Post-Secondary Planning Information/Resources
updated 03.28.2025
updated 03.28.2025
Top things seniors should be doing:
Be a good Student! Start strong academically.
Evaluate: Is college for me?
Think about what factors will be important for you when selecting a college (i.e. location, size, programs, etc.).
Take a (virtual) College visit(s) or two or three. (see below)
Take or re-take a standardized assessment. For students applying for Fall 2022 admission to ISU, The University of Iowa and UNI, the Iowa Board of Regents has designated these institutions as test optional.
Explore careers! Complete either a Job Shadow or an Internship! (find JS info here)
TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS:
A transcript is an official record of a student's course history, grades and credits while in high school. You can request a transcript by emailing our Registrar Jacquie Kraxner @ jkraxner@solon.k12.ia.us
Please include your year of graduation, last name at the time of graduation and address at which to mail the transcript. There is no fee for this service.
What is an "official" transcript? An official transcript is one that is sent directly from Solon HS to a post-secondary institution. The official transcript is signed by either our Registrar (Mrs. Kraxner) or by another school official (Mr. Thompson) and is placed in a sealed envelope.
An unofficial transcript is one that is not signed. All students and parents can access an unofficial transcript in their PowerSchool portal. A pdf of the transcript is located in the document vault. Transcripts are updated at the end of every official grading period (e.g. at the end of every quarter).
A great way to know if a college is the right fit for you is to go on a college visit. Due to Covid, many colleges are scheduling virtual college visits. There are , however, some colleges that are hosting in-person college visits. Contact the Admissions Office of the college(s) you are interested about their surrent visit policies.
Here are some simple guidelines to follow:
Go on the visit with Mom and Dad. After your visit, talk with Mom and Dad about what they learned about the school. More than likely, Mom and Dad will hear information that you did not.
Decide on a date. Try to select a date two weeks in advance of the time you contact the school.
Schedule the visit. You can usually schedule the appointment online. If you prefer, you can call the college (Office of Admissions) and the the college admissions office will talk you through everything so your visit will meet your wants and needs.
Contact the HS Office to let them know you'll be attending your visit.
Take along this Campus Visit Checklist.
Enjoy your visit!
If you plan on participating in athletics at either the Division I level or the Division II level while you are attending college, then you need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
If you plan on participating in athletics at a NAIA Institution, you will need to register with the NAIA Eligibility Center. You can register through the NAIA website at http://www.playnaia.org
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Planning to attend an Iowa Regent Institution? Iowa high school graduates must achieve a Regent Admission Index (RAI) score of at least 245 and take the minimum number of required high school courses to qualify for automatic admission as freshmen to Iowa State University, the University of Northern Iowa, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Iowa. Students who achieve a score less than 245 will be considered for admission on an individual basis.
The RAI combines factors that strongly predict success at the Regent Universities: ACT or SAT test score, high school rank, high school cumulative grade-point average, and the number of completed high school core courses.
Students, you can use the following resources to estimate your RAI Score
1. Solon HS’s RAI Approved Course List: 2024 Solon HS RAI Approved Core Courses (updated 03.28.2025)
2. Use this calculator to estimate your RAI Score:
Regent Admission Index (RAI) Calculator Disclaimer: the RAI Score you receive using this calculator is only an estimate. An official RAI Score can only come from a Regent Institution.
Summer/Fall 2025 College Course Registration
Are you considering taking a college course either during the Summer or Fall 2025? The University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College have released their Fall 2024 Course Schedules. Listen to announcements! If you are interested in exploring/taking a college credit course(s) that support both your career goals and your educational goals please schedule a time to meet with us.
If you are interested in college credit option at Kirkwood Community College, please see Mrs. Anderson.
How to register for a college course at Kirkwood Community College.
If you are interested in college credit option at The University of Iowa, please see Mr. Thompson.
How to register for a college course at The University of Iowa.
A major is simply a specific subject that students can specialize in while aspiring to a college degree. Typically, between a third and half of the courses you take in college are in your major or related to it. By completing a major, you demonstrate sustained, high-level work in one subject. In some majors, you prepare for a specific career. Depending on the college or university, you might be able to major in two subjects, have a major and a minor or even create your own major. (collegetransfer.net)
What Can I Do With This Major?
When do I have to select a major?
At most two-year colleges, you can declare a major depending upon whether you are enrolled for a career oriented major or preparing for transfer. You can enroll in general studies or target specific transfer arrangements. At most four-year colleges, you aren't required to declare a major until the end of your sophomore year. If you're in a two-year degree program, you'll probably select a major earlier because your course of studies is much shorter. (collegetransfer.net)
How do I choose a major?
Take courses in areas that appeal to you early in your academic path, and then try to focus on a subject that motivates you. Make sure that you have genuine interest, though. You'll do better in class when you’re interested, and your motivation will continue through college and into a job if you pursue a professional degree. (collegetransfer.net)
Solon HS Counseling Scholarship Information Page
Do you find searching for scholarships confusing? Financial Aid experts recommend students spend 6- 10 hours a week searching for and applying for scholarships. Click on the above link to see these tips in order to get started. Planning Forms for Seniors:
What Scholarship Committees Look For