During Your Senior Year

September-December: 

• Make an appointment to see your counselor to review your credits and post-secondary plans. 
• If needed, see teachers about recommendations.
• Visit post-secondary institutions
• Meet with college admission representatives during their visit to MHS, see schedule of visits on Maia 
• Determine whether you need to submit a test score as part of your application. Each college has their own testing policy – do you research!
• Re-take the ACT or SAT if you plan to include test scores in your application, for many colleges, taking the October exam is an option for the early deadlines 
• Check out scholarship opportunities on Maia
• Complete the FAFSA if you plan to apply for need-based financial aid, the application opens in October
• Complete the CSS Profile (financial aid) form if your college choices require it.
• Check application deadlines and meet those deadlines.
• Request your transcript-in advance-to be sent to the colleges you are applying to in Maia (this will include letters of recommendation) and allow enough time for processing (at least one week), requests are date-stamped and handled on a first come, first served basis 
• See your counselor, or the post-secondary counselor, with any questions you may have about the application process

January-February: 

• See your counselor, or the post-secondary counselor, with any questions you may have about the application process
• Submit any additional applications
• Request mid-year grade reports be sent to colleges
• Stay focused on your academic work while you wait for acceptance letters

March-June: 

• Make final campus visits if needed
• Send in confirmation and the housing deposit
• Notify colleges of your decision to attend or not attend by May 1
• Notify your counselor of your plans and update admissions decisions in Maia 
• Request that your final transcript and verification of graduation be sent to the college you plan to attend
• Finish the year strong!

Подача заяв до коледжів: як це зробити

There are three types of college applications: (1) the Common Application, better known as the Common App, (2) the Coalition Application, and (3) a college’s proprietary application. There are over 1,100 colleges that accept the Common App, but some colleges only have their own application and do not accept the Common App; Minnesota State University Mankato, MIT, Grand Canyon, just to name a few. If you are not sure which application to use, ask your counselor!

Common App

• Application Guide
• Completing the Education Section
• Completing the Activities Section
• Essay Prompts

Maia Learning

• Add Colleges I Am Applying to in Maia Learning
• Request a Transcript
• Requesting Teacher Letters of Recommendation
• Completing the FERPA Authorization and linking your Common App to Maia Learning

ЗІРКИ

• Система самооцінки успішності та академічних досягнень (STARS)
• List of Colleges Supporting STARS plus details

Програма прямого вступу

• Як це зробити: Програма прямого вступу до університетів штату Міннесота
• Центр для студентів, що вступають безпосередньо

Події та презентації

Віртуальні заходи

• Tuesday, September 8: Senior Parent Night, 7:00 PM, Virtual
• Tuesday, September 15: Ask the Experts: Business School Admissions Information Session and Panel, Three Colleges Share Tips and Advice: Indiana University, Miami Ohio, University of Minnesota, 7:00 PM, Virtual
• Tuesday, September 22: Testing 101 at MHS, 7:00 PM, Virtual
• Monday, September 28: Liberal Arts Advantage: Why Choose a Liberal Arts College? 7:00 PM, Virtual
• Tuesday, October 13: Ask the Experts: Engineering Admissions Information Session and Panel, Three Colleges Share Tips and Advice: University of Colorado, Boulder; University of Minnesota; Purdue University, 7:00 PM, Virtual
• Monday, October 19: Understanding College Financial Aid, 7:00 PM, Virtual
• Tuesday, October 27, Navigating the University of California Application, 7PM, Virtual
• Monday, March 15: Understanding your Financial Aid Award, 7:00 PM, Virtual

Очні заходи

• Thursday, September 17: Jesuit Education Tour (JET) College Fair, 7:00 - 8:00 AM, MHS Commons
• NACAC National College Fair Minnesota, a two-day, three-session annual fair that hosts over 300 colleges. Monday, October 5, 9:00 AM - noon, 5:30 - 7:30 PM & Tuesday, October 6, 9:00 AM-noon.  The fair is located at the Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis. Buses are available for the evening session on Monday and will depart from MHS at 4:45 PM.
• Wednesday, October 14: Application and Essay Workshops, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM, MCE Building
• Monday, October 26: FAFSA Completion Event, 7:00 PM, MHS Forum
• Monday, November 9: Skilled Trades and Aviation Career Exploration and Post Secondary/Employment Fair, 6:30 PM, VANMO Building
• Tuesday, January 26: 2027 Gap Year Fair, 6:00 - 8:00 PM MHS Commons
• Monday, February 22: College Fair, MHS, 6:00-7:30 PM
• Monday, March 22: Military Night, MHS, 7:00 PM

