4 Year Planning
A roadmap for 8th and 9th grade
students and their families.
8th Grade – Looking Ahead
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Start thinking about your future and the types of
careers that interest you.
Develop good habits for studying, time
management, test taking, and writing papers.
Know your academic strengths and weaknesses
and get help when needed.
Complete interest inventories on CFNC and F4K
Career Cruising.
Participate in extra curricular activities especially
those that will expose you to different careers.
Start looking at colleges on-line.
9th Grade – Get Off to a
Good Start
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Keep a record of your involvements and
achievements. Start a portfolio now that details
your community service, sports, clubs, honors and
awards. Keep track of report cards and certificates.
Choose your classes wisely! Colleges want to see
that you have challenged yourself!
Develop a list of colleges that interest you and visit
a few. Visit on-line first, then plan for a formal visit if
you are really interested.
Do your absolute best! Now is when it counts!
Colleges look back to the 9th grade to view grades,
track course load, and review your progress. Also,
you are building the foundation for your GPA in the
9th grade.
10th Grade – Keep the
Momentum Going
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You can take the PSAT or the ACT Plan test this year. Although
you will want to take the PSAT again in the 11th grade as those
scores may put you in the running for a National Merit
Scholarship!
Continue to build that strong GPA by doing your absolute best!
Start preparing for the SAT or ACT. Review on line materials and
talk to your teachers.
Look more closely at the colleges that interest you. What
characteristics are most important to you: number of students,
cost, distance from home, majors, etc. Research them on line
and visit some.
Look at entrance requirements for the schools that interest you.
Make sure you have the classes and grades that are required.
Continue with extra curricular activities, jobs, sports and other
teams, and community service.
Take any AP tests in the Spring.
Keep track of all of your activities and honors in your portfolio!
Talk to your School Counselor to ensure that you are on track.
11th Grade – Don’t Ease Up
Here! Keep Up the Good Work!
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Take the PSAT in the fall. This score may put you in the
running for a National Merit Scholarship. Schedule the
ACT/ SAT, and SAT Subject Tests for the Spring.
Continue to do your best in class. Redouble your efforts
and show colleges what you can do!
Participate in extra curricular activities and take
leadership roles.
Document your activities and honors in your portfolio.
Participate in academic programs, workshops, and
summer camps.
Try to narrow down your college search. Visit campuses,
request brochures and materials, talk to college students,
faculty, your parents, and your School Counselor.
Try to secure a summer job or internship.
12th Grade – the Finish Line
is In View!
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Take the ACT or SAT if you want to try for a
better score. Take SAT II Subject Tests.
Develop and refine an essay or two to use
on college applications.
Do take a Science and a Math.
Try to take AP classes if not IB.
Look carefully at college entrance
requirements and be sure who have met
them.
Know the application deadlines for the
colleges of your choice. Don’t miss those!
Don’t slack off! Senior grades are just as
important as the last 3 years.
Tests, Tests, and more Tests
SAT I Reasoning Test
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Measures the skills students need
for academic success in college in 3
areas: Critical Reading, Math, and
Writing
Score Potential: 800 on each
section, with a total of 2400
Average score is around a 500 on
each section
Register online at collegeboard.com
Tests, Tests, and more Tests
ACT Test
 This is a curriculum-based test designed to
measure a student’s college readiness and
academic achievement in 4 skill areas:
English, Math, Reading, & Science
 The writing test is optional but required for
admission to UNC system schools
 Score scale is 1-36 on each section & a 136 composite score
 Register online at act.org
Tests, Tests, and more Tests
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SAT II Subject Tests
These are required by some colleges
for admission/and or for placement
after enrollment
Check college web sites to
determine requirements
It is recommended that students take
Subject Tests near the end of a
course
Register at collegeboard.com
Graduation Requirements for
College/University Prep
English
English I, II, III, IV
4
credits
Mathematics
4
Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and a higher level Math for credits
which Algebra II is a prerequisite
Science
Earth/Environmental Science, Biology, & Physical Science
3
credits
Social Studies
World History, Civics & Economics, US History
3
credits
Second Language
Two credits in the same language
2
credits
Healthful Living
1
credits
Electives
11
credits
Total
28
credits
Online Resources
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www.collegeboard.com
www.act.org
www.sfnc.org
www.fafsa.ed.gov
www.knowhow2go.org
www.fafsa4castr.ed.gov
www.gocollege.com
www.nacacnet.org/StudentResource
s/Pages