Post High School Planning

It is the mission of Neenah High School for all graduates to be Future Ready- that students will be life-long learners, workers, engagers, and contributors. As a student considers their post-high school options, Neenah High School offers the following supports to ensure that students have the foundation they need to successfully launch their futures.

Additional resources are available on the Post-Secondary Academic Planning Guidelines page, and in the Career Clusters and Pathways section of the course guide.

Employment

Students seeking career based learning opportunities should consider reviewing their job seeking skills by contacting Mrs. Schulz, Work Based Learning Coordinator at mary.schulz@neenah.k12.wi.us.  

Students can complete an interest assessment (Career Matchmaker) aligning their interests with potential careers within some classroom activities in their Advisory classes.  All students are encouraged to complete assessments throughout high school to assist them in their Academic and Career Planning (ACP).

Xello is an online resource available to students for that research.  This site includes career matchmaker assessments learning styles assessments, career information, links to post-secondary programs, and a 4-year Academic Plan of Study within their Course Planner.  

Students can access Xello through a single sign-in when on their school-issued Chromebook by clicking the Xello link on the Neenah High School home page.  

Check your Rocket News in Canvas and Satellite for current local job listings.

Students should pursue high school coursework following their chosen career pathway.  Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses can help develop marketable skills, earn potential Dual Credit or industry recognized certifications. CTE courses are found in the following departments: Business, Family & Consumer Science, and Technology & Engineering.

Technical College

Technical College programs offer the opportunity to get high-tech occupational training for the workplace of today. Technical colleges collaborate with their regional businesses and industries to provide training and a skilled workforce for the current labor and job market needs. Most programs have over 90% job placement within 6 months of graduation starting at very competitive wages. Average starting salary of a 2017-18 graduate was about $42,000 a year. See the FVTC Our Graduates Get Jobs for a full report.

Technical colleges welcome all students who have the desire to continue their education. The student must have a high school diploma, an HSED, or a GED certificate as a minimum requirement for enrollment.

In planning for technical colleges, it is good to take as many courses as possible in high school that are related to a student’s career choice. Many high school Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses offer dual credit through Fox Valley Technical College. See Career Clusters & Pathways with Programs of Study and related NHS coursework.

Most degree and diploma programs at Fox Valley Technical College require a placement assessment. The Accuplacer is used by FVTC. Subject-area ACT scores of an 18 or higher OR a high school GPA of 2.0 for general studies (must submit your transcript) may be substituted for the Accuplacer. For test prep and registration info go to Accuplacer skills assessment 

Other technical colleges may have their own individual placement exams or admissions requirements.

Programs that require alternate entrance assessment before admittance include: 

There are a few programs of study such as Electronics, Dental Laboratory Assistant, Physical Therapy Assistant, Medical Laboratory Technician, Dental Hygiene, and Nursing, that require specific mathematics or science coursework prior to admittance to that program. Students should check program requirements from the school of their choice. 

College and University Information

College Entrance Exams

Admission requirements for post-secondary schools are unique for each school. Check the school website/catalog for specific requirements. Information may also be obtained from your counselor or the career center.

Colleges require an entrance exam.  Neenah High School administers the ACT to all juniors at no cost to the family. The exam may also be taken or retaken as a Senior. Registration information is available in the counseling office or at act.org/ for the ACT and sat.collegeboard.org for the SAT.          

ACT Test Prep

Neenah High School offers an ACT test prep class to all of its students, grades 9-12, in the month of June.  This summer school class is a four day experience.  On the first day, students complete a full practice test.  Teachers use the students' practice test results to guide their instruction over the course of the next three days of the class.  Students review English, Math, Reading, and Science content, while learning new skills and strategies to use on the test.  This course is free to NHS as part of our summer school enrichment offerings.  Look for online registration information when summer school details are posted. 

The ACT is preferred by the University of Wisconsin System schools.  The SAT is accepted by East Coast, West Coast, and elite Universities. Check your school of choice for their admissions preferences.

College-bound students usually take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in October of their junior year. However, students may consider taking this test in their sophomore year for practice. Students interested in competing for National Merit Scholarships must take the PSAT/NMSQT as juniors.