Get Organized for School
Most successful high school students use some type of organization techniques to keep track of their school work and other
activities in their life. Here are some hints:
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Keep a day planner/calendar and update it weekly to keep track of homework, assignments, test dates, make up work and things to
do.
- Organize your notebooks and book bag on a regular basis.
- Communicate with your teachers about your class work and assignments on a regular basis.
- Set up a daily schedule for yourself with time set aside to study and organize every day.
- Begin each grading period or semester with a goal in mind for what you want to accomplish. Write down the goal in your planner.
Organizing and Gathering Information for Future Plans
As you prepare for life after high school it is important for you to keep track of activities you have done in high school as
well as to keep any information you can use to help plan your future. The busy life of a high school student makes it easy to
forget some of the things you have accomplished or experienced along the way. Keeping track of this information will help you
later when you are applying for college or a job after high school.
Keep track of your accomplishments and activities:
- In either a notebook, file folder or on a computer, list by year, your extracurricular activities, awards and experiences.
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This list will include any school clubs, sports, volunteer activities, community service, religious activities, and work
experiences. You may also want to list your travel experiences and what you learned from them.
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Another file can be used to list experiences you have had that have impacted your life. These may be tough times you have
overcome or positive experiences that taught you some good life lessons.
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Also keep a list of adults in your life that you could use as a reference later on in high school for letters of recommendation
to college or a job. These people may be teachers, supervisors at work, coaches, club sponsors or adults in your community or
church. Keep in my mind it is not important what "title" these people hold but how well they really know you.
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Keep all your report cards and transcripts as well as copies of any essays or other school work you have done that you may be
able to use in the future.
Whether your ultimate goal is college, community college or starting a career after high school, it is important to save
information that can help you make a plan.
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In a file folder, keep anything you come across that is of interest to you regarding goals for your life. These can include
information from a web site, magazine, newspaper article, class notes, or knowledge gained from interactions with adult or peers.
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If college is your goal, keep a file folder on college information, perhaps one for each school that interests you.
- Keep all PSAT, SAT or ACT scores.
- If a job after high school is your choice, keep files on different careers that you may want to pursue.
- If you take a career interest inventory such as the ASVAB keep these results.
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Keep track of the different jobs you had while in high school, and list what you liked and did not like about each job. This
would also be helpful when considering a college major.
The web site, www.cfnc.org, has a Student Planner that you can use to record all this information. As a sophomore visit this web
site, create an account, and use the Student Planner to log your accomplishments and data as you progress through high school.
Goal Setting for Life After High School
When thinking about life after high school it is extremely important to set a goal, even as a sophomore. One way to do this is
to ask your self this simple question...
"In two years I will be done with high school. What do I want to do next?"
Once you have established this goal, remember to:
- Write your goal down on paper.
- Share your goal with others.
- Develop a plan.
- Be positive about your goal.
- Be disciplined to reach your goal.
Reality Check: When thinking about your goals, consider an "Adult World" reality check. Keep in mind these things about
living as an adult:
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Living as an adult is not cheap. Remember you will have many things to pay for as an adult such as: rent or mortgage, food,
insurance, transportation, taxes, power, phone, healthcare, clothes, etc. Usually the more education or training you have, the
higher your salary will be.
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Living as an adult involves some very intense and, sometimes, difficult situations. Having as much knowledge and information
as possible is very important. Being exposed to learning, new experiences, different cultures and people is very important.
How will your goal provide opportunities for these experiences?
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Your adult life is often impacted by your career and/or college choices, such as the people you know, the places you travel, the
contribution you make to society. How will your choices impact the opportunities you have in these areas?
Planning for College as a Sophomore
Self-Exploration
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Ask yourself questions about college and write down your answers to see what you know and don't know about college options.
Such as: Size of college, location of college, majors a college offers, how much it costs, entrance requirements, activities,
sports, etc.
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Also ask yourself what you know about private colleges versus public college or perhaps a military academy or a community
college.
- Make a list of desirable characteristics about a college.
Gather Information
Perhaps the most important step, as a sophomore is to begin gathering as much information as possible and keeping organized files
on what you learn.
- Utilize web sites such as cfnc.org and collegeboard.com to look for college information in North Carolina and nationwide.
- Contact college admissions representatives to learn about admissions requirements.
- Research the differences between public and private colleges and military academies and community colleges.
