1. College 101: Where do you start?
UPHS Student Support Services

2. Course Requirements – College Ready in NC
English (4 credits) – English 1, 2, 3, and 4
Math (4 credits) – Math 1, 2, 3, and Math elective
Science (3 credits) – Earth & Environmental, Biology, and additional Science elective (Physical Science, Chemistry, Physics)
Social Studies (4 credits) – World History, Civics & Economics, American History 1 & 2 (or AP US History) and additional Social Studies Elective.
Health and Physical Education (1 credit) – Usually freshman year.
Second/Foreign Language (2 credits) – Not required to graduate but is required for admission in the UNC System.
Electives (10-12 credits) – Students may choose which courses to take.

3. Course Requirements – Considerations by Grade
Freshman – Be familiar with your graduation requirements and track your classes.
Sophomores – Consider adding honor, AP, or Sandhills Community College classes. Track your GPA.
Juniors – Consider enrolling in SCC classes to ensure you qualify for the Sandhills Promise Program.
For NC 4 Year Colleges, make sure you take 2 years of foreign language.
Considering an out-of-state school? You may need to add a 3rd year.
Seniors – Confirm that you are on track to meet all of your graduation requirements AND college entrance requirements.
Track your courses – MCS High School Requirements Form

4. Course Requirements – Resources
Track your courses – MCS High School Requirements Form
Registration Forms by Grade – Can be found on the UPHS website under Guidance/High School Registration at
Sandhills Community College (SCC) - Information on SCC Courses and the Sandhills Promise Program can be found on the UPHS website under Guidance/CCP and Sandhils Promise at

5. College Options – Finding the Right Fit
Things to consider
Location – Commuting distance, Driving Distance, Out of State
Type – 2 year vs. 4 year College / Public vs. Private
Area of Study – Do you know what you would like to study? If not, what subjects do you enjoy?
GPA / Test Scores – Are you competitive for the schools you are considering? If not, what can you do to improve your odds.
Cost – How will you finance school? Scholarships vs. Loans

6. College Comparisons
College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC.org) – Offers a college search and comparison tool.
Big Future College Search (bigfuture.collegeboard.org) – Find colleges by major, location, type, and more.
College Raptor (collegeraptor.com) – Offers an admission calculator showing your chances of getting into your dream schools.

7. How much does College cost?
Tuition is the price colleges charge for classes. Students also pay other fees related to enrolling in and attending a college. The cost of tuition and fees varies by college.
Half of all full-time undergraduate students at public and private nonprofit four-year colleges attend institutions that charge tuition and fees of $11,814 or less.
Type of College
Average Published Yearly Tuition and Fees
Public Two-Year College (in-district students)
$3,440
Public Four-Year College (in-state students)
$9,410
Public Four-Year College (out-of-state students)
$23,890
Private Four-Year College
$32,410

8. Financial Aid
Financial aid is money that the government and other organizations give you or lend you, so you can pay for college.
To qualify for financial aid, students must apply.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial aid from the federal government, state governments and many colleges.
The FAFSA opens on Oct. 1 each year. You should apply as early as possible.

9. 5 Steps to College Acceptance
Start Early – Keep a list of all activities and clubs starting your Freshman year.
Research Admission Requirements – Make sure you research colleges during your Sophomore and Junior year to ensure you graduate with the necessary courses and test scores.
Seek Guidance – The application process can be complicated. Consider working with your parents, teachers, or school counselors as you complete each step.
FAFSA and Residency Certification – Complete both during the fall semester of your Senior year.
Early Admission – Consider applying to college in the fall of your Senior year. This way, you’ll be able to make college decisions early and spend the spring semester working on scholarships and funding your education.

10. Tools and Recourses
CFNC.org – Planning tools and resources for students in North Carolina.
CollegeSimply.com – Provides profiles of different colleges including test scores and estimated college expenses.
BigFuture.CollegeBoard.org – Comprehensive college search database, information on paying for school, and planning tools.
USNews.com/best-colleges – National ranking system for US Colleges and Universities by school type and degree program.
BigFuture.CollegeBoard.org/pay-for-college/tools-calculators – An array of calculators to help you estimate loan repayment, college costs, parent debt, and scholarship search.