Meet with your school counselor at the beginning of the year so you can adjust your course schedule and register for additional standardized tests, if necessary.

You will meet with your counselors to fill out your Graduation File to order your diploma.

Counselors will help you to apply for college during the NC Countdown To College (C2C) Free Application Week (October 17-21).

Make sure you register at CFNC and start looking at the Residency Determination Service and FAFSA requirements before applying to colleges.

Continue to meet throughout your senior year to check in on your college application progress. Be proactive about these meetings. Don’t wait for your counselor to reach out to you.

You can even contact college admission officers. They would be happy to help you think about your future. All you have to do is ask!

It’s time to complete your research and decide on the final list of schools you’ll be applying to. Work with your school counselor to ensure you have a list that excites you, meets your needs and matches your academic credentials.

If you have a first-choice college, discuss the possibility of applying for Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA). Just make sure that you’d be happy to attend each and every college on your list (not just your ED or EA choice).

Make sure you understand what the testing requirements are for each school on your list. Consult the official ACT and SAT websites for official exam dates and other registration information.

Remember: The College Board and the ACT both offer exam fee waivers for eligible students. If you are concerned registration fees might impose a financial burden on your family, talk to Mr. Orfanedes about a fee waiver. If you have a free or reduced lunch, you can apply for a Fee Waiver to apply to colleges, take the ACT and SAT(again if you didn't like your scores), and register at the NCAA (for athletes/sports).

All Seniors taking 2 or more CTE classes will have to take the ACT WorkKeys Test (see information below)

Use your college applications to showcase your strengths and tell your personal story. To do this well will take time, effort, and careful attention to detail, so be mindful of deadlines and avoid waiting until the last minute.

Pro Tip: In the Apply section of Common App website, you’ll find helpful resources like an Application Guide and Dictionary to support you through the process.

Touch base with your school counselor and teachers to make sure everything gets to each college you apply to, including your official high school transcript and letters of recommendation.

Pro tip: Consult the Recommenders and FERPA section in your Common App account to monitor when your transcript and letters of recommendation have been submitted to each college.

This is the most exciting part! Take time to review your admission offers and compare financial aid packages. Most colleges offer special admitted students programs designed to help you make your decision, so visit your top choice schools, if possible. Your parents and school counselor can also help you with this decision-making process.

When you have made your decision, you will need to notify the college you choose of your commitment and submit a financial deposit by May 1st. You cannot submit a deposit to more than one school. You will also need to notify the colleges that you do not plan to attend your decision. This is an important step in helping to open up seats for other students who may be on a waitlist for those schools.

Even after you complete your applications and receive admission offers, your entire year of grades still counts. Some colleges require midyear grades to be sent, and the college you choose to attend will receive your final high school transcript at the end of the year. College acceptances are contingent upon successful completion of your coursework, and a noticeable slip in academic performance could alter your scholarship eligibility or offer of admission.

Congratulate yourself on making it to the finish line. You are on your way! You are ready for college, and college is ready for you. Don’t forget to thank your parents, counselors, teachers, and mentors for helping you reach this milestone. And remember - those same adults are there to cheer you on and offer support as you continue on your journey.

Contact your Counselor to receive updates including career, college, and financial aid information and events. 

Remind Codes

 Last Name: A-F (text @2023mrsc to 81010)  Gloria Calabro

Last Name: G-Mc (text @2023shaw to 81010)  Candace Shaw

Last Name: Me-Sl (text @2023ozzy to 81010) Ryanne Osborne

Last Name: Sm-Z (text @2023orfan to 81010)  Dean Orfanedes