Wisconsin International Precollege Academy – WIPA Online
Deciding where you want to go to college is a huge decision – one we make many times based on Google and internet searches alone. Imagine if you could, from the comfort of your home or local cafe, live a university experience before you had to choose your university?
WIPA-Online provides international high school students the opportunity to explore student life and develop skills necessary for U.S. University success. Develop your transferable skills of teamwork, cross cultural communication, and critical thinking while improving strategies for conducting research through dynamic classes that evaluate your academic goals and explore majors, prepare for the university application process, learn about life as an international student on campus, and connect with staff and current UW students in an online environment. Utilizing the university’s online tools, WIPA-Online helps you be ready to make a more informed decision about where and what you want to study in the future!
At a glance
Session 1
July 7 – August 6, Monday and Wednesday from 7- 9:30 a.m. CT
Session 2
July 29 – August 28, Tuesday and Thursday from 5 – 7:30 p.m. CT
2025 Theme
Critical thinking, research and college readiness
Registration and Cost
Registration opens December 2024
Program cost: $550 USD
Winter sessions available for cohorts
Scholarship information
Partial scholarships available for students with financial need. Applications are due March 24, 2025. Reach out to Sara at [email protected] to request a scholarship application.
Critical thinking and research
High school students will engage in thoughtful discussion to examine their own views, beliefs and reasons for what they believe. Additionally, engage in activities to strategically approach research and think critically about data and source evaluation.
College readiness
Students will prepare themselves to be college ready through a variety of interactive workshops. They will build soft skills such as collaboration and critical thinking necessary for academic success, explore the expanse of institutions in the U.S. through conversations with multiple institutions, learn from writing instructors on how to draft a personal statement, and better understand the holistic approach to university admissions.
- Curriculum
- Build an understanding of college major opportunities
- Preparing for success at a U.S. university
- Sample schedule
Approach research and our own thinking through a critical lens
- Learn to critically evaluate data and sources for college-level research
- Enhance ability to deepen and strengthen critical thinking skills, both in our general approach to situational analysis but also when preparing for research
- Understand how your interests, values, and skills connect to potential majors and careers
- Discover requirements and outcomes of particular majors and about supplementary skills related to your interested major
- Engage with advisors from STEAM and other academic departments to get an in-depth understanding of major requirements and opportunities
- Improve English language confidence in speaking, listening, and writing through analysis & discussion
- Utilize soft skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, cross-cultural communication, & creativity in group discussions
- Develop connections with UW–Madison students and staff
- Expand knowledge of U.S. educational system, methods to apply, financial aid, the international student experience, and further opportunities to extend their learning abroad
- Explore other higher education institutions, including two virtual campus visits
| Date | Theme |
|---|---|
| Week 1: Understanding the US college system | |
| Day 1 | Course orientation and icebreakers University jargon A non-linear academic path |
| Day 2 | Reflection and debrief Searching for your best fit college |
| Week 2: US Higher Education options and writing workshops | |
| Day 3 | Debrief & UW-Madison Campus Tour (Student Presentations) University Personal Statement Writing Workshop #1: Examples & Brainstorming Student Reflection on Essay Writing Process |
| Day 4 | UW-Madison Undergraduate Admissions Virtual University Visits: Technical College Virtual University Visits: Private College |
| Week 3: Exploring majors and college advising | |
| Day 5 | Best Fit College Share Out Introduction to College Advising Undergraduate advisor panel and virtual fair |
| Day 6 | Undergraduate major and careers share out. University Personal Statement Writing Workshop #2: Structure & Outlining Final Project Check In |
| Week 4: Critical thinking and research skills | |
| Day 7 | Transferrable Skill Building Workshop |
| Day 8 | Applying Critical Thinking to Research Strategies Asking the right questions in Research Data Evaluation & Analysis |
| Week 5: The student experience and financing your studies | |
| Day 9 | Budgeting for College & Financial Aid Considerations Financial Aid Q & A UW Student Panel Q & A |
| Day 10 | Student Final Presentations Reflection & Closing Activity |