planning for college

a parent’s guide
reasons to get a college degree

• A college degree prepares your student for the

jobs that offer higher salaries and better benefits.
• People with college degrees earn more money
than people with only high school diplomas.
• College degrees allow people to earn more money
to take care of their families and eventually retire
from the workforce financially stable.
• Colleges and universities will support your
child’s success with tutoring and career-
counseling services and support, mentors and
assigned advisors. (Remember, no one goes
to college knowing everything. If they did, why
would they go?)
• A college degree provides your child a range of
skills and experiences that offer career flexibility
in a changing and challenging job market.
• Your child will increase their understanding of
the world and their community, and learn how
the global workforce and economy affect our
national and local job markets.
you’re a smart parent and
know it’s time to get some
education...

about education for your child.

North Carolina State University offers you this brochure as a tool

to help you become familiar with higher education opportunities
for your high school student. While the information included here
applies to all students, it is designed to aid students who are first
in their family to attend college.

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A new world, with new opportunities.
Your child will graduate from high school and enter a world
different than the one that awaited you at their age. Jobs
that pay well require more education, higher degrees or
specialized certificates.

Just as your children are your greatest investment, so is a

college education. Because you’ve witnessed the changes
in the job market, along with the ups and downs of the
economy, there’s no better person than you to help your child
understand the importance of investing in their future with a
higher education degree — a sure-fire investment that will pay
back for a lifetime.

The reasons for earning a higher degree are compelling. You

can explain to your son or daughter that a higher degree will:

 prepare them for a competitive and challenging job

market. The more education they have, the more qualified
they’ll be at turning those challenges into opportunities.

 arm them with information and skills that they will use for
the rest of their life, no matter what career they choose.

education pays
A person who goes to college usually earns more than a person who doesn’t. According to the U.S. Census
Bureau, on average, someone with a bachelor’s degree earns $45,400—that’s 43 percent more than the
$25,900 earned annually by someone with only a high school diploma.

Yearly Average Salaries

Without a high school diploma workers earn $20,321

With a high school diploma workers earn $25,900
With a bachelor’s degree workers earn $45,400
With an advanced degree workers earn $52,390

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3
Higher education opportunities for
all high school graduates.
Every student who graduates from high school has
opportunities for higher education. North Carolina offers
many higher education opportunities, with 58 community
colleges, 16 public universities, and 36 private colleges.
Following, you can find a description of each.

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Comunity Colleges
North Carolina has 58 community colleges that are
easily accessible in most local communities across the
state. Students find a variety of classes and flexible
hours to meet their needs and to help them reach their
career or education goals.
Two-year community college programs prepare
students for job opportunities of a technical nature.
Community college students move directly into a career
or transfer to a four-year university for further education.
The only admissions requirement is a high school
diploma or GED (General Education Development)
Diploma. Admissions are referred to as an “open
admissions policy.” Students may have to take a
placement test for some courses. Community colleges
do not have specific course requirements to enter into
specific programs. Any person 18 years or older that
has a high school diploma or GED can be admitted.
Tuition and fees are often less than those of a public
university and there are various amounts of financial
aid available.
Public Universities
The UNC-System has 16 public universities located
throughout North Carolina.
These universities offer high school students the
opportunity to earn a four-year “undergraduate”
degree. Once students have completed their
undergraduate degree, they may choose to attend
the university’s graduate school for an additional two
years and earn a Master’s degree.
Each university specializes in its programs or majors.
It’s important to explore each of the universities to find
out what programs are offered and if they are suitable
for your high school student’s needs and goals.
Admissions requirements for college entrance
will vary depending upon the competitiveness of
the school. Four-year colleges and universities
have various requirements that are considered for
admitting students.
Find more information online. Visit:
www.northcarolina.edu

Find more information online. Visit:

www.ncccs.cc.nc.us

Private Colleges and Universities

There are 36 private (independent) universities
in North Carolina. Some of these colleges and
universities have a religious affiliation.

Typically, private colleges and universities cost

more than public universities, but don’t let the word
private keep you from checking them out. Private
colleges and universities have various amounts of
financial aid available.

Admissions requirements for private colleges and

universities in North Carolina will vary depending
upon the type of college you choose and the
competitiveness of the school.

Contact each admissions office individually or

through The College Foundation of North Carolina
(www.cfnc.org) to obtain information about minimum
course requirements.

Find more information online. Visit:

www.ncicu.org

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Standardized tests required for
college / university admission.

Most universities use the SAT and/or the ACT standardized

tests as one of the requirements for admissions.
It is recommended that students begin taking the tests
during their junior year, and again early in their senior year
of high school.
Standardized tests are only one of the factors that admissions
offices use to make decisions, therefore parents and students
should not think that the standardized test is the only factor
that matters in the admissions process.

