College and Career Readiness

Personal Learning Plans (PLP's) help students create a plan that includes academic coursework, career exploration, career and employment-related skills, community partnerships, college access, all forms of postsecondary training, and experiential learning opportunities. 

View the PLP milestones here. 

SoWashCo uses Naviance Student to digitally document the student's PLP by providing a comprehensive student portfolio. All students have their own Naviance Student account.

Each secondary school has a different approach to setting up and monitoring PLP's. Some sites have advisory systems, others use core academic areas and teachers to support with task introduction and follow-up. Tasks and milestones are also monitored by school counselors at each site. 

• Common Application: Use one application for over 900 colleges along with tools for planning and exploring
• College Application Checklist by Collegeboard: Print and use this checklist to keep track of your college application requirements, tasks, and deadlines

• Minnesota Career Information System (MCIS) - Use MCIS to access occupational information, college information, and individual career planning information. 
  • Note: Obtain username/password from your school counselor
• Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development - The Department of Employment & Economic Development publishes tips and information for job seekers.
• Education Planner
• My Future
• My Majors
• Occupational Outlook Handbook - The U.S. Department of Labor publishes this guide to over 300 popular careers.
• O*NET - The U.S. Department of Labor sponsors O*NET Online. Learn which skills, work values, knowledge, abilities, work context, tasks, interests, and work activities are needed for a variety of occupations.
• Students.gov - Information for career planning, including your education, including financing.
• ISEEK - Explore careers, plan your education, find a job, grow a business
• Mapping Your Future - Career planning, selecting and paying for school

• America's Job Bank
• Best Jobs USA
• Career Builder
• Career OneStop
• Creative Job Search
• Department of Employment and Economic Development - Check this site for current occupational employment and wages, including projected future employment for over 750 occupations.
• Indeed
• Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development - The Department of Employment & Economic Development publishes tips and information for job seekers.
• Monster.com
• The Riley Guide Website - Self-employment, opportunities and job research
• Salary Website - Careers, salary ranges and career management information
• What color is your parachute - Popular job seeking website
• Allied Health Career Information
• American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS)
• Careers in Graphic Communications
• Careers in Forestry
• Creative Job Search
• Department of Natural Resources

• ACT
• SAT
• Chegg ACT & SAT Test Prep
• ACT vs SAT
• Peterson’s ACT & SAT Test Prep

College data links show retention and graduation rates, salary potential, average student debt and more.

• College Data: Comprehensive college search, admission predictor, and financial aid tracker all in one site
• College Results: College graduation rates for nearly every 4-year college in the country
• Payscale: Find out which majors and which 2- and 4-year colleges have the most income potential
• College Transitions: Comprehensive lists and data designed to help you navigate the college admission and financial aid process
• GetReadyforCollege.org Minnesota Office of Higher Education
• PrincetonReview.com The Princeton Review
• CollegeBoard.com
• Petersons.com >College Search Peterson's Best Colleges
• NextStepU.com
• College Atlas

• College Raptor: Find college matches, financial aid, and student loans to simplify your college search process
• US Department of Education College Scorecard: Find out about colleges. their programs, costs, admissions, results, and more
• Big Future: Big Future has a college search and scholarship search tool to help with the college admissions process and more
• College Majors 101: Choose from over 150 college majors and gain valuable insights to help find your perfect fit
• College Navigator: College Navigator is an interactive website that allows you to explore and compare features of different institutions
• US Department of Education’s Campus Security Database: Select and compare college’s safety records over the past three years
• Minnesota Office of Higher Education: Useful information on college planning, exploration and financing college
• U.S. News Best Colleges: Expert advice, rankings, and data to help you navigate your education journey and find the best college for you
• College Niche: This site has a criteria-based college search feature, college “grades” by current students and actual current student reviews
• Linkedin for Students: Resources to let students know the benefits of a professional online presence, and to help them get started on a LinkedIn profile
• National Association for College Admission Counseling: Find a national college fair near you
• The 107: A listing of all 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as well as a database of all academic programs offered

• Virtual Campus Tours: The most comprehensive list of virtual campus tours and interactive maps
• YouVisit: Offers free 360° and virtual reality campus tours of over six hundred colleges and universities

