Read Common Questions
What is Start College Now (SCN)?
SCN is a statewide program that allows Juniors and Seniors to take college classes while still in High School. State statute allows a minimum of 18 college credits per student.
How do students apply for SCN?
Students can apply by filling out a SCN application. The High School then reviews the application, approves or denies classes, and sends it to CVTC. CVTC reviews the application and determines eligibility of classes. Once approved, students register themselves for their desired section of a class. The deadline for getting applications to high schools is March 1st for Fall and October 1st for Spring.
What happens after a student is registered?
Start College Now students are treated as traditional CVTC students. They are responsible for ordering their textbooks, checking their schedule, and attending class. Students are assigned to a High School Specialist Advisor (HSASA) to monitor progress and provide resources.
How do students get required textbooks?
Students order the required textbooks for their classes using instructions provided. High Schools are billed for textbooks if the class is approved by the High School.
How should instructors communicate required textbooks/resources for SCN?
Instructors should communicate with their students the normal requirements for the class. Instructors are encouraged to ask if students are in high school but may not know since SCN students are treated as traditional CVTC students.
What are the requirements to apply for SCN?
SCN classes follow CVTC prerequisites and age limits. A student must be a Junior or Senior to apply. Each school district may also have student requirements to approve their students to enroll.
Who pays for tuition for SCN students?
Tuition, fees, and textbook costs are paid for by the school districts, if classes are approved. Students may be responsible for all costs associated with the course if students are not successful. Students should check with their high school on their policy.
Why do school districts offer SCN?
Districts are required to provide students with the option to take 18 college credits not offered through their current curriculum. School districts are required to provide individual academic and career planning for all students and SCN helps districts meet this requirement.
What's the difference between SCN and High School Academies (HSA)?
HSAs reserve seats for high school students. SCN allows only Juniors and Seniors during the academic year to apply for courses. SCN students register after CVTC students. Seats are not reserved for students, and the course may be full by the registration date.
What is the deadline to register for classes?
Students can register through the first week of the semester until end of business day Friday.
What if a student wants to drop a class?
Students are subject to CVTC's drop policy and dates. SCN students can drop themselves from class, but they should work with their high school and High School Academy Specialist Advisor to full understand the potential impacts of dropping.
What if the High School doesn't approve a class?
Students can fill out self-pay paperwork and register for a class the same way. All tuition, books, and fees are charged directly to the student if a student elects to self-pay for a class
Why should my student consider Start College Now?
SCN is a great option for students who want to take individual courses toward a degree program or to try a course before committing to a program. SCN gives a taste of the college experience and can be used to supplement credits for a variety of programs at CVTC and four-year universities.
What resources are available to SCN students?
SCN students have access to the same academic resources as traditional CVTC students and an assigned Advisor. Students are also added to a Canvas course with helpful information that can be utilized throughout the semester. Students are highly encouraged to attend in-person SCN Advisement and Registration.
Do credits in the CVTC SCN courses transfer to other colleges?
Many credits are widely accepted by many public and private four- year colleges and universities either on a course-by-course basis or program-to- program transfer. Transcripts are analyzed on an individual basis by the receiving institution to determine which credits will transfer. Students should consult with the Admissions Office at the educational institution to which they plan to transfer for more details. Universal Credit Transfer Agreement information can be found at https://www.wisconsin.edu/transfer/universal-transfer/
How do students view CVTC course offerings?
Students may view the course catalogue at: coursesearch.cvtc.edu. Any class is eligible for SCN if the student has met the pre-requisite requirements, the course is offered during that semester, and the class is not program restricted.
How do FERPA rules apply to SCN students?
The student will fill out a Supplemental Information/FERPA release form allowing CVTC to discuss educational records with the high school and optionally the student's parents or guardians. Course progress, behavioral concerns, and all grades for the student may be shared with the parents or guardians only if they have access to the student's FERPA PIN. CVTC may discuss student information with the students' school since they are paying for the courses.
Who are the points of contact for SCN?
High School Academy Specialist Advisors (HSASA) work with High School Counselors. If parents have questions, they should contact their High School Counselor.
For questions relating specifically to Start College Now, please contact startcollegenow@cvtc.edu or call 715-852-1365 for more information.