Junior Year Information

SAT TESTING DATES

ACT TESTING DATES

 Lea Putnam & Katie Warren – Junior Counselors

The Counseling Office is a resource for you.  We are happy to assist you with:

  • Academics
  • Testing
  • College Admissions & Financial Aid
  • Career Information
  • Personal/Social Issues

Academic Information

North Carolina Scholars requirements:

  • 3.5 unweighted GPA after the third nine weeks of your senior year and
  • 4 credits of English (I,II,III,IV)
  • 4 credits of math is required (Math I, II, III, and a fourth math in which Math III is the prerequisite)
  • 3 credits of science. Earth/Environment, Biology, and Chemistry or Physics.
  • 4 credits of social studies World History, American History I and II (or AP US History), Civics & Economics
  • 1 credit of Health/ PE.
  • 2 credits of a world language
  • 4 credits of elective credits from one of the following: career and technical education, second languages, arts,
    or other subject areas.
  • 3 additional credits taken in the junior or senior year which are honors or AP courses.

Testing

PSAT

The PSAT is given in October each year. Students must register and pay the fee during lunch in October.

PSAT is not a requirement for college entrance but an opportunity to practice taking college entrance

exams and to possibly qualify for National Merit Scholarships. PSAT practice test can be found at:

PSAT Practice Tests.

More PSAT information: PSAT Readiness.

SAT / ACT

College and Universities require either an SAT or ACT score. Students are encouraged to take these

tests after completing or near completion of Math III.  Students can check test dates and register online:

  • SAT
  • ACT   All juniors will be given the ACT for free in Feb at WHHS.

Test preparation

  • FREE SAT prep: Khan Academy has partnered with the College Board to offer free, personalized online full length tests to prepare students for the new version of the SAT. https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/new-sat
  • FREE test prep online at www.actstudent.org, www.cfnc.org
  • Local Sat and ACT Tutoring- private or in groups, tutoring in Math, English, Reading or Science and Guidance in the College Planning Process contact Postcardsfromhistory@gmail.com   (434) 429-9042

ASVAB Career Exploration Program

The ASVAB is given free of charge at WHHS in November.  Announcements will be made for students who would like to take the assessment to sign up in the Counseling Office.  The ASVAB is a multiple-aptitude test that assesses a student’s ability to learn new skills and is a predictor of success in training and education programs.  In addition, the ASVAB is an interest inventory and career exploration tool to help students make informed career decisions. Please go to the website for more information:  ASVAB Program

Other College and Career Planning Resources

Going to a College or University

Colleges look at an applicant’s:

  • Academic record or Grade Point Average (GPA)
  • Test scores, SAT / ACT
  • Activities/organizations in school and in the community

Create a list of colleges and universities of interest

  • Attend college fairs (September at Blue Ridge Community College & UNC-Asheville)
  • Review college and university websites
  • Talk with people whose opinion you respect
  • Visit the WHHS Counseling Office, ask questions

Visit schools of interest

  • Visit or stay with friends in college. Find out their likes/dislikes about the experience
  • Attend Open House days
  • When visiting a college, make appointments with the admissions office, financial aid office, and the department of your intended major if possible. Campus visit guide

Preparing to apply to the schools you are considering

Be aware of deadlines for admissions
Learn about the admissions criteria for the schools you are considering
Make a list of your clubs, extracurricular activities, community service projects, volunteer activities, honors and awards.  Students will need to build a resume for recommendation letters, college applications, and scholarships applications. Go to Senior Information on the WHHS School Counseling website for a resume template.

How do I send test scores to colleges? 

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Financial Aid and Scholarship information

College Opportunity Scholarships