• FAFSA - Colleges use this federally approved application to determine student eligibility for grants, work study, loans, and some forms of need-based scholarships. Submit your FAFSA application anytime after January 1 annually, but this application requires information from your previous year tax return. If you submit your FAFSA using estimated tax information, you must correct/update your FAFSA application within one-day of submitting your tax return to the IRS.
• Guide to the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
• Tips on Completing the FAFSA
• Status on your FAFSA
• Minnesota College Goal Sunday - This national program provides free information and assistance to families who are filling-out FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) applications. Workshops are offered throughout Minnesota.
• Reciprocity - Minnesota students attending public universities/colleges in Wisconsin, North and South Dakota, parts of Iowa, and Manitoba, Canada can pay tuition comparable to a similar Minnesota public institution through reciprocity. For example, Minnesota students attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison would pay comparable tuition to a Minnesota student attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Students must complete a reciprocity agreement with the appropriate state or province to qualify.
• CSS/Financial Aid Profile - In Minnesota, Augsburg, Carleton, Gustavus, Macalester, and St. Olaf require the CSS/Financial Aid Profile (by the College Board). Few colleges nationwide require this profile. Check if your college requires it as there is a fee involved.
• Minnesota Career Information System (MCIS) - MCIS provides financial aid and scholarships information.
  • Go to "financial aid" for a list of financial aid sources.
  • Go to "financial aid sort" to define search criteria such as, program of study, gender, race or ethnicity.
  • Note: Visit your counselor for the username and password for your school
• Midwest Association of Financial Aid Administrators - Find one of the best lists of financial aid websites available.
  • Public -> Internet Resources
• Financial Aid for Students - This U.S. Department of Education website provides information about financial aid programs.
• Financial Aid for Native American Students - Students of Native American heritage may qualify for scholarships, such as BIA scholarships. A Certificate of Indian Blood card may be required for eligibility.
• Military Aid - Information on education financial aid resources provided to students interested military careers. Information is for U.S. citizens primarily.
• Good Call - The Fully Accessible Guide to Paying for College for Students with Disabilities
• Minnesota Higher Education Services Office - This is the Minnesota Higher Education Services Office website. You will find valuable information on scholarships and financial aid, Minnesota State Grants, Federal Pell Grants, the Work Study Program, Veteran's benefits, reciprocity and much more.

• Gap Year: A comprehensive resource for gap year resources
• Teen Life: Colorful guide to summer and gap year programs
• Volunteer Match: Find volunteer opportunities near you
• The Gap Year Association: Extensive list of accredited gap year programs

• The Armed Forces
• Military Academies
• ASVAB Qualifying Exam for military enlistment
• Military Careers

• The University of Minnesota System: Access information from all 4 University of Minnesota campuses.
• Minnesota State Colleges and Universities: Minnesota's state colleges and community/technical colleges.
• Minnesota Private Colleges: Connects with Minnesota's 17 private colleges.
• The University of Wisconsin System: Connects with 13 four-year campuses and extension system in Wisconsin.
• North Dakota University System: State universities in North Dakota.
• South Dakota Colleges and Universities: Connects with South Dakota colleges and universities.
• Iowa Colleges and Universities: Connects with Iowa colleges and universities.

Naviance Scholarship Information

• Find scholarship information on Naviance, the online college and career resource available to SoWashCo Schools students. Visit your counselor to learn more about Naviance scholarship information.

How to Avoid Scholarship Scams

• Before you start your scholarship search, read the Federal Trade Commission article on how to avoid scholarship and financial aid scams. View here. 

Scholarship Information for Minnesota Students

• University of Minnesota Scholarship Search Engines - Go to: Finances -> Financial Aid -> Scholarships
• (MCIS) Minnesota Career Information System
  • Obtain username and password for your school from your counselor
  • Use "Financial Aid" for an alphabetical list of financial aid sources, or
  • Use "Financial Aid Sort" to specify search criteria, such as program of study, gender, race or ethnicity, etc.
• Minnesota College Access Network Scholarship Listings - Scholarships for first generation college students, students of color, and scholarships based on income or living arrangements.

