Your responsibility as a senior is to make sure that you graduate with the best
possible academic record. Your counselors will schedule individual appointments
with you and the other seniors in order to check credits, review transcripts,
and discuss your future plans.
The College Search
As you begin the college search process, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I want to attend a large university or a small college?
- How far from home do I want to go to school?
- Do I prefer a city campus, a suburban location, or a small town?
- What program of study do I wish to pursue?
- What activities (sports, clubs) do I want to participate in during college?
- What special services do I require (tutoring, readers, interpreters)?
- Do I want to attend a single sex college?
Suggested Questions To Ask College Reps
Admission
- What factors do you consider when making an admission decision?
- What is the GPA of the average entering freshman?
- What courses should I be taking in my senior year of high school?
- Is the ACT/SAT required? What is the average score of new students?
- Do I need to schedule an interview?
- When are your open house programs?
- Do you offer overnight visits?
- May I visit classes?
- What is the application deadline for admission?
- Do you accept Advanced Placement test credit?
- What makes you proud of your institution?
Programs of Study
- Do you have my major?
- What are considered your top programs?
- What unique programs does your institution offer?
- What is your job and graduate school placement rate for graduating students?
- How do you assign faculty advisors to students, especially to those who are undecided about their majors?
- How effective is your institution's honor code? What is the penalty for cheating?
- What is your student to teacher ratio and average class size?
Campus Life
- What is the total enrollment?
- How many students live on campus?
- Are freshman required to live on campus?
- What activities are available? Sports? Arts? Sororities?
- May I bring my car?
- How safe is your school? Where can I obtain statistics about crimes on your campus?
- What are some of the causes of the students being suspended or dismissed from your institution?
Is there an appeals system?
Financial Aid
- What are the basic costs for a year (tuition, room/board, fees) and are
there additional costs for out of state students?
- What is the total estimated student budget for a year?
- What kind of financial aid programs are available?
- How many students receive financial aid, and what is the average award?
- What kind of scholarship opportunities exists?
- What are the deadlines to apply for financial aid and scholarships?
The cost of the college/university minus the expected family contribution as determined by the total financial aid application determines the financial aid package.
Wake County offers a program called
ACCESS that
aims to help students in learning about methods of financial aid. Visit Student Services
to schedule an appointment with an ACCESS counselor.
Financial Aid Resources
When visiting campuses:
- Schedule an interview in the Admissions Office.
- Inquire about admission requirements.
- Investigate the academic programs available.
- Find out about costs and financial aid opportunities.
- Check out the residence halls, dining facilities, and library.
- Talk with various students and faculty.
- Inquire about campus life and student activities.
- Attend a class or two, if possible.
-
Ask your reference source for a recommendation at least 7 working days before
you want it sent. Ask someone you feel will give you a respectable recommendation. Don't be offended
if someone is reluctant to give you a recommendation. Thank them for their time and ask someone else.
-
Never ask someone to write a recommendation without informing them what kind of recommendation
you need, where you want it sent, and to whom.
-
Provide them with information about you that you wish to have included. A copy of your resume is a good
source of information.
-
Always, always, always send a thank you note to the person providing the recommendation. If the
person provides more than one recommendation, send a thank you note each and every time
-
Try to send your application packet at the same time the counselor is sending in the school's part, transcript,
and recommendation. Most colleges officially open a file on a student once the application is in but the file
is incomplete without the school part. Any delay in the student's application or high school transcript is not
to the advantage of the student.
Recruiters
Service in any branch of the United States military offers a wide variety
of training opportunities for qualified persons and some excellent
education packages.
Military, Workforce, or Undecided
A lot of emphasis is put on attending college after high school. However, not everyone wants to go. If you plan to enter
the military or the world of work you still need to prepare. You may still be confused about what you want to do after high school.
It is okay! However, many times, this confusion can lead to doing nothing because you may not know where to start. High school is the
perfect time to investigate and experience different options and interests. If you are planning on entering the military, the work force,
or are unsure of your post-high school plans, here are some tips to help:
-
Take a self-assessment or interest inventory. The ASVAB and The Bridges Program are two options available to you at school.
These assessments can help determine interests and match careers to those interests.
See your Career Development Coordinator to access these programs. There are also websites
that offer interest inventories online to give you a quick assessment of your interests and skills.
-
Create a resume to give to potential employers. Outline activities you have been involved in, jobs you have held, volunteer experiences, and special skills.
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Sign up to job-shadow, or volunteer in areas that interest you. These are great ways to get first-hand information. The Students Services office has resources such as the
Occupational Outlook Handbook that give information like requirements for careers and salary information.
