School Counseling Department

ACT and SAT - The ACT and the SAT Reasoning Test are college admission tests. One of the most common questions we hear is "Which test should I take?" Our answer, in general, is that colleges accept either score. Students at East Ridge have been exposed to ACT practice tests in 8th grade (EXPLORE), 10th grade (pre-ACT), 11th Grade (practice-ACT) and therefore are more familiar with the ACT test format. A student who took the PSAT has also had exposure to a practice SAT test. Since the ACT and SAT tests are different, sometimes a student will find that s/he has a preference. However, there is no need to take both tests.

The ACT is subdivided into subject tests with an optional writing test. To find out which colleges and universities are requiring the writing exam for admission, go to http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act.html.

Some colleges may require, in addition to other test scores, that the student take the SAT Subject tests.

For more information or to register for one of these tests, go to act.org (ACT) or collegeboard.org (SAT).

The next question is, "When should I take it?" The optimal time to take the test is the latter part of your junior year. Therefore, April and June are the most popular test dates and it pays to register early in order to get your first choice of location.

If a student has an IEP or 504 Plan which may allow for extended time or other accommodations, see your counselor early in the school year. There is a separate application for Special Testing, which requires more documentation and time to complete.

ACT Plus Writing for all Minnesota 11th Graders

All Juniors will take the ACT Plus Writing during regular school hours tentatively scheduled for APRIL 9, 2024. District 622 has chosen to offer students the ACT Plus Writing in order to provide students with the most flexibility in selecting post-secondary institutions. All Juniors are eligible to take the test, even if they have already taken an ACT before.  There is no cost to students for this testing date.

Minnesota World Language Proficiency Certificate, legislated in 2009, is an award given to students in any grade level who demonstrate ACTFL’s Intermediate Low level in all of the four modalities - listening, reading, speaking and writing in languages other than in English. *Note: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities award college credit when the test was taken in Grades 10, 11, or 12.

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, a statewide system of 30 colleges and seven universities with 54 campuses across the state, compiled a report that provides findings and recommendations for the granting of college credit for the bilingual and multilingual seals and world language proficiency certificates.

Award levels and the number of college credit

The actual number of college credits may vary depending on an institution. Each institution has a different number of credits per a semester course.

In order to qualify for a bilingual seal, a student must also demonstrate proficiency in English by having met the required English Language Arts credit for high school graduation.  The World Language Proficiency Certificate does not have English Language Arts credit requirements.

How to access college credits

• Students must be enrolled in a Minnesota State Colleges and Universities institution.
• Students must make a request for college credit. Students should work with the admission office or advisor. In some cases, scholarship may be impacted by receiving extra credit. Therefore; students should consult with appropriate personnel or offices at the institution.
• Students have taken a test when in Grades 10, 11, or 12.
• Students may be required to submit an official high school transcript.
• There is a three year window to make a request after a high school graduation.

SEALS testing will begin in Spring 2024.

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college nonsectarian courses at eligible participating postsecondary institutions. Most PSEO courses are offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution; some courses are offered online. Each participating college or university sets its own requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses. 11th- and 12th-grade students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis; 10th-graders may take one career/technical PSEO course. If 10th-graders taking a CTE PSEO course earn at least a grade C in that class, they may take additional CTE PSEO courses. Students must meet the PSEO residency and eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09. If a school district determines a pupil is not on track to graduate, she/he may continue to participate in PSEO.

You are eligible if you are in grade 10, 11, or 12, enrolled in high school and meet the admissions requirements of the postsecondary tech school, college, or university you wish to attend. The college/university will determine eligibility. Example of current standards:

• University of Minnesota: Top 10-15 percent of class
• State Colleges and community colleges: Juniors-top 1/3 of class, Seniors-top 1/2 of class
• Private colleges: Top 20 percent of the class

Note: Each college determines student eligibility.

Follow these steps:

1. Discuss this option with your parent(s) or guardian
2. Contact the college for the PSEO application
3. Once accepted, see your counselor to discuss credits, graduation requirements, etc.

The state's PSEO Notice of Student Registration form (ED-001763-19) must be completed and signed by your parent/guardian if under 18, and your counselor, before you register each semester to ensure the school district's payment of your tuition. After you register at the college, see your school counselor for a schedule change.

The costs of tuition, books and lab fees will be covered by the school district as part of your high school education. You will be responsible for payment of non-consumable tools and equipment. The books are to be returned to the college directly, as the books belong to the college. Failure to return books may result in a fine/fee or withholding of your transcript by the college.  If you have any questions regarding the mileage reimbursement for low-income students' participation in the PSEO program, contact Julie Belisle at 651-582-8265

Transportation Reimbursement for Qualified Students:

Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for PSEO students whose families are at or below the poverty level, as determined by the federal government, to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses. 