Other popular websites for scholarship information:

• College Answer (formerly Wired Scholar) Website: www.CollegeAnswer.com
• College Board Website: www.collegeboard.com >College Planning>Pay for College
• CollegeNET Website: www.Collegenet.com
• College Scholarships Website: www.college-scholarships.com
• Collegeview.com Website: www.collegeview.com
• Facebook app Website: www.mycollegedollars.com (no Facebook account required)
• FastAid Website: www.fastaid.com
• Fast Web Website: www.fastweb.com
• Free Scholarship Search Website: www.freschinfo.com
• Guaranteed Scholarships Website: www.guaranteed-scholarships.com
• MyCollegeScholarship.org Website: www.mycollegescholarship.org
• Scholarshipexperts.com Website: www.scholarshipexperts.com

About Advanced Placement (AP)

SoWashCo Schools is committed to offering our students a variety of rigorous learning opportunities. Advanced Placement courses let students participate in college-level coursework while enrolled in a high school setting.

Students can earn college credit, stand out in the college admissions process, gain skills that will help them succeed in college, and broaden their intellectual horizons.

Students taking AP courses are prepared to take the AP exam but also develop learning habits needed to handle more rigorous coursework, improve writing skills, and sharpen problem-solving abilities. 

SoWashCo Schools provides testing sites each May for AP exams and offers many AP courses that prepare students for success on the exams. Students who score 3 ,4 or 5 on AP exams often receive credit or advanced standing upon college admission. AP grades are weighted using a 1.2x multiplier.

AP Testing

Course specific AP testing information, including testing dates, can be found on the College Board website. AP tests can only be taken for courses currently offered at each high school. 

College Board Website

AP Exam Fee: 2022 AP exams are $60 each. Students who educational benefits (free or reduced price lunch) will pay $15 per AP exam. 

Accommodations: Students with documented disabilities must submit their request for accommodations by January 7, 2022.  See the AP website getting accommodations webpage. Students will need to provide supporting documentation along with the request. If you have received accommodation for a previous AP exam, you will not need to apply again. 

Cancellation Fees: For 2022, there will be a $40 fee for AP exam cancellations beginning on Nov. 15, 2021 at 11 p.m. There are no refunds for late registration fees.

International Baccalaureate (IB) programs challenge students to excel in their studies, and encourage both personal and academic achievement. IB courses grades are weighted.

Watch the IB Informational Video

The International Baccalaureate Program aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

The IB program is currently only available at Park High School.

College in the Schools gives students direct experience with the pace, academic standards and individual responsibilities inherent in college education. These courses are actual University of MN courses taken at SoWashCo high schools and the students earn University of MN course credit. CIS grades are weighted using a 1.2x multiplier.

College in the Schools is not offered at all high school sites.

About 916 | Who Can Participate | Course Offerings | College Credit

About 916

The 916 Career and Technical Center, on the Century College campus, provides a wide range of course offerings to juniors and seniors who wish to explore career options in business, health, public services and technology by integrating academic learning with technical education. The district provides transportation to this program, but students must provide transportation to satellite programs.

Who Can Participate 

Students who are either juniors or seniors may be eligible for 916 courses. However, students need to make sure they are addressing their required courses for graduation before they can participate in 916 courses. It is advised that students consult with their counselor to see if they can work the 916 courses into their schedule.

Course Offerings

To view current available 916 courses, please visit their website.

916 Courses

Do students earn college credit through 916?

In the registration guide, under each course description it will indicate whether or not students can earn college credits in taking that course. More than 100 college courses at 12 colleges are articulated through the 916 courses. To find out which colleges grant college credits, visit www.nemetro.k12.mn.us. Search for career articulation.

Important PSEO Documents:

SoWashCo PSEO Information Packet | MDE PSEO Notice of Student Registration | MDE Family Notice | MDE PSEO Website

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows students going into 10th, 11th and 12th grade to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college nonsectarian courses at eligible participating postsecondary institutions. Most PSEO courses are offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution; some courses are offered online. Each participating college or university sets its own requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses. 11th- and 12th-grade students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis; 10th-graders may take one career/technical PSEO course. If 10th- graders taking a CTE PSEO course earn at least a grade C in that class, they may take additional CTE PSEO courses. Students must meet the PSEO residency and eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09. If a school district determines a pupil is not on track to graduate, she/he may continue to participate in PSEO.

