College Planning

Useful Websites:

CFNC
ACT
SAT
FAFSA
Common App
Khan Academy
NCAA Eligibilty Center

9th Grade 

  • Get to know your School Counselor

  • Check college admissions requirements. Plan a college preparatory course schedule for all four years of high school.  

  • Take courses that challenge you

  • Plan ahead for courses that require prerequisites 

  • Recognize that class rank and weighted and unweighted GPA are calculated beginning in grade 9. These are based on final grades in all courses attempted.

  • Create/update your CFNC account to save your courses and explore career interests 

  • Pursue extracurricular interests, such as sports, clubs, or community service and stay involved

10th grade

  • Consider taking the PSAT. This test is given only in October

  • Take the PreACT at school. This test measures college readiness and career potential and is given to all 10th graders in NC

  • Select challenging courses which will maintain your class rank and GPA. Take the hardest courses in areas where you excel. Investigate Honors and AP (Advanced Placement) courses. 

  • Plan an interesting summer, possibly participating in a challenging summer enrichment program or community activity. Check out college-based experience programs in the School Counseling office.

  • Review your goals for the future with your School Counselor

  • Start using SAT and ACT Test Prep resources below

11th grade

  • Continue taking courses that will sharpen your skills for college and enhance admission prospects

  • Attend "College Day" at your high school

  • Consider taking the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). National Merit Scholarship semifinalists are selected from only 11th grade students who take this test in October of their 11th grade year

  • Take the ACT during the school day administration 

  • At mid-year, begin to investigate specific college possibilities

  • Sign up to talk with visiting college representatives

  • Take the SAT or ACT in May or June, including subject tests if required by a college your are considering. Register online.

  • Visit colleges 

  • Update your CFNC account

  • Take free practice tests for the ACT and SAT at CFNC

  • Talk with coaches about college sports and eligibility 

 12th grade

  • Update your high school resume to include extracurricular activities, sports, community service, leadership positions, honors/awards, and employment experience

  • Lay the groundwork for recommendations early 

  • Write, edit, proofread, and rewrite your admissions essays early

  • Select at least five colleges to apply to and become familiar with admissions deadlines

  • Take the SAT or ACT in October or November

  • If you are a student-athlete, register with the NCAA Eligibility Center

  • Continue visiting campuses

  • Attend College and Career Fairs to talk with representatives 

  • Participate in College Application Week

  • Use the CFNC online application system to complete your NC college and university applications and to send your official transcripts

  • Complete Scholarship Applications

  • Attend the Financial Aid Workshop

  • In December, begin completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. For help, attend FAFSA Day

  • Compare admission acceptance letters and financial aid packages

  • Make the final decision of where you will attend and send your acceptance and deposit

  • If not accepted by your college of choice, use the College Redirection module at CFNC.org for new options

  • Send your final transcript to the college you will be attending 

  • Send in college credit course transcripts (community college), if you took dual enrollment classes