Ms. Ellie DeVoe, 11th Grade Counselor

Trying to improve your verbal score on the SAT? Visit FreeRice.com

Prepare for the SAT and ACT at CFNC's new Test Prep Module. (You will need a CFNC account to activate this.)

Attention Juniors:  If you are interested in science and mathematics and you're looking for a good summer enrichment program, you should consider Summer Ventures.  There is no cost for this 4-week program however you must apply by January 31st to be considered.  For more information, see your guidance counselor.

Please visit the College Board's link to the Junior Action Plan.

Fall

• Review your academic plans for High School and update each semester the activities list you began as a freshman.
• Consider possible dates to visit college campuses with your parents and friends. Take advantage of college web pages, a wonderful option for college exploration.
• Attend the College Fair (dates TBA.)

• Prepare for the PSAT. Juniors who take the PSAT will be considered for participation in National Merit Scholarship competition. 

• Take the PSAT in the fall. The national test date is October 14th.
• Begin to establish criteria for the type of college that you would like to attend. Use college guides to find schools that match your criteria. Talk to family, friends, and teachers about their college choices and experiences.

Winter

• PSAT student reports will be handed out individually by your counselor. Read the information carefully to interpret your performance, paying attention to predicted SAT I and SAT II Writing scores.
• Study thoroughly for exams. Attend the review sessions your teachers will offer.
• Talk to your college counselor about taking the SAT I and SAT II during second semester. Colleges would like to see both a junior and senior year SAT I. The need to take SAT II will depend upon your college interests, admissions/placement requirements, and the level of the courses you are taking as a senior.
• When registering for the SAT, remember you want to take the SAT Reasoning Test (not the Subject Test) and our high school code is 342655. You can register on www.collegeboard.com
• Please meet with your counselor to see if you qualify for an SAT fee waiver.
• National College Fair, Charlotte Merchandise Mart www.nacacnet.org/ncf

Spring

• Schedule a college-planning interview with your college counselor.   During these conferences students will develop a preliminary list of colleges that interest them and will have the opportunity to discuss any special interests, talents, and accomplishments.
• Make use of practice materials available for the SAT. Register to take the SAT either in March, May or June. The best time to take SAT II is June after you have completed classes and taken final exams.
• Use teacher workdays or spring break to visit colleges.
• Update your preliminary list of colleges based on your college-visit impressions.
• If you are enrolled in AP courses, prepare to take the AP exams given early in May.
• Give serious time to preparing for all your final exams.
• Begin to consider which teachers, coaches and other adults could best prepare college recommendations for you.
• Research scholarship opportunities available through clubs, civic organizations or employers. Use Internet scholarship sites to explore a wider range of scholarship opportunities.
• Spend your summer productively.
• Visit colleges you did not see during the school year.
• Begin to consider essay topics when applications arrive. Look for opportunities to use an essay for more than one application. Do rough drafts of essay topics. Begin work on as many rough drafts of your college applications as possible. You will be glad you did!

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