Here at the Darlington High School Counseling Office we provide information and help students make important decisions about their future. We are here to help students, parents, former students, or any community members. If you have questions in any area or areas, please call or stop in and we will assist you in any way that we can. For more information visit the Darlington High School Counseling Office.
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- Patti Taylor
- DHS Guidance Secretary
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Email
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- Tom Uppena
- DHS Guidance Counselor
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Email
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This is it! Your final year of high school! Also, your busiest.
A little advice from the Counseling office - Start a binder or a folder to help organize paperwork you receive throughout the year.
College Applications & Information
Keep copies of everything you submit & receive!
Test scores (ACT, SAT)
- Transcripts
- Senior year course information
- Scholarship Applications & Information
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal Statement copies
- A calendar of important dates.
- Senior Newsletters and other hand outs.
Job shadowing is an important part of the career exploration process. What better way to learn about a profession than to visit a place of employment and ask questions firsthand? The best part about a job shadow is that a student usually comes away from this experience with a strong feeling of whether or not that was an appropriate career choice for them. Either way, it is a beneficial experience. These must be pre-approved by Mr. Uppena at least one week in advance.
The following requirements must be met to go on a job shadow.
- Student can not be on the concerns list
- Student can not have any detentions to serve
- Student must have approval from all effected teachers to attend
- Student will not miss any extra-curricular activities or practices, unless approved by the coach/advisor
- Student must provide proof of visit - set up by counselor, Call from parent, call from job shadow supervisor. (Forms are available from Mr. Uppena)
Seniors get one excused visit per semester and that day does not count against your attendance. However, news of students not showing up for their scheduled visit will endanger this opportunity. DON'T ABUSE!!!
One of the best ways for a student and his/her parents to determine if a college is a good choice is to visit the campus. In addition to providing the opportunity to meet the admission personnel, campus visits allow a student to see the campus via a guided tour. Students can also make arrangements to meet with faculty, coaches or other university staff by prearranged appointments.
Campus Preview Days or Close-Ups offer a more extensive agenda. These programs are typically half-day events that feature informational sessions with faculty, student service representatives and current students.
Scheduling early is key when arranging a campus visit or making plans to attend a preview day. Students should schedule with the campus at least one to two weeks in advance of the date they wish to visit. The reservations for some tour and preview days fill quickly, especially on teacher convention days, so it is important to plan ahead.
You can find Preview Day and tour information on the websites of the individual colleges. You can also call the admissions offices of the campuses.
Campus visits are excused, only if preapproved and arranged, one week in advance by the Counseling Office. These must be pre-approved by Mr. Uppena at least one week in advance. The following requirements must be met to go on a job shadow.
- Student can not on the concerns list.
- Student can not have any detentions to serve.
- Student must have approval from all effected teachers to attend.
- Student will not miss any extra-curricular activities or practices, unless approved by the coach/adviser.
- Student must provide proof of visit - set up by counselor, Call from parent, call from job shadow supervisor. (Forms are available from Mr. Uppena) Seniors get one excused visit per semester and that day does not count against your attendance. However, news of students not showing up for their scheduled visit will endanger this opportunity. DON'T ABUSE!!!
Go off the beaten path. College tours are naturally designed to show you the best side of a campus. You should see the rest of the school. Have a soda in the student union. If you are comfortable approaching strangers, ask them a few questions about their experiences.
If possible, go to a freshmen class. This will give you the best idea of what's ahead. Are all classes for freshmen held in huge lecture halls? Do professors teach undergraduates, or are most classes taught by graduate assistants? How easy is it to schedule classes in your proposed major? These academic concerns should be at the top of your list when you make a college choice.
See if you can spend a night in a dorm. Many colleges allow prospective students to spend a night on campus. Ask a friend who goes to the school, if you know anyone. Otherwise, the admissions office may be able to arrange an overnight.
Trust your instincts. That's the advice of a student who went through the college application process. "Sometimes you can't exactly put into words why you don't think a college is right for you," she says, "but you should pay attention to those feelings."
Ask Questions:
- What activities and services are available to help students get settled (academically and socially) during their first year?
- How big are the classes?
- How easy is it to meet with faculty?
- What is the total cost of attending the college?
- What types of financial aid does the college offer and how do I apply?
- Are all freshmen assigned to an academic advisor?
- Where do most freshmen live?
- Can I take a tour?
- What activities are available for students?
- Who teaches the courses for first-year students?
- How successful are the college's graduates in finding jobs?
- What services (such as transportation and shopping) are available locally?
- What is there to do on weekends? Do most students stay on campus or leave on weekends?
"Long Shot" Scholarships
If you are interested in "long shot" opportunities, check with the Counseling Office. These could be completed in November and December. In all honesty, those that have been successful at getting a "long shot" scholarship in the past have been top students (10%).