There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books or fees for items that are required to participate in a course. Enrolling in a PSEO course does not prohibit a student from participating in activities sponsored by the high school. Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for qualifying students to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses.

Learn more about PSEO here

Project Lead the Way's (PLTW) programs emphasize critical thinking, creativity, innovation and real-world problem solving. The hands-on learning engages students on multiple levels, exposes them to areas of study that they may not otherwise pursue and provides them with a foundation and proven path to post-secondary training and career success in STEM-related fields.

Through engineering, students create, design, build, discover, collaborate and solve problems while applying what they learn in math and science. Our engineering program engages students in activities, projects, and problem-based (APPB) learning, which provide hands-on classroom experiences. SoWashCo Schools offers classes from the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) curriculum.

PLTW is the leading U.S. provider of rigorous and innovative Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education programs. SoWashCo Schools students have the opportunity to earn college credit for engineering courses by obtaining a passing score on the end of course exam coupled with approval from the college.

To learn more about the PLTW program, visit their website.

PLTW WEbsite 

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows students going into 10th, 11th and 12th grade to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college nonsectarian courses at eligible participating postsecondary institutions. Most PSEO courses are offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution; some courses are offered online. Each participating college or university sets its own requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses. 11th- and 12th-grade students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis; 10th-graders may take one career/technical PSEO course. If 10th- graders taking a CTE PSEO course earn at least a grade C in that class, they may take additional CTE PSEO courses. Students must meet the PSEO residency and eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09. If a school district determines a pupil is not on track to graduate, she/he may continue to participate in PSEO.

There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books or fees for items that are required to participate in a course. Enrolling in a PSEO course does not prohibit a student from participating in activities sponsored by the high school. Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for qualifying students to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses.

*Please note, each college determines student acceptance

Be aware of deadlines! Do not wait until the last minute to do your paperwork. Please contact the colleges for specific deadline information. The intent to enroll in PSEO agreement form must be signed and submitted to the Counseling Office by May 30.

1. Talk to your parents about PSEO - you provide your own transportation. Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for qualifying students.
2. Call the college admissions office directly, or go directly to the PSEO portion of the college's website, to get registration materials and find out the college's eligibility requirements. Each college has their own requirements, but typical eligibility requirements are as follows:
   • University of Minnesota: Top 10-15 percent of class for Juniors and Seniors
   • State Colleges and community colleges: Juniors- top 1/3 of class, Seniors - top 1/2 of class
   • Private colleges: Top 20 percent of class for Juniors and Seniors

Please note: the counseling offices are closed during the summer. If you will not hear back from the college about acceptance until summer vacation, please meet with your counselor before the end of the school year to discuss this information.

3. If the college requires an assessment test, please contact the college counseling office for necessary testing information.
4. Upon passing the college's assessment testing, please complete and send in the PSEO application.
5. After you receive a letter of acceptance in the mail, make an appointment with your high school counselor. You need to do this before your college's orientation/ registration in order to discuss what courses/credits you will need in order to fulfill District 833 graduation requirements. You must do this before you register for classes at the college.
6. After you register for your classes at the college, you will need to see your counselor in the counseling office to change your high school schedule.
   • You must return the PSEO Student Agreement to your high school counselor by May 30.
   • You must provide your Counselor with a copy of your college schedule every semester.
   • Check the Counseling Office's website often! You are responsible for being informed about activities at the high school.
   • You must fill out a new "MDE PSEO Notice of Student Registration Form" each semester. 

You must submit a signed PSEO Agreement Form by May 30 that indicates your understanding of the following:

• PSEO grades are NOT weighted!
• Each college credit is equal to .75 high school credit.
  (e.g. 4 credits at the college are equal to 3 credits at the high school; 4 x .75 = 3).
• Students provide their own transportation to the PSEO institution unless qualified for assistance.
• Students must provide their counselor with a copy of their college schedule each semester.
• Students may not change their college schedule without consulting their high school counselor first.

