Class of 2023

Congratulations! You are so close to Senior Status!

Here are a few tips to make this a great year:

• Make connections with your teachers. Besides building good relationships and social skills, you may need to ask for references for college or job applications next year. You want to make sure you have a few people in mind that know you, your work ethic, and your character well.
  

• You may want to get a job this year. Remember, SCHOOL comes FIRST! Don’t let your job keep you from being successful at school.
  

• Check that email address! Colleges/Employers do not want to see emails from bigdaddy@yahoo.com or hotpants@gmail.com! Create a new, professional email that contains your name and perhaps a set of numbers (ex: janedoe0299@yahoo.com).

• Advocate for yourself; don’t be afraid to ask for help!

• Take some time for self-care and personal growth.
  

• Get involved! If you aren't in a club, doing volunteer work, or pursuing hobbies outside of school, start exploring your interests now and join a group that supports them. If you are already in a club or doing another activity, consider taking on a more challenging role. This will look great on college applications, job applications, and help you develop on a personal level as well.
  

Anxiety/Depression Support Group (LightKeepers)

Offers a chance for students who struggle with anxiety and/or depression to connect and support one other. Groups will have an educational component covering topics such as triggers, positive self-talk, distorted thinking, social connectedness, and conquering fears, as well as opportunities for discussion.

• Meets 1x a month October- May
• 1st Wednesday at 1:00 pm
• Link to Register: HS LightKeepers Registration SY2122

Interested in the military? Go here to learn more about the different branches, requirements, and benefits.

SEPTEMBER- NOVEMBER

• Create a CFNC account. Begin exploring colleges/careers and the cost to attend college. If you are looking for schools outside of NC, try the BigFuture website. Narrow your college list to 10-15 favorites. If you are not planning to attend college, use the surveys to help determine the best career for you

• The base high school or community college in your county will likely have a college fair. Find out the dates and attend.
• Get started on your extracurriculars/volunteering/work. Create a list of your work experience, accomplishments/awards, and any activities during high school. CFNC has a document to track this.
  

DECEMBER

• Study for exams and finish the semester strong
• Enjoy Winter Break!

JANUARY-FEBRUARY

• Practice for the ACT exam
  

• Earn the best grades you can - when you apply to college in the Fall, admissions will determine acceptance based on your transcript that will have 9th-11th grades and GPA for the end of 11th grade year.

MARCH-APRIL

• Visit your favorite colleges if possible. Narrow your list to five.
• NCVA registration for the 2022-23 school year will occur during this time. Be sure to pick courses that align with your interests, fulfill high school graduation requirements, and show that you are challenging yourself during Senior year.
  

MAY-JUNE

• Finish classes with your best effort and prepare for final exams
• Plan for a break during the summer, but also plan something interesting for personal growth- travel, an internship, camp, etc.
  

Are you interested in attending one of the UNC colleges? Go to this link to register for a session to learn more.

All 11th Grade Students will take the ACT exam face-to-face with NCVA in March 2022.

You can take the SAT exam if you would like, but will need to register and pay for that on your own. We typically recommend taking the SAT in May or June of Junior year.

Free prep courses and practice tests for SAT/ACT can be found at March2Success.

Register for the SAT here.

Are you trying to decide where to apply? See how your numbers compare to the average Freshman admitted to these colleges. Don't see your school on the list? This information is found on most college websites. Check before you pay those application fees!

• Check out the Occupational Outlook Handbook or NC Careers.org for job descriptions, salary, education required, and more

• See a list of all community colleges in North Carolina here

• Interested in a private college? See the North Carolina list here

• All public NC colleges can be found here