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Research the entrance requirements for colleges. Some colleges are very competitive and it is vitally important to know the
requirements so you can plan on taking appropriate classes and entrance tests.
- Meet with your counselor to discuss college plans and review your course selections for the next two school years.
- Talk to friends and relatives who have attended different colleges.
Take Action
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Start a long-term calendar to plan out your college search. The Student Planner on cfnc.org (previously mentioned in this guide)
can assist you with this.
- Set realistic goals.
- Get involved with extracurricular activities.
- Take the PSAT and utilize SAT resources to prepare for the test.
- Attend college fairs in your area.
- Visit college campuses while classes are in session.
- Keep files on all the information you have gathered about each college you have researched.
- Take advantage of volunteer or work experiences that will help with your college application.
- Continue to record your activities and experiences.
- Meet with your counselor and choose courses that will prepare you for college and make you competitive for entrance.
Some questions to ask your counselor
- What high school courses do you recommend for my college plans?
- When are the PSAT and SAT given?
- Do you have college handbooks or web sites I can use?
- What activities can I do at home and over the summer to get ready for college?
- What kinds of grades do different colleges require?
- Are there any college fairs nearby?
- Where do other students from this school attend?
- Do you have any information to help me start exploring my interests and careers?
- How do I get recommendations?
- How do I learn about scholarships?
- Can you explain my transcript to me?
Reality Check: Two years from now, hopefully, you will have many options for college. However it is also very important
to stay realistic with your options. This is best done by doing research on what colleges require for admission (GPA, class rank,
course selections and test scores) and comparing this on a regular basis to how you are doing in school.
Your school counselor may be juggling many students and responsibilities and you may not feel you know them very well. You must
be proactive in seeking out their assistance and always remember that you are the person who is ultimately responsible for asking
questions, attaining information and meeting deadlines. You have the power to control your future.
Other Things to Consider About Planning for College
Public Versus Private Colleges - Research which choice is best for you and consider the following:
- Size
- Cost
- Entrance Requirements (Some Private Schools have easier entrance requirements some have much more difficult)
- Individual assistance offered at schools
- Extra Opportunities on Campus
- Diversity of population
- Majors offered
Community Colleges - Community colleges are a great option for many students.
- Open enrollment is available in most programs.
- Cost is usually much lower.
- Many good two-year degree programs are available at community college if you do not want to go to college for four years.
- College transfer programs are offered.
- Be aware that some programs are more selective (nursing, dental hygiene etc.).
Military Academism - Most military academies require a somewhat involved application process:
- There are rigorous application requirements and process. (You need to start early, usually junior ear)
- Understand the commitment you are making to military life after college.
How to Pay for College - It is never too early to start researching ways to pay for college:
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Research different scholarship and financial aid web sites such as the Wake County site
www.scholarships.com/wake/;
www.collegeboard.com; www.scholarships.com;
www.cfnc.org or look at your own school's web site for local information.
- Look at colleges' websites for information on scholarships that are available to incoming freshmen.
- Remember that most scholarships are based on academic performance.
- Others are based on community service and leadership.
- Contact college financial aid offices for additional information.
Develop a Plan
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:
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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.
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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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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.
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to job-shadow, or volunteer in areas that interest you. These are great ways to get first-hand information. Your
Students Services office has resources such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook that give information such as requirements for
careers and salary information.
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Sign up to do an internship. Internships offer real work experience for credit in a job you may be considering as a career.
See your 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!
Get Back on Track!
It isn't too late!! The good news is that once you earn a credit in high school, it cannot be taken away from you. So you can
only add to your credits from this point.
I didn't get promoted to tenth grade at the end of my freshman year. What happens now?
You can be promoted at the end of the first semester of your second year of high school if you meet promotion requirements for the
tenth grade.
Can I still graduate on time?
Yes. As long as you can still earn the 26 required credits by the end of your fourth year of high school, you will graduate with
your class of 2008.
How do I get myself back on track?
- Use this guide for assistance with planning and goal setting.
- Advocate for yourself. Know your teachers and your school counselor.
- Attend tutoring sessions offered by the Honor Societies and your teachers.
- Get organized. Keep an agenda and notebooks for each class.
- Manage your time. Schedule time for study, work, and play.
- Make informed decisions about your courses, career, and future.
- Remember your responsibilities as a student.
- Enjoy your sophomore year!!
