1. Counselors by Alpha Morgan Graves, A-Cl mgraves@wcpss.net
Felicia Moore, Co-Ek, Dean of Student Services
Beverly Davis, El-H
Amie Graham, I-Ma
Germaine Hawkins, Mc-Po
James Gross, Pr-Sr
Pamela Savage, St-Z

2. Additional Counselors
Daria Johnson, SAP Counselor
Student Assistance Program
Gwen Shaw, CDC
Military, Community College, and Career Development Specialist
Mary Ann Norwood, Wake Co. Financial Aid Expert

3. Other people you should know
Robin Glover, Student Services Receptionist
Christina Erexson, Student Services Receptionist
Karen Kloefkorn, Registrar
Karen Barker, Data Manager

4. Post-Secondary Options
Enter Workforce
Military
Vocational/Technical Colleges
Community College
Four-Year College/University
Military: pays you for job training/education.
Apprenticeship: pays you while you are working, allows you the opportunity to try a career to see if you like it, provides a progressive pay scale as you gain more training and experience.
Correspondence Courses: allows you to work at your own pace.
Vocational/Technical Colleges: charge less tuition than 4-year universities and allow you to enter the workforce sooner.
Community College: allows you to earn an associate degree (2 years) which allows you to enter the workforce or apply to a major university.
Four-Year College/University: allows a more in-depth study of your chosen field in which you could earn a B.S.(Bachelor of Science) or a B.A. (Bachelor of Arts).
World of Work: provides limited options of other work experience based on training received while in high school, usually lower paying than careers with advanced training.

5. Making College Choices
What is a “good” school?
Meets the student’s interests academically, geographically, financially, etc.
Has a variety of activities of interest to your student
How do students find a good school?
Visit collegeboard.org (college matchmaker) and CFNC.org
Visit college websites
Visit college campuses

6. Which college can I get into?
Look at data on students previously accepted
Average and mid-range SAT/ACT scores
Average GPA and GPA range
UNC system data comparison
Think of college choices on a continuum
Reach—Middle of the road—Safe

7. Admissions Data for NC Public Universities from Fall 2016 Freshmen Class
School Name
SAT Mid 50% Range
CR+M
ACT Scores Range
3.75 and up
Top 25%
Top 10%
Average Weighted
GPA*
Appalachian State
23-28 84 18 5 1 61 21
4.14
East Carolina
20-24 51 17 25 7 44 16
3.67
Elizabeth City State
840
15-18 13 22 39 2
3.07
Fayetteville State
16-19 32 33 26 9
3.18
NC A&T
16-21 - 85 34 11
NC Central 37 6
3.21
NC School of the Arts
 21-27 49 43
3.7
NC State
27-31 46 87
4.4
UNC-Asheville 19 27 42 12 52
4.09
UNC-Chapel Hill
27-32 98 96 77
4.59
UNC-Charlotte
22-25 65 57
3.86
UNC-Greensboro
20-25 48 8 41
3.66
UNC-Pembroke
18-22 30
3.4
UNC-Wilmington
23-27 81 62 24
4.13
Western Carolina
19-24 50
3.75
Winston-Salem State
16-20 NA
Admissions data reported to College Board 2015
*GPA data taken from and/or Institutional Factbooks

8. College Admissions Based on academic achievement and potential
SAT and ACT
Strength of curriculum
GPA and Rank
Additional considerations (be specific)
Extracurricular activities
Community involvement
Leadership
After students find schools that meet their interests, the big question is “can I get into this college?” As counselors, we rely on the data to help you answer this question. Even though all colleges say they look at extracurricular activities and recommendations, the bulk of the decision in admissions is based on academic scholarship.
The most competitive universities in North Carolina are looking for a solid GPA in a rigorous course load. Rank in class is also an important component in the admissions decision at highly competitive universities. The bulk of the admissions decision is a combination of all these academic factors. However, universities do consider personal qualities and talents in the admissions decision.
Finally, public universities supported by the state must reflect the diversity in the state population. A rumor that often circulates in Wake County is that there is a quota on how many Wake County students can be accepted to prestigious state schools. This is not true because universities are looking for the best candidates from every county. Universities in North Carolina do not employ any kind of quota system for any subgroup, but should have admissions policies that are open and equitable for all applicants.

