Timeline to College
General Preparation Tips
Grades Matter: Maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher will put you on the track for college. Maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher is even better.
Get Involved: Join a club, play a sport, join a choir. Find what you are passionate about. This is the prime opportunity for you to practice your leadership skills.
Volunteer: Take the time to build your own character by helping others. These opportunities may open your eyes to your own career aspirations.
Class Selection: Take college preparatory courses. Math, Science, Social Studies, English, World Languages, Art & Music. Also, look into AP, IB or Honors opportunities. Knowledge in these core areas will prepare you for college level learning.
Sophomore Year
Take the pre-SAT: This test will help you know what to expect on the SAT. Go to http://www.collegeboard.org/ to learn more.
Maintain Your GPA: Earning a 3.0 GPA or higher will put you on the track for college. Earning a 3.5 GPA or higher is even better.
Junior Year
Visit, Visit, Visit: This is the year to start exploring. Attend visitation programs, take tours, & ask questions.
Learn what kind of campus fits you best. You can use College MatchMaker at CollegeBoard.com. This useful tool can help you get ideas about the best school matches for you.
Click here to schedule a visit to UIW.
Maintain Your GPA: Earning a 3.0 GPA or higher will put you on the track for college. Earning a 3.5 GPA or higher is even better.
Take the SAT or ACT: May/June of your Junior year is a great time to take these tests. This will allow you to complete a portion of the College Admissions process early. If you are not happy with your scores, you then allow yourself the entire summer to re-take the exam.
Senior Year
Apply for Financial Aid. www.fafsa.ed.gov