Senior Planning Guide

Senior Night Presentation 

12th Grade To-Do List:

Make sure you:

• have your CFNC.org account ID and Password
• take the  SAT or ACT (average score for SAT is 1000-average score for ACT is 20)
• register for the SAT or ACT again
• get a fee waiver for the SAT/ACT from your counselor, if you're on free or reduced lunch
• research colleges you are considering applying to: check application deadlines, majors, cost, etc.
• visit colleges you are considering attending
• apply to colleges by the end of October
• have done a scholarship search - scholarships are listed on this web site along with scholarship web sites here: Scholarships
• update and complete your resume - use this template as a guide: Template
• have completed the NCAA Clearinghouse form if you plan on playing a college sport
• check with your college to see if you need to take the SAT II

Key Questions to Ask When Choosing a College:

• Does the college have my major?
• Is the college location one that is a fit for me? Example: ASU-very cold, snow, hills to walk
• Is the college a fit for me? Consider size, location, campus environment, etc.
• What percentage of college freshman stay?
• What percent of graduates are accepted to graduate, medical, or law school?
• What is the typical class size and how much individual attention will I receive?
• Are there opportunities for internships and/or study abroad?
• Is there an active Career Center to help me prepare for a successful job search after graduation?
• Do professors or graduate students teach freshman courses?
• 10 questions to ask yourself when picking a college
• Are you thinking about applying to a Historically Black College or University (HBCU)? Then, check out HBCUCONNECT.com.

How do I apply for college?

• Colleges and universities want you to apply online
• You may go directly to the college's Admissions website and apply, or you can use CFNC.org to apply
• You may want to consider applying through the Common Application website. This online site allows you to apply to many colleges found in different states by filling out one application. The website will request your transcript.
• The Universal College Application (UCA) is a new website (similar to the Common App) that allows you to apply to more than one college at once. Learn the differences between the Common App and the UCA here.
• If you print a paper application and mail it, please ask Mrs. Tweed to send your transcript.
• College Application Week - during this time, you can apply to many of the North Carolina colleges (mostly private) and have your application fee waived.
• For more detailed information on how to apply to college, visit: http://www.ucps.k12.nc.us/Page/4517

Click on the following links below for great information for seniors:

List of four-year colleges and Universities in N.C.

List of N.C. Community Colleges

Differences Between the Common Application and the Universal College Application

Looking Beyond the 'Usual Suspects' in the College Search

Financial Factors to Consider Before Choosing a College

Need a Plan B for college? There are Options

How to Handle Bad News on Early Admissions

What I Wish Someone Had Told Me About Freshman Year - A great read for seniors heading off to college!

Find Colleges that Want You More Than You Want Them

5 Questions to Consider when Visiting Prospective Colleges

10  College Application Mistakes to Avoid

Resources for Undocumented Students

How to Make the Most of Accepted Student Days

10 Tips to Make Your Final College Choice

College Search Websites:

CFNC - College Foundation of North Carolina

CollegeBoard - College Planning Made Easy

CampusTours: Virtual College Tours & Interactive Campus Maps

The Princeton Review

Peterson's

Ten Steps to College

College Data

NACAC - National Association for College Admission Counseling

Affordable Colleges Online