1. Presented by: Sanderson High Student Services
Project Graduation 2015
Presented by: Sanderson High Student Services

2. Objectives
Review critical information for successful Junior and Senior years.
Understand requirements for promotion to Senior status.
Know what your post-secondary options are.
Understand college admissions and placement tests.
Review your transcript.
Learn how to begin your college search, as well as your scholarship search.

3. Student Services Staff
Mrs. Carpino – Dean of Students
Mrs. Conley – Counselor for A-E
Dr. Barrow – Counselor for F-L
Mr. Donatini – Counselor for M-R
Ms. Young – Counselor for S-Z
Mr. Johnson – SAP Counselor
Ms. Claiborne – Career Development Coordinator
Mrs. Davis – Student Services Receptionist
Mrs. Batista – Registrar

4. Graduation Requirements: Future Ready Core Curriculum
4 English
4 Mathematics (1 past Alg. II)
3 Sciences (earth science, biology, and a physical science)
3 Social Studies (world history, civics and economics, US history)
1 Health/Physical Education
2 Electives in any combination of: CTE, Foreign Lang, or Arts
4 Electives strongly Recommended in CTE, Arts, or any core area
5 additional elective credits
Totals: 26 Total credits

5. What should I be doing now to prepare for after graduation?

6. Know your Junior calendar! (page 8)
Explore different colleges online, including 2 year and 4 years schools
Visit college campuses
Research scholarships and financial aid
Create accounts on and and
Have some ideas of what you may want to do after high school
Take an interest inventory for free on CFNC
Job Shadow
Know your GPA & class rank
Take the SAT or ACT at least once if you are applying to 4 year colleges.

7. What do Colleges look for when making admissions decisions?
GPA - both weighted and unweighted
Class Rank
Courses you have taken, and are currently taking
SAT or ACT scores
Community Service or extra curricular involvement
Recommendations from teachers and/or counselor
Your admissions essay or personal statement (if required)

8. GPA for College Admissions
North Carolina Public Colleges and Universities minimum GPA for admission is 2.5 beginning Fall 2013
Private Colleges and Universities set their own minimum GPA requirements
North Carolina Community Colleges currently do not have a minimum GPA requirement for admission
If ever in doubt about the requirements, visit the admissions website of the school you wish to attend

9. The 17 Public UNC Institutions
Appalachian State University
East Carolina University
Elizabeth City State University
Fayetteville State University
NC A&T State University
North Carolina Central University
NC State University
UNC-Asheville
UNC-Charlotte
UNC-Chapel Hill
UNC-Greensboro
UNC-Pembroke
UNC-Wilmington
UNC School of the Arts
Western Carolina University
Winston Salem State University
NC School of Science and Mathematics (high school)
Look at the college admissions comparison sheet

10. SAT (pages 19 & 20)
Test sections include Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing
Scores range from
UNC Institutions require an 800 combined score on Critical Reading and Math for admission
Create an account on for test prep, test dates, and general information

11. ACT (pages 19 & 20)
All Juniors will take the ACT at school in March This is paid for by the State of NC.
The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science.
The Writing Test measures skill in planning and writing a short essay.
Score range: 1-36
UNC Institutions minimum: 17
For more info, visit:

12. Exploring Colleges/Universities (page 17, 21, 22)
Start to investigate schools that you would like to attend. Schedule a campus visit through their admissions office. Ask questions. Talk to students.
Go to their website and browse their academic programs, admissions requirements, scholarships, etc.
Know the admission requirements, the cost, the location, majors offered, etc.
is a great place to start to get information on ALL schools in NC. If you have not done so already, create an account to use until you graduate.

13. Community Colleges (pages 32-33)
NC has one of the best and least expensive systems in the country.
SAT or ACT scores are not required, but schools will use your score for placement purposes. Each community college has its own placement test. Wake Tech uses the Accuplacer test.
College Transfer Programs available: C-Step, PAC, Partnerships with ECU, Mount Olive, UNC Charlotte)
Honors program to help students gain an edge in transferring to competitive colleges
ROTC Military Science-Wake Technical Community College offers Military Science courses in support of the U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Candidate (ROTC) program.
Wake Tech Open House: will be scheduled in April. Tours of the campus are ongoing.

14. Creating a Student Resume (page 6)
A student resume, which you will send with your college or scholarship applications, should highlight:
Your skills and knowledge
Your academic and personal achievements
Your volunteer and community experience
Any honors you have received
Your participation in high school activities, clubs, sports, etc.
References (not family members)
It is helpful to google “high school student resume template” to find a form that is simple and easy to use.

15. Scholarships and Financial Aid (page 24-26)
Be proactive in your search for scholarships – begin by looking at the financial aid webpage of the school you wish to attend. Find out what scholarships they offer and determine the ones for which you may be eligible.
Pay attention to announcements, Sanderson High Scholarship Bulletin posted on our website.
Create an account at and to conduct your scholarship search.
NEVER pay for scholarship information. It is always free. If someone is charging, it may be a scam.
Everyone needs to complete a FAFSA regardless of whether you think you will receive financial assistance. FAFSA cannot be filled out until January of your Senior year.
Attend our Financial Aid night offered in December every year.

16. Recommendations
Some colleges, special programs, and scholarships have specific recommendation forms for teachers and/or counselors to fill out as part of the application.
Start thinking now about who will be your recommenders. It is good to have at least 1 academic teacher and 1 person in the community.
Allow plenty of time for your recommenders to write your recommendation. Two weeks is appropriate and appreciated.
Thank you cards to your recommenders is a nice touch!

17. Military Opportunities (page 34)
Recruiters visit SHS; check with Ms. Claiborne in the career center to sign up or listen to announcements
ASVAB –given in February (last week). Contact Ms. Claiborne for more information

18. Transcript Two types: Standardized (official) and Student (unofficial)
Student transcript (unofficial) includes your immunizations and attendance records. Standardized (official) does not.
Verify your name, address, phone, parents’ names, birth date, and student ID number are correct. If not, notify your counselor.
Look over your classes and the grades you have earned. Make sure they are accurate. Make sure the quality points assigned are correct. AP courses are +2 and Honors are +1 quality point.
Look at your weighted and unweighted GPA.
Look at your class rank.

19. Go over all the flags and weighted and unweighted GPA

21. Final Thoughts
College and career searching can be time-consuming, start planning early. There is help available –utilize it!
Educate yourself to help the process move smoothly.
Allow parents to help you.
Be informed by paying attention to announcements, and school websites.
Know your deadlines.
Don’t wait until the last minute to start your college admissions process.

22. Questions?
Please visit the Counselor Corner every Tuesday and Thursday during lunch in room 101. You may also your counselor (use your student account) or stop by SS to request an appointment.