Career & College Prep
Whether you are directly entering the workforce or are preparing for college, below you will find all the information you need to get ready for graduation.
Guidelines for Preparing for a University
The UW System requires a minimum of 17 high school credits distributed as follows: 13 credits from the core areas and an additional four credits chosen from English, math, Social Studies, Science, Electives, and World Languages. In general, degree granting institutions in the United States, including all Wisconsin public and private colleges and universities, will not accept basic level courses as fulfilling entrance requirements.
Check with counselors since it is impossible to summarize the wide variety of entrance requirements for colleges in this small space. Careful planning and informed decision making are essential to match students with courses which will provide suitable challenge and growth experiences. It is realistic to plan a schedule which totals 24-28 credits for graduation and may include Advanced Placement courses, CAPP courses, Early College Credit or Start College Now Program.
Curricular Area & Credits
English - 4.0
Mathematics (beginning with Algebra) - 3.0*
Science - 3.0*
Social Studies - 3.0
Wellness Education - 1.5
Health Education - 0.5
World Language - 2.0*
Guidelines for Preparing for a Technical College
Electives in these areas will usually include courses in Business and Information Technology, Family and Consumer Science, Technology and Engineering, other applied English, Math, Science areas. For some students in these areas, Youth Apprenticeship and Start College Now Program courses through MPTC may be options.
Technical colleges tend to accept all applicants. Skill levels in reading and math will be measured by taking placements tests. Some Technical College programs have entrance requirements that are unique to their programs. Please see your Counselor for details.
Curricular Area Credits
English - 4.0
Mathematics - 3.0
Science - 3.0
Social Studies - 3.0
Physical Education - 1.5
Health Education - 0.5
*3 credits of college prep Math and Science are required to ensure access to College. Some private schools may require less than 3 credits of math and science.
**A world language may or may not be required. The university you attend and major declared will determine if a world language is required. This world language requirement can be fulfilled in high school by taking two years of a foreign language with a grade of “C” or better in all semesters.
Planning your Journey - Before you begin...
Throughout the Course Description Guide, you will see an increased emphasis on career exploration and development. As you engage in the process of making career decisions, it is important that you understand the purpose and expectations of the technical colleges, university system, and other career pathways.
Career Planning
Regardless of the career pathway chosen by each student, careful planning must be done. Students need to learn about their interests, abilities, strengths and limitations. Students need to set personal goals and work hard to reach them. There are many opportunities at Horace Mann High School to learn about careers.
Options After High School
Technical Colleges/Apprenticeships
Technical colleges & apprenticeships provide students with specialized skills. Once thought of as institutions that served the needs of only the mechanically inclined, the technical college has evolved to meet the needs of business and industry in a variety of well-paying occupations.
Students may enroll in associate degree or vocational training programs that can be completed in two years or less. Apprenticeship Programs which range from 1-4 years is working while learning. Students learn mostly on the job site paired with some classroom learning. Students are encouraged to see their school counselor for specific information.
Two-Year Universities
Two-year universities such as UW-Oshkosh-Fond du Lac Campus (online courses only) provide opportunities for students to pursue an associate degree (two years) or to continue their education by transferring to a four-year campus. Generally students choose a two-year university because of the convenience of living at home and the reduced expenses. Two-year universities will consider candidates with lower grade point averages who have met the academic requirements.
Four-Year Universities
A degree from a four-year university provides students with both a broad base of knowledge gained through general graduation requirements, as well as very specific information obtained by specializing in a major area. Universities require that students take a minimum of 17 college preparation credits while in high school. Entrance exams are required. There are hundreds of colleges throughout the United States and each will have its own requirements. Students are encouraged to see their school counselor with specific information.
Military
Entering one of our Military branches: Army, Marines, Navy, or Air Force not only serves our country proudly, but also is an opportunity to be trained in many career fields. Students may do this through enlistment, ROTC, or the service academies.
Combining Career Pathways
Often institutions of higher learning have agreements in place recognizing the completed course work at other institutions. For example some courses taken at a technical college may transfer to a university. Students also may enroll in CAPP or AP courses.