There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books or fees for items that are required to participate in a course. Enrolling in a PSEO course does not prohibit a student from participating in activities sponsored by the high school. Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for qualifying students to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses.

Grades are usually sent directly to the high school from the college after the completion of the course. However, students are ultimately responsible for making sure the high school receives the grades. All grades must be reported. The grades reported by the college are the grades placed on the student's high school transcript. Grades are weighted on a 5.0 scale.  

Students should start by planning early. The State Department of Education requires that you notify your current school by May 30 of your intent to enroll in PSEO the following school year. The decision to participate is an important one. The student will be expected to be a responsible, self-starting, independent learner. Students should seek out additional information and counseling at the high school and at the post-secondary institution to ensure that they are making the best choice for themselves and their educational future.

Once you register for college courses, you have started a college transcript. All courses dropped in PSEO must be first approved by your high school counselor. It is essential that you follow this procedure when dropping/canceling a college class. As colleges have designated drop/withdrawal periods; failure to comply will result in a grade of "F" on your high school and college transcripts.

Colleges do have the right to restrict the number and kinds of courses PSEO students may take. You must manage your time, study more outside of class, and meet deadlines without reminders.

Minnesota High School League rules let you participate in extra-curricular activities or athletics at your high school OR postsecondary institution, but not both.

Transcripts requested online are sent securely to the colleges, universities, or scholarship funds that you select. You may track your request online.

It is your responsibility to request/order your Final Transcript on Parchment. We cannot do this for you! All colleges and universities will require proof of graduation, and your transcript WITH a diploma date is the only way that this can be indicated.

Those students that need to finish their required credits in summer school should not request a Final Transcript until all credits have been completed and your transcript has been updated. If you do not finish earning your required credits before August 31, your diploma will no longer reflect a June graduation date. After August 31, your diploma will reflect the actual date that you completed your required credits.

Please note: As of August 1, you will be considered an Alumni. As an Alumni, the cost of your transcript increases from $5.00 to $10.00.

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Colleges often ask for two or three recommendation letters from people who know you well. These letters should be written by someone who can describe your skills, accomplishments, and personality.

• How to Get a Letter of Recommendation
• Teacher Letter of Recommendation Request

Colleges value recommendations because they:

• Reveal things about you that grades and test scores can’t
• Provide personal opinions of your character
• Show who is willing to speak on your behalf

Form

Letters of recommendation work for you when they present you in the best possible light, showcasing your skills and abilities. Think about who would be able to write the best letter for you: teachers, employers, coaches, mentors, counselors.

Counselor Recommendation Request

• Choosing a College
• Applying to College- Are you Ready?
• Senior Information for Application
• College Comparison Worksheet
• Free Application Opportunities
• I Applied...Now What?
• Minnesota Career Information System

• Virtual College Exploration and Application for all Minnesota Students (other colleges also!)
• U of MN - Rochester - new NXT GEN MED program - See this video!
• Minnesota Private Colleges Online Tours
• Alexandria Technical & Community College/ATCC - Find Your Future
• Bemidji State University - Bemidji, MN virtual visit opportunities - campus visits are welcome now
• College of St. Scholastica - Duluth, MN
• Michigan Tech - Houghton, MI Various virtual opportunities (click Here)
• Minnesota State University Mankato
• University of Wisconsin - River Falls
• University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
• Montana State University - Bozeman, MT
• Saint Mary's University of Minnesota - Winona, MN
• University of Arizona - Tucson, AZ
• Northern Michigan University - Marquette, MI and YouTube Video
• Rainy River Community College - International Falls, MM
• Winona State University - Winona, MN Admissions Webpage (click Here)
• North Dakota State University - Fargo, ND - Admission webpage and self-guided tour
• St. Cloud State University - St. Cloud, MN. : Request a one-on-one Zoom meeting with an admission counselor
• University of Missouri "Mizzou" - Columbia, MO

University of Minnesota

Student-led video tours:

• East Bank tour
• St. Paul Campus

The University of Minnesota offers Virtual Freshman Visits for each undergraduate college. Register for a session.

Minnesota State University - Mankato

Virtual Information Sessions: We are currently offering two live virtual information sessions each week: Mondays at 3:30 PM and Fridays at 12:00 PM.

More information and registration for these events can be found on the Minnesota State University - Mankato website.

Information Regarding Virtual Tours and Visits

Come ready to learn and bring a question or two you wish to have answered.

• Insightful Questions to Ask College Admissions Counselors
• 14 Insightful Questions to Ask College Admissions Officers
• 60 Questions to Ask on Your College Tour