Cap & Gown Pick Up
Cap/gown/stole pick-up is on Tuesday, May 3rd in the cafeteria. All questions about orders should be directed to Midwest Scholastic at questions@mwscholastic.com. If you missed this date, you can pick up your cap & gown in the Ash Office.
Parchment
Seniors: It's your responsibility to send your FINAL TRANSCRIPT to your committed school via parchment.com. Counselors will not be sending these for you.
To request your final transcript, go to www.parchment.com
-To order your final transcript to be sent you can place the order anytime and then select 'Hold for Grades' in the drop down for when to send your transcript. (Your transcript will be sent once grades roll to transcripts mid-June)
-Note for Senior students with fee waivers: These expire on July 31. Please place your order for your final transcript prior to this time.
-All Senior students should make sure they use a personal email to log into their Parchment account. If you are currently using your school email address, please go to your Profile, account and add another email to this account and make your personal email the primary email. School email addresses are deactivated after graduation.
-Please note if you want to see your most current transcript in your Parchment account, you can do so by clicking on the current image of your transcript, scroll down and click update. This creates an 'unofficial self view' order which is sent to West High School and West High School will then upload your most recent transcript to your account.
Scholarships
Check out the following resources to support you in your scholarship search:
MMSD students can search for local scholarships in their Xello account. (a listing of local scholarships can be found under the "College Resources" section)
Addtional Scholarship Resources:
College Board's Scholarship Search
Students are reminded to check with individual colleges for scholarships offered directly by the college or university you plan to attend.
AP Exam Info
Click HERE for all things AP related (test schedule, cancellations/refunds, what to bring, etc.)
Check out the AP EXAM bulletin board outside of the Counseling Office, Room 2003.
Rising 12th Graders
Don't wait until the last minute to start working on your College Essay! Many students describe the essay as the most challenging part of college applications. Be sure to carve out some time this summer to brainstorm and do some pre-writing of your essay.
Need help getting started? Check out Big Future's resource for College Essay tips.
Common Application Essay Questions for 2020-22
Also, check out the College Planning Launchpad below for many resources to help you with each step of your college/post secondary planning.
An updated (Senior-focused) launchpad will be shared with you in August 2022.
All seniors will be added to the Class of 2023 Counseling Google classroom this summer.
UW HELP RESOURCES
UW SYSTEM APP DEMO
Register today for a live demonstration of the UW System Application and walk through the application as a new freshman student. Learn how to create an account, list course information, and more!- Wednesday, May 4th at 4:00 PM - Register Here
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7iTMwiC2SjCf5gyAxET0RQ
PRACTICE APPLICATION WEBSITE
If you or your students would like to practice filling out an application through the UW System Application website, please feel free to visit the Practice Application Website listed below. Please note: no applications submitted on this website will be sent over to campuses. Applications must be submitted on the real application website in order to be received by a campus.
Practice Application Website: https://practiceapp.wisconsin.edu/homepage
PREVIOUSLY RECORDED PRESENTATIONS
YouTube:
www.youtube.com/user/uwHelp
Learning Differences Virtual College Fair on May 4
The Learning Differences Virtual College Fair, sponsored by Go To College Fairs, focuses on opportunities for students with a history of IEPs, 504 plans, or therapeutic supports and accommodations. Each year, about 20 percent of graduating high school students fall into this category. It will also aid students who do not have formal accommodations, because learning differences can come in many forms.
The fair will provide attendees with information that can assist them in post-secondary transition planning. We will host a safe and engaging forum for students with learning differences and their families so they can explore the many available college options, and learn from experts on how to make the most of the college experience. The virtual college fair format allows students time to process information at their own pace.
- Learn more about what to expect in college and find some colleges that fit your needs
- Get access to virtual college booths loaded with resources, virtual educational sessions, and live representatives
- Have an ADA & WCAG compliant experience from the comfort of home
- College Matchmaking™ provides you with a shortlist of participating colleges & universities that match what YOU are looking for in a school.
Rising 11th Grade Students
Be sure to make the most of your summer! Colleges and University admission representatives tell us that work experience is very important in teaching students skills that are not taught in a high school classroom.
In addition to working, your student may want to volunteer or job shadow in a career area they are interested in. VOLUNTEER HOURS ARE REQUIRED FOR NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY AS WELL AS MANY SCHOLARSHIPS!
VolunteerYourTime (United Way of Dane Co)
Volunteer and Paid Opportunties for students in the Madison Area!
Volunteer Log (make a copy and keep this handy document to record your volunteer hours!)
METHOD TEST PREP
This ACT preparation program is offered through Xello to all MMSD students. It's FREE & students can log-in and start reviewing/practicing for the ACT test which most students start taking in the Winter or Spring of their Junior year. You can access your Xello account from the main West HS Website, scroll to the bottom. The Xello-Student link is under the blue bar. Click the link and you will be automatically connected to your Xello account.
Summer Programs
Check out these helpful resources to help you maximize your summer!
MOST (Madison Out of School Time)
Summer School
Summer School will meet Monday-Thursday from
June 20 - July 28, 2022 (no school July 4)
4 days/week
In person and Virtual Learning
Students should enroll in summer school if they are deficient in credits for the next school year or if they wish to replace a grade earned during the school year. To be “on target” toward high school graduation, students should have earned at least the following number of credits before entering their respective grade:
- 5 ½ credits before starting sophomore year
- 11 credits before starting junior year
- 15 credits before starting senior year
Parents are encouraged to look on Infinite Campus or talk with their son/daughter’s counselor if they wish to check on credit status.
Counselors have reviewed and prepared letters for students who they recommend for summer school due to credit recovery. These letters will be mailed home to families the end of April/early May.
If you would like to sign your child up for summer school, please contact your school counselor.
MMSD Summer Arts Academy: Deadline Extended!
Interested in Learning More About Different Arts Styles - Such as African Drumming, Acting, or Acrylic Painting?
With a special focus on expanding options for our middle and high students in our pilot year, MMSD Summer Arts Academy’s wide range of programming has something for everyone!
The MMSD Summer Arts Academy offers amazing learning opportunities for MMSD students in several visual and performing arts areas. In partnership with Madison Community Members, Business and Industry, and local Artists, the Academy offers robust programming in performing arts, digital music and media production, acting/drama and theater, and more. The Summer Arts Academy is FREE for Madison Metropolitan School District students, including free transportation.
Registration is EXTENDED through May, 6 for Middle and High School Students
Visit our webpage for more information and to view the Course Catalog.
Summer Internship Opportunity
An entrepreneurial internship immersion for 9th-12th graders
Want to have a fun summer while earning money?
Spend your summer getting paid, growing your resume, and refining your entrepreneurial passion! As a These Teens Mean Busine$$ Intern, work up to 144 hours alongside a local entrepreneur PLUS gain 25 hours of in-class job-readiness skills. Use your experience to put you a step ahead in your career and education aspirations.
Participants must have completed our Academy, Incubator, OR Innovation program. Students who have completed any business course at school OR participate in DECA Business Club may also apply.
Rotary Youth Exchange
Are you interested in learning about cultures, living in another country or becoming fluent in a foreign language? Rotary Youth Exchange offers opportunities for both summer and academic year youth exchange. The programs are available to students age 15-18, and very affordable (some scholarship options also exist!). Check out this website (https://www.studyabroadscholarships.org/) . Feel free to contact Madison Rotarian Janine O’Rourke (janinemorourke@gmail.com) for more info.
