ENROLLMENT: College Planning can seem challenging and overwhelming. Knowing the Where (you want to go), the What (do you want to major in/study/career goal), and the How (do you apply and pay for it) and sorting it all all out. Don't waste your junior year. It is the last year of making the most of your GPA and what college "see" about you. Check out College Board 11th Grade Timeline and Planning Guide  to assist you in this process. Also, be sure to create support accounts with BigFuture.org and CFNC.org to access additional resources and timeline support that can help this year and beyond! This includes enrollment at Wake Tech for trades education and/or a 2-year transfer program to our many NC colleges and universities. 

ENLISTMENT: Enlisting in the military can offer a unique and challenging path with significant potential benefits, but it can also involve major life changes and demands. Before deciding, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons, assess your own motivation, and understand the requirements and commitment involved. Speaking with a recruiter is a key first step, as is independently researching all aspects of military service.  If you are considering college and the military - there are ROTC scholarships and other financial opportunites, if you are exploring this route. Click HERE to learn more about military life, explore resources, learn about the different branches, options on direct enlisting, reserves, and/or colleges with ROTC programs. You can also visit HHS/Mrs. Beaster's website for contact information on your local recruiter and yearly ASVAB dates. 

EMPLOYMENT: Many of you are currently employed part-time and/or are looking to continue that, expand on your employment experience, or build your resume. There are several resources at Heritage HS that support you and your employment goals >> Internship program, Apprenticeship programs,  Certificate training, Career & Trade Schools, Resume building and support, and the list goes on...Visit Mrs. Beaster's Career Development website for resources, information, and more. You can make an appointment directly with her to discuss options and receive additional support in your search.  

Remember! All options are great options! This is YOUR journey and YOUR pathway in discovering YOUR  THREE E's (Enrollment; Enlistment, Employment). Not sure which "E" is for you? Ask yourself questions like - what energizes you, what do you enjoy doing, what are you naturally good at, and/or what are you interested in. You can also explore career paths by researching roles that align with your strengths and values through job shadowing or asking family members. And don't forget to take an interest inventory or career exploration questionnaire. There are several on CFNC.org and MajorClarity. Both are FREE to students. Students will need to create an account with CFNC which is a useful tool for NC students for all things in high school and beyond. MajorClarity is a Wake County resource that students should be able to access from their chromebook (you should already have an account from creating your 10th grade career plan last year). You simply sign in with your school google account (do NOT create a separate account). 

AND OF COURSE - Stay tuned to all of the yearly workshops, seminars, and counseling department-related support sessions throughout the year offered during our PACK DAYS! 

All Juniors met with their Counselor during the months of February and March of their Junior year. This an individual 1:1 conference with each junior and their assigned alpha counselor. Students are called from their junior-level core classes to attend; i.e. English III, AP Environmental Science, American History, and other select science and math courses to ensure that all juniors have the opportunity to meet with their counselor with the least amount of disruption from all classes. They will not need to make an appointment. During the meeting, counselors discuss remaining graduation requirements, course registration for their senior year, and a check-in regarding their post-graduation plans which may include sharing resources and action steps. Students will also receive a copy of their transcript. You can review last year's handout here to prepare:

• Class of 2026 Junior Meeting Handout

UNC System Admissions minimum requirements: 

• Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.50 weighted to apply for NC-based public universities; a GPA of less than 2.80 will require the student to submit an ACT or SAT score. For further details, visit the University of North Carolina System of College Admissions to review all general requirements under the North Carolina University system. For detailed requirements - visit each college/university's undergraduate admissions requirements that you plan to apply to. 

• 2025 AVERAGE NC COLLEGE ENTRANCE CRITERIA *updated 1/28/25 The averages listed in the handout are updated annually and are based on data from various websites. It should only be used as a reference point. For the most current data,  please refer to each College/University's admission office website.  *GPAs are based on 4.0 scale; SAT/ACT scores are based on 25th Percentile – 75th Percentile range. 

• Although standardized testing may be optional for admissions to many schools, many scholarships that are merit-based and/or college honors programs may require an SAT or ACT score in order to be eligible. Students are responsible for confirming with each scholarship or the university's honors programs when applying.  

The American Legion Auxiliary Tar Heel Girls State program is designed specifically for rising female seniors. They aim to guide young leaders by deepening their sense of responsibility as citizens and serving as a practical source of instruction in the structure and operation of state and local governments. 

Interested in applying? Request through your local ALA Unit. All participants must be endorsed by an Auxiliary Unit or an American Legion Post. The contact for Heritage HS is lesliedoster@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.legion.org or the ALATHGS contact page. To learn more about this program and FAQs click the ALA THGS Flyer