Start College Now
Get a Head Start at WCTC
If you're contemplating a technical career, want to get a head start on college, or want to enter the workforce immediately after high school graduation, consider Wisconsin’s Start College Now program. This program allows all eligible public high school juniors and seniors to take postsecondary courses at Wisconsin's technical colleges.
- Earn college and high school credit simultaneously.
- Earn college credits at little or no cost to you. School districts pay for the cost of approved courses and required books. School districts will not cover the cost of required supplies and materials (tools, uniforms, etc.); please be prepared to pay for these items.
Early College Opportunities
ECO@wctc.edu
262.691.5488Schedule a Consultation
Get in touch with a WCTC Dual Credit Specialist by scheduling an appointment online. Appointments are available in person, virtually or by phone. If your school is not listed below, contact ECO@wctc.edu to get connected.
Matt Halbach
262.691.5135
Matt works with students from Arrowhead, Hamilton, Menomonee Falls, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee and Waukesha School Districts.
How to Get Started
Forward Your Application
Upon school district approval, forward your Start College Now application to WCTC. Email approved applications to ECO@wctc.edu.
Check Your Email
You will receive pre-enrollment communication via email when your application is received. Please provide valid and legible physical and e-mail addresses on your application.
Confirm Your Course Selections
Work with WCTC to confirm final course selections and determine the steps to complete course prerequisites.
Please note: You should first consult with your high school counselor to determine if the course(s) you have selected are consistent with your Academic and Career Planning (ACP) goals and will not conflict with high school course and co-curricular commitments.
Enroll in Courses
If you meet application deadlines, receive school district approval, submit an application to WCTC and complete course prerequisites, you will be enrolled in your selected courses (space permitting) during the open registration period. If a seat is not available, WCTC will help you find a suitable alternative.
Check Your Email
You will receive an email confirming your enrollment. This email will include your schedule and information on textbooks and materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to enroll in SCN courses?
Start College Now (SCN) is available to public high school students in grades 11 and 12 who are in good academic standing, have an acceptable disciplinary record and are interested in enrolling in technical college coursework.
When do students apply for SCN?
Students should submit Start College Now applications to their school district by March 1 for the fall semester and October 1 for the spring semester.
When should approved applications be submitted to WCTC?
Approved Start College Now applications should be submitted to WCTC by May 1 for the fall semester and November 1 for the spring semester. Approved applications will be accepted after these dates, but should be submitted to WCTC as soon as possible to ensure the best opportunity for course selection.
Who is responsible for submitting an approved SCN application to WCTC?
In most cases, the student is responsible for sending the approved application to WCTC. Please confirm with the student's school district.
Will students need to complete the technical college application in addition to the SCN application?
No, students will not need to apply to the college to participate in Start College Now.
Can students enroll in courses through SCN during the summer term?
Start College Now is not an option for summer courses. Students wanting to enroll in summer courses should consult with their high school regarding options for a separate contract or enrollment agreement.
Can high school districts require students to reimburse the cost of a dropped or failed SCN class?
This decision is up to the high school district. It is recommended the high school develop a policy and communicate the expectation to the student(s)/parent(s).
How much high school credit will be earned through SCN?
High school credit earned is at the discretion of the high school district.
May students take courses through SCN and ECCP (Early College Credit Program through the UW System) at the same time?
No. Per 118.55, 2(a), sub. (7t) (c), students may alternate by semester but cannot participate in both programs concurrently. Students may still enroll in contracted courses and/or dual credit with the technical college while enrolled in ECCP. The aforementioned statute only refers to concurrent enrollment in SCN or compulsory education and ECCP.
Is there a limit to the number of courses a student may take through SCN?
There is no established limit regarding the number of courses a student may take per semester; however, high school districts may implement a policy which limits the total number of college credits earned through Start College Now and ECCP. Districts must offer a minimum of 18 credits per student over the duration of their eligibility for the Start College Now and/or the Early College Credit Programs (ECCP). The 18 credit limit applies to the sum of credits earned between Start College Now and ECCP.
Who is responsible for the cost of tuition, course fees, textbooks and/or materials?
Per 38.12(14), the school district is required to pay the cost of tuition, course fees, and required books. The district may request books be returned to the district at the end of the course. Additional costs such as testing fees, background checks, and supplies may be covered at the discretion of the high school district. The expectation of who will pay these expenses should be communicated to student(s)/parent(s) in advance.
Who is responsible for covering transportation costs?
The student is responsible for any transportation costs to attend courses held at the college campus or other location.
Where can I get more information about ECCP?
DPI oversees the dissemination of information related to ECCP.