Junior year is the time for exploration of college and career options. Check this page often because we'll post copies of presentations and share important information and opportunities. Join Remind, follow us on Instagram (@heritagehsstudentservices) and on Twitter (@huskycounselors), and check the calendar on our Heritage Student Services home page.
Use your CFNC account to view important steps for college planning for your Junior year, including refining your college search, college admissions and entrance exam requirements, continued opportunities for earning college credit while you're in high school, the FAFSA and financial aid opportunities, and scholarships. You can even complete a practice college application.
For more information about the college application process, don't forget to visit our What's After High School: Continuing Education page or scroll to the bottom.
Feel free to explore this page by clicking on the tabs/links below or simply scrolling through! Questions? Reach out to your counselor:
Last Name A- Ge: Ms. Greene tgreene@wcpss.net Dean of Students: Mrs. Weaver lweaver2@wcpss.net
Last Name Gf - Ng: Mrs. Lyons blyons@wcpss.net SAP Counselor: Mrs. Corcho ycorcho@wcpss.net
Last Name Nh -Z: Ms. Santos cmsantos@wcpss.net 9th Grade Academy: Dr. Burris aburris2@wcpss.net
Congratulations, Class of 2027! Another year DONE✅! Let's make it a GREAT one! ☺️
Junior year marks a turning point as students are right at the edge of their senior year and figuring out and planning their NEXT STEPS and THREE E's (Enrollment; Enlistment, Employment) beyond high school. If you are not sure what those steps are - CHECK OUT these RESOURCES by expanding this box....
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!
Junior Orientation -Class of 2027
Welcome to the 2024-25 School Year! At the start of each year, Student Services reviews your Junior year expectations, goals, and upcoming junior year events. Missed the Sept 10th presentation? Check out the 2025 Junior Orientation Slides to see what was covered! 😁
Junior Orientation - Class of 2027
September 9, 2025
Class of 2027- Junior Round Up
Date: November 18, 2025
The Junior-specific program begins the conversation between students and counselors about post-graduation planning. View the 2024 Class of 2026 Junior Round Up Agenda HERE and slides.
2024 Sessions included:
Simplifying the College Search Process
ACT Prep Session (see Standardized Testing section to view the information presented in this session)
Wake Tech & Dual Enrollment (College & Career Promise)
College, Career, & Military Fair plus Q & A with College Panel
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:
Spring semester of Junior Year! There are several flagship scholarships out there you may want to be aware of -starting with the nomination process of being school-endorsed/recommended or self-endorsing. Starting your planning early by viewing last year's presentation! 😉
This will get updated in May 2026.... but it is never too early to start...Not sure what to do over the summer in prep for your senior year? Check out the slides at the top of this page or right here to prepare for your senior year! We can't wait to see you next school year and work with you in planning your 3 E's: Employment, Enlistment, Enrollment!
View Last Year's Agenda Here:
Mark your calendars NOW for the 4th ANNUAL event for March 12, 2026 😁
Parent & Family geared workshops and seminars for students enrolled in 9-11 grades.
PLUS a mini spring college & career fair and College Panel.
The PSAT/NMSQT stands for the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Students can take the PSAT as early as their Freshman year in high school depending on their level of math. However, it is the junior year that counts towards NMSQT. High enough marks on the PSAT/NMSQT as a junior can help a student land a National Merit Scholarship and/or National Recognition through CollegeBoard, which can mean big bucks for college.
Need more information, watch the video Why Take the PSAT/NMSQT? The PSAT is only offered once a school year, in early October. Students must register by Sept to reserve a spot.
2026 JUNIOR ACT
In 11th grade, all WCPSS students take the ACT for free. No registration is required. Students are encouraged to set up an ACT account to later access scores and for free test prep materials through ACT. Additional test prep materials can be found for free through Kaplan.
The Class of 2027 ACT
WHEN: MARCH 25, 2026
All 11th graders have access to modules in Edgenuity. The following link shows how students can install and access Edgenuity through their Wake ID Portal: http://tinyurl.com/ynwnrkas
Use your MyACT Account account, to view and review your scores then watch the video below to help understand the report:
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.
Must have a minimum 4.00 Weighted GPA
The application must include a resume
No major discipline infractions
Interested in applying Click HHS Junior Marshal Application
The 2024 Application window is now CLOSED
The 2025 Application window will OPEN in OCTOBER 2025
Questions - stop by Student Services
NC Governor's School is a statewide 4-week summer residential program for students interested in studying an academic or artistic subject in depth. Open to all Juniors in the area of Academics and Arts and for select 10th-grade students interested in the Arts: Choral & Instrumental, Performing Arts, Dance, and Visual Arts only.
