Project Graduation

2018

Presented by: Sanderson High Student Services

Review critical information for successful Junior and Senior years.

Understand requirements for promotion to Senior status.

Know what your post-secondary options are.

Understand college admissions and placement tests.

Review your transcript.

Learn how to begin your college search, as well as your scholarship search.

Objectives

Ms. Carpino – Dean of Students

Mr. Grabiec – Counselor for A-D

Ms. Avery – Counselor for E-K

Mr. Donatini – Counselor for L-Ra

Ms. Young – Counselor for Re-Z

Ms. Jennings – SAP Counselor

Ms. Claiborne – Career Development Coordinator

Ms. Evans – Student Services Receptionist

Ms. Batista – Registrar

Student Services Staff

4 English

4 Mathematics (1 past math III)

3 Sciences (earth science, biology, and a physical science)

4 Social Studies (world history, American History I and II, civics and economics)

1 Healthful Living

10 electives, 2 of which need to be in: CTE, Foreign Lang, or the Arts

Total Credits required: 26

Plus, pass CPR certification (typically done in 8th grade)

Graduation Requirements: Future Ready Core Curriculum

What should I be doing now to prepare for after graduation?

Have some ideas of what you may want to do after high school

Take an interest inventory for free on CFNC

Job Shadow

Know your GPA & class rank

Take the SAT or ACT at least once if you are applying to 4 year colleges.

Explore different colleges online, including 2 year and 4 years schools

Visit college campuses

Research scholarships and financial aid

Create accounts on www.cfnc.org and www.collegeboard.com and www.fastweb.com

Know your Junior calendar! (page 8)

GPA - both weighted and unweighted

Class Rank

Courses you have taken, and are currently taking

SAT or ACT scores

Community Service or extra curricular involvement

Recommendations from teachers and/or counselor

Your admissions essay or personal statement (if required)

What do Colleges look for when making admissions decisions?

GPA for College Admissions

North Carolina Public Colleges and Universities minimum GPA for admission is 2.5 beginning Fall 2013

Private Colleges and Universities set their own minimum GPA requirements

North Carolina Community Colleges currently do not have a minimum GPA requirement for admission

If ever in doubt about the requirements, visit the admissions website of the school you wish to attend

The 17 Public UNC Institutions

Appalachian State University

East Carolina University

Elizabeth City State University

Fayetteville State University

NC A&T State University

North Carolina Central University

NC State University

UNC-Asheville

UNC-Charlotte

UNC-Chapel Hill

UNC-Greensboro

UNC-Pembroke

UNC-Wilmington

UNC School of the Arts

Western Carolina University

Winston Salem State University

NC School of Science and Mathematics (high school)

Register to take the SAT at https://sat.collegeboard.org

The PSAT you took last year is closely aligned with the SAT.

Free practice course for the SAT at https://www.khanacademy.org/sat

The SAT

SAT (2016)

400 - 1600 Subscore and Cross-test Scores available

3 Hours (+50 minute optional essay)

Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 200-800 Math: 200-800 Optional Essay (separately scored)

no guessing penalty 4 answers to choose from

Available in print or on computer

SAT

All Juniors will take the ACT at school. March 2017

This is paid for by the State of NC.

The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science.

The Writing Test measures skill in planning and writing a short essay.

Score range: 1-36

UNC Institutions minimum: 17

For more info, visit: www.actstudent.org

The ACT

Start to investigate schools that you would like to attend. Schedule a campus visit through their admissions office. Ask questions. Talk to students.

Go to their website and browse their academic programs, admissions requirements, scholarships, etc.

Know the admission requirements, the cost, the location, majors offered, etc.

www.cfnc.org is a great place to start to get information on ALL schools in NC. If you have not done so already, create an account to use until you graduate.

Exploring Colleges/Universities

NC has one of the best and least expensive systems in the country.

SAT or ACT scores are not required, but schools will use your score for placement purposes. Each community college has its own placement test. Wake Tech uses the Accuplacer test.

College Transfer Programs available: C-Step, PAC, Partnerships with ECU, Mount Olive, UNC Charlotte)

Honors program to help students gain an edge in transferring to competitive colleges

ROTC Military Science-Wake Technical Community College offers Military Science courses in support of the U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Candidate (ROTC) program.

Wake Tech Open House: will be scheduled in April. Tours of the campus are ongoing.

Community Colleges

A student resume, which you will send with your college or scholarship applications, should highlight: Your skills and knowledge

Your academic and personal achievements

Your volunteer and community experience

Any honors you have received

Your participation in high school activities, clubs, sports, etc.

References (not family members)

It is helpful to google “high school student resume template” to find a form that is simple and easy to use.

Creating a Student Resume

Be proactive in your search for scholarships – begin by looking at the financial aid webpage of the school you wish to attend. Find out what scholarships they offer and determine the ones for which you may be eligible.

Pay attention to announcements, Sanderson High Scholarship Bulletin posted on our website.

Create an account at www.fastweb.com and www.cfnc.org to conduct your scholarship search.

NEVER pay for scholarship information. It is always free. If someone is charging, it may be a scam.

Everyone needs to complete a FAFSA regardless of whether you think you will receive financial assistance. FAFSA may be filled out as early as October 1st of your Senior year.

Attend our Financial Aid night offered in September.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Some colleges, special programs, and scholarships have specific recommendation forms for teachers and/or counselors to fill out as part of the application.

Start thinking now about who will be your recommenders. It is good to have at least 1 academic teacher and 1 person in the community.

Allow plenty of time for your recommenders to write your recommendation. Two weeks is appropriate and appreciated.

Thank you cards to your recommenders is a nice touch!

Letters of Recommendation

Recruiters visit SHS; check with Ms. Claiborne in the career center to sign up or listen to announcements

ASVAB –given in February. Contact Ms. Claiborne for more information

www.military.com

Military Opportunities

Two types: Standardized (official) and Student (unofficial)

Student transcript (unofficial) includes your immunizations and attendance records. Standardized (official) does not.

Verify your name, address, phone, parents’ names, birth date, and student ID number are correct. If not, notify your counselor.

Look over your classes and the grades you have earned. Make sure they are accurate. Make sure the quality points assigned are correct. AP courses are +2 and Honors are +1 quality point.

Look at your weighted and unweighted GPA.

Look at your class rank.

Transcript

Final Thoughts

College and career searching can be time-consuming, start planning early. There is help available –utilize it!

Educate yourself to help the process move smoothly.

Allow parents to help you.

Be informed by paying attention to announcements, and school websites.

Visit the Student Services LiveBinder (linked online)

Know your deadlines.

Don’t wait until the last minute to start your college admissions process.

Questions?