federal student aid. This will include your estimated Student Aid Index (SAI) and estimated eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant. Learn more on the FAFSA website.
The Department of Education will provide your FAFSA eligibility information to the universities listed on your FAFSA and your state of residency in late January.
FAFSA Help Sessions with College Goal Wisconsin
January 8 at 6 PM, Memorial High School
January 17 at 6 PM, East High School
January 18 at 6 PM, La Follette High School
February 1 at 6 PM, BGCDC Allied Club
For the full list of virtual & in-person events, check out this flier.
ACT Information
All West Juniors will be able to take the ACT at school on March 12th, 2024. This is a Junior-only school day.
The ACT is a national college admissions test that is accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. The test covers four subject areas: English, mathematics, reading and science. The ACT + Writing test includes a 40-minute writing section.
LOOKING FOR FREE ACT/SAT TEST PREP?
ACT Academy on the ACT website also provides FREE test prep. You can sign up for an account HERE
National Honors Society
The purpose of West High’s National Honor Society is to recognize academic achievement while developing characteristics essential to citizens living in a democracy. In addition to a student’s academic record of a 3.5 grade point average, NHS values leadership skills, strong character and commitment to public service.
(Note: beginning in the 2024-25 academic year, the minimum GPA for NHS qualification will be 3.6 and the service hour requirement to apply to the NHS will be 60 hours).
In the spring of each year new members are celebrated at the Induction Ceremony. All NHS members are expected to follow the NHS honor code, the Madison Metropolitan School District’s Behavior Education Plan (BEP) and the MMSD Athletic Code. Membership in the National Honor Society is NOT AUTOMATIC and is not determined by 3.5 GPA alone.
Eligible students will receive a letter inviting them to join NHS in March 2024.
The number of service hours required to apply to NHS in 2024 is 45 hours.
Find out more about NHS at West Here
High School Science Research Internship Program
Application deadline is January 17, 2024.
The High School Research Intern Program is an exciting opportunity for students to conduct authentic scientific research alongside a mentor from a UW research lab during the summer months.
Program internships are completed over a duration of 9-11 weeks during the summer, with a commitment for approximately 20-25 hours each week. Hours and days are usually somewhat flexible within each lab setting.
Interns also participate in Seminar Sessions throughout the summer experience, where students receive support with the requirements of the program and build connections between this opportunity and their future goals.
Additional information and Application links here.
Early College STEM Academy Info Session
ECSA Application Window Opens 11/6/23 and will close 1/26/24. Please begin sharing the following with your 10th grade students:
Jan. 17th (6-7 pm)
Early College Credit Options
MMSD’s goal is for every student to graduate college, career, and community ready. Students who participate in early college credit opportunities before graduating from high school are more likely to enter, persist, and complete a post-high school program. The greatest benefit of early college credit is that students both start college better prepared and they accumulate college credits which assist in graduating college on-time or early while saving money on the overall college costs. Early college credit can take many forms.
Interested students and families are encouraged to view the program specifics as well as the required application form on the MMSD Early College Credit webpage.
Start College Now (SCN) allows high school students the opportunity to take college courses at Wisconsin Technical Colleges.
IMPORTANT DEADLINE: Students looking to take courses in the fall semester should turn in the application to their counselor by March 1.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
The Early College Credit Program (ECCP) allows high school students the opportunity to take college courses at Wisconsin public (University of Wisconsin) and private universities.
IMPORTANT DEADLINE: Students looking to take coursework over the summer term should submit their application to their counselor by February 1.
IMPORTANT DEADLINE: Students looking to take courses in the fall semester should turn in the application to their counselor by March 1.
AP Exam Information
Reminder: Deadline to submit the balance of fees is February 23, 2024
Visit http://aptsusa.com/mmsd for more information.
2024-25 Course Selection
Beginning the week of January 16th, students in grades 9-11 will hear course selection presentations from school counselors and receive their course card.
Students will talk with teachers, guardians and counselors and make their course selections. Completed course cards are due two weeks following the presentation so that students can input their course requests into Infinite Campus with their class during the week of January 29.
All course requests must be entered by Feb. 9th, 2024.
Grade level specific information will be emailed to students and families the week of Jan 16th.
Careful course selection is required to help adequately plan for allocation and staffing needs.
Semester 2 Schedule Change Deadline
Students have through the first week of the new semester to request a schedule change with their counselor. Requests must be made via the Google Form (live on Jan 29th). Do not email your counselor with your request. After Friday, February 2nd, students will not be allowed to start in a new class.
Students may drop a course for a study hall through the 7th week of the semester.
8th grade Parent Night
January 22, 2024 - 8th Grade Parent Info Night, 7:00 PM
In-Person at West in the Stevens Gym
Topics include transition to West, the course selection process, and 9th grade course offerings.
This information is for incoming/prospective Parents & Students transitioning from 8th to 9th grade.
