1. Cary High School Class of 2019

2. Goals of Our Presentation
Introductions
Things to Consider
Graduation Req
FAQs
ACT/SAT
Closing
Post-secondary plans

3. Counselors
Ms. Strader (A-C)   

4. Counselors
Ms. Peasley (D-G)   

5. Counselors
Ms. O’Riordan (H-L)   

6. Counselors
Ms. Kennedy (M-Q)   

7. Counselors
Mr. Moore (R-T)   

8. Counselors
Mr. Johnson (U-Z)   

9. Counselors
Ms. Parker (SAP Counselor)   

10. Career Development Coordinator
Mr. Collins   

11. Graduation Requirements
4 Math (Math I, Math II, Math III, Advanced Math Course)
4 English
4 Social Studies (World History, American History I & II, Civics/Economics)
3 Science (Earth or an Environmental Science, Biology, and a Physical Science)
1 Healthful Living
2 Elective credits (World Languages, CTE, or Fine Arts)
8 Other Electives 
= TOTAL of 26 credits needed to graduate from Cary High School

12. NC Academic Scholars Program
Recognition at graduation and Senior Awards Night
Minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5 (includes third quarter grades from senior year)
Must have earned credit in Chemistry or Physics
Must have taken at least three Honors or AP elective courses

13. Change Beginning with the Class of 2019
No valedictorian/salutatorian
Students will graduate under the Latin honors system
Tiered honors based on weighted GPA:
summa cum laude honors
magna cum laude honors
cum laude honors

14. ACT / SAT Testing ALL Juniors take the ACT for free on Feb 27th 
ACT can be taken additional times for $ ($46 without writing)
SAT can be taken for $60 ($46 without writing)

15. ACT – Feb 27th Get a good night’s sleep the night before
Eat a small breakfast or snack
Bring a calculator! (No mechanical pencils)
DO YOUR BEST!!!  Some students do well enough on this ACT that they choose not to retake the test.
There is no penalty for wrong answers. Carefully answer as many questions as you can, but when time is running short, start bubbling! Try not to leave unanswered questions.

16. SAT v. ACT SAT ACT Sections
3/4 sections (Math, Reading, Writing and Language; Optional essay)
4/5 sections (English, Math, Reading, Science; Optional: essay)
Scores
1-36
Length
3 hours (w/o essay); 3 hours 50 minutes w/ essay
2 hours 55 minutes (w/o essay); 3 hours 50 minutes w/ essay
Cost
$58.50/$42.50
$57/$45
Purpose
Scores are used for admissions and merit-based scholarships

17. Test Preparation ACT website (www.actstudent.org)
College Board website (
CFNC under college test prep (
March 2 Success (
Princeton Review – periodic practice test at various locations (
TONS OF OTHER ONLINE RESOURCES!!! 

18. Importance of Free & Reduced Lunch
SAT / ACT Fee Waivers (Max 2 of each in high school)
College application fee waivers
Application available in the Student Services Office

19. Post-Secondary Plans Community college (training or transfer)
4 year colleges and universities
public vs. private
in-state vs. out-of-state
small vs. large
Military
Workforce
Other

20. College Admissions Grades / GPA / Rank Rigor of Coursework
ACT / SAT Test Scores
Extracurricular Activities
Leadership Activities
Community Service
Letters of Recommendation
Disciplinary History
***Some out of state colleges have additional requirements – i.e., fine arts, additional science, etc.

21. UNC System Admission Minimum Requirements
All Cary HS graduation requirements (Electives must include 2 consecutive levels of a world language)
Minimum cumulative weighted 2.5 GPA and…
- NEW SAT (880) (Reading/Writing and Math)
- Old SAT (800) (Critical Reading and Math) or
- ACT composite of 17

22. Get Involved  (Sample List – Many More!)
Athletics
Step Team
Cheerleading
African American Club
National Honor Society
Students for South Sudan
Student Council
Hispanic Club
Band
LGBT Alliance Club
Choir
Alpha Beta Club
Drama
Anime
Art Club
Broadcasting Club
French Club
Environmental Club
Key Club
Many More! 

