If you have dreams of going on to a four-year college or university, planning begins in the 9th grade. High school is the beginning; what you do from this point on will have an effect on your admission to the college of your choice. Therefore, it is important to think about classes, grades, behavior, activities, and how you want to look ON PAPER in the future. Research and informed decisions can make all the difference!

College Planning Calendars

• Freshmen & Sophomore Years

• Junior Year

• Senior Year

Khan Academy offers lessons on the college process. Learn about why college matters, making high school count, types of school, choosing the right school for you and so much more. Khan Academy is a great resource to get started learning about college options.

College Foundation of NC CFNC is the one-stop-shop for information about planning for college, financial aid and career choices in North Carolina. ALL STUDENTS are expected to create a CFNC account for use when applying to NC colleges and tracking applications. Students can research and apply to colleges, keep track of activities and honors, learn about scholarships and explore career options. Parents can create an account to begin exploring financial aid options.

College Board/Big Future Student and parent information on the SAT, free test preparation, college planning, and resources.

The College Search Articles and tips to help guide students and parents as they search and review colleges & universities.

Anatomy of a College Application Interested in learning what is on college applications? Early preparation can make things easier. See what is expected, It's never too early to prepare!

EduTrek This helpful site allows students to search for schools by state, degree, and subject. Students can enter basic information about themselves and their interests and be matched with schools that meet their needs. Using the matching service, students can also sort and filter through schools based on whatever criteria they choose.

Education Planner This website provides practical advice so students can find the career and educational path that's right for them. Parents can find ways to help their students transition from high school to college to work.

Trusted Financial Aid Websites The National Association for College Admission Counseling has compiled a list of reputable websites to assist with in finding funds for college. Never pay for scholarship searches! All information is available free on government websites. When in doubt, ask your counselor or financial aid advisor for assistance.

Preparing to take the SAT and ACT  

Most colleges and universities require students to take either of these tests for admission. The ideal time to take these tests is the spring semester of junior year.  Start practicing and preparing early.  The more you are familiar with these tests, the better your score.

What's the difference?  SAT vs. ACT

The following sites offer free test preparation and practice:

• Khan Academy  Free videos and tutorials to help prepare for the SAT and ACT

• March2Success  March 2 Success is a free website offering students help with SAT/ACT test preparation, the college admissions process, and financial aid information.

• Powerscore  Free and tuition-based courses are offered, both live and online, for the SAT and ACT

• NextStepU  Offers articles and tips for the SAT and ACT.