What Should I Be Doing Now?

Seniors: Class of 2021

Visit our College Planning page for helpful tips about the college application process!

When visiting college campuses in person or virtually, junior and senior students should make sure to visit the entire school to get an idea of what they are offering. When you visit a school, look at their admissions criteria, housing, financial aid, and student life. Most important is the Program of Study--be sure that the school is offering what you are most interested in studying.

Visit ACT or SAT to register for additional tests!

Remember the UNC system minimum eligibility system minimum eligibility requirements are SAT: 880 and ACT: 17.

Keep in mind: If you are a student who is on free/reduced lunch at the school - YOU QUALIFY FOR FEE WAIVERS! You get 2 for the ACT and 2 for the SAT and you can apply to as many NC colleges/universities as you would like for FREE! Please make sure to let Ms. Felix or Ms. Williams know when you need a fee waiver.

Interested in the military? Reach out to your school counselor to get in touch with your high school's recruiter.

Juniors: Class of 2022

Start your college search.

• • • • Create a list of schools and then select your top 3 choices. Based on your findings, set goals and work towards what it would take to become a freshman at your 3 choices.

      • Make lists of your abilities, preferences, and personal qualities. List things you may want to study and do in college.

      • Jumpstart your college planning by reading about majors and careers.

      • Use College Search to find colleges with the right characteristics.

Start thinking about Financial Aid.

• • • • Talk to your college advisor or counselor about your college plans.

      • Attend a college night/financial aid night at your school.

Create an account with CFNC.org if you haven't done so. Visit CFNC.org to take a career interest inventory. This is where you can explore what careers best suit you and what schools offer programs of study that you would like to pursue after high school!

Create an account with CollegeBoard.org. This helps with registering for the SAT and getting your SAT scores electronically. Remember the PHS code is 340-490. It is also important to select the colleges of your choice during the registration process to ensure that your scores will be sent directly or you will have to pay a fee to have them mailed later.

Create an account with ACT.org. This helps with registering for the ACT outside of school and getting your scores electronically sent to the college/university of your choice.

Athletes: Now is the time to create an account with NCAA Clearinghouse if you are planning to attend college and participate in a sport.

See your school counselor for assistance.

Sophomores | Freshmen

Create an account with CFNC.org. This website helps you plan for career and college, explore careers that interest you, and start learning about colleges and entrance requirements.

Talk with your school counselor. Talk about what different academic and elective courses are offered at Pender High School. Think about your career goals and align your elective courses with these interests.

Consider signing up for the PSAT in the Fall. The PSAT takes place in October and it's good practice for the SAT. There are also free SAT and ACT practice tests on CFNC.org.

Consider dual enrollment. Look into the possibility of dual enrollment with College and Career Promise (CCP) to earn college credit while in high school. See Ms. Stokes for requirements and potential courses you can take starting junior year.