COLLEGE PLANNING TIMELINE FOR SENIORS

SEPTEMBER Sign up for/take the SAT (www.collegeboard.org)/ACT (www.actstudent.com). Double-check that your classes meet graduation requirements (with your counselor). Start asking for shining letters of recommendation from your fan club of teachers. If you couldn't visit your top college picks over the summer, make plans to visit during your next long weekend

or break. Research/apply for scholarships. (see website resource list) Prepare to complete the FAFSA ( www.fafsa.ed.go v ) “Free Application for Federal Student Aid” Write it on your calendar – the FAFSA is open to file on October 1, 2016 Make sure your parent’s can find their tax returns from last year, and update/file current year. Create a CFNC.org and Collegeboard.org account if you haven’t done so already.

CFNC Username: Password:

COLLEGE BOARD Username: Password:

ACT Username: Password:

OCTOBER Research college application deadlines!! Many merit-based scholarships are awarded by colleges during the 1st

admission’s deadline! If you haven’t registered/taken the SAT or the ACT, do it now! Are you eligible for any SAT/ACT/College Application fee waivers? Discuss with your counselor. Speak with your school counselor as often as you can. Start filling out your applications. Applications can be found on College Admission websites, CFNC.org and

Common Application (www.commonapp.org) Get to writing! Attempt a first draft of your application essay(s) and student resume. Ask an English

teacher to proofread your 1st draft. Don’t let your schoolwork suffer! Colleges will ask for all senior year grades. Early Admissions and Early Decision deadlines are this month/early November. Schedule a time to meet with the SRMHS Financial Aid Advisor Research/apply for scholarships.

NOVEMBER Finish up your applications (Regular admission deadlines). Oh yeah -- did we mention the SAT? Try to take it by December at the latest so you aren’t holding up any

admission’s decisions and deadlines. CFNC.org College Application Week (www.cfnc.org) – many NC independent colleges/universities will

temporarily waive their application fees during this special week this month…you must have a CFNC account to apply and take advantage of this opportunity.

Research/apply for scholarships.

DECEMBER Okay procrastinators: Holiday break gives you lots of time to finish your essay and resume, not to mention

those applications. Regular admission deadlines are around the corner!! Research/apply for scholarships.JANUARY

Are all your college applications submitted? Are any other due dates approaching? Check your mail/email for decisions on those early admission applications. Bring in copies of any college admission and/or scholarship award letters to Student Services so we can

recognize you at Senior Awards. Research/apply for scholarships.

FEBRUARY Send your mid-year high school grade report to colleges. (CFNC.org Transcript Manager or WCPSS) It’s due! This month is the deadline for many colleges' regular admission applications. Bring in copies of any college admission and/or scholarship award letters to Student Services so we can

recognize you at Senior Awards. Research/apply for scholarships.

MARCH Do you need to register for Advanced Placement (AP) exams? If so, get to it! Bring in copies of any college admission and/or scholarship award letters to Student Services so we can

recognize you at Senior Awards. Research/apply for scholarships.

APRIL Colleges should be letting you know the deal soon. Try not to stress! If you haven't done so yet, it's time to make an enrollment decision (May 1st is the cut off), accept the financial

aid offered, and send in housing and tuition deposits! When you get your financial aid package, review it with your choice college's advisor until you completely

understand it. Bring in copies of any college admission and/or scholarship award letters to Student Services so we can

recognize you at Senior Awards. Research/apply for scholarships (this process never ends – even once you’re in college, if you want money –

you have to continue to look for it!)

MAY Notify the colleges you have decided not to grace with your presence. If you get an aid package from one of your "No" schools, let them know so another lucky student can reap the

award. Send thank-you notes to those who have helped you out along the way.

JUNE-AUGUST Request your final transcript be sent to the college you will be attending. (CFNC or WCPSS) Remember that summer job? Put some money away -- you'll need it for education funding and books! All of your college preparation has paid off. Get ready for your first year of college!