By the end of Junior Year

• Identify and investigate post-secondary options aligned to your goals
• Research tuition and scholarship options
• Visit post-secondary institutions
• Do you need letters of recommendation for your college applications? 
• Take at least one college entrance exam (ACT or SAT)
• Compare current GPA, academic and career indicators with post-school goals
• Continue to explore course options aligned to specific areas of interest/career path
• Update and review your resume
• Explore volunteer, summer internship, enrichment and part-time job opportunities
• Register carefully for your senior year courses, making sure that you will have the necessary preparation requirements for college
• If you are considering ROTC or a service academy, contact the appropriate persons so that you are doing the preliminary parts of the application 
• Submit the NCAA Eligibility Center form if you plan to participate in a sport in college
• Visit with college admission reps in person at Minnetonka HS
• Sign on to Maia and prepare a plan
• Check out scholarship opportunities 

Події та презентації

Віртуальні заходи

• Tuesday, September 15: Ask the Experts: Business School Admissions Information Session and Panel, Three Colleges Share Tips and Advice: Indiana University, Miami Ohio, University of Minnesota, 7:00 PM, Virtual
• Tuesday, September 22: Testing 101, 7:00 PM, Virtual
• Sunday, September 27: Understanding the ACT & SAT: What You Need to Know, 7:00 PM, Virtual
• Monday, September 28: Liberal Arts Advantage: Why Choose a Liberal Arts College? 7:00 PM, Virtual
• Tuesday, October 13: Ask the Experts: Engineering Admissions Information Session and Panel, Three Colleges Share Tips and Advice: University of Colorado, Boulder; University of Minnesota; Purdue University, 7:00 PM, Virtual
• Monday, October 19: Understanding College Financial Aid, 7:00 PM, Virtual
• Tuesday, October 27, Navigating the University of California Application, 7PM, Virtual
• Monday, January 11: Junior Parent Night, 7:00 PM, Virtual
• Monday, February 1: Small, Medium or Large: What are the differences? What student and academic life looks like, along with key points to consider during the college search, 7:00 PM, Virtual

Очні заходи

• Thursday, September 17: Jesuit Education Tour (JET) College Fair, 7:00 - 8:00 AM, MHS Commons
• NACAC National College Fair Minnesota, a two-day, three-session annual fair that hosts over 300 colleges. Monday, October 5, 9:00 AM - noon, 5:30 - 7:30 PM & Tuesday, October 6, 9:00 AM-noon.  The fair is located at the Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis. Buses are available for the evening session on Monday and will depart from MHS at 4:45 PM.
• Monday, November 9: Skilled Trades and Aviation Career Exploration and Post Secondary/Employment Fair, 6:30 PM, VANMO Building
• Tuesday, January 26: 2027 Gap Year Fair, 6:00 - 8:00 PM MHS Commons
• Monday, February 22: College Fair, MHS, 6:00-7:30 PM
• Monday, March 22: Military Night, 7:00 PM, MHS

By the end of Sophomore Year

• Create a resume of your activities, experiences and honors; identify ways to further explore areas of interest
• Research specific jobs and careers
• Continue to evaluate and align future course selections to your areas of interest
• Explore how to prepare for AP or early college credit options to pursue
• Use your Maia account to begin exploring career and educational options
• Look for opportunities to connect with colleges, either thru campus visits, virtual and in-person information sessions and college rep visits at MHS

Події та презентації

Віртуальні заходи

• Tuesday, September 15: Ask the Experts: Business School Admissions Information Session and Panel, Three Colleges Share Tips and Advice: Indiana University, Miami Ohio, University of Minnesota, 7:00 PM, Virtual
• Tuesday, September 22: Testing 101 at MHS, 7:00 PM, Virtual
• Sunday, September 27: Understanding the ACT & SAT: What You Need to Know, 7:00 PM, Virtual
• Monday, September 28: Liberal Arts Advantage: Why Choose a Liberal Arts College? 7:00 PM, Virtual
• Tuesday, October 13: Ask the Experts: Engineering Admissions Information Session and Panel, Three Colleges Share Tips and Advice: University of Colorado, Boulder; University of Minnesota; Purdue University, 7:00 PM, Virtual
• Monday, October 19: Understanding College Financial Aid, 7:00 PM, Virtual
• Tuesday, October 27, Navigating the University of California Application, 7 PM, Virtual
• Monday, February 1: Small, Medium or Large: What are the differences? What student and academic life looks like, along with key points to consider during the college search, 7:00 PM, Virtual
• Monday, May 10: Sophomore Parent Night, 7:00 PM, Virtual

