college dual enrollment

In high school dual enrollment involves students being enrolled in two separate, academically related institutions. Typically a high school and a college or university. Most of the time it refers to high school students taking college courses.

Students enrolled in a high school may be dual enrolled at a local institution of higher learning, such as a community college or university. As students pass their college classes, they receive credit that may be applied toward their high school diploma and also college credit which may be applied toward their degree when they enroll in college.  

early college

Many of our students will have local options for college dual enrollment, but all of our juniors and seniors who meet academic eligibility can consider the option of Early College and the University of Northwestern, St. Paul.

Since 1902, students have come to Northwestern to learn and develop as leaders through Christ-centered, academically excellent education.   University of Northwestern (UNW) is a Christ-centered liberal arts university located in the heart of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. All members of the UNW community—students, faculty, staff—profess faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. 

which college is best for you

making a college decision 

You may already know where you want to go to college, but most students and their families are often looking at various programs for the college to attend.

The CollegeBoard, publishers of the SAT, have some excellent tools for you and good instructions on how to make this complicated process seem easier.

Use the video as needed to better acquaint the student and parents with more details about making the best college decision.

financial aid and paying for college

Now that you have made your decision about the college you want to attend use this video for helpful information about paying for your college experience. 

Along with what you learn here you will then need to find out from the college your select what financial aid may be available for their programs.  While student loans are available in many situations, the fewer student loans you consider makes life after college graduation much simpler financially. 
LEARN MORE ABOUT FAFSA
TYPES OF FEDERAL STUDENT AID
OVERVIEW OF THE PROCESS
FAFSA OVERVIEW
HOW TO FILL OUT THE FAFSA
FAFSA FORM & FSA TIPS
DETERMINING YOUR STATUS
AFTER THE FAFSA: NEXT STEPS
MY STUDENT AID MOBILE APP
RESPONSIBLE  BORROWING

THE SAT TEST

The SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. The SAT is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test created and administered by the College Board. 
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The purpose of the SAT is to measure a high school student's readiness for college, and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. 

There are two SAT sections: 
  • Math
  • Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
The SAT also includes an optional Essay section. SAT Essay scores are reported separately from overall test scores. Some colleges may require that you complete the SAT Essay. You can confirm each college's admissions policies on the school website or on the SAT school profiles.

The SAT is 3 hours long. If you choose to take the SAT with Essay, the test will be 3 hours and 50 minutes.

​Each section of the SAT is scored on a 200 to 800 point scale. Your total SAT score is the sum of your section scores. The highest possible SAT score is 1600. If you take the Essay, you will receive a separate score.
HOW THE SAT IS SCORED
WHEN TO TAKE THE SAT TEST
WHAT TO EXPECT IN MATH
WRITING AND LANGUAGE TEST 
ESSAY TEST (CURRENTLY OPTIONAL)
UNDERSTANDING YOUR SCORES

THE ACT TEST

The ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test administered by ACT, Inc.

The purpose of the ACT test is to measure a high school student's readiness for college, and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants.
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Most high school students take the ACT, SAT, or both during the spring of their junior year or fall of their senior year. It's important to leave time to re-take the test if you need to raise your score before you apply to college. The ACT exam is offered nationally every year in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July.

​There are four ACT sections:
  • English
  • Reading
  • Math
  • Science
The ACT also includes an optional 40-minute Writing Test. Some colleges may require that you complete the ACT Writing Test. You can confirm each college's admissions policies on the school website or on the ACT’s school profiles.

The ACT is 2 hours and 55 minutes long. If you choose to take the ACT with Essay, the test will be 3 hours and 35 minutes long.

Each section of the ACT is scored on a 1 to 36 point scale. Your composite ACT score is the average of your four section scores, also on a scale from 1 to 36. If you take the ACT with Writing Test, you will receive a separate score on the Writing Test.
ACT ACADEMY
ACT ACADEMY STUDENT PORTAL
UNDERSTANDING YOUR SCORES

let's get an estimate on cost

As you continue through the process of making your college decision, possibly the most critical will be assessing just what are the financial limits to attending college.

There are several college cost calculator programs that you can use.  We are providing you several to use and you may find others that are even more helpful.

VISIT COLLEGES ONLINE

Colleges, Scholarships, Campus and Online Degree Programs are a team of veteran professional educators who have developed this and other websites to make it as easy as possible for students of all ages to pursue post-secondary education. While we believe this may offer a good resource, we do recommend that each site be verified carefully.