COLLEGE AND CAREER PLANNING WEBSITES

COLLEGE PLANNING AND APPLYINGwww.cfnc.org All North Carolina Colleges/Universitieswww.northcarolina.edu NC Public Colleges/Universitieswww.nccommunitycolleges.edu NC Community Collegeswww.ncicu.org NC Independent Colleges/Universitieswww.collegeboard.org National college search/planningwww.nacacnet.org National college search/planning http://www.wellsfargomedia.com/collegesteps/ College planning magazinehttp://www.usnews.com/education College rankings and ratings http://www.ecampustours.com/ Tour college campuses onlinewww.petersons.com Colleges, scholarships, test prephttp://www.princetonreview.com/ College admissions, test prepwww.collegeparents.org College Parents of Americawww.commonapp.org The Common Applicationwww.gocollege.com College Admission, Financial Aid, College Survival

CAREER PLANNINGwww.cfnc.org http://www.bls.gov/ooh/http://www.actstudent.org/career/ http://www.nclabor.com/www.onetcenter.org www.careerinfornet.orgwww.mappingyourfuture.org

MILITARY ENLISTMENTwww.todaysmilitary.com Explore all branches of the armed forceswww.marines.mil Marineswww.navy.mil Navywww.army.mil Armywww.af.mil Air Forcewww.uscg.mil Coast Guard

ADMISSION’S TESTS AND TEST PREPARATIONwww.collegeboard.org SAT registration and prepwww.actstudent.com ACT registration and prephttp://www.princetonreview.com/ http://www.sparknotes.com/testprep/www.khanacademy.org https://www.number2.com/

FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPSwww.fastweb.com www.finaid.org www.scholarshipplus.com/wake www.collegeboard.org www.cfnc.org www.schoolsoup.comwww.fafsa.ed.gov https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/www.collegescholarships.org www.studentscholarshipsearch.comwww.brokescholar.com https://yconic.comwww.hispanicfund.org www.uncf.orgwww.nasfaa.org www.ncaa.org

DEFINITIONS OF ADMISSION OPTIONS IN HIGER EDUCATION

STUDENTS: Which college admission process best suits you?NON-RESTRICTIVE APPLICATION PLANS

Students are not restricted from applying to other institutions and have until May 1st to consider their

options and confirm enrollment.

RESTRICTIVE APPLICATION PLANSStudents are responsible for determining and

following restrictions.

Regular Decision: Students submit an application by a specified date and receive a decision in a clearly stated period of time.Commitment: Non-binding

Early Decision (ED): Students make a commitment to a first-choice institution where, if admitted, they definitely will enroll. The application deadline and decision deadline occur early.Commitment: Binding

Rolling Admission: Institutions review applications as they are submitted and render admission decisions throughout the admission cycle.Commitment: Non-binding

Restrictive Early Action (REA): Students apply to an institution of preference and receive a decision early. They may be restricted from applying ED or EA or REA to other institutions. If offered enrollment, they have until May 1 to confirm.Commitment: Non-binding

Early Action (EA): Students apply early and receive a decision well in advance of the institutions regular response date.Commitment: Non-binding

UNC SCHOOL SYSTEM UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS – NC PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

MINIMUM COURSE REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the requirement that students should hold a high school diploma or its equivalent, the UNC Board of Governors has, since 1988, established minimum course requirements for undergraduate admission. The requirements in effect in 2001-02 were first implemented in the fall of 1990, and continued until the fall semester of 2004, when a second language requirement was added. Effective in the fall of 2006, a fourth unit of mathematics was required for admission. These requirements are summarized below. They are based on actions taken by the Board on April 14, 2000.

