Junior Year Information
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:
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:
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
- CollegeGo free app – college planning on the go (CollegeBoard Mobile App)
- BigFuture
- cfns.org
- collagedata.com
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?