Очні заходи

• Thursday, September 17: Jesuit Education Tour (JET) College Fair, 7:00 - 8:00 AM, MHS Commons
• NACAC National College Fair Minnesota, a two-day, three-session annual fair that hosts over 300 colleges. Monday, October 5, 9:00 AM - noon, 5:30 - 7:30 PM & Tuesday, October 6, 9:00 AM-noon.  The fair is located at the Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis. Buses are available for the evening session on Monday and will depart from MHS at 4:45 PM.
• Monday, November 9: Skilled Trades and Aviation Career Exploration and Post Secondary/Employment Fair, 6:30 PM, VANMO Building
• Tuesday, January 26: Gap Year Fair, 6:00-8:00 PM, MHS Commons
• Monday, February 22: College Fair, MHS 6:00-7:30 PM
• Monday, March 22: Military Night, 7:00 PM, MHS

By the end of Freshman Year:

• Identify clubs and activities that aligned to your areas of interest
• Investigate and consider volunteer, summer internship, enrichment and part-time job
• opportunities
• Explore coursework that can align to specific areas of interest/career path.
• Talk with your counselor about the relationship between your high school coursework and
• grades to post-high school plans

Події та презентації

Віртуальні заходи

• Tuesday, September 22: Testing 101, 7:00 PM, Virtual

Очні заходи

• Thursday, September 17: Jesuit Education Tour (JET) College Fair, 7:00 - 8:00 AM, MHS Commons
• NACAC National College Fair Minnesota, a two-day, three-session annual fair that hosts over 300 colleges. Monday, October 5, 9:00 AM - noon, 5:30 - 7:30 PM & Tuesday, October 6, 9:00 AM-noon.  The fair is located at the Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis. Buses are available for the evening session on Monday and will depart from MHS at 4:45 PM.
• Monday, November 9: Skilled Trades and Aviation Career Exploration and Post Secondary/Employment Fair, 6:30 PM, VANMO Building
• Monday, February 22: College Fair, MHS 6:00-7:30 PM
• Monday, March 22: Military Night, 7:00 PM, MHS

The College & Career Center schedule is available in Maia. Visits will mostly be in-person in the College and Career Center with a few colleges offering a virtual session. You must sign up for the visits in Maia to receive a HUB pass.

How do I make an appointment? 

Do you want to make an appointment to visit the Counseling Office?
Stop by or schedule online. 

Need to make a appointment with the College and Career Counselor?
Stop into the CCC or schedule online.
Monday-Friday: 7:45 a.m.-3 p.m.

Maia is a K-12 college and career-readiness platform that engages students in planning for their future. It lets students develop profiles, explore careers that fit those profiles, and build academic, college, and career plans. It helps you manage college applications and build portfolios.

Огляд

Maia Overview Presentation for Families

How to get connected:

Student and Parent/Guardian: Log in through the MY SSO Click on MaiaLearning. If you are unable to connect, please email the family.helpdesk@minnetonkaschools.org and include the following information:

• Ім'я студента
• Оцінка учня
• Ім'я батька/матері
• Електронна адреса батьків

What will you find on Maia?

• College Visit Schedule
• Learn about your interests and strengths
• Explore college and career options based on your interests
• Build digital portfolios and career plans
• Research colleges and universities
• Manage recommendation and transcript requests
• Scholarship Search
• Розсіяні діаграми — графічне відображення результатів роботи програми

Who are you and how do you learn best?

• Explore your interests and strengths-what do you enjoy and don’t enjoy in high school. What roles and accomplishments do you feel most proud of. These may help guide you.
• Research career paths that match your interests and strengths--Use this research to create a list of careers that match your strengths, experiences, and futures you might imagine.
• Leverage your network- look to your friends, family, neighbors, and teachers to get connected with professionals for job shadow opportunities and conduct informational interviews.
• Discover potential programs – research, visit, ask questions. Ask if there is flexibility to switch programs.

