Making Choices About College

Please click the above link for our college research website

Step One: Know yourself and your reasons for wanting to attend college.

 - Identify your strengths and weaknesses

 - Analyze your interests and values

 - Analyze your reasons for attending college

Step Two: Consider College Characteristics

 - Majors and educational programs

 - Admission policy

 - Location and size 

 - Costs and availability of financial aid

 - Campus activities

 - Academic reputation

Step Three: List, Compare and Visit Colleges

 - Compile information from several sources

 - Weight advantages and disadvantages

 - Contact the admissions office for a visit to the campus

Step Four: Apply for admission and observe deadlines

 - Narrow your choices to a list of four colleges

  For example: One college - "sure thing" - you are overqualified and will definitely be admitted

Two colleges - "realistic choices" or "middle of the road" - you meet the qualifications for admission

One college - "long shot" or "reach" - you would really like to attend this college, but you may have a lower GPA, SAT score or class rank than is               required

 - Review college admission test requirements (SAT, ACT,etc)

 - Know application fees and deadlines

 - Submit application materials

          1. Completed Application for admission

          2. Application Fee

          3. High school transcript

          4. Recommendations

          5. Admissions test results

Continue your Academic Success:

1. Register for the October PSAT given at school. This is a great way to prepare for the SAT.

2. Continue tracking your extracurricular, leadership roles, and volunteer activities in CFNC.ORG. Remember your extra activities will help you stand out from other college applicants. 

3. Begin researching scholarship opportunities. Click here to use our scholarship information website in your scholarship and financial aid research.

4. Be prepared for your Senior Year by using a calendar for your favorite schools. Use this calendar to track open house dates, and admission and scholarship deadlines.

5. Plan to attend the CCS College Fair in the fall of your junior year. This will allow you to meet an admissions representative and ask questions if necessary.

6. Continue to challenge yourself with honors and AP courses.

7. It is very critical to focus on your GPA. As you begin to apply to colleges your first semester grades will be on your transcipt.

8. Consider finding a summer job or summer program that will get you ready for college.

It is now time to take your college entrance exams (ACT, SAT, etc). Colleges will take your best score so please strive for the best  and take preparatory classes or use online resources as you prepare for the exam. If you are not satisfied with your scores take the exam again. You can take it multiple times and colleges will take the best score. Please use the above link to access our entrance exam webpage.

Are you planning for work or the military in life beyond high school?

If you are interested in work please click here to learn more about our Career Technical Education courses. Please click here for more information to help you in your career decision.

If you are intered in the military please click here for more information on the military branches and their academies.

If you are a student athlete continue to be mindful of your attendance and grades. If you need a refresher of the requirements please click here. If you are considering sports in college you will need to begin your NCAA eligibility process. Please click here for the NCAA eligibility process.

Promotion requirements for 11th to 12th Grade:

You must earn 19 credits