Institution of Higher Learning Scholarships
Check into scholarships at the colleges you have applied to. Most colleges offer some form of scholarships. Many have scholarship opportunities for incoming freshmen. Many are based on academic merit; some are based on athletic ability, leadership, drama, art, music, etc. Often times your field of study will determine your eligibility to apply. Private schools typically offer a great deal more money - keep in mind that the cost of tuition is also higher at a private school.
Local Scholarships
Many clubs, organizations, and other groups have scholarships available. Some of these have very specific requirements such as field of study or participation in a certain activity. Local scholarships are posted in January on the Counseling Office website with various March & April deadlines.
Parents Places of Employment
Unions and professional organizations may possibly offer scholarships
TIPS FOR FILLING OUT SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
- Type the application. Or print your application neatly and legibly - always in black ink.
- Proofread for grammar, spelling, etc. Remember that this is a reflection of yourself and this may be the only way a selection committee formulates an impression of you. Ask a friend, teacher, or parent to proofread it as well.
- Do not write on the back of the page when writing essays. Use an additional sheet of paper if necessary.
- Complete the application in full. If a question does not apply, note that on the application. Make sure you (and your parent) sign the application, if necessary.
- Write an essay that makes a strong impression. Be personal and specific. Include concrete details to make your experience come alive.
- Be prompt when submitting an application. Applications that are handed in past the due date will not be accepted.
- Do not hesitate to try for scholarships that you are eligible for - lots of them too! At the local level, someone is going to be awarded the money.
- Remember to include on the application all co-curricular activities (sports, clubs, jobs, etc.) and any type of volunteer work. You should have a resume listing all of your activities and awards available as you do each scholarship application.
- Ask for help if you need it. Don't hesitate to call the sponsoring organization or get help from the Counseling Office.
- Keep a back-up file in case anything goes wrong. Applications take time and thought to fill out the first time.
Don't get scammed when it comes to scholarships
six warning signs
- This scholarship is guaranteed or your money back
- The Scholarship will cost you some money
- You can't get this information anywhere else
- May I have your credit card number or bank account number to hold this scholarship
- We do all the work
- You've been selected by a 'national foundation' to receive a scholarship or You're a finalist in a contest (that you didn't enter)
National Fraud Information Center 1-877-382-4357
SCHOLARSHIP SITES
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The National Honor Society (NHS) is a nationwide organization for high school students in the United States and outlying territories, which consists of many chapters in high schools. Selection is based on four criteria: scholarship (academic achievement), leadership, service and character. The National Honor Society requires some sort of service to the community, school, or other organizations. The time spent working on these projects contributes towards the monthly service hour requirement. The National Honor Society was founded in 1921 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The Alpha chapter of NHS was founded at Fifth Avenue School by Principal Edward S. Rynearson in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
National Honor Society groups are commonly active in community service activities both in the community and at the school. Many chapters maintain a requirement for participation in such service activities.
This National Honor Society information sheet will be used by the selection committee to determine if you meet the 4 standards of the National Honor Society: service, character, leadership, and scholarship. It is, therefore, your responsibility to answer the following questions clearly and accurately. Use a separate sheet of paper if necessary. Please write neatly or type. The application is located on the public file in the NHS folder Public/NHS/Application.doc.
Your Grades are Important to maintain!
Counselor Update Spring 2007(A newsletter from the University of Wisconsin Admissions Office)
Our admission letter, counselors, publications, and Web site all say the same thing regarding senior year expectations:
Your admissions was based on our evaluation of a number of factors, including your reported senior year course work and predicted continued academic success. It is very important that you successfully complete the course work entered on your application. Any change in your curriculum could affect your admissions status, and declining grades may be cause for revoking admission."
This isn't just something we say to scare students. We say it because we mean it. Each May, we send a list of enrolling students to their respective high schools and ask for the final transcripts to be sent. We also ask the counselor to include additional information if they are aware of the student whose academic performance declined during their senior year.
When we receive the transcripts, a committee of admissions counselors reviews each file for consistent and satisfactory performance. The committee then 1) sustains the admissions decision, 2) sends a "letter of concern" to the student, or 3) revokes admissions.
We sent numerous letters of concern last year, and did revoke admission for several students. That's a hard call to make, but one that is warranted if a student fails to perform academically throughout their senior year.
College Application Process
Apply as soon as possible to get into the school of your choice!
- Application - Paper applications can be obtained in the Counseling Office. Fill out the application neatly in INK. Applications for the UW System can be completed online at https://apply.wisconsin.edu You will still need to bring the electronically produced counselor form for the UW applications to Mr. Uppena.
- Application Fee - ($30/each Vo-Tech, $50/each UW System, $0.00-$50.00/each for Private Schools) Pay by credit card online.
- Transcript Release Form - Pick up your release form in the Counseling Office. Complete the form (including a parent's or legal guardian's signature if the student is not age 18) and return it to the Counseling Office.
- ACT Test Scores - Four Year Universities (and some Technical Colleges) will need your ACT scores. If you did not list them on your ACT test application, you can request them at www.actstudent.org there is an $12.00 fee for each score requested.