23. Apply EARLY!!
Test during junior year and summer between junior/senior year
Research schools (College Board, CFNC, etc.)
Know your deadlines
Admission
Priority
Financial aid
Scholarship
Honors Colleges
Etc.
Apply / send off transcripts
by Thanksgiving of Senior year

24. Letters of Recommendation
May be needed senior year
Everyone has a reputation ~ make sure you have a good one 
Ask someone who really knows you (the student)
Ideally someone who has taught you recently (i.e., junior year)

25. Career and College Promise
Dual enrollment program for high school students
Begin earning college hours
Begin certification
Save $$$

26. Career and College Promise
Students MUST attend a mandatory information meeting in order to enroll
Students can take classes in the summer, fall, etc.
You must register online (ccp.waketech.edu)
Upcoming sessions:
Wed, Feb 4:00pm – Southern Wake Campus
Wed, Feb 6:30pm – Apex Friendship HS
Wed, March 6:00pm – Apex High School HS

27. Advanced Placement Program (AP)
Classes available:
AP Biology
AP English Language (English 3)
AP Chemistry
AP Physics I, II
AP English Literature (English 4)
AP Psychology
AP Human Geography
AP US History
AP Music Theory
AP Government
AP European History
AP Macroeconomics
AP World History
AP Spanish Language
AP Computer Science
AP French Language
AP Studio Art
AP Calculus AB/BC
And more 
AP Statistics

28. Advanced Placement Program (AP)
College-level course work
Most widely accepted college credit granting program in the world
Scores range from 1-5
Check transfer guides for your college or university

29. A Friendly Reminder
40% of admissions officers check applicants’ social media accounts - this can be good  or not so good 
Anything posted or sent can be retrieved (nothing is private)
Social media has become an excellent way to communicate with colleges, find out about programs, etc.

30. College Exploration
College fairs
College visits at lunch
Visit college campuses
Enrichment camps
Online resources

32. Wake Technical Community College
Accounting
Emergency Medical Services
Advertising/Graphic Design
Electrical Engineering Technology
Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration
Interior Design
Plumbing
Architectural CAD
Pharmacy Technology
Automotive Technolgoy
Radiography
Business Administration
Simulation & Game Development
Computer Programming
Web Design
Construction Equipment
Welding Technology
Cosmetology
Many more…certificates, associate degrees, college transfer programs
Criminal Justice
Dental Hygiene
Diesel & Heavy Equipment Operator
Early Childhood Education

33. Education Pays $$$

34. Stay Connected Listen for announcements
Join the JUNIOR Remind 101 to 81010)
Daily announcements are posted each day on the CHS website under ‘Our School’  ‘Daily Announcements’
Student Services Website
Posters
Twitter
Come ask! 

35. Junior Conferences
Sign up for your junior conference (Sign-up genius on Student Services website
Receive copy of credit detail page at conference
PICK YOUR COURSES FOR SR YEAR
If you do not sign up for a conference, we will pick your classes for you

36. Upcoming Events CHS Curriculum Night – Thursday, February 22nd 6-8pm
Learn about electives and course offerings
Meet the teacher night!
CHS College Planning Night – Thursday, March 8th 6-8pm
College representatives (including NCSU, UNCC, NCA&T, etc.)
Financial aid information
Nuts & bolts of college planning
NACAC Raleigh National College Fair – March 20th 4:30-7:30pm – Register online (see handout)

37. Career Development
Mr. Chad Collins – Career Development Coordinator – Room 2332
Job Shadowing
Part-time employment
Internships
Other career exploration opportunities

38. How to Reach Your Counselor
During IMPact
During SMART lunch
Before / after school
Must have a pass from your teacher to come during class 

39. Questions?