Academic

9th Grade Planning Timeline (PDF)

Fall of Freshman Year

• Meet your school counselor- you will be staying with the same counselor for all 4 years of high school!
• Participate in your Freshman Meet & Greet with your school counselor!
• Develop a routine and time management skills to successfully balance the extra demands of high school.
• Get to know staff members!
• Get involved in clubs, activities, or sports that suit your interests
• Ask questions!

Winter of Freshman Year

• Begin to explore post-secondary plans through Academic & Career Planning lessons in Homeroom
• Carefully select sophomore year courses during the schedule process in February
• Continue to explore interests and strengths in relation to potential career options

Spring of Freshman Year

• Wok with your school counselor to formulate a tentative 4-year plan
• Learn about the importance of your high school transcript, GPA, and graduation requirements
• Register for summer school courses for either enrichment or credit recovery

Summer of Freshman Year

• Get involved in the community to acquire volunteer experience
• Look for potential job opportunities in areas of interest

10th Grade Planning Timeline (PDF)

Fall of Sophomore Year

• Evaluate your course load- work on balancing academics, career planning, and social activities
• Sort out what you know about post-secondary planning.
  • List what you know and familiarize yourself with the difference between 2 year colleges, 4 year colleges, technical colleges  private colleges, and military options.
• Commit to extracurricular activities, clubs, and volunteering that suit your interests.
• Register to take the PSAT!
  • Taking the PSAT as a sophomore can help prepare you for the real thing junior year.
• Stay on track with your courses- do not let yourself fall behind!
• Continue exploring career options with Xello and your Academic and Career Planning lessons in Homeroom to assist you in your post-secondary planning!

Winter of Sophomore Year

• Participate in a sophomore planning group with your school counselor to review graduation requirements, scheduling for junior year, dual credit options, and post-secondary plans. 
  • To view this presentation click HERE!
• Scheduling- review your course selection for junior year!
  • Make sure you are enrolling in courses needed to prepare you for college admission or a career.
  • Explore options for dual credit courses.
• Meet with your school counselor to ensure you are staying on track.

Spring of Sophomore Year

• Register for summer school courses for either enrichment or credit recovery.
• Attend Youth Options meeting in the spring for those who are interested and qualify.
• Stay on track in your classes and pay attention to your grades.
• Begin looking at potential colleges that interest you.
  • Decide what factors are important to you and find colleges that match your criteria.
  • Attend a college fair to expand your knowledge on potential schools.

Summer of Sophomore Year

• Begin preparing for the ACT test- ALL juniors will take this in Spring!
• Consider visiting college campuses- take a road trip and get your feet on campus!
• Get involved in the community to acquire volunteer experience
• Get a summer job- you may qualify for work experience! 

11th Grade Planning Timeline (PDF)

Fall of Junior Year

• Review your schedule carefully, have you selected appropriate courses for your career path?
• Participate in an individual or group junior planning conference with your school counselor to continue exploring and solidifying your post-secondary plans.
• Meet with college representatives and military recruiters during Excel to learn more about their opportunities!
• Attend local college fairs!
• Continue compiling a list of potential colleges/career choices.
• Participate in school and communities activities!

Winter of Junior Year

• Participate in an individual or group junior planning conference with your school counselor to continue exploring and solidifying your post-secondary plans- if you have not already completed one!
• Spend a significant amount of time preparing and studying for the ACT test!
• Select appropriate courses for senior year!
  • Make sure course selections are based on your post-secondary goals!
  • Make sure choices satisfy ALL graduation requirements- if you are unsure, ask!
• Continue to explore college/career options.
  • Participate in a job shadow
  • View college catalogs or explore colleges on Xello
  • Continue talking with college representatives when available during Excel
  • Seek assistance from your school counselor if you need it!
• Prepare or add to your resume for college applications and future scholarships!

Spring of Junior Year

• Take the ACT at North, and send scores to schools you are interested in attending!
• Register to take the SAT if your potential college requires it.
• Begin to visit colleges you are planning to attend (check the college website for scheduled preview days)!
• Narrow down potential college options.
• Register for summer school for either enrichment or credit recovery if needed!
• Fill out letter of request form, if letters are needed for college admission!

Summer of Junior Year

• Make sure you meet academic admission requirements for colleges you are planning to apply!
• Ask your school counselor/teacher/coach for letters of reference, if needed for college admission!
• Continue visiting potential colleges of interest- narrow down your choices to 3-5.
• Update your resume. 

 

12th Grade Planning Timeline (PDF)

Summer before Senior Year

• Visit the colleges you are considering attending- narrow down your choices to 3-5.
• Make sure you meet the admission requirements for your chosen colleges (GPA, class rank, ACT score, academic courses needed, school & community involvement).
• Retake the ACT if necessary!
• Review your transcript to ensure you have ALL graduation requirements met!

