What Juniors Need to Know

1. What Juniors Need to Know

2. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTSFuture Ready Core English English I, II, III, IV Mathematics Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II & one math course beyond Algebra II Science Earth/Environmental Science, Biology, & a Physical Science Social Studies World History, Civics & Economics, US History Electives (2) + Concentration (4) Two electives must be courses in CTE, Arts or World Language; Four electives recommended in a concentrated area: CTE, Arts, or any other subject area. World Languages: Must have at least two credits in the same language to meet UNC system minimum requirements. Healthful Living Electives 26 Total

3. SPRING • Take the SAT or ACT at least once this year (all juniors will take the ACT on March 5th) • Don’t forget test prep options with CFNC…..IT’S FREE!!!!!! • Begin college visits, ask lots of questions!!!!!! • Plan your summer activities now • Stay involved with your school and community • Select strong college preparatory courses for the senior year.

4. CFNC and How It Can Benefit Me • By creating and accessing a CFNC account you have access to a wide variety of services: • Interest inventories to explore how your interests match up with potential college majors and careers. • Explore the programs offered at the various colleges in NC. • Apply to NC 2 and 4 year colleges • Send transcripts to NC colleges • Access to financial aid resources such as the FAFSA and searching for scholarships. • Free test prep for the SAT and ACT • And much more • As a junior you should visit CFNC.org to create or log into your account. • If you are planning on attending a college in NC, you will be using the services provided through your CFNC account.

5. College Entrance Exams: SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and ACT….What’s the Difference? • Reasoning SAT and ACT both have the same goal- to help colleges predict your chances of success during the freshman year of college. • SAT Subject: not all colleges require( check with your school of choice)

6. For more information on the SAT visit….. www.collegeboard.com

7. For More information on the ACT visit……. www.actstudent.org

8. The College Search • REMEMBER you are seeking a college where the goals and personality of the student are well matched with those of the college. Consider what is important to you: cost, location, size, residential life, major, etc… • EVALUATE & EXPLORE interests, majors, and careers by taking interest inventories and assessments (CFNC.org) • LIST abilities, preferences, personal qualities, and potential college majors • RESEARCH COLLEGES by searching college Web sites, CFNC.org , collegeboard.com, and college guidebooks available in student services • Visit the colleges in which you are interested

9. Making the Most of a College Visit • Visit a campus on a normal day when students are around • Spend time in the community • Talk with students • Visit the student center, read campus publications • Eat lunch in the cafeteria • Sit in on a class or two and talk with professors • Talk with an admissions officer • Stay overnight in the dorm • Visit the financial aid office

10. What are Colleges Looking For in Applicants? • A typical college application packet contains the following: • Transcript (including test scores) • A Resume or a listing of activities in school and community. • An Essay (maybe) • Letters of recommendation (maybe) • A Secondary School Report to be filled out by your counselor • The Application itself

11. Tips to Get into the Collegeof Your Choice • Take challenging courses throughout your high school career (grades 9-12) • Get involved: extra-curricular activities (think quality not quantity) and community service. • Develop your writing skills • Get to know your counselor • Spend your summers wisely – possibly visiting colleges.

12. TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS AND COUNSELOR STATEMENTS: If a Counselor Statement IS part of the application: • Print a copy of the counselor statement and turn it in to Student Services along with the your ‘Brag Sheet’. If the counselor statement is requested electronically such as through the Common Application • submit your ‘Brag Sheet’ to your counselor. If a Counselor Statement IS NOT part of the application: • See HSHS website for Transcript request instructions. PLEASE GIVE YOUR RECOMMENDERS A TWO WEEK NOTICE PRIOR TO YOUR APPLICATION DUE DATE

13. NCAA Clearinghouse & Student Athletes • The clearinghouse certifies your • eligibility to compete as a student • athlete, but your college must accept you as a student. • The clearinghouse evaluates your academic record to determine if you are eligible to participate at a Division I or II college as a freshmen. • You can review the eligibility requirements and register at www.eligibitycenter.org • Student athletes MUST pass at least 3 classes EACH semester in order to be eligible to play sports. See your coach if you have questions about eligibility.

14. The Scholarship Search Who Succeeds? • Students who write well • Students who interview well • Students who have a talent • An impressive resume • Students who independently research scholarship opportunities • Students with certain characteristics (persistent, focused, organized, manages time well, curious)

15. 4yr College is not for everyone… • 2 yr community college – certificate, Assoc. Arts degree, college transfer program. • Military – Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and National Guard. • Entry into the work force

16. So….What Do I Do Now????? • Make connections with teachers/coaches/counselor/ boss (for possible letters of recommendations • Begin working on your resume and Brag Sheet (you’ll forget a lot of what you have done by next year • Work on your writing skills in preparation for your college essays

17. So….What Do I Do Now????? • Take advantage of the college representatives that visit HSHS (Listen for Announcements) • Begin thinking about YOU! (ie: Who am I? How do I define myself? What is important to me? These might be questions on applications or scholarships)

18. TRANSCRIPT…. What does it look like?????

19. Reading your Transcript from Top to Bottom Student Information: your name, address, birth date, and other demographic information are at the top. Please verify that your Student number is correct. Courses you have taken at Holly Springs or any other high schools with your grade and the quality points earned. This is how your GPA is calculated. Remember honors and AP courses are worth additional quality points which will affect your weighted GPA. The unweighted GPA is calculated without adding any additional quality points. Your total number of credits earned out of the total attempted Your shot record and finally your attendance record *Note the awards and extracurricular activities is blank for all students.

22. Registration for Senior Year Choose your senior classes with care. Colleges will expect you to maintain the rigor of your courses. Continue to challenge yourself. THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO SLACK OFF!!!! Find out what your anticipated college feels about early releases As a reminder, student athletes MUST pass at least 3 classes EACH semester in order to be eligible to play sports. See your coach if you have questions about eligibility.

23. Any Questions??