Program Overview

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Pre-College Programs

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers a range of pre-college programs designed to support students in their academic and personal development. These programs cater to different age groups and interests, providing a comprehensive and engaging experience.

Middle School Programs

• Middle School Programs Overview
• Mini-Courses – Pre-College Campus Tours
• Planning for the Future – Academic Year
• Planning for the Future Summer Camp
• Quest Project
• Mini-Courses – Saturday Academy
• Mini-Courses – Summer Exploration Camp

High School Programs

• High School Programs Overview
• Mini-Courses – ACT Prep
• Mini-Courses – ACT Test Taking Experience
• Mini-Courses – Panther Prep
• Future Success Program
• Mini-Courses – Go Out and Learn Something (GOALS)
• Quest Project
• Upward Bound
• Upward Bound Math & Science

Adult Programs

• Adult Programs Overview
• Veterans Upward Bound

ACT Prep Program

The ACT Prep program is designed for 11th-12th graders, aiming to prepare them for the official ACT test. The program includes direct instruction in math, reading, English, and science reasoning, as well as the writing section of the ACT test. Students learn test-taking strategies and participate in unofficial pre- and post-test experiences to familiarize themselves with the ACT testing process.

Program Dates

• Spring 2026:
  • January 10, 2026: Pre-Test, 8:00 am – 11:30 am
  • January 17, 24, 31, February 7, 14, 2026: Classes, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • February 21, 2026: Post-Test, 8:00 am – 11:30 am
• Information Session: January 20th, 6:00 pm (online)

Eligibility

Students must have a core GPA of 2.5 to be eligible for this class and must be in grades 11-12. Core classes include variations of reading, math, English, science, social studies, and foreign languages.

Registration

The Spring 2026 session has reached full enrollment, and registrations for the waitlist are no longer being accepted.

Policies & Fees

• Cost: $210 for the Fall and Spring ACT Preparation Class
• Scholarships: DPI Precollege Scholarships are available for students eligible for free or reduced lunch
• Payments: Cash or check/money order (made payable to UW-Milwaukee Mini-Course Program) by mail; credit card/over the phone payments are not available

FAQ

• Registering for the ACT Preparation Class does not register students for the official ACT test
• The Writing Test is not a component of the ACT Preparation Class but is briefly covered in the Reading component
• Core classes used to determine the applicant's core grade point average include reading, math, English, science, social studies, and foreign languages
• Students who have already attended the ACT Preparation Class are not eligible to take it a second time, except in medical or emergency situations
• There is no guarantee that a student's score will increase after taking the class, but past statistics show that at least 75% of students increase their score.