Fall of Senior Year

• Attend the senior meeting with your school counselor to review important dates and upcoming senior events- refer back to the presentation HERE, if needed!
• Complete a senior credit check to ensure you have met ALL or will meet ALL graduation requirements.
  • If you are missing a class- see your school counselor ASAP!
• Retake ACT test, if necessary.
• Apply to Colleges- BEGINNING AUGUST 1ST!
• Send your official high school transcript to colleges:
  • Send electronically via parchment.com
• Request any letters of reference needed for college applications!
  • Remember to thank the individuals who write you letters!
  • Use the electronic letter of recommendation request form to complete your brag sheet 
• Hand in paperwork to Mrs. Erickson in counseling for any Youth Options courses for Spring Semester- Due September 29th!
• Apply for Financial Aid- BEGINNING DECEMBER 2023.
  • Attend a FREE Financial Aid Help Night!
• If interested in graduating at semester, complete and turn in application to your school counselor BY OCTOBER 2nd!
  • Complete the hard copy OASD application AND the North electronic application HERE
• Attend senior cap and gown meeting in October! 
• Submit your senior picture NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 31ST! 
• If you are a potential college athlete- fill out NCAA Clearinghouse forms. If you have questions, please see Mr. Lieder, Athletic Director.
• Once accepted to college, check housing requirements and deposits for colleges you wish to attend.
• Begin to look at scholarship opportunities and apply if eligible:
  • Check the red scholarship bin in the counseling area 
  • Check the North High School Counseling Website for more scholarship opportunities.
  • Call colleges you are planning to attend for further scholarship opportunities

Winter of Senior Year

• Schedule changes for second semester:
  • If you have applied or been accepted to a college, you need permission from the admission office to make changes to your schedule!
  • Double check your schedule to ensure you are meeting ALL graduation requirements! 
• Attend College Goal Sunday to get assistance with completing the Financial Aid Application, if you haven't already.
• Continue to explore and apply for scholarships!
• Stay on track in your courses, do not fall behind!

Spring of Senior Year

• Make final decisions on post-secondary plans.
• Make final housing arrangements if attending a college and not living at home.
• Attend senior graduation meetings!
• Check over the Student Aid Report (SAR) from your Financial Aid Application.
• register for and take any required college placement exams.
• Order final transcripts to be sent to the college of your choice through parchment.com or through Mrs. McLimans in the counseling department!

What are CAPP Courses?

Juniors and seniors who meet eligibility requirements may take University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UWO) courses at Oshkosh North High School and earn BOTH high school and college credit. This agreement with UWO is called Cooperative Academic Partnership Program, or CAPP.

The school district grants .25 high school credits for each college credit (example: a 3 credit UWO course equals .75 high school credits). All CAPP courses are computed into both your high school GPA and your University GPA!

In CAPP courses students experience the challenge of college curriculum while in a high school environment, which:

• sets them apart from other college applicants
• gives them the opportunity to register earlier
• allows them to explore a variety of options while in college
• provides them a chance to double major and graduate on time
• lessens their course load
• helps them graduate early

What are the eligibility requirements?

• Juniors OR seniors who meet at least ONE of the below criteria:
  • Rank in the upper 25% of their class
  • Have a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.75 (or top 30% of class)

What is the cost of a CAPP course?

Tuition for CAPP courses is $105 per college credit. The number of credits varies per course. Tuition for students who qualify for free/reduced lunch is $52.50 per college credit. 

Before Choosing between AP and CAPP Courses:

• You may wish to call your prospective colleges and/or universities to which you plan to apply in order to find out if AP and/or CAPP credits are accepted at each school.
• Please note that not all colleges and universities accept AP and/or CAPP credits.

For additional information on CAPP courses and the enrollment process, please refer to the CAPP website HERE!

Who should I contact if I am interested in taking a CAPP course?

If you are a junior or senior who meets the eligibility requirements to take a CAPP course and have additional questions, please reach out to your school counselor. 

What is the Advanced Placement Program?

The Advanced Placement Program enables students to pursue college-level studies while in high school. Based on their performance on rigorous AP Examinations, students can earn credit, advanced placement, or both for college.

Oshkosh Area School District offers several AP courses, which prepare students for the AP Examinations. In addition, students may choose to take any of the other exams in which they feel prepared without enrollment in an AP course. AP examinations are offered in the spring semester of every year. For a complete listing of AP examinations available, please visit the AP website. 

How do I earn college credit for an AP course?

• Students earn high school credit and a grade for the class based on their academic performance in the class.
• Student may earn college credit based on a cumulative assessment taken at the end of the school year (cost of the test.
  • Students must register and pay $99 to take the AP assessment in September.
• A score of a 3, 4, or 5 is generally needed to earn college credit.

