College and Career Readiness

Preparing students with the knowledge, skills and competencies to successfully pursue a degree, diploma, certificate or industry-recognized credential and employment.

Students who are career and college ready are able to successfully complete post-secondary credit-bearing coursework without need for remediation or developmental coursework.

Contact

Wendy Kadrlik
Counseling Secretary
651-425-2350
wkadrilk@sowashco.org

Looking for Transcripts?

Learn how to request official transcripts from your school here.

Skip to selection:

Xello | Personal Learning Plans | College and Career Search Resources | College Credit Programs | PSEO

Xello

With Xello, you can:

Build Self-knowledge
- Define interest, skills, preferences and aspirations so each student can explore the right opportunities.
Explore Options
- Learn about career possibilities and educational pathways by exploring rich, engaging content and lessons.
Create a Plan
- Create dynamic actionable plans that outline the steps needed to achieve school, career and life goals.
Learn and Reassess
- Interactive lessons help students develop age appropriate skills and knowledge for success in school and beyond.

To access Xello:

Students will go to their Classlink account and click on the Xello Icon to sign-in.

College and Career Resources

The following resources bring you off the South Washington County Schools website and are not affiliated with the district. They are provided as college and career research purposes only.

Career Planning

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

Career Search Engines

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

College Planning and Data

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 Search Information

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

Financial Assistance

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 Information and Resources

Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota Schools

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.

NCAA Eligibility Requirements

If you plan to compete in athletics at the college level, you are responsible for determining if you are on track to meet the NCAA Eligibility Requirements and NCAA Core-Course Requirements.

NCAA would like all prospective student athletes to register online at www.eligibilitycenter.org

On this site, you may also view the complete NCAA guide, Eligibility Requirements and a list of all our high school courses that fulfill NCAA’s Core-Course Requirements online.

Scholarship Information

Xello Scholarship Information

Find scholarship information on Xello, accessed through Classlink, by visiting Goals & Plans -> College Planning -> Local Scholarships

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

College Credit Programs

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: 2022-23 AP exams are $61 each. Students who educational benefits (free or reduced price lunch) will pay $16 per AP exam.

Accommodations: Students with documented disabilities must submit their request for accommodations by January 9, 2023. 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 2023, there will be a $40 fee for AP exam cancellations beginning on Nov. 15, 2022 at 11 p.m. There are no refunds for late registration fees.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

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 (CIS)

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.

Northeast Metro 916 (916)

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 https://careertech.916schools.org/. Search for career articulation.

Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)

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 (PLTW)

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

Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)

Important Documents:

About PSEO

Checklist for PSEO

*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 PSEO Contract, found on the last page of the PSEO information packet, and the MDE PSEO Notice of Student Registration must be completed, signed and submitted to the Counseling Office by May 30.

Talk to your parents about PSEO - you provide your own transportation. Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for qualifying students.
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.

If the college requires an assessment test, please contact the college counseling office for necessary testing information.
Upon passing the college's assessment testing, please complete and send in the PSEO application.
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.
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 Contract, found on the last page of the PSEO information packet, and the MDE PSEO Notice of Student Registration 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.

Costs

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.

Eligibility

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.

Grading

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).

Institutions Available

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
- University of Minnesota 2022 Information Packet
Augsburg, Minneapolis 612-330-1588
Bethel College, St. Paul 651-638-6242
Century Community & Technical College, White Bear Lake 651-779-3962
- Century College Information
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

Interested?

Follow these steps:

Discuss this option with your parent(s) or guardian
Contact the college for PSEO application
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.

Minnesota PSEO Notice of Student Registration

PSEO is College

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.

Transportation Reimbursement for Qualified Students

Work with your High School Counselor

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.