Much of the information below can be found in the Counseling Center's College Planning Guide given to all juniors. Click here to download a paper copy or click here to view the information in presentation style.
You may also find the following presentation for seniors helpful in planning for college: College Prep Senior Show
SAT
College-bound juniors need to plan on taking the SAT. We encourage students who are planning to apply to four-year colleges and universities to take the PSAT in October, and then take the SAT twice in the spring of their junior year. Students need to have completed Geometry and Algebra II (or be enrolled in Algebra II) before taking the test. If you have not met the math requirements, but are planning to apply to a four-year college directly after high school, please see your counselor about alternate college admissions tests. Students planning to apply to two-year community and technical colleges are NOT required to submit SAT scores. Students are encouraged to register for the SAT at http://www.collegeboard.com. Paper registration materials and fee waivers are available in the Counseling Center. The SAT is given at South Stokes in October and May and is available at other high schools in November, December, January, and March. For information about how to prepare for the SAT, click here.
ACT
The ACT is another college admissions test accepted by most colleges and universities. The ACT is given at South Stokes High School in October, April, and June, and is available at other high schools in September, December, and February. Fee waivers are available in the Counseling Center along with registration and practice materials. Students may also register for the ACT at www.act.org.For information about how to prepare for the ACT, click here.
PSAT/NMSQT
The PSAT will be given at South Stokes on the second Wednesday of October at 8:30 AM. All sophomores and juniors considering applying to four-year colleges should take this test as it provides excellent practice for the SAT Reasoning Test. For juniors, it also the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Freshmen may also wish to take the test for practice, but are advised that the math section covers Algebra I and Geometry. There is a $14.00 fee for the exam. All students interested in taking the test should register in the Counseling Center beginning in September.
COLLEGE VISITS
Many colleges and universities host Visitation Days/Open Houses for high school students throughout the year. These are generally held on Saturdays so parents can also attend. Representatives from various academic departments, the admissions office, the financial aid office, the athletic department, campus organizations, and housing are usually present at these events. Check college websites for specific dates. Many college admissions offices are also open on school holidays and Saturdays, particularly during the fall, for individual appointments.
PRE-ARRANGED COLLEGE VISIT DAYS
Juniors and seniors may also make pre-arranged college visits during the school week. Please see your counselor for assistance in setting up the visit and completing the necessary paperwork. We encourage all students to visit colleges prior to applying. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors should be viewing teacher workdays, vacation days, and summer as good times to start making college visits. In addition to visiting the admission office and taking a campus tour, students should request to meet with a representative from the department in their area of interest.
COLLEGE/CAREER RESOURCE CENTER
The inner office in the Counseling Center is designated as our College/Career Resource Room. Students may visit this room before and after school and during lunch periods. We have information on financial aid and scholarships, college catalogues, videos, SAT prep materials, and books on careers, colleges, scholarships, and financial aid. Most of the materials can be checked out.
COLLEGE FAIR
A college fair is held at South Stokes each year to give juniors and seniors an opportunity to talk with college representatives about their respective colleges. The college fair is usually held in October. Please watch the Counselor Newsletters for dates and times.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Students should request letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors at least two weeks in advance of any deadline. It is also helpful to give the person who is preparing your recommendation a list of your accomplishments.
NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE
Seniors who are interested in playing Division I or Division II sports at college must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse. Students can obtain information about the Clearinghouse from their coach or counselor. Students are encouraged to register online at www.eligibilitycenter.org during their junior year. There is a fee to register.
JOB SHADOWING/INTERNSHIPS
Mr. David Martin is the Career Development Counselor for Stokes County Schools, and he is generally at South Stokes one day a week. Mr. Martin is available to help students set up job shadowing experiences (up to two per year) and coordinates the Senior Internship Program. Many of our students have found job shadowing and internships to be great experiences for trying out an intended college major or career. Stop by and see Mr. Martin for additional information about these two programs.
COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING SESSIONS
All freshmen and sophomores meet with counselors to formulate a high school course of study based on career interests. All juniors meet with counselors to participate in individual college & career planning session and receive a Future Planning Guide to start them on the process. They should save this guide as it contains valuable information that will help them with the college application process. Counselors will also work with seniors to finalize post-secondary plans and cover further information about college applications, scholarships, and financial aid. Any parent who is interested in scheduling an appointment with their son or daughter to discuss college/career planning should contact the counselors at 994-8495.