-
Attend career and college fairs. Take advantage of these opportunities to meet and talk with military recruiters, business people, and college
representatives. Have questions ready to ask about their jobs, what they do and what qualifications are needed
to enter that career field. This is a great way to gather information and connect with real people who may be able to help you later.
Many technical colleges offer “certificate” programs for trade and industry such as carpentry, automotive repair, and computers.
Some of these programs may be completed in as little as six months and offer training to prepare for a particular career.
You don’t necessarily need a four-year degree to have a great career.
-
Sign up to do an internship. Internships offer real work experience for credit in a job you may be considering as a career. See the Career Development Coordinator
to find out more information.
Your counselors, teachers and administrators are all available to help and answer questions. Use them as resources, visit the career center at
your school and ask questions. You can graduate with a plan for your future and make anything happen!
Applying to College
The application is the first, and sometimes only, impression a college or university has of you. Therefore, it should be neat, complete, and concise.
- Read the application instructions carefully before completing the form. Always follow procedures and deadlines listed on your college applications.
- Remember to consistently use your full legal name and Social Security Number.
- Many applications have a section that needs to be completed by your counselor. Attach these forms to your Transcript Request Form. Southeast will send it with your transcript.
- Colleges prefer the on-line application process. However, if you choose to send a paper application, always type or print the application neatly in ink. Proofread it, and ask someone else to proofread it, perhaps your English teacher, counselor, or parents.
- Make a "draft copy" of your application before preparing the final copy. Take your time to produce a fantastic final copy.
- Develop a resume to include with your applications that highlights your academic and non-academic achievements.
- You are responsible for mailing your college application and accompanying fees! Mail it couple weeks in advance of the deadline dates. We cannot mail your application for you regardless of the instruction printed on it.
- Make a copy of everything you submit for your records.
- Request your transcripts when you mail your application. Most colleges officially open your file when the application is received but the file is incomplete until everything is received. Any delay in your application or high school transcript is not to your advantage.
ACT, SAT, and Other Advanced Placement Exams
An acceptable SAT or ACT score is required for admission to most colleges and universities. You can register either by picking up a Registration Bulletin in Student Services or go on-line to www.collegeboard.com or www.act.org. SAT II Subject Tests are required by some universities
and used for placement in freshmen courses. Check with your specific school to see what is required.
AP Exams
You can earn college credit by taking Advanced Placement classes and making an acceptable score on the Advanced Placement exam. These exams follow a national schedule and are usually given the last two weeks in May.
The SAT I and SAT II
- October 6, 2007
- November 3, 2007
- December 1, 2007
- January 26, 2008
- March 1, 2008
- May 3, 2008
- June 7, 2008
The ACT Dates
- September 15, 2007
- October 27, 2007
- December 8, 2007
- February 9, 2008
- April 12, 2008
- June 14, 2008
Advanced Placement Exams
You can earn college credit by taking Advanced Placement classes and making an acceptable score on the Advanced Placement exam. These exams follow a national schedule and are usually given the last two weeks in May.
Sign up takes place in May. All students must prepay to take an AP Exam; no late fees accepted.
NCAA Clearinghouse and Eligibility
The NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse (the clearinghouse) is an organization that works with the NCAA to determine a student's eligibility for athletics participation in his or her first year of college enrollment. Students who want to participate in sports during their first year enrolled in college
must register with the clearinghouse. Every prospective student-athlete who plans to attend an NCAA Division I or II institution for the first time, must be certified by the clearinghouse. You should register at the end of your junior year. A final transcript will need to be sent to the clearinghouse upon graduation.
For more information or to register online, go to www.ncaaclearinghouse.net.
Applying to College
What is considered in admissions?
Admissions officers consider several factors:
- Grade Point Average/difficulty of curriculum
- SAT I; SAT II and ACT Scores
- Class rank
- essays (if required)
- extracurricular activities
- Recommendations
- Interviews
- Intangibles
These are all used to build a profile of acceptance,
deferment/wait list, or denial by the college admissions. Remember you are selling yourself to a college.
How do I select the best school for me?
Do your homework. Research what each college has to offer, such as: majors (course of study), location, size, cost,
facilities, reputation, competitiveness, community activities, diversity, etc. Select a college because it has something you want and you have something to give back
to the college, not because your best friend is going there. Most importantly visit your college choices.
How many schools should I apply to?
Apply to at least 3 schools, preferably early in the fall. There is no single magic number
of colleges to which you should apply. You should apply to is one “safe” school (certain of admission);
one school you are likely to be accepted, and a third school which may be a “long shot.” Students applying to highly
selective colleges usually file four to six applications. Applications are available in Student Services, on-line, at the College Fair, or by contacting the college or university directly.
