PREPARING EARLY FOR COLLEGE APPLICATIONS Ann Matthews, 12th Grade Guidance Counselor Department Head Advanced Placement Coordinator Senior Hall of Fame Sponsor

Preparing for College Applications Curriculum Test Scores Involvement Research Scholarships/Financial Aid

Curriculum Strength of curriculum and grades within those courses are typically the first thing that colleges look for in applications If you are planning on applying to a competitive college, your job is to give them confidence that you will be a successful college student Choose appropriate classes based on your current level of self-discipline, motivation, career interests and ability. Take into consideration how much time you have after school to focus on homework. For example, if you want to be a nurse, take Health Team Relations, Health Science 1 and 2. If you want to be an engineer, take Physics Honors in 11th or 12th grade. As students progress in different grade levels, more electives become available Difference between Honors and Advanced Placement(AP) classes When planning out your courses for high school, it is highly recommended that you take all four academic subjects all four years, even if you have completed your academic requirements to graduate.

Test Scores Test Scores typically follow curriculum with regard to most important criteria of college applications. ACT and SAT are the two college admissions tests. There are tests you can take in high school to prepare for the ACT and SAT PSAT-Practice SAT. Optional test administered in October to 9th-11th graders. Typically $15. If taken as a Junior, it makes you eligible to become a National Merit Finalist. ACT Plan-Practice ACT given for free to all 10th graders. Score report gives detailed information ACT-The Real ACT given for free to all 11th graders. May of Junior year.

Test Preparation SAT Khan Academy is free worldwide.www.khanacademy.org. If you take the PSAT, Khan Academy will tailor the test prep to your strengths and weaknesses ACT Online prep at www.actstudent.org ACT Plan in 10th grade ACT is an achievement test, which means it tests you on what you have learned in high school. The curriculum here should inherently prepare you for the ACT

Involvement It is better to be involved in two things during your high school career and invest your time within those programs, rather than trying to lengthen your resume by being involved in ten things Stay involved and make it a goal to earn a leadership position Don’t have the time to be involved on campus and need to get a job instead? Hold that job throughout high school which shows responsibility and self-discipline Art, Band, Chorus, Theatre, Beta Club, National Honor Society, Interact Club and much more!

Research Senior year can be overwhelming if you have no idea what you want in a college If you travel to see family, schedule a college tour of a nearby college, even if you know that you wouldn’t attend the college As you go through high school, figure out what type of environment you like(small, large, distance from home), what type of weather you prefer, what you may want to study, which cities will have opportunities for internships, etc. College Days-Juniors get one, Seniors get two www.cfnc.org and the ELHS Guidance website

Scholarships/Financial Aid Scholarships are typically senior year, mostly 2nd semester Local/State scholarships through the high school. Scholarships through your employer. National websites FAFSA-financial aid application Grants/loans/work study

Further Questions? Check out the Guidance Website through ELHS Homepage Rising 9th grade questions: Nicola Withers Rising 10th/11th: Desiree Lackey Rising 12th: Ann Matthews