6 units/credits in language4 in English composition/literature 2 in a language other than English (World Language)

4 units in Mathematics Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, 1 Advanced Math Algebra I, II, 2 Advanced Math courses Math I, II, III, 1 Advanced Math

3 units in Science Life/Biological Science (Biology) Physical Science or Chemistry or Physics A laboratory course

2 units in Social Studies One must be in US History (American History I and II)Minimum GPA (weighted) 2.5Minimum SAT (CR + M) 800 (SAT I is preferred)Minimum ACT Composite 17

Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State

University, UNC Asheville, UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC Charlotte, UNC Greensboro, UNC Pembroke, UNC Wilmington, Western Carolina University, Winston-Salem State University

NC INDEPENDENT COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

NCICU represents 36 colleges and universities. Each is different, with a distinct character, student body, degree offerings, and campus opportunities. This range of options means that whether you're looking for a particular academic or athletic program, a specific region of the state, a traditional co-educational college or university, a women's college, or a historically black college or university, you can find the right fit for you in one of North

Carolina's independent colleges or universities.

WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER AN INDEPENDENT COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY? Because of the small sizes, a close-knit family atmosphere is present on these campuses. This atmosphere enables students to develop close, personal relationships with their professors—contacts that will be valuable as you enter the job market or apply to graduate school.

Much of your education, especially that which helps you develop leadership skills, comes through access to extracurricular programs like student government, service clubs, performing arts and religious groups, and intercollegiate and intramural athletics. Because you aren’t competing with thousands upon thousands of other students for limited spaces to fill a particular activity, you are freer to participate in a variety of these special interest programs.

YOU CAN AFFORD A PRIVATE COLLEGE! The important thing to remember is that the amount your family is expected to contribute to your education may be the same, whether you choose a public or private institution. Eligibility for federal financial aid is determined by national standards that take into account family income and other financial information. So don’t let the cost of tuition scare you. In fact, more financial aid may be available at private colleges and universities.

The North Carolina General Assembly has established a state grant program to aid students attending North Carolina’s independent colleges and universities. The legislature provides more than $86 million to assist North Carolina residents with demonstrated financial need who enroll in a private college or university. In addition, private colleges and universities and their students have access to millions of dollars in financial aid funding to provide scholarship assistance to eligible students. Students also may qualify for federal Pell Grants of up to $5,645, as well as guaranteed student loans. Last year North Carolina students attending private colleges and universities received over $1 billion in grants, loans, and campus employment opportunities.

SAMPLE FINANCIAL NEED ASSESSMENT

COLLEGE A COLLEGE B

College Costs $15,000 $25,000

Family Contribution -$5,000 -$5,000

Financial Need Package $10,000 $20,000

UNC SYSTEM COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

NC COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES ADMISSION AVERAGES(*NR= not reported)

