What About College

Bound for College

Whether your child plans to attend a four-year college, or a community or technical college, you will need to research the admission requirements of the colleges to which they are applying. For example, to graduate from Whitmore School from the College Prep diploma track, students are are required to complete 3 science credits (1 credit of a natural science, 1 credit of a physical sciences, and 1 other science credit). However, the college they are interested in attending may require 4 years of science.  Students are advised to do adequate research to give them the best advantage possible for college admission.

Selecting a college! The first thing that needs to be done is Research, Research, and more Research.

Taking the college prep track does not guarantee that your child will be accepted to the college of his or her choice. Every college has different requirements. Find out early what the requirements are of the various colleges and/or universities your child is interested in so you can plan to fit those courses into your child’s schedule.  Doing this research is the responsibility of you and your child. And, it is never too early to start. It is completely reasonable to begin college planning in the 9th-grade year, especially if your child might be headed toward a competitive college.

That being said, it is also never too late to consider college. We find that even students who never planned on going to college, begin considering it after they build success and confidence at Whitmore School. Your student can switch diploma tracks in Whitmore School at any time.

Whitmore School College Prep graduation requirements:

4.0 credits of English
3.0 credits Social Studies (0.5 credit of American Government, 0.5 credit of World Geography, and 1.0 credit of US History, 1.0 credit other Social Studies)
3.0 credits Science (1, Natural Science, 1 Physical Science, 1 other science)
3.0 credits Math (2 credits above Alg 1)
0.5 credits PE
1.0 credit Fitness or Health
1.0 credit Fine Arts
2.0 credits World Languages
4.5 credits other courses
*** Students must do research and make certain he/she meets the entrance requirement for his/her college(s) of choice.

Community College after High School

Community colleges allow students the opportunity to explore a variety of subjects before committing to a specific course of study.  Students who are interested in attending a community college should take some time and visit the community colleges in their area.  Community colleges accept students who have graduated from our General Studies track diploma; however, you should research your community college’s specific admission requirements.

Whitmore School General Studies graduation requirements:

4.0 credits of English
2.0 credits Social Studies (0.5 credit US Government, 0.5 credit World Geography, 1.0 credit US History or World History)
2.0 credits Science
2.0 credits Math
0.5 credits PE
1.0 credit Fitness or Health
1.0 credit Fine Arts
6.5 credits other courses

It is a good idea to call and make an appointment with the Admission Counselor. They will be able to answer your questions.

Dual Enrollment – Community College Courses Now!

Most community colleges allow students who are in good standing at their high school to take some community college courses in their Junior or Senior year. We encourage students to explore this option at their local community college.  For many students, it affords them social interaction while giving them insight and preparation for college. Taking approved college courses will give your child a head start on their degree, and the college credits will transfer to Whitmore School toward their high school graduation requirements. Dual Credit – a good thing!

Students who wish to take community college courses should discuss this with their guidance counselor. Whitmore School will accept community college credits toward their graduation requirements upon receiving an official transcript.  Students will also need to obtain permission from Whitmore School Educational Director who will approve courses and sign all necessary forms requested by the community college. Community college admission forms should be mailed or faxed to us.

A community college course that is 3.0 or 4.0 credits will transfer as a 1.0 credit course to Whitmore School.  A community college course that is 1 or 2 credit will transfer as a .25 or .50 credit course. Questions about credits and transferring credits should be direct to our Transcript Coordinator via the link on your Student Desk.

Links to help you:
Preparing for College
http://apps.collegeboard.com/myroad/navigator.jsp?t=351&i=homepage 

Selecting a College
http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/

Scholarships and Grants
http://www.finaid.org/scholarships/
http://www2.ed.gov/fund/grants-apply.html?src=pn
http://www.goodcall.com/scholarships/search

Financial aid
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/index.htm
http://www.onlinecolleges.net/for-students/fafsa/