College Planning Timeline 9 th - 12 th Grade Checklist for College
Understand your Graduation Requirements: http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/graduation/ For the classes of 2010-2012: 4 English 3 Math (4 if you are college prep.) 3 Science 3 Social Studies 1 Health and PE A Career technical Pathway -OR- 2 Foreign Language, and an Advanced Math Class
Future-Ready Core For the class of 2013 and beyond: 4 English 4 Math 3 Science 3 Social Studies 1 Health and PE 2 Elective credits of any combination from either CTE, Arts or Second Language 4 Elective credits (4 course concentration strongly recommended) from from one of the following, CTE, JROTC, Arts Education or any academic subject area)
Career Development Plan: Each year students meet with Student Services to discuss and evaluate graduation requirements, course offerings and career goals. ACHS caters to student s interests by offering classes that match their career goals. Academic and Vocational Electives include: Career & Technical Education Career Clusters On-line classes through NC Virtual Public Schools Dual Enrollment with Mayland Community College & UNCG ischool
UNC Minimum Entrance Requirements: Effective in Fall 2006 SAT I or ACT with the Writing Component. Six course units in language, including four units in English emphasizing grammar, composition, and literature, and two units of a language other than English. Four course units of mathematics algebra I and II, geometry, and one unit beyond algebra II, It is recommended that prospective students take a mathematics course unit in the 12th grade. Three course units in science, including at least one unit in a life or biological science (for example, biology), at least one unit in physical science (for example, physical science, chemistry, physics), and at least one laboratory course. Two course units in social studies, including one unit in U.S. history
9 th Grade Counts: Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated from the beginning of your 9 th grade year. Remember that every class matters so make each one count! Create a Futures 4 Kids Career Cruising account at www.f4k.org Explore interest inventories and skills assessments. Create a resume and store your activities, achievements and awards. Create a CFNC account at www.cfnc.org to learn more about planning, applying and paying for college. You can also store your activities, achievements and awards and you can apply on-line to college Create a Four Year Plan in the Career Center.
10 th Grade, Explore: Get ready for the PSAT by taking practice tests at www.collegeboard.com Register for the PSAT in the Fall if you are taking Geometry in the 10 th grade. Discuss college options and expectations with your family. Explore colleges on CFNC.org and research college entrance requirements. Take the Accuplacer to see if you are eligible for Dual Enrollment classes with Mayland Community College. Update your Four Year Plan and ask questions about your educational and career goals.
11 th Grade, Make Plans: Take the PSAT in October. Review your PSAT scores by creating a free My Road account using the code on your score report www.collegeboard.com/quickstart Research and practice the SAT and ACT to determine which test is best for you: SAT www.collegeboard.com ACT www.actstudent.org Register to take the SAT or ACT in the Spring of your Jr. year: You do not need to take the SAT or the ACT if you plan to attend a community college. Attend the CACRAO College Fair in the fall.
11 th Grade Continued: Narrow down your list of colleges and visit campuses: Schedule a campus tour Make appointments with the admissions and financial aid staff. Take a copy of your transcript as well as a resume of your activities and awards. Research scholarships, grants and loans through CFNC.org and through the ACHS website. If you plan to play sports in college, talk with your coach about college eligibility and recruitment. Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse Update your Four Year Plan through the Student Success Center and ask questions about your educational and career goals.
12 th Grade, Making it Happen Fall: Retake the SAT or ACT in Oct. if needed. Attend the CACRAO College Fair Make a note of college application and financial aid deadlines to be sure you don t miss them. Apply early! Sign-up for College Application Day in the Career Center. Submit your transcript electronically when you apply on-line at CFNC.org Check with the college s financial aid office for school specific scholarship and honor program opportunities. Check the ACHS website for scholarships and listen to announcements
12 th Grade Spring: Parents and students need to complete their taxes as soon as possible in order to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Sign -up for FAFSA Day in the Career Center. www.fafsa.ed.gov Compare financial aid packages from colleges and make a final acceptance decision. Follow the college s guidelines for ensuring your enrollment. Request that your final transcript be sent at the end of the year. If you took dual enrollment classes through Mayland, request that MCC send a final transcript as well.
Every Year: Chose classes that will challenge you: Concentrate on making good grades. Get involved. Meet with Student Services individually to update your Career Development Plan and discuss your future goals.
ACHS Annual College Prep. Events for Parents & Students: September: CACRO College Fair Financial Aid Night with CFNC October: College Application Day for the Seniors PSAT for Juniors and 10 th Grade students in Geometry December: Distribute and explain PSAT Scores for students who took the Oct. test February: FAFSA Day for Seniors April: Career Fair
Important Websites: Avery County High School www.averyschools.net/ahs Mayland Community College www.mayland.edu NC Virtual Public Schools www.ncvps.org UNCG ischool ischool.uncg.edu College Foundation of NC www.cfnc.org SAT www.collegeboard.com ACT www.actstudent.org Free Application for Federal Student Aid www.fafsa.ed.gov