School SAT Verbal

SAT Math ACT Composite

High School GPA

Appalachian State University 598 582 26 4.12

Barton College 464 480 20 3.16

Belmont Abbey College 520 513 24 3.10

Bennett College NR NR NR 3.20

Brevard College 520 530 22 3.20

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences 496 492 21 3.60

Campbell University 541 545 NR 3.70

Catawba College 487 483 22 3.57

Chowan University 402 408 16 2.67

Davidson College 700 695 32 3.90

Duke University 665 740 33 NR

East Carolina University 510 540 22 3.30

Elizabeth City State University 415 426 17 2.79

Elon University 611 614 27 3.90

Fayetteville State University 421 442 17 3.25

Gardner-Webb University 503 510 22 3.40

Greensboro College 503 489 20 3.20

Guilford College 553 538 23 3.13

High Point University 531 539 22 3.20

Johnson & Wales University - Charlotte NR NR NR 3.19

Johnson C. Smith University 434 439 18 2.89

Lees-McRae College 480 489 20 3.29

Lenoir-Rhyne University 490 513 21 3.64

Livingstone College 371 373 15 2.32

Mars Hill University 462 473 20 3.25

Meredith College 515 520 22 3.90

Methodist University 483 513 21 3.28

Montreat College 483 496 22 3.00

North Carolina A&T State University 441 462 18 2.48

North Carolina Central University 440 447 18 3.20

North Carolina State University 604 639 28 4.42

North Carolina Wesleyan College 420 450 19 3.20

Pfeiffer University 458 479 19 3.20

Queens University of Charlotte 527 524 23 3.60

Saint Augustine's University 374 375 15 2.40

Salem College 579 560 24 3.70

Shaw University 368 368 15 2.42

St. Andrews University 500 490 NR 3.00

University of Mount Olive NR NR NR NR

University of North Carolina at Asheville 610 587 26 3.40

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 642 660 29 4.47

University of North Carolina at Charlotte 518 546 21 3.54

University of North Carolina at Greensboro 515 520 23 3.69

University of North Carolina at Pembroke 475 490 19 3.25

University of North Carolina Wilmington 590 601 25 4.10

Wake Forest University 590-690 620-730 28-32 NR

Warren Wilson College 597 555 25 3.48

Western Carolina University 500 540 22 3.61

William Peace University 390-500 400-490 16-21 3.30

Wingate University 500 515 24 3.80

Winston-Salem State University 443 449 17 3.01

NC COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM

The mission of the North Carolina Community College System is to open the door to high-quality, accessible educational opportunities that minimize barriers to post-secondary education, maximize student success, develop a globally and multi-culturally competent workforce, and improve the lives and well-being of individuals by providing:

Education, training and retraining for the workforce including basic skills and literacy education, occupational and pre-baccalaureate programs.

Support for economic development through services to and in partnership with business and industry and in collaboration with the University of North Carolina System and private colleges and universities.

Services to communities and individuals which improve the quality of life

COLLEGE TRANSFER/ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS

Comprehensive Articulation AgreementThe North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) is a statewide agreement governing the transfer of credits between NC community colleges and NC public universities and has as its objective the smooth transfer of students.

Uniform Articulation Agreement (Associate in Engineering)The Uniform Articulation Agreement promotes educational advancement opportunities for Associate in Engineering (A10500) completers and the constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina in order to complete Bachelor of Science in Engineering degrees.

Uniform Articulation Agreement (RN to BSN)The Uniform Articulation Agreement promotes educational advancement opportunities for registered nurses moving between North Carolina Community Colleges and the constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina in order to complete Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees.

Independent Comprehensive Articulation AgreementThe Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (ICAA) between the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) and the Signatory Institutions of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) is intended to provide smooth transfer for community college students who wish to continue their education at an NCICU Signatory Institution.  The ultimate goal of this agreement is the seamless articulation from the community college to the NCICU institution with minimal loss of credit or repetition of work.

SCHOLARSHIPS

SRMHS Student Services Online http://www.wcpss.net/domain/9246

Wake County Scholarship Guide Onlinewww.scholarshipplus.com/wake -> search by different categories or search for Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School

College Foundation of NC www.cfnc.org -> Pay -> Grants and ScholarshipsFastweb www.fastweb.com

Goggle web searchSearch for “scholarships for hs students” – be mindful of scholarship scams.

COLLEGE APPLICATION TRACKER

College: Login Username:

Password:

Letter of Rec: yes or no

Application Deadline:

Application Completed:

Transcript Requested:

ACT/SAT Score Report Sent:

College: Login Username:

Password:

Letter of Rec: yes or no

Application Deadline:

Application Completed:

Transcript Requested:

ACT/SAT Score Report Sent:

College: Login Username:

Password:

Letter of Rec: yes or no

Application Deadline:

Application Completed:

Transcript Requested:

ACT/SAT Score Report Sent:

College: Login Username:

Password:

Letter of Rec: yes or no

Application Deadline:

Application Completed:

Transcript Requested:

ACT/SAT Score Report Sent:

TRANSCRIPTS1. IN-STATE: CFNC.ORG Transcript Manager – FREE to all NC schools2. OUT-of-STATE: https://wcpss.scriborder.com/