9. ACT vs. SAT Both the SAT and ACT are accepted by most schools SAT:
Aptitude test with math, critical reading, and optional writing section
Do not lose points for questions answered wrong
Register at collegeboard.org
ACT:
Achievement test with math, critical reading, science, and optional writing section
Register at actstudent.org
All Juniors took the ACT in March These scores can be accessed and sent via actstudent.org.
Students should not be taking the SAT 5-6 times to improve their scores. If a student’s score does not improve by the 3rd try then students may want to start considering the ACT. The ACT is based on the curriculum students are learning at school. It is less ambiguous.
Students can apply to colleges prior to receiving scores for the SAT or ACT. Students just need to list the date the test was taken. If scores are high enough, then students will be admitted. If they are not, and the student is on the fence, then the admissions office may wait for the new scores.

10. Early Action vs. Early Decision
Simply means early notification
Automatically considered for merit scholarships based on students’ grades
Early Decision:
Binding
Only use if students are 100% sure they are attending this school regardless of financial aid at other schools

11. Starting the Application Process
Step 1: Research college choices on CFNC.org and collegeboard.org
Step 2: Re-take SAT’s or ACT’s if necessary
Choose 4 colleges to send scores to or NCAA Eligibility Center
Step 3: Narrow choices to 3-5 schools based on college admissions requirements
Step 4: Begin providing information to teachers for letters of recommendation
SAT scores should be sent through collegeboard.org while ACT scores are sent through actstudent.org

12. Application Process (continued)
Step 5: Begin completing applications
Write essays and personal statements
Step 6: Pay the application fee by the deadline
Step 7: Send official transcripts
Transcripts will not be available until September 22. We will discuss the transcript process in a few minutes.

13. Application Process (continued)
Step 8: Send SAT or ACT scores through collegeboard.org or actstudent.org
Step 9: Research and apply for scholarships
Step 10: Continue to check your college account for status notifications
Pay attention and wait:
College admissions offices will contact you if they require more information
Be cognizant of application due dates
Parents check with their human resource office for scholarship opportunities.

14. Supporting Rising Seniors
Identify schools
College visits
Know deadlines for the school (released in June)
Take ACT/ SAT (retake if needed)
Create College Board Accounts
Create ACT account ( wait for ACT results)
Maintain Grades

15. Sending Transcripts Question: What is it for? In-State
On Common App
In-State Schools (not on common App)
Out-of-State Schools (not on Common APP)
Scholarship or Personal Records
Common Application
In-State
(Not on Common App)
Out-of-State or Scholarships
(Not on Common App)
Insert Counselors name and address in Common App
Create and account on College Foundation of North Carolina

16. Sending Transcripts
Out of State Schools Colleges/Universities (non-Common App), Scholarships and Unofficial Transcripts
1. Go to:
2. Follow the prompts
3. The first three requests for out-of-state colleges/universities or scholarship organizations are free. There is a $5 fee for each request after the first three.
Students’ responsibility
Students sending out-of-state transcripts will need to use the link on this page to request a transcript. The first 3 are free and each transcript after that will be $5. Please allow 10 business days before the school’s deadline for the transcript to be sent.

17. Transcripts Request Process
In-state College/Universities (non- Common App)
College Foundation of North Carolina
Common App Schools
Counselor will upload when completing the School Report

18. Supporting Rising Seniors
Open CFNC Account
Create CommonApp Account (if applicable)
Create NCAA account (athletes)

19. Supporting Rising Seniors
Create a resume outlining high school activities
Be come involved (volunteer, employment, organizations)
Get to know counselors and build great rapport with teachers
Scholarship Search

20. Remind: to Weebly:

21. Thank you!
Students will be notified regarding the senior interview process