College & Career Readiness
PREPARING FOR WHAT'S NEXT
College & Career Readiness
Whatever comes after graduation — college, career, or something else — PACT helps students build a plan to get there.
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Minnesota Career Information System (MCIS)
Career and college planning, all in one place.
MCIS is an online career and college planning tool that PACT uses to help students build their Personal Learning Plan (PLP), as required by Minnesota state law. Each student has their own MCIS account and begins building their PLP in 9th grade. Students are encouraged to keep using MCIS throughout high school — and even at home — as they refine their plans.
Students can access MCIS through their school account.
Questions? Reach out to your school counselor.
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Within MCIS, students will:
- Identify their skills and interests
- Explore careers through interest inventories
- Search for colleges and training programs
- Create an education and career plan
- Keep a record of school activities, extracurriculars, and work experience
Research shows that students with an education and career plan are:
- More likely to graduate high school and pursue college or other postsecondary training
- More motivated to succeed in school, training, and the workplace
- Higher scoring on standardized achievement tests
- Have better attendance and fewer discipline issues
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- School Sort — helps students find colleges that match their goals and preferences
- Financial Aid Sort — searches a national scholarship database for matches based on background, major, and interests
Minnesota National College Fair
Each October, PACT takes juniors and seniors on a field trip to the Minnesota National College Fair at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Students have the chance to meet with admissions representatives from colleges and universities across the country — all in one place, all in one day.
Talk with your School Counselor about how to get the most out of the fair before you go.
Planning for College
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PACT offers the ACT on campus each spring for students in grades 10–12. Whether you're taking the test for the first time or preparing for a retake, a little planning goes a long way.
- Who can take it: PACT students in grades 10–12
- When: Offered annually at PACT in the spring
- Free ACT Practice & Prep: Practice with daily questions, sample quizzes, and full-length tests in all subjects. Get explanations, tips, and strategies to boost your skills and feel confident on test day.
Students can also register for the ACT independently at a national test center, on a date other than PACT's spring administration. For more information, visit the ACT website.
Talk with your School Counselor about registration deadlines, fee waivers, and how your score fits into your college plans.
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Finding the right college fit takes more than a list of rankings. A few places to start:
- MCIS College Search Tool — search and compare colleges based on your goals and preferences (see MCIS section above)
- Campus visits — nothing replaces walking a campus in person; Schedule an official visit or tour through the college's website
- College Recruiters at PACT — reps from colleges and universities regularly visit campus; see Recruiter Visits for the calendar
- Talk to your counselor — they can help you build a balanced list of reach, match, and safety schools based on your goals
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Direct Admissions Minnesota offers high school seniors guaranteed admission to participating Minnesota colleges and universities based on their academic record, simplifying the college application process by eliminating the need to apply to each school individually.
Learn More: Direct Admissions Minnesota →
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Applying to college involves more moving pieces than most students expect — but you don't have to figure it out alone. Your School Counselor can walk you through:
- Building a college list that fits your goals, interests, and budget
- Application platforms (Common App, individual college applications, etc.)
- Writing a strong personal statement or essay
- Tracking deadlines for early action, early decision, and regular decision
- Requesting transcripts and letters of recommendation
- What to do after you're accepted
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Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but there's more support available than most families realize.
- FAFSA — the Free Application for Federal Student Aid determines your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study
- MN Office of Higher Education — Overview of how to pay for college, covering FAFSA/financial aid applications, grants and scholarships (including the MN State Grant and North Star Promise), student loans, and other options like work study, tuition reciprocity, and military education benefits.
- Scholarships — local, state, and national opportunities students can apply for throughout high school. View the Scholarship Spreadsheet →
Questions about FAFSA, scholarships, or financial aid timelines? Reach out to your School Counselor.
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EncourageMe is a free tool that PACT uses to help students and families navigate the college and career planning process, from exploring options to staying on track with deadlines.
Post-Secondary Pathways
College isn't the only path after graduation. We want every student to see the full range of options available to them:
- College — two-year, four-year, public, private
- Military — see Recruiter Visits for information on all branches
- Trades & technical training — apprenticeships and certificate programs
- Direct workforce entry — starting a career right after high school
Internships & Work-Based Learning
Gain real-world experience while you're still in high school. Internships and work-based learning opportunities help students explore careers, build skills, and make connections before they graduate.
Talk with your School Counselor about current opportunities and how to get involved.