Додаткові матеріали

• Програма «Інформація про кар’єру» від ASVAB
• Кар'єрний довідник консорціуму «Хеннепін Вест»
• Мої спеціальності
• Мій наступний крок
• Програма O*NET 
• Довідник з професійних перспектив
• Нація автоподорожей

2026-27

Testing 101: A Parent Guide to Testing at Minnetonka High School
Watch the Presentation

Ask the Experts: Business School Admissions Information Session and Panel: Three Colleges Share Tips and Advice: Indiana University, Miami Ohio, & University of Minnesota
Presented by U Chicago
Watch the Presentation

2025–2026

Поради щодо написання есе для вступу до коледжу
Підготовлено Чиказьким університетом
Переглянути презентацію

Розгляд заяв — престижні вищі навчальні заклади
Презентація Бостонського коледжу
Переглянути презентацію
Слайди

Фінансова допомога для студентів коледжів
Презентація від коледжу Макалестер
Переглянути презентацію

Орієнтування в системах підтримки студентів з особливостями розвитку
Переглянути презентацію

Публічна панельна дискусія за участю провідних університетів
Переглянути презентацію

Що потрібно знати про ACT та SAT
Переглянути презентацію

Як розібратися у пропозиціях щодо фінансової допомоги
Переглянути презентацію

Від UCAS до університету: Подача заявки до Великобританії
Переглянути презентацію

2024–2025

Поради щодо вступу до престижних вищих навчальних закладів
Переглянути презентацію

Подача заяв до коледжів та університетів Великої Британії — 1 жовтня 2024 року
Презентація про Ексетер і Дарем у США (PDF)
Переглянути презентацію

Дискусія випускників 2024 року
Переглянути презентацію

Поради щодо написання вступного есе
Перегляньте презентацію

Вечір для батьків учнів молодших класів
Переглянути презентацію

Орієнтування в системах підтримки студентів з інвалідністю у вищих навчальних закладах
Переглянути презентацію

Публічна панельна дискусія про провідні коледжі
Переглянути презентацію

Що таке фінансова допомога для студентів
Переглянути презентацію

Як розібратися в листі про надання стипендії та фінансової допомоги від коледжу
Переглянути презентацію

Будь ласка, відвідайте веб-сторінку «Академічні довідки», щоб дізнатися більше про те, як переглянути неофіційні довідки або замовити завірені довідки.

Наведені нижче оголошення про вакансії не пов’язані зі школами Міннетонки. Ці пропозиції розміщуються тут з метою надання допомоги місцевим студентам та підприємствам. Студенти самостійно подають свої заявки потенційним роботодавцям.

Роботодавцям, які бажають розмістити оголошення про вакансії, слід заповнити цю форму. 

Актуальні вакансії

Натисніть на посилання нижче, щоб дізнатися більше про кожну вакансію та про те, як подати заявку.

• Парк розваг — харчування, озеленення, ігри, рятувальники
• Система парків округу — вакансії в рамках програми стажування «Pathways», вакансії з технічного обслуговування, рятувальники, садівники
• Система парків округу (Чанхассен/Часка) — обслуговування автодоріг, обслуговування парків
• Місто Міннетонка — помічник у відділі комунального господарства, помічник у програмі парків, інструктор з плавання, рятувальник
• Місто Міннетонка — Молодіжна консультативна рада
• Місто Чанхассен — тренер спортивного центру — неповна зайнятість (14+ годин)
• Денна програма/Громадська програма — вожаті табору
• Школа плавання «Goldfish» — інструктори з плавання (від 14 років) та рятувальники (від 15 років)
• Магазин будівельних матеріалів у Міннетонк — підтримка роздрібної торгівлі
• Охорона здоров’я та громада — вакансії в молодіжній консультативній раді Sunshine Stop (без оплати)
• KE Camps (Bearpath Golf & Country Club) — керівник табору, вихователь
• KE Camps (Woodhill Country Club) — керівник табору, вихователь
• Громадська освітня програма міста Міннетонка — баскетбольні судді, робота на півставки
• Шкільний округ Міннетонка — помічники в програмі «Експлорерс» (сезонні та цілорічні)
• Лікарня «Парк Ніколетт/Методист» — літній помічник у лікарні (без оплати)
• Центр дозвілля «Pagel» — керівник кіоску з продажу закусок
• Викладач фортепіано — неповний робочий день, група «Перші кроки у фортепіано»
• Райлі, Пургаторі, Блафф-Крік — стажування (відбір проб води, геодезичні роботи, інспектування будівельних робіт) (без оплати)
• Ресурс допомоги літнім людям у догляді за будинком та присадибною ділянкою — підстригання газону, допомога в догляді за ландшафтом
• Католицька школа Святого Івана Хрестителя — помічник у групі продовженого дня
• State Fair - Roon's Savories - Part-time and Full-time Opportunities
• Державна ярмарка — тако «Сан-Феліпе», кореневе пиво «Red Barn», «Galaxy of Drinks»
• Ресурс з питань психічного здоров’я молоді — вакансії в молодіжній консультативній раді (без оплати)

