Career and College Planning Presented by SIHS Counselors A-E Kimberly Van Buren F-L Rachel Hamrick L-R Elizabeth Hagaman S-Z Jennifer Gambill

Your Requirements to Graduate-28 credits 4 Math Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, 4th Math class to be aligned with post-high school plans 4 English I, II, III, IV 4 Social Studies World History, American History I & II, Civics and Economics 3 Science Biology, Earth/Environmental, a Physical Science (either Chemistry or Physical Science) 1 Health & PE Health and PE Second Language Not required for graduation. 2 Credits required to meet minimum application requirements for UNC. Electives 12 Required. Strongly recommended to have 4 electives from an area of concentration.

Course Credits Passing 1 course = Earning 1 credit 28 Credits are required to graduate Earning 6 credits = Sophomore Earning 12 credits = Junior Earning 20 credits = Senior These are minimum requirements The goal is to earn 8 credits each school year

Extracurricular Activities Join clubs, sports teams, special interest hobbies, or part-time jobs to show involvement Consistency & Commitment-stick with it and show growth Leadership-exhibit your ability to lead others One type of activity is not better than another Shows both colleges and employers that you are able to juggle many things and are responsible Resume builder-make sure you list and describe your involvement

Creating a Resume for Jobs and College Applications List name and address School information Rank/GPA Test Scores Clubs/Sports/Activities Employment Volunteer Work All activities from 9th-12th grade

Exploring your options after high school Visit CFNC.org Use this website to take career assessments to find your fit for a career and research careers of all types Submit multiple applications to community colleges and various NC universities/colleges Thoroughly research your schools of interest using college/university websites Identify Schools’ Academic Profiles (average incoming freshman GPA, SAT/ACT scores, class rank, etc.) to use as a comparison to your own personal academic performance Take time to schedule and attend college visits to your campuses of interest (Juniors get 2 approved college visit days and Seniors get 3 college visit days)

Going to College in Five Easy Steps 1. Research colleges- check academic programs, tuition, admission requirements, etc. 2. Select schools that “fit” your abilities and needs 3. Complete your applications- SAT/ACT, Transcripts, Recommendations, Essays 4. Apply for scholarships and financial aid 5. Receive your offers of admission and make your final decision

Research Colleges www.cappex.com https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/ http://collegeapps.about.com/ www.cfnc.org http://www.northcarolina.edu/campus_profiles/index.php www.petersons.com www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/

Minimum Requirements for UNC Schools Admission All UNC schools, Appalachian, East Carolina, Western Carolina, NC State Minimum GPA of 2.6 Must take either the ACT or SAT for entrance-SAT score of 880 or ACT composite of 17 are minimums Each University has specific requirements-some more competitive than others

Private Colleges & Universities Private colleges & universities have varying admission requirements. The best resource for understanding these schools’ minimum requirements is through exploring their websites or speaking directly with an admissions counselor Examples of private colleges/universities include: Belmont Abbey, Gardner-Webb, Davidson, Lenoir-Rhyne, Catawba, etc. Tuition cost is higher than public universities

Community Colleges Do not require SAT/ACT scores, but may require you to take placement test Test results help to determine whether you will be allowed to begin college level coursework or be required to take remedial coursework first Accept applications on a rolling basis Have transfer courses and 2-year programs Can take first two years of general education classes and then transfer to 4-year college Tuition rates are significantly less than 4-year colleges (average savings of $5,000 per semester)

Transcripts & Recommendations Transcripts show all your high school classes, grades, and overall grade point average Request official high school transcripts through Student Center First 3 transcripts are free, $3 each thereafter Fill out Transcript Release form Use CFNC to send free transcripts Ask teachers/counselors/coaches for letters of recommendation—give 2-3 weeks notice

Financial Aid & Scholarships Merit aid: Apply for merit-based scholarships through your college of choice-based off your GPA and test scores Financial need: Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in October for scholarships, grants, and loans based on family income Local scholarships begin in Jan/Feb through May (Rotary club, Credit Union, etc.)-check scholarship bulletin on main webpage  

Words of Advice Challenge yourself to take advanced classes when possible Focus on getting good grades Build strong relationships with your teachers and counselor Explore all your options and find what works best for you—4-year college is not for everyone Enjoy high school , but don’t slack off academically Have fun, but be smart—some mistakes might affect your future