Academics - College and Career Counseling

One of the most important websites to visit when exploring colleges and college preparation is our own state’s website www.CFNC.org . You should set up your own account there to investigate any questions about applying and paying for college. You can take interest inventory quizzes and college matching questionnaires to help you figure out what you can do after you graduate from Cresset. There is excellent information for parents and students about college entrance requirements, visiting colleges, and applying for scholarships. There is a tuition calculator, and a financial aid calculator that will help you in making the plans for the future college expenses. There are also links on that website to test prep question for the SAT. It is a one stop website for applications for many of North Carolina’s schools.

Another important website to visit is www.collegeboard.com to find out information about the PSAT and the SAT. The PSAT is given to all 10th and 11th graders in October. This test, given here at Cresset, is a vital first step to begin studying for the SAT, because the score report gives you a code which accesses a free customized online SAT prep course. The test prep is customized according to how you answered the questions on the PSAT. In other words you can work on the subjects and problems that were difficult for you on the PSAT prior to taking “the real thing”. Additionally, there is an essay practice component that is new to the website which helps you to know what to expect for the essay writing. Juniors should plan to take the SAT at their local public high school in January and again in May or June. If the two scores are not as high as you had hoped you may also take the SAT in the fall of the senior year. College Board also has a college matching service similar to the CFNC website.

After being accepted to certain colleges you may need to take the SAT II or Subject tests in math or foreign language. Some colleges require these tests for placement purposes. These are usually taken in the spring of the senior year.

Some colleges accept the ACT. If you decide this is the test you would rather take you can access the registration information at www.ACT.org. Be sure to take the ACT with the writing section as most colleges require this for admission.

Guidance Counselor Daun Whitley
(919)489-2655 x 233 (office hours 12:45-4:00)

Financial Aid for College

All students and their parents must complete the FAFSA application in order to be considered for any scholarship, grant or federal loan. FAFSA stand s for FREE APPLICATION FOR STUDENT AID. You do not have to pay for this service. To access the correct website go to www.fafsa.ed.gov. This is done as soon as a senior’s parents have completed their taxes. Check with the university or college website to determine the deadline for this information to be completed. Many colleges have deadlines as early as February. If you will not have your taxes completed by the deadline you can use the previous years’ taxes to estimate and then go back to resubmit after yours are complete.

One note: the PIN numbers that you will receive upon applying for this will be used every year. Put that information in a safe place for future reference.

Some colleges also require that you complete the CSS Profile for further determination of scholarship need. This form can be accessed through the same www.collegeboard.com website you used for the SAT registration. Check with your college financial aid office in order to determine if you will need to apply for this one.

Additional Resources

www.students.gov - Connects students with U.S. Government services and information on careers, planning for paying for college.

www.petersons.com/finaid - Connection for financial aid information.

www.Review.com - Princeton Review has some more college matching and career search information.

www.fastweb.com - A website that will overwhelm you with possible scholarships to fit your profile.