Comprehensive College Preparation
Our comprehensive college preparation program provides individualized support for high-achieving, college-bound high school students in the greater Madison area. Our scholars are selected at the end of 10th grade and work with us for two years in 11th and 12th grade through high school graduation. This year we will select up to 6 scholars.
The program includes: ACT test preparation, college advising, academic tutoring (if needed), connections to extracurricular opportunities, and workshops on college prep topics including financial aid.
Our scholars are from low-to-middle income backgrounds and from demographic groups underrepresented in college (including but not limited to): by income, race/ethnicity, first generation college student, gender identity, from a rural community or experiencing a significant family hardship. They are also motivated to grow their academic and study skills and to participate in a process to find their best fit colleges.
Our first three cohorts of 15 Galin Scholars have been from seven area high schools; Madison East, Madison La Follette, Madison Memorial, Middleton, Oregon, Sauk Prairie, and Verona.
Our first scholar cohort (Class of 2025) graduated from high school in June 2025 and started college this school year at Northwestern University, Lake Forest College and UW-Madison.
Our second scholar cohort (Class of 2026) finished the ACT last spring and improved an average of over 4 points! They have applied to colleges across the country this school year and will be making their college decisions by May.
Our third scholar cohort (Class of 2027) was selected in June 2025. They are currently taking ACT test this spring after many months of studying and are meeting regularly with their college counselor to research college options.
Our fourth scholar cohort (Class of 2028) will be selected in May 2026. The application is now available for 10th graders with a application deadline of Friday, April 10, 2026. Students click on the Apply to be a Scholar link above to apply.
Impact Report
Click to read the 2023-24 GalinScholarsImpactReport
2024-25 Impact report coming soon!
Additional Events and Opportunities
In addition to our comprehensive program, Galin Scholars works to expand access to information about college preparation. Contact us for more information on any of these events or opportunities.
Diag Day
For the last three years, we have partnered with local Dane County libraries and Galin Education for Diag Day, which provides 10th graders with the opportunity to take a diagnostic (practice) ACT. This is the day the official ACT test is given to 11th graders in WI and many 10th graders have the day off from school (Tuesday, March 10, 2026). Students can use this opportunity to know their baseline score and then develop a plan for improving over the next year. Over 500 students have participated. You can find more information here on Diag Day including which libraries hosted the event in 2026.
Workshops for students
We partner with Dane County school districts and community centers to provide workshops and information sessions on college preparation topics including: high school course selection, the value of extracurricular opportunities, test preparation, how to research and build a list of colleges, and college applications and essays.
Professional development for staff
We provide professional development opportunities to staff at school districts and community centers who work with college bound students. This has included college admissions case studies and other topics of interest. Contact us for more information.
Resources
The AXS Companion is a free, open online resource designed by professional consultants to be used side-by-side with Common App as you work through your application. Each section includes explanatory videos, helpful tips, a glossary of application terms, and links to resources mentioned in the videos.
This resource was created by the AVID/TOPS partnership team and provides important information on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) translated in Spanish and Hmong. AVID/TOPS is a collaborative partnership between the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County (BGCDC). AVID/TOPS aims to increase academic achievement, college preparation, and postsecondary educational access for students in the academic middle who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
Application deadline for the Class of 2028 is Friday, April 10 2026 at 11:59 pm.
Nominations are welcome at any time during the year. We will provide any student who is nominated with information about our program and the timeline for applying.