Parent and Student College Readiness Sessions
-
The College Readiness Department will provide parents and students with access to on-demand webinars as well as virtual and in-person events. As registration for live events becomes available, the registration will be linked in the section titled "Live Webinars and In-Person Events" below.
Events and Recordings
-
On-Demand Library
The following sessions are available for on-demand viewing:
- College Recruiting for Athletes - Parents will learn about the recruiting process from start to finish, and have the opportunity to create a free profile with Next College Student Athlete.
- Scoir for Underclassmen Parents - Learn about the features of Scoir, the college readiness tool used by UCPS.
- Choosing the Right Path in High School - Provides parents of rising 9th grade students information about various high school programming options including Career and Technical Education pathways, Career and College Promise, and other academic areas of focus. Also shares information about various course types in high school and their impact on a student's GPA.
-
Live Webinars and In-Person Events
The sessions below will be aired live via webinar or held in person. Registration will be linked once available.
Scoir for Seniors
- Audience: High school seniors and parents
- Provides seniors and their parents with information about how to use Scoir to assist with the college application process.
- August 27, 2024, 6 p.m., webinar
- View the recording.
- View the presentation.
College Entrance Exams 101
- Audience: High school students and parents
- Provides information about the basic features of the ACT and SAT as well as differences between the two tests.
- September 17, 2024, 6 p.m., webinar
- View the recording.
- View the presentation.
NC Governor's School Information Session
- Audience: High school students and parents
- Provides information about NC Governor's School, the application process, and a student testimonial
- September 24, 2024, 6 p.m., webinar
- View the recording.
- View the presentation.
Union County College Fair
- Audience: High school students and parents
- Representatives from over 100 colleges will answer questions and share information about their institution. Sponsored by the CACRAO.
- October 13, 2024, 2-4 p.m., in-person at CATA, 600 Brewer Dr., Monroe, NC 28112
- Optional registration with StriveScan will allow students to easily share their information with college admissions reps. Visit https://strivefair.com to create an account.
- List of school codes to use when completing the FAFSA.
Middlebury Language Schools Information Session
- Audience: High school students interested in World Language opportunities and parents
- Middlebury Language Schools offer an intensive summer immersion experience in various world languages. Students with no language ability, in addition to those proficient in the language, are welcome to apply. This summer program is an excellent opportunity to further develop language skills prior to college courses. Participants in the program must be 18 years old or high school graduates. Younger students are encouraged to attend the webinar to learn about the program in preparation for their senior year.
- This webinar has been postponed to the Spring.
FAFSA Completion Support
- Audience: High school seniors and parents
- The Union County Public Library will be providing support for your senior in completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
- November 7, 2024, 6 p.m., at Union County Public Library, 316 Windsor St., Monroe, NC
Getting Ready for College
- Audience: High school students and parents
- Session presented in partnership with Wingate University. Speakers include representatives from Wingate University as well as UCPS College Readiness Coordinator, Ashley Ponscheck, UCPS University Liaison, Erika Leon, UCPS Next Stop Teach UCPS Ambassador, Courtney Liles, and UCPS Lead Counselor, Dan McCloskey. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from a panel of college students.
- Finding a Best-Fit College
- Creating a strong academic plan
- UCPS supports to prep for college & special college partnerships
- Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 10 AM - 12 PM at Wingate University. Optional campus tours will begin 1 hour after the session.
- Attendees will receive free lunch and admission to the Wingate University football game after the session.
- View presentation here
ACT/SAT Blitz
- Audience: High school students
- Presented in partnership with Huntington Learning Center Weddington.
- Students will learn about the differences between the two tests and strategies for success on both!
- November 23, 2024, 10 AM - 12 PM, at Monroe High School
- Register Here! (students will need to be logged into their UCPS account to register)
High School Programs Expo
- Audience: 8th grade students and parents
- Representatives from various programs across UCPS will share information for students about career and technical ed courses as well as other academic offerings in high school.
- December 7, 2024, 9 AM - 12 PM, Union County Ag Center, 3230-D Presson Rd, Monroe, NC 28112
- No registration required
ACT Blitz
- Audience: High school students
- Presented in partnership with Huntington Learning Center Weddington.
- Students will learn strategies for success on the ACT.
- February 1, 2025, 10 AM - 12 PM, at Monroe High School.
- Register Here! (students will need to be logged into their UCPS account to register)
College Transition for Students with IEPs and 504s
- Audience: High school students and parents
- Join us to learn about preparing your neurodivergent student for college! Elizabeth West from EWC College Consulting will join us to share promising practices for helping prepare students with IEPs and 504s for the college transition.
- February 4, 2025 - 6 p.m., webinar
- Register Here!
Practice ACT Series
- Audience: High school students
- Students participate in 2 in-person practice ACT exams, taken on Albert, with independent online practice in between. Students are expected to attend both in-person practice assessments. Priority is given to juniors.
- First practice ACT - February 15, 2025 (8-12 PM); Second practice ACT - March 1, 2025 (8-12 PM), at Porter Ridge High School
- Register Here! (Registration closes Wednesday 2/13; students will need to be logged into their UCPS account to register)
SAT Blitz
- Audience: High school students
- Presented in partnership with Huntington Learning Center Weddington.
- Students will learn strategies for success on the SAT.
- March 22, 2025, 10 AM - 12 PM, at Cuthbertson High School.
- Register Here! (students will need to be logged into their UCPS account to register)
Practice SAT Series
- Audience: High school students
- Students participate in 2 in-person practice SAT exams, taken on Albert, with independent online practice in between. Students are expected to attend both in-person practice assessments.
- First practice SAT - March 29, 2025 (8-12 PM); Second practice SAT - April 12, 2025 (8-12 PM), at Sun Valley High School
- Register Here! (Registration closes Wednesday 3/26; students will need to be logged into their UCPS account to register)
What Makes a Good College Essay?
- Audience: High school students (especially Juniors) and parents
- Eager to get started on your college application essay? Aiming to apply for college scholarships that require an essay? Gather pointers and guidance on what to do and not do with the writing process so that you can showcase your unique perspective, demonstrate your writing skills, and tell your story that goes beyond grades and test scores, ultimately impacting your chances of admission.
- May 13, 2025 - 6 p.m., webinar