- Letter or Recommendation - If you are requesting a letter or recommendation from a teacher, counselor, coach, and/or employer:
- Request the letter at least one week in advance if not sooner.
- Give them a copy of your personal information (offices held, clubs & sports your involved in).
Follow through with college acceptance/denied letters. They will inform you what else needs to be done. Also, let Mr. Uppena or Patti know when and where you are getting accepted. If you need to meet and look at other alternatives, let him know.
4 Year Universities
- Bachelors Degree
- Graduate School ~ Master's Degree (approximately 6 years), Doctorate Degree (approximately 8 years)
Be aware of college prep requirements and admission requirements.
What if I don't meet 4 year college admission requirements?
You can transfer to a 4-year campus via 2-year campuses such as the UW-colleges or through Liberal Arts transfer programs offered at some Wisconsin Technical Colleges.
Technical Schools
- Associate Degree (2 years)
- 2 year technical diploma
- 1 year technical diploma
- Less than 1 year programs or certificate programs
Apprenticeship/On the job training
- Many careers can be obtained without a college education and many on the job training programs are the best choice for some students in certain career areas.
- Need to plan ahead so this is possible during high school.
The transition from high school to post-secondary education can be exciting but also intimidating. Mr. Uppena is available to answer your questions and help you throughout the process.
The following website can help you gather information about colleges.
See Mr. Uppena if you need more information or have any questions.
colleges.com
Most colleges and universities in Wisconsin are incorporating online degree programs, with 22 that offer at least one Bachelor’s degree online. Knowing that students and families are faced with trying to figure out the best option for them, we created and focused our site and its resources to provide an investigative review of the online education landscape and to critically evaluate the increasingly-popular online college rankings that are being touted on the internet.
College preparatory or a “college prep” program is made up of four core studies: English, math, social studies/history, and natural science. These are the foundation of your success in college.
Now, all UW System schools require you to complete at least 13 credits in the core subjects, plus four credits in subjects you choose (foreign language, art, music, or computer science). Technical and career courses may also be accepted for a portion of your elective credits.
A great deal of planning should accompany the selection of courses each year. At times it is even necessary to consider more then one year at a time so that a sequence of courses can be planned. The following are several points to keep in mind.
COLLEGE BOUND
Colleges have been changing admission requirements a great deal in recent years. Be careful to check specific entrance requirements for each school you consider. Anyone even remotely considering a four-year program should take the ACT test as a junior and be aware the following are typical of most college entrance requirements:
- Science - 3 credits minimum including Laboratory Science (Chemistry, Biology or Physics) (UW-Madison & UW-La Crosse require 4)
- Mathematics - 3 credits minimum including Algebra, Geometry and Higher Math (UW-Madison & UW-La Crosse require 4)
- Social Science - 3 credits minimum including History (UW-Madison & UW-La Crosse require 4)
- English - 4 credits minimum (including Composition & Literature)
- Foreign Language - 3-4 credits is strongly advised, and is required by some universities (UW-Madison & UW-La Crosse require 3)
- Additional Academic Courses - 4 credits from the above areas, foreign language, fine arts, compute science, or other areas
Check specific University or College catalogs because requirements vary.
A DHS student must be careful to obtain the total number of "ACADEMIC" credits needed for college admission since our high school requires only 13. All U.W. System Institutions require 17 credits.
- Math - Colleges will not accept Personal Finance as a credit towards entrance requirements. Most schools require Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. Schools requiring 3 credits of math often recommend that one of the courses be taken in the Senior year. Be sure to check admission requirements for schools you are interested in attending.
- Science - Physical Science and Biology, and either Chemistry/Physics are required. Those in the health professions should definitely consider Chemistry 1, Chemistry 2, Physics, and Anatomy & Physiology. This can provide the strong science background needed for certain majors.
- Foreign Language - Some colleges require two years of foreign language for admission while other colleges require two years of foreign language for graduation from college. It is possible to obtain college credit/foreign language waiver for high school foreign language. (UW-Madison and UW-Eau Claire requires 2 years of Foreign Language for admission.)
- English - The English department has indicated the following options should be considered: REQUIRED: English 9/English Skills, Speech, English 10/ English Skills 10, English 11/English Skills 11. ELECTIVES: AP English*, Drama*, Contemporary Literature, Creative Writing*, if recommended, and Reader's Theater.
- VOCATIONAL ORIENTED - Basically there are fewer entrance requirements for vocational or technical schools due to the specialized programs. There are often helpful high school courses students should consider. In some of the technical areas and the health programs, Algebra and Chemistry may be necessary. The technical college catalogs in the Guidance Office should be consulted regarding recommended and required courses. Reading, writing, and oral communication skills are needed in all programs.
NOTE: Many technical programs are beginning to require students take an ACT test. The Associate Degree in Nursing and Dental Hygienist programs at MATC are two examples.
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