Майте на увазі: якщо ви подаєте документи до чотирирічних коледжів, найзначніші стипендії зазвичай надаються безпосередньо самими коледжами. Обов’язково ознайомтеся з можливостями отримання стипендій та фінансової допомоги в кожному коледжі, який вас цікавить.

Using Maia to Find Scholarships

You may view Scholarship Information in Maia. If you have questions, please reach out to Michele Johnson at

MHS Local Scholarship 2026-2027

Учні старших класів можуть подати заявку на отримання цих стипендій, заповнивши форму заявки на місцеву стипендію MHS. Переможців відбирає стипендіальний комітет середньої школи Міннетонка. 

Інструкції щодо подання заявки

• Щоб подати заявку на ці стипендії, вам необхідно увійти в систему, використовуючи свою студентську електронну адресу на сайті mtka.org.
• Ви можете подати заявку на отримання до шести стипендій, заповнивши форму заявки на отримання місцевої стипендії MHS. Від кожного випускника приймається лише одна заявка. Будь ласка, уважно ознайомтеся з описом вимог, щоб переконатися у вашій відповідності критеріям для отримання конкретної стипендії.
• Прийом заявок розпочнеться 2 лютого 2026 року та завершиться 9 березня 2026 року
• Розмір премій становить від 500 до 3300 доларів

Заповнення форми FAFSA — це перший крок у процесі отримання фінансової допомоги для навчання у вищій школі. Ця форма є обов’язковою для всіх студентів, які прагнуть отримати федеральну допомогу. Багато вищих навчальних закладів вимагають від студентів, які отримують стипендію, заповнити форму FAFSA. Крім того, деякі сім’ї заповнюють форму FAFSA, щоб отримати доступ до несубсидованих федеральних позик, розмір яких не залежить від рівня доходу.

College Service Scholarship (CSS) Profile

The CSS Profile is the College Board’s financial aid application that about 260 mostly private colleges and universities, use for their undergraduate admissions. In addition to filing the FAFSA,

Усі навчальні заклади, що беруть участь у програмі PROFILE, використовують форму FAFSA для визначення, які з абітурієнтів мають право на отримання федеральної та/або державної фінансової допомоги. Більшість державних і приватних коледжів та університетів також спираються на форму FAFSA, щоб визначити, хто має право на отримання власної фінансової допомоги, що надається цими закладами на основі потреб. Однак навчальні заклади, що беруть участь у програмі PROFILE, прагнуть отримати більш детальну інформацію, ніж дозволяє форма FAFSA, під час оцінки того, хто має право на отримання коштів від їхнього закладу.

With so many options available—two-year colleges, four-year universities, in-state, out-of-state, public, and private—it’s important to explore what fits you best. Minnetonka High School offers a wide range of resources to support you every step of the way. MHS Counselors and the College and Career Center are available to you make informed choices and confidently plan for life after high school.

MHS Counselors
Phone 952-401-5811
Fax 952-401-5814

Do you want to make an appointment?
Stop by or schedule online. 

The College & Career Center
You must sign up for the visits in Maia to receive a HUB pass.

Need to make a appointment? 
Stop into the CCC or schedule online.
Monday-Friday: 7:45 a.m.-3 p.m.

Національна виставка вищих навчальних закладів NACAC у Міннесоті — це щорічна дводенна виставка, що складається з трьох сесій і збирає близько 300 вищих навчальних закладів у Конференц-центрі Міннеаполіса

Details:

• Відвідайте веб-сайт Національної виставки вищих навчальних закладів NACAC
• Download the NACAC Attendee App

When is the College Fair?  October 5 and 6, 2026.

