Check your Naviance page at least twice a week for updates / Scholarship opportunities and emails from your counselor. 

•  Take classes that will best prepare you for college level work. Remember, most colleges recommend that you take a math and a foreign language course in your senior year.

• Google "common data set" and the name of a college to review the most updated data related to acceptance rates, how the college weights SAT/ACT scores, GPA, Rank, Essay, etc. 

•  Meet with your school counselor to update your list of post secondary options and narrow your college list down to five. Make arrangements to go on college tours via www.goseecampus.com or www.campustours.com. Sign up for college visits via Naviance. 

•  If applying to a four-year college for early decision, submit your applications in October or November; try to submit all applications to four-year colleges by December 1. Meet all deadlines. If you are an athlete and plan to play sports you must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse.

• Have an official transcript sent to all colleges to which you are applying.  Create an account with Common Applicaton and link this account with your Naviance account.  All colleges must be put in Naviance before transcripts will be sent. Transcripts are sent only  when you request them. You should turn in your written request to the person designated to furnish transcripts in your school’s counseling department at least two weeks before the transcripts are needed.

• Complete your application by the deadline set by each college where you apply. Remember, if a commom application has an "optional" essay to complete it will increase your appeal to the college when you complete the essay.

• Attend any Fall College Fairs; continue to meet with college representatives who come to your school.

• Contact the financial aid offices at the schools to which you are applying. They may ask you to file a CSS/Financial Aid profile. Complete your Residency Determination Form. Instructional video above 

• Apply for scholarships. If you awarded ANY scholarships (even if you don't plan to attend that college/university) enter that information into your Naviance account under scholarships OR make a copy of the offer and turn it into Ms. Nance in the School Counseling Office. 

• Take the SAT/ACT again in October or November. Take SAT Subject Test if required by your choice of colleges.

• Visit college campuses; teacher workdays are good times for these visits.

• If you did not participate in a work-based learning opportunity last year, consider one now.

• Attend financial aid workshop. Look for aid from all possible sources.

• If applying for financial aid, complete and file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) during October. Complete the Residency Determination Form

• If you plan to attend a community college, begin by January to complete the admissions form, apply for financial aid, have an official transcript mailed, take the placement tests, and make an appointment with your community college program counselor.

• In January request that mid-year grades be sent to those colleges requiring them.

• Avoid “senioritis” — stay focused on your course work.

• Respond to college offers of admission and scholarship by May 1.  Notify all colleges to which you have been accepted of your final decision.

• Submit required deposits and make plans to take any required placement tests.

• Take Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate examinations in May if you were enrolled in those courses.

• Request that a final transcript be sent to the college of your choice.

• Graduate!!!!!!!!

JUNIOR YEAR - GRADE 11

• Renew your commitment to take challenging courses. If you have not yet taken a world language, it is now time to begin one. Most colleges require a minimum of two years of the same language and recommend that one be taken in the senior year. 

• Take the PSAT again. The PSAT/NMSQT is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship, the National Achievement Scholarship, and the National Hispanic Scholar Recognition Program. You can qualify for these scholarship opportunities only by taking the PSAT in your junior year. 

• Make a list of your abilities, interests, needs and goals, and explore your college and career options with your parents and school counselor. • Make an initial list of colleges and careers that interest you and seek out information about them: • Use the Internet or computer software (Visit www.cfnc.org) 

• Attend the National College Fair/Career Expo in spring. • Interview people who have attended colleges in which you are interested. 

• Visit prospective colleges. 

• Check college websites for specific entrance requirements (tests, courses, timeline). 

• Consider a work-based learning opportunity (co-op and internships). • Sign up at school to talk with college representatives as they visit your school. 

• In March, May, or June take the SAT or ACT and request that the scores be sent to colleges. Registration information is available in your school’s counseling department and online. 

• In May/June take SAT Subject Tests if required by colleges you're considering. 

• Attend the Financial Aid workshop at your school with your parents. (It is usually held in the fall or winter.) 

• Investigate sources of financial aid (scholarships, grants, and loans). There is a wealth of resources available online. 

• Participate in SAT/ACT preparation activities offered at your school. 

• Take AP/IB examinations in May if you are enrolled in those courses. 

• If you are a potential college athlete, register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. Information is available in your school’s Student Services department. 

• Plan your senior year schedule to include the remaining courses you need for graduation and college admission. 

 Continue participation in school and community activities. Volunteer for community service. 

• Investigate pre-college and enrichment programs for the summer or secure a part-time summer job in your area of career interest. 

• Begin preparing your high school resume and essays for college and scholarship applications. Visit colleges you are interested in attending 

SOPHOMORE YEAR - GRADE 10 

• Review your selection of high school courses, keeping in mind your postsecondary plans. 

• Talk with your parents and school counselor about your future goals. Begin to think about choices of college majors. 

• Initiate inquiry into possible careers. 

• Do well in all courses to maintain or improve your GPA and class rank. • Take the PSAT or the PreACT. • Attend college fairs with your parents. (i.e. National College Fair/Career Expo.) 

• Continue school and community activities and keep a record of them. 

• Select challenging courses for your junior year during spring registration. Consider taking Advanced Placement courses in your best academic areas. 

• Participate in a summer enrichment program. 

FRESHMAN YEAR - GRADE 9 

 Talk with your parents and school counselor about future plans. Put your plan in writing and update it yearly. 

• Review college entrance requirements. 

• Take challenging classes to prepare you for college and/or your career goals. 

• Attend school each day and prepare daily for your classes so that your grades are the best. Grade point average (GPA) and class rank are calculated beginning in grade 9. Remember that honors/AP/IB classes earn extra quality points. 

• Explore careers (through job shadowing, interest inventories, and internships). 

• Attend college fairs with your parents. The National College Fair/Career Expo is usually held in the spring.

 • Participate in extracurricular activities. Keep a record of them.