The costs of tuition, books and lab fees will be covered by the school district as part of your high school education. You will be responsible for payment of non-consumable tools and equipment. The books are to be returned to the college directly, as the books belong to the college. Failure to return books may result in a fine/fee or withholding of your transcript by the college.

You are eligible if you are in grade 10, 11 or 12, enrolled in high school and meet the admissions requirements of the postsecondary tech school, college or university you wish to attend. The college/university will determine eligibility. Example of current standards:

• University of Minnesota: Top 10-15 percent of class
• State Colleges and community colleges: Juniors-top 1/3 of class, Seniors-top 1/2 of class
• Private colleges: Top 20 percent of class

NOTE: Each college determines student eligibility.

Grades are usually sent directly to the high school from the college after the completion of the course. However, students are ultimately responsible for making sure the high school receives the grades. All grades must be reported. The grades reported by the college are the grades placed on the student's high school transcript. Grades are not weighted and no adjustments will be made to the grade (e.g., A = A).

Visit the Minnesota Dept. of Education's website for an updated list of participating institutions.

The information below is meant to be used for general information only and is only a partial list of participating institutions. For more specific information, please contact the college directly, or see your counselor.

• University of Minnesota, Twin Cities 612-626-1666
• Augsburg, Minneapolis 612-330-1588
• Bethel College, St. Paul 651-638-6242
• Century Community & Technical College, White Bear Lake 651-779-3962
• Concordia College, St. Paul 651-603-6288
• College of St. Catherine, St. Paul 651-690-6505
• Hamline, St. Paul 651-523-2207
• Inver Hills Community College 651-450-8505
• St. Paul College, St. Paul 651-846-1547
• University of Northwestern, St. Paul 651-631-5126

Contact the college/university and request to speak to the Admissions Office PSEO contact for specific admissions instructions (i.e., part-time/full-time, deadlines, essays, standards, quarter/semester, and assessment testing procedures).

Direct any appeals/questions on PSEO to the Minnesota Department of Education at 651-582-8512

Follow these steps:

1. Discuss this option with your parent(s) or guardian
2. Contact the college for PSEO application
3. Once accepted, see your counselor to discuss credits, graduation requirements, etc.

The Minnesota Department of Education's PSEO Notice of Student Registration form (ED-001763-19) must be completed and signed by your parent/guardian if under 18, and your counselor before you register each semester to ensure the school district's payment of your tuition. After you register at the college, see your school counselor for a schedule change.

If you are a PSEO student, you must see your counselor before the beginning of each college semester for course planning and official approval. Student, parent and counselor need to sign the PSEO Notice of Student Registration Form each semester.

Students should start by planning early. The Minnesota Department of Education requires that you notify your current school by May 30 of your intent to enroll in PSEO the following school year. The decision to participate is an important one. The student will be expected to be a responsible, self-starting, independent learner. Students should seek out additional information and counseling at the high school and at the post-secondary institution to ensure that they are making the best choice for themselves and their educational future.

Once you register for college courses, you have started a college transcript. All courses dropped in PSEO must be first approved by your high school counselor. It is essential that you follow this procedure when dropping/canceling a college class. As colleges have designated drop/withdrawal periods; failure to comply will result in a grade of "F" on your high school and college transcripts.

Colleges do have the right to restrict the number and kinds of courses PSEO students may take. You must manage your time, study more outside of class, and meet deadlines without reminders.

Minnesota High School League rules let you participate in extra-curricular activities or athletics at your high school OR postsecondary institution, but not both.

Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for PSEO students whose families are at or below the poverty level, as determined by the federal government, to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses. Access the Postsecondary Enrollment Options Mileage Reimbursement Program Instructions. 

You, the student, will be responsible for meeting the graduation requirements of SoWashCo Schools. Working with your assigned high school counselor ensures that the college courses you take will meet the high school requirements. The high school grants the number of credits that you will receive for courses taken on PSEO. Therefore, it is critical that you and your counselor discuss the credits needed. Check each semester to determine your continued credit needs. Appointments are necessary, please plan ahead. Please call the Counseling Office to make an appointment.