Frequently Asked Questions for the Sophomore Year
Question: What do I do if I am having difficulties in a class?
Answer: First, you should talk to your teacher and make yourself available for any extra help he/she offers during lunch or
before/after school. You can see your guidance counselor for information on how to contact tutors from the honor societies in your
school and about any after-school tutoring programs. If communication between you and your teacher is an issue, a
parent-teacher-student conference may be necessary. Your guidance counselor can assist you with this.
Question: Who can help me learn about part-time jobs and job shadowing opportunities?
Answer: Your school's Career Development Coordinator can help you explore work options. He/she will have contacts and
information in the business world to facilitate your career planning experiences.
Question: Do I need a worker's permit to work at a part-time job?
Answer: Yes. You can get a permit online at www.doi.state.nc.us/wh/ycertif.pdf, or the Department of Social Services.
You must complete the personal information, have the employer complete and sign his/her section of the permit, and return two
copies of this form to the Department of Social Services. You must also bring a copy of your birth certificate or other proof of
age. After all information is verified, you must sign the form in the presence of the issuing officer. Take a copy of your
certificate with you on your first day of work. Other questions? Contact the Wage and Hour Bureau at 1-800-LABOR-NC or
(919) 807-2796.
Question: How do I register for Driver's Education classes?
Answer: Jordan Driving School is the company Wake County Public Schools contracts with to lead Driver's Ed classes. Listen to
daily announcements or go to your Student Services office to learn where to sign up for classes at your school. Important facts to
know about Driver's Ed include:
- You must be 14 years and 6 months to take the course.
- The class is taught after school each month for three weeks.
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You must complete 30 hours of classroom time before being eligible for the driving part of the class. The oldest students are
allowed to drive first, and each student must complete 6 hours of driving time.
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You may not obtain your permit until you are 15. When you go to DMV to get your permit, you must present a Driver's Eligibility
Certificate that verifies you have completed all classroom instruction, driving time, 6 hours of drug and alcohol prevention,
and that you are passing 70% of your courses each term.
Question: What are the academic requirements for keeping my driving permit?
Answer: A student must pass three out of four classes each semester and be currently enrolled in school to obtain and keep a
driving permit.
Question: When can I get my driver's license?
Answer: After having a valid permit for one year, you are eligible for a driver's license.
Question: Should I take the PSAT or the SAT as a sophomore?
Answer: Generally speaking, it is a good idea to take these tests in the tenth grade if you have completed or are currently
taking Algebra II. The mathematics sections of these tests cover concepts that are taught in Algebra II, so it is necessary to have
that level of mathematical understanding to be able to do most of the math problems.
Question: Can I graduate early?
Answer: If you successfully complete your courses in the ninth through the eleventh grades, you will be eligible to graduate
at the end of fall semester in your senior year. Students who have not failed any classes in high school usually only have English
IV and an elective to complete graduation requirements in their senior year.
Question: Do colleges approve of early graduation from high school?
Answer: You should contact the college admissions offices to learn their position on early graduation. UNC System
Universities are on record for not encouraging early graduation, while other private colleges and universities may support it.
The most widely accepted opinion is that you should be constructively engaged in an academic or career oriented endeavor after
graduation, and that you have a plan for enhancing your learning and preparation for entering college if you choose to graduate
early.
Question: I've heard people talk about taking classes at other places; how can I do this?
Answer: Wake County allows students to pursue academic interests that are not available to them in the Wake County Public
School System. Eligible students can take classes at Wake Technical Community College, NCSU, and the NC Virtual High School
(online). This is called "dual enrollment." Courses offered by universities, community colleges, or non-WCPSS secondary schools
can be approved through an application process initiated by the student. Dual enrollment courses are approved on an individual
student basis each year. Courses taken through dual enrollment must not be offered at the student's school. Students in these
alternative settings must self-motivated and disciplined in their academic studies to be successful!
Promotion Requirements
High school students are promoted by earning units of credit through successful completion of specific required courses.
*IMPORTANT: Some Wake County Schools have different promotion requirements. Please be sure to meet with your counselor to learn
the requirements at your school.
To be a sophomore you must have passed a minimum of six (6) credits:
- 1 credit must be in English
- 2 credits must be in Math, Science, or Social Studies
- 3 additional credits
Graduation Requirements
Career Pathways
Transcripts
College Resources