The Governor's school application period is CLOSED. If you are interested, please speak with your school counselor and be sure to reach out to the teacher of interest/content you plan to apply for a recommendation. The 2025 Application Process will open in late Fall, September, and close in October 2025. Please
Questions? Review the Family Overview Information Sheet (English) or in Información para la familia (Espanol)
All application packets MUST be typed in the fillable PDF, not handwritten, and must include the completed application form, (2) recommendations; (1) recommendation MUST be from a teacher of the content area applying for; and video, if applying in any of the Arts discipline areas*.
The 2024 application process is now CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE NOMINEES AND THOSE SELECTED!
The American Legion Tar Heel Boys State is designed specifically for rising male 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. Application opens in the Spring.
Apply online at https://tarheelboysstate.org/about or Boys' State General Information website.
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
NCSSM Summer Ventures is a no-cost, state-funded program for academically talented North Carolina students who aspire to careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This 4-week summer program takes place on various college campuses throughout NC and offers opportunities for hands-on, independent learning and research. Students apply for the Summer Ventures program during the winter of their 10th & 11th grade years.
Scholarships are not just for senior year. Check out the Underclassmen Scholarship Newsletter. This is a live document and is updated often. Check the link for more info! Enrichment & Scholarships
Check out the Pack Day Session: April 24 on scholarships in prep for senior year!
Scroll down to learn more about:
Morehead-Cain Scholars Program Process
QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program
The Coolidge Scholarship for America
The College Board Opportunity Scholarships
Link to HHS Scholarship & Financial Aid Page
The Class of 2026 Application Process for HHS School-Nominee is CLOSED. However, students can self-nominate.
Interested in the school-nomination process, you can review the application in prep for the Class of 2027 year:
Morehead-Cain Scholars are selected based on the moral force of character, scholarship, physical vigor, and leadership. This is a highly competitive scholarship process that awards recipients with full tuition and a host of unique and valuable opportunities at UNC-Chapel Hill.
An Info Session for the Class of 2026 will be on April 24th, Pack Day.
The application cycle is CLOSED.
Applying to college can seem daunting, and the prospect of paying for it can seem even more overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. The Questbridge College Prep Scholars Program equips high-achieving high school juniors from low-income backgrounds with the knowledge, confidence, and resources to apply to top colleges.
The Coolidge Scholarship is an annually awarded, full-ride, presidential scholarship that covers a student’s tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study. The Coolidge may be used by recipients at any accredited college or university in the United States. Anyone of any background, pursuing any academic discipline of study, may apply to this non-partisan, need-blind, program. Must be in Junior year of High School. For more information https://coolidgescholars.org/about/faq/
The College Board Opportunity Scholarships - This scholarship program is open to all students and it doesn't require an essay, application, or minimum GPA. Instead, it rewards your effort and initiative. Complete key steps along your path to college for chances to earn scholarships. For each of the 6 steps you complete, you are entered for a chance to win a $600 scholarship. Complete all 6 steps for a chance to win $40,000! Note: Step 1 typically opens around April/May of your Junior year and must be completed by June of Junior year.
College-bound student-athletes preparing to enroll in Division I or Division II schools need to register with NCAA Eligibility Center to ensure they have met amateurism standards and are academically prepared for college coursework. Not sure which Division is for you? Check out the Registration Checklist. More information - 2024-25 NCAA College-Athlete Guide to find out.
NAIA and NJCAA -
Considering a small college or 2-year college program or Junior College check out the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes (NAIA) or the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). The NAIA serves the interests of small colleges and the driven student-athletes who attend. The NJCAA can provide an opportunity for student-athletes across the country to compete at a college level while enrolled at a Community College or 2-year junior college.
Not sure what your plans are after high school? Explore the 3 E's HERE: EMPLOYMENT, ENLISTMENT (Military), ENROLLMENT (2/4 Year)
Explore information on Apprenticeship Training, Trade Schools, Community College, & Colleges/Universities (including how to select the right fit, how to how to apply & how to pay).
Learn more about all branches of the military (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force), including recruiter visits to HHS, military academies, & college ROTC programs.
Learn more about joining the workforce and other opportunities like AmeriCorps and PeaceCorps.
View information and resources for paying for continuing education.