Search | Menu Starting college early, finishing high school strong
Teens in Madison College’s Start College Now program can earn college credit early, try classes their school doesn’t offer and explore new interests before they graduate from high school.
It’s an opportunity open to all high school students, with easy access to nearby Madison College campuses in Fort Atkinson, Portage, Reedsburg and Watertown.
And best of all, students earn college credit at no cost.
Michaela Lewellin, a pre-health pathway student from Waterloo High School, is earning college credits in anatomy and physiology at the Madison College Watertown Campus. In June, she will graduate from high school having already earned 26 college credits.
Start College Now Q & A
When did you start taking college classes in high school?
I started classes at Madison College in the first semester of my senior year, and I have been enrolled full-time for both semesters.
How many college credits will you have completed before high school graduation?
I will have completed 26 college credits before my high school graduation. I took 13 credits in the first semester and 13 in the second semester.
What are your favorite college classes?
I have enjoyed my anatomy and physiology classes the most because they really interest me, and my professor and classmates make the class really fun!
What does a typical weekday look like for you?
Right now, I am wrestling in high school. My days normally consist of going to class and then coming home and doing schoolwork. Then I go to practice. After that, I go home and eat dinner, and either do homework if I need to or go and hang out with my family or friends.
Has this experience changed your confidence about college?
Yes! I was so nervous to start taking college classes because everybody tells you that college is so much harder than high school. It is, but it's not as scary as it seems if you put in effort. I have been able to keep the same grades as I had in my high school classes.
What career choices are you considering?
I am exploring nursing. I took my CNA class at the Watertown campus during my junior year, which really solidified my choice of nursing. As this year goes on, I'm finding through my anatomy and psychology classes that I really want to do nursing with children.
What would you say to other students considering Start College Now?
I would say absolutely go for it! It's a better experience than I could have imagined, especially if you feel like you aren't being challenged or given the opportunities you need in high school. You need to be ready to put in a bit more effort, but don't be scared that it's going to consume your whole life.
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far?
I'm proud of making the honor roll and maintaining my grades while taking my first semester of college classes.
Learn more about the Madison College Start College Now opportunities. Applications are being accepted for the 2025-26 academic school year.
