4 Year College Requirements

Although each 4-year college or university has slightly different admission requirements, there are some generalizations that can be made to help students plan.  For Wisconsin colleges, the three (3) main entrance requirements include: 1) High School Coursework, 2) Class Rank, and 3) ACT or SAT Test. 

Minimum High School Coursework*

• 17 credits (26 Credits are required for graduation from OCHS)

• The "traditional" course pathways will meet the 4 year college requirements

• Academic Core

  • English: 4 Credits

  • Math: 3 Credits - Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2

  • Science: 3 Credits - courses must have a theory and laboratory component (see course descriptions).

  • Social Studies: 3 Credits - History and Government

• Electives

  • Choose from “academic core” or World Language, Career & Technical, Fine Arts or Computer Science 

  • Universities recommends 2 consecutive years of World Language (same language)

  • Some colleges accept vocational or technical courses as a part of this requirement

Class Rank

• Students in the top 50% of their class have the best chance of gaining admission to a Wisconsin college.

• Guaranteed Admission: Top 10% for Universities of Wisconsin, Top 5% for UW-Madison by the end of Junior year (application required)

• UW Direct Admit:  Oak Creek High School participates in the UW Direct Admit Program.  Students in their junior year are able to "Opt in" to the program.

ACT or SAT Test

• Students participating in state testing requirements will be taking the ACT in the spring of their junior year.  ACT scores may be required by a 4 year college/university for admission.

*Please be aware that these are guidelines only.  It is a good idea to earn more than the minimum credits as some colleges have additional college prep requirements.  In order to be more competitive at more selective schools, course rigor is very important to consider.