• Перший день: з 9:00 до 12:00 та з 17:30 до 19:30
• Другий день: 9:00 — 12:00

Where is it located: Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis

• MHS will be providing buses to the college fair for the evening session

• Normandale Community College, Bloomington
• North Hennepin Community College, Brooklyn Park
• Minneapolis Community and Technical College

Students who desire to earn a four-year degree can complete their last two years by transferring their community college credits to a four-year school that agrees to accept them.

• Навчальна програма для студентів, які перевелися до Міннесоти
• Трансферна хроніка

Four-year colleges are located in every state and are either public (which means they are partly supported by taxes and are therefore generally less expensive than private colleges) or private (which are not supported by taxes).

Both public and private colleges offer a wide variety of programs and vary in size from very small to very large. There are more than 3,000 four-year colleges in the United States to choose from.

Examples of four-year colleges in Minnesota are:

• The University of Minnesota (campuses in the Twin Cities, Crookston, Duluth, Morris and Rochester)
• State University System (campuses in Bemidji, Mankato, Marshall, Moorhead, St. Cloud, St. Paul and Winona)
• Private Colleges (Augsburg, Bethel, Carleton, Concordia-Moorhead, Concordia-St. Paul, Gustavus, Hamline, Macalester, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, St. Benedict, St. Catherine, St. John’s, St. Mary’s, St. Olaf, St. Scholastica and St. Thomas, among others)

Researching schools thoroughly can be the difference between a satisfying post high school experience and one that is not quite so satisfying. There are many aspects to the research process.

Preparation Requirements
Knowing what preparation is needed in high school is important. Most four-year colleges have specific coursework they want students to have completed before entering their college. These preparation requirements can vary from college to college and vary by major. The minimum preparation requirements for a majority of four-year colleges are: four years of English; three or more years of social studies; three years of laboratory science; three years of math (starting with algebra); two years of a world language; and one year of the arts. However, students wishing to apply to a very competitive college (or a specialized program, such as engineering) will most likely need to take more math, science, and/or world language. It is always best to check directly with the colleges to which you are applying for information about admissions criteria.

Admission Criteria
In addition to the coursework requirements, colleges have admission criteria that vary from college to college. Admission criteria most commonly refer to grade point average and/ or standardized test scores. These items are looked at carefully by college admission staff. Many colleges also consider the rigor of coursework taken in high school. It is certainly educationally sound to be taking coursework that is appropriately challenging for you. Some colleges require that have your transcript sent from the high school, other colleges require you to self-report your courses and grades. Most commonly, admission offices rely heavily on the transcript and test scores (if included) for making admission decisions. Some colleges will also consider your activities, essays and special talents as part of the selection process.

Personal Preferences
When researching and comparing colleges, you will want to consider your preferences such as selectivity, type of school (public or private), majors offered, size, location, activities available, faculty to student ratio, composition of the student body, facilities, special programs available, and cost. It is a good idea to have in mind what is most important to you before you begin exploring schools. 

Resources Available
There are many resources available to you as you research colleges. In addition to your parents and your school counselor, a primary resource is the Minnetonka High School College and Career Center located adjacent to the Counseling Office. This is also the location for the 150+ college admission representatives who will visit MHS. In the fall, a national college fair is held in Minneapolis, with representatives from over 300 colleges and universities. More details are listed at nacacfairs.org. Numerous Web resources are available for researching colleges.

Admissions Test Requirements
Most colleges have adopted a test-optional policy in admission. That said, some colleges still like to see a test score for certain majors, honors programs and scholarships. Be sure to do your research and ask questions! The updated list can be found at FairTest.org.

Taking a college admissions test at least twice is a good idea for students considering attending a four-year college. It is generally recommended that the ACT or SAT be taken in the junior or senior year. These tests can be taken more than once.

Students who receive testing accommodations at Minnetonka High School may qualify for accommodations for the ACT/SAT college entrance exams. For details, visit ACT.org or College Board.

The College Visit
Most colleges conduct tours on a regular basis and some have special event days or weekends, which are designed especially for prospective students. Visits are available either in-person or virtual.

