1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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

8. Research Colleges www.cappex.com https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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)

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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