Who should I contact if I am interested in taking an AP course?

Ms. Bobbi Cummings t is Oshkosh North's AP coordinator- please feel free to reach out if you have questions! 
Email: Bobbi.cummings@oshkosh.k12.wi.us

What is the Early College Credit Program?

The Early College Credit Program permits eligible juniors and seniors enrolled full-time at North High School, to attend the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UWO) for the purpose of taking one or more dual-credit courses during or after school hours (school year only)- up to a maximum of 18 credits during high school. Additionally, the cost of tuition and book/materials are paid for by the Oshkosh Area School District.

To qualify for a course at UWO, a student must exhaust ALL courses for that subject offered in the Oshkosh Area School District. For example, if a student has taken Psychology at North, since the school district does not offer anymore Psychology courses the student would be eligible to take Introduction to Psychology 101 at UWO.

The Oshkosh School District will grant .25 high school credits for each college credit awarded (example- a 3 credit college course equals .75 high school credits). All Early College Credit courses are computed into BOTH your high school GPA and appear on your official University transcripts.

What is the eligibility criteria for the Early College Credit Program?

• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Note- UW Oshkosh administrators determine the final decision on admission. The student will receive a letter from the university regarding final admission decision. 

How do I apply to be an Early College Credit Student?

• Talk with your school counselor about your eligibility and which classes you are interested in taking.
• Attend the Early College Credit enrollment meeting with Mrs. Erickson, school counselor, in September for spring semester or in February for fall semester.
• Complete ALL all application materials on time and return to Mrs. Erickson:
  • Complete the UW System Early College Credit Application
  • Complete the UW System Early College Credit Participation Form

View the 2024-2025 Early College Credit Presentation HERE

What is the Start College Now Program?

Start College Now is a program designed to introduce high school students to the world of higher education. In addition to getting a first-hand view of the college experience, you can earn both high school and college credit at the same time. These credits may be applied toward a degree at Fox Valley Technical College or at many other Wisconsin Colleges. 

To qualify for a course at FVTC, a student must exhaust ALL courses for that subject offered in the Oshkosh Area School District. For example, if a student has taken Psychology at North, since the school district does not offer anymore Psychology courses the student would be eligible to take Introduction to Psychology 101 at UWO.

The Oshkosh School District will grant .25 high school credits for each college credit awarded (example- a 3 credit college course equals .75 high school credits). All Start College Now courses are computed into BOTH your high school GPA and appear on your official University transcripts.

What is the eligibility criteria for the Start College Now Program?

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 1.67 OR
• Be a student in good standing 
• Meet course entry requirements

How do I apply to be a Start College Now Student?

• Talk with your school counselor about your eligibility and which classes you are interested in taking.
• Attend the Start College Now enrollment meeting with Mrs. Erickson, school counselor, in September for spring semester or in February for fall semester.
• Complete ALL all application materials on time and return to Mrs. Erickson:
  • Complete the Start College Now interest inventory located on the FVTC website
  • Complete the Start College Now program application

View the 2024-2025 Start College Now Presentation HERE

Fox Valley Technical College (Start College Now) Information and Application

What are Fox Valley Technical College Dual Credit Courses?

Juniors and seniors who meet the criteria set by the Oshkosh Area School District and Fox Valley Technical College are eligible to take certain high school courses and receive high school and FVTC credit.

The school district grants. 25 high school credit for each college credit (a three credit FVTC course equals .75 high school credit). All dual-credit courses are computed into both high school grade point average and technical college GPA.

What is the cost of a Fox Valley Technical College Dual Credit Course?

Students enrolled in FVTC courses must purchase course materials, including textbooks, and may be required to pay tuition. Exemptions for these costs exist for families who qualify for free/reduced lunch.

What is Youth Apprenticeship?

Juniors and seniors who are in good standing and have taken at least one class in the career area they are applying to are eligible for the Youth Apprenticeship program. Youth Apprenticeship is a state sponsored program that allows students to "try out" the career they are interested in within a real world work environment. Students must work at least 450 hours in a calendar year at their job setting and complete two semesters of related coursework.

Students have a teacher mentor and receive credit for their work related experience. Graduates receive a state certificate of occupational proficiency. 

For a list of Youth Apprenticeship program areas please visit the Department of Public Instruction website located HERE

What are the requirements to be placed in a Youth Apprenticeship?

• Complete one class in the career area and one concurrent during placement
• Successful interview
• Complete an application and resume
• Secure transportation to and from job site

For more information please fill out an interest form, or contact Mrs. Vicki Porior (Vicki.porior@oshkosh.k12.wi.us).