College Ready @ Badger Precollege
How do I find a good-fit school for me and my budget? What are my options post-graduation from high school? How do I start navigating the higher education process? How do I know if college is a good fit for me?
If these are the questions you are asking yourself, College Ready is the course for you. This dynamic college prep experience for high school students provides an opportunity to learn broad college preparatory experiences and incorporate transferable readiness skills, all to help prepare students for applying to college. With decades of experience and many insights learned, our staff is prepared to support your exploration and show you that higher education is not only valuable, but attainable. We work closely with UW–Madison campus partners to provide students with current information regarding financial aid, educational options, and more. Any interested high school student who wants to expand their tool-kit for decision-making is welcome to apply.
The online experience provides an interactive look at options in higher education and navigating the process of finding the right school. Classes are taught online in Canvas and Zoom. Each 2-hour class engages students in varied activities incorporating critical self-reflection, dynamic discussion, college-admissions content, guest speakers, and collaborative work time. The student experience is designed to give you a taste of what it means to Think, Prepare, and Act like a college student.
At a glance
When
October 21–November 13, 2025
Fall Online: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 –8 p.m. CT
registration
Opens: September 15
Closes: October 16
Scholarship application deadline
October 14, 2025
homework committment
Approximately 1 hour per week
who
Current high school students (grades 9-12)
tuition
$480 for online experience
The College Ready program was a huge help for my view of college and being able to see the day to day life of being a college student before actually becoming one.
—College Ready Student
Prepare for your best-fit school in the ultimate college readiness experience
Relevant
Customizable components in the experience allow for students to learn about topics that best answer their questions and meet their needs as they navigate the college admissions process.
Comprehensive
We provide information on college admissions, financial aid, choosing a major and more. Students will have the opportunity to interact with like-minded peers who are also exploring their college journeys.
Synchronous and engaging
Synchronous classes mean that students are together in the same virtual classroom at the same time with their instructors. Frequent small-group breakout sessions to maximize engagement, provide feedback, and facilitate discussion.
- Registration information
- Scholarship information
- Instructor biography
How to:
Note: Students applying for a scholarship should review the Scholarships section before registering.
- Complete the online registration.
- Tuition is due at the time of registration.
- Activate your NetID and Login to Canvas (instructions will be sent via an automated email).
- Complete any additional forms provided after initial sign-up by posted deadlines.
Refund Policy*
A full refund, minus a $75 nonrefundable administration fee, will be issued anytime between registration and two days prior to the program starting. Students dismissed for disciplinary reasons are not eligible for any refund. Students voluntarily leaving while the program is in session are not eligible for any refund.
All requests for refunds must be received in writing to [email protected]. Refunds may take up to eight weeks to process, starting from the time a written request is received by Badger Precollege.
Cancelation Policy
Badger Precollege reserves the right to cancel classes when necessary, including those for which enrollment numbers are not sufficient, or those for which a highly qualified instructor is unavailable. In the case of course cancellations, we will be happy to help you choose an alternative course. If no acceptable alternative is available, we will refund any tuition paid, minus any non-refundable application fees or deposits.
Time Zone Considerations
College Ready @ Badger Precollege requires students to participate in online synchronous learning during central time on the days listed. Please use this tool to take this into consideration if you live in a different time zone.
*Please note that this policy differs from our other Badger Precollege refund policies. This is because the registration timeline is much shorter for College Ready than for our other programming. Thank you for your understanding.
We are pleased to offer full and partial scholarships to students who participate in the College Ready program on a first-come, first-served basis. Please review the information below to see if you qualify.
**The last date to submit scholarship documents is October 14th. Please note that earlier submissions may increase your chances of receiving aid.**
To qualify for a full scholarship, you must:
- Submit a Scholarship Form
- If you are eligible for Free or Reduced lunch in a Wisconsin school, please ensure your school’s Authorized Representative signature (ex: Food Service Director, Principal, Counselor) AND the checkbox verifying your free-reduced lunch status are completed before submitting your registration. Once this has been received we will follow-up with further instructions.
- If you don’t qualify for free or reduced lunch in a Wisconsin school, please provide your income and household information from your most recent tax return. Once your aid amount has been determined, you will be directed to register for the program. Please note that the leftover balance after your scholarship has been applied will be due at time of registration.
Scholarship Documents can be submitted via email to [email protected] OR mailed to our office:
Badger Precollege
21 N Park St, 7th Floor
Madison, WI 53715
Sara Bembenek-Saborio is an English as a Second Language Instructor, Curriculum Designer, Program Manager, and Course Facilitator who has been with UW-Madison for over six years in the areas of international education, program design, and college readiness with high school students in both in person and online courses. Sara collaborates extensively with both the UW campus & greater Madison community and international educational partners to design courses that inform and prepare students for understanding their educational options after high school and having the tools needed to navigate the higher educational landscape.
Frequently asked questions
Learning Experience
What is the online experience like?
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Do you still have questions? Please fill out the form below.
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