College Planning

9th grade:

  • Focus on your academic plan-we will work on your schedule each year, but you need to make sure of your four-year course of study plan.

  • Student resume-create a file in which to store all your activities, awards and recognitions as well as the date of each of these events. This file will be ongoing through senior year.

  • Extra-curricular activities-it’s important to be a well-rounded student. This includes academics, as well as, activities in and out of school.

  • Submit community service forms to the guidance counselor.

  • Create a CFNC account and begin exploring programs and majors that potentially will lead to your future career.

10th grade:

  • Continue to focus on academics. Make sure to challenge yourself with coursework and degree of difficulty of classes.

  • PSAT-prepare by visiting CFNC or collegeboard.org for free test prep and practice.

  • Keep researching colleges and universities.  Familiarize yourselves with the entrance requirements for the schools on your list.

  • Work in your CFNC account under the Learn about Yourself tab. Take the interest inventories and skill builder assessments to help identify your strengths.

  • Keep checking on your cumulative grade point average (GPA).

  • Keep reading.

11th grade:

  • This is the last year to work on your GPA if you are considering early action or early decision deadlines.

  • Make sure your academic schedule is as demanding as you can handle.

  • Study for the PSAT in October. Try to qualify for a National Merit Scholarship.

  • SAT/ACT-we recommend that you take either test at least twice. Testing should be completed by the end of your junior year.

  • Please note, not all schools require SAT II subject tests. You must look at each school’s requirement and act accordingly.

  • VISIT- visit the colleges/universities you are considering. Please schedule an official visit to colleges of interest. 

  • Register an account with each school of interest to receive notifications of upcoming visits or special events at the school.  

  • Prepare a personal statement and/or answer the college essay questions.

  • Finalize your student resume.

  • Find out how many community service hours are left to meet the 60 hour requirement.

12th grade:

  • Please be prepared for the senior advisory meeting in August.

    • Have a plan on where you are applying to schools.

    • Know the application deadlines for those schools.

  • Recommendation letters-please give the person you are asking for a letter at least two weeks to write your letter. Also, give them a copy of your student resume.

  • Transcripts will be added to the Common App or Coalition App without having to request it. For schools not on either of these sites, request a transcript through Parchment. Finish up all testing if not already complete.  

  • Essay and personal statement-please have a teacher or the counselor review your essays.

  • Please have a strong schedule your senior year. Senior year is not the time to coast. Continue to challenge yourself by taking the hardest classes possible for you that match your strengths.

DO NOT MISS THE APPLICATION DEADLINES!!