When participating in a college visit, plan ahead! Types of visits vary by institution. Most visit options include an information session and a campus tour. Inquire if you are able to tour a residence hall, attend a class, meet with a current student or faculty member. Other options to include on your campus visit is the student services office or ROTC. Go prepared with a list of questions, take notes and pictures.

If you cannot visit in person, take a virtual tour of the college or university. In addition to the college’s virtual options, go to: www.ecampustours. com or www.campusreel.org.

Putting It Together
A comparison spreadsheet can be very helpful once you have researched several schools. You will want to personalize it to include the categories most important to you. It is a way to see “at a glance” how the schools compare in those areas of greatest interest to you. It is also a handy way to access admissions requirements, testing, and deadlines. 

NCAA Requirements

Students thinking about or planning to play college sports should visit the NCAA eligibility website to ensure that they understand the eligibility requirements. The Educational Resources are linked

The application process begins early in the senior year; therefore, it is important to have completed most of your research during your junior year. This can be a very time consuming and stressful experience, but with some planning and organization, it can be productive and enjoyable.

Applications
Determine which application id best for you. Many colleges have their own application and use the Common Application. There are over 1,000 colleges that use the Common Application, which allows you to apply to numerous schools with one application form. To access the form or submit the application electronically, go to www.commonapp.org.

For those students using the Common Application, you will need to fill out the FERPA release form in the My Colleges section. In addition, you will need to do the matching of your Common App account with Maia, in the“Colleges I’m Applying To” section.

Regardless of the application that you use, pay close attention to unique requirements; for example, some colleges may ask for letters of recommendation and others may not.

If the college has optional essays, video submission, or interviews, it is highly recommended that you take advantage of these options. It can only enhance your application!

Transcript Release
Most colleges will require an official copy of your high school transcript sent directly from MHS. Allow a minimum of one week for processing your transcript request.

Transcripts (and letters of rec) are requested in Maia.

The Essay
Don’t let the essay paralyze you with fear! The admission representatives simply want to know you better! Ask yourself the question, “what else would I like others to know about me that I feel is an important part of me?” When writing an essay or personal statement, take your time, develop an outline, and proofread. The MHS Writing Center is a great place to ask for guidance.

Recommendations
Colleges may require or encourage you to have one to two teacher recommendations from a core subject area. In addition to the teacher’s recommendation, you may be required to have a counselor recommendation as well. If a counselor letter is desired or required, you must complete the Senior Questionnaire form on Naviance. Please see your teacher and counselor personally to ask them about writing a letter of recommendation for you. Don’t leave this until the last minute!

Give teachers and your counselor at least three weeks to write the evaluation. Reconnect with your recommenders, let them know your application timeline. Finally, a thank-you note is greatly appreciated for your recommenders’ efforts.

The Interview
A handful of colleges and universities require you to interview with one of their admission representatives. Other schools may give you the option of having an interview. If you do participate in an interview, go prepared. You should have some basic knowledge of the school, and a list of questions that you intend to ask. Remember, the interview is as much an opportunity for you to find out about the school, as for the school to find out about you. Appearance, mannerisms and first impressions are important. Mostly, be yourself! Be sure to send an email to thank your interviewer

Програми професійного навчання

Програми навчання на виробництві — це партнерські відносини між бізнесом, промисловістю, профспілками та урядом, які дають змогу студентам здобувати кваліфікацію у професійних галузях завдяки навчанню в аудиторіях та практиці на робочому місці. Більшість таких програм передбачають оплату праці. 

Дізнайтеся більше про програми стажування

The military offers a variety of training opportunities and requires a service commitment.

In addition to regular enlistment, students who want to pursue a college degree before they complete their service commitment can apply for a ROTC program or a service academy.

Many college campuses offer ROTC programs. ROTC scholarships allow students to complete their education at a civilian college at the same time they are training to become a commissioned officer in a branch of the armed services.

The service academies, which require a fairly extensive application process, include the following:

• United States Air Force Academy
• United States Coast Guard Academy
• United States Merchant Marine Academy
• United States Military Academy
• United States Naval Academy 

Employment immediately after high school is an option chosen by students who know that they wish to be involved in an occupation which requires no additional training beyond high school or who want to delay formalized post high school training. Sometimes companies have their own training programs. Students wishing to pursue the employment option should talk with their counselor about resources.

The following Web sites provide information on career planning and researching jobs:

• http://www.careeronestop.org
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• careerwiseusa.org