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types of
standardized tests
PSAT / NMSQT /
Preliminary Scholastic Test /
National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
The PSAT/NMSQT measures verbal reasoning, critical
reading, writing and mathematical skills. This test lets
high school students become familiar with the types
of questions found on the SAT. The results of this test
give students feedback on areas where they may need
to improve.
When the test is taken in the sophomore and junior
years, it allows your student to qualify for the National
Merit Scholarship Competitions, which provide
financial assistance for recipients. The best way to
prepare for the exam is to take challenging courses,
utilizing problem-solving activities, and developing a
strong reading practice.
SAT Reasoning /
Scholastic Acheivement Test
• Measures critical reading and mathematical skills
that are considered vital to success in college.
• The test is offered seven times per year, and has
three sections: critical reading, writing and math.
• The best way to prepare for the test is to utilize
study guides and practice tests.
• Check with your student’s high school to see if SAT
preparation courses are available.
• There is no limit on the number of times students
may take the exam.
• Colleges recommend that students take the test
at least twice and use the highest scores from the
critical reading, mathematics and writing sections.
SAT Reasoning Subject Tests
• They measure knowledge in specific areas such
as literature, science and language.
• The use of the SAT Subject test will vary among
universities.
• Some universities may use the exam for
admissions purposes, while others will use the
test for placement purposes; some universities
will not use the exam at all.
• Since the Subject Tests measure knowledge in
a specific area, it is recommended that students
take the exam immediately following completion
of a course, so that the information will be fresh in
their memory.
For foreign language subject tests, it is recommended
to take the subject tests after completing at least two
years of study.
ACT / American College Assessment Test
• The ACT measures skills in English, reading and
science. Reading has an optional writing portion.
• It is curriculum based, meaning questions directly
correspond to high school courses.
• The tests are offered six times per year.
• For entrance into a university in North Carolina,
students must take the ACT with the writing option.
• To prepare, long-term study of high school
curriculum is recommended.
• There is no limit on amount of times the test can
be taken.
For additional information about standardized
tests, visit the following websites:
Prep tests and other information www.cfnc.org
SAT information www.collegeboard.com
ACT information www.act.org
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North Carolina high school
requirements for undergraduate
admission to a UNC institution.
There are various standards that colleges and universities
consider for admissions. Among them are high school course
selection, extracurricular activities, grade point average, essays,
letters of recommendation and the results of the SAT and/or ACT
standardized tests.

8

course requirements
The UNC-System requires certain courses to enter
into public universities. However, each university has
different admissions standards in respect to grade
point average, curriculum, extracurricular activities
and the SAT. It’s a good idea for you and your child to
familiarize yourself with course requirements for each
type of institution.
Language
• Four units in English emphasizing grammar,
composition and literature
• Two units of a language other than English
Mathematics
• Algebra I and II, geometry, and one unit beyond
algebra II
• Algebra I and II, and two units beyond algebra II
• Or Integrated math I, II, and III, and one unit
beyond integrated math III
The fourth unit of math affects applicants to all
institutions except the North Carolina School of the Arts.
It is recommended that prospective students take a
mathematics course unit in the twelfth grade.
Social Studies
• One unit in social studies
• One unit in US history
Science
• One unit in life or biological science
(for example, biology)
• One unit in physical science (for example, physical
science, chemistry, physics)
• One unit in laboratory course
An applicant who does not have the unit in
US history may be admitted on the condition
that at least three semester hours in that
subject will be passed by the end of the
sophomore year in college.
the right track
North Carolina high schools offer students four different
“tracks” to select from while in high school. Each of
these tracks prepares the student for their career/
education path once they have earned their high school
diploma. You and your student will need to speak with
high school counselors to decide which plan is best
suited for your student and their career aspirations.
Following, you’ll find a description of each track.
• Career Prep enables high school students
to enter the work force immediately after
graduation from high school.
• College Tech Prep is for high school students
who will pursue a technical or vocational
occupation.
• College/University Prep prepares the high
school student for entrance into a college or
university, and a professional career.
• Occupational is for students with physical
or mental impairments and who have an
individualized education plan.
paying for education
You and your student have several ways to pay for a
higher education degree. You’ll find financial assistance
available through the school, state and federal
government and private institutions.
If you wish to be considered for all forms of federal
and institutional need-based financial aid, you must
complete and submit the federal government’s Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form
is available at each high school guidance office or any
university financial aid office.
Forms of Financial Assistance
Scholarships: Money given to students based on
academic achievement, special talents, financial need,
or a characteristic the student possesses. Students
generally do not have to repay the money.
Grants: Money given to students based upon financial
need. Students do not need to repay the grant.
Student Loans: Money regulated by the federal
government and private institutions that are used to
finance the student’s education. Students have to repay
the money once they have graduated from college.
Part-time Employment: Many students have the
option of working part-time to help cover the cost of
their education. Most universities have work-study
assistance where students are able to work in various
departments on the college campus.
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High school students can earn
college credit.
Many high schools offer advanced courses that help prepare
students for their college education. College credit can also be
obtained from certain advanced high school courses.

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Advanced Placement courses / AP
AP courses give students the opportunity to study
courses similar to university courses while they are in
high school.
• The difference between AP and college prep
courses is that AP courses are more comparable
to college coursework. Students explore subjects
more extensively in AP courses than those of
college prep courses.
• Students who take AP courses have greater
opportunity to perform better on standardized
exams, and they are better prepared to handle
college workload.
• Students have the option of taking the AP
exam at the end of a course. The exam is a
comprehensive test of the student’s knowledge of
the course.
• By earning a certain score on the AP exam,
students are able to enter a university with
college credit.
• The individual universities determine what credit
will be allowed for AP exams.
Information about AP courses and exams is
available online. Visit: www.collegeboard.com
International Baccalaureate / IB program
IB programs are pre-university programs which
offer high school students advanced courses to help
prepare for college.
• Students may choose from a variety of IB courses.
These courses help high school students sharpen
the skills they’ll need to be successful in college.
Through these courses, your high school student
will gain more knowledge of certain subjects,
exposing them to a greater global and cultural
view of the world.
• The IB program is offered in the junior and senior
years of high school and students are permitted to
take courses in which they are interested.
• Students work closely with their IB advisor to
develop a plan.
• Students are able to take IB exams and earn
credit to enter into college.
Go online to find out which schools in North
Carolina offer the IB program. Visit: www.ibo.org
Dual Enrollment
• Many high schools have dual enrollment programs
where students are able to take college courses.
• Most high schools offer dual enrollment through
community colleges, however some have dual
enrollment with universities.
• Contact your student’s high school to find out
more information about dual enrollment.
help them reach higher
High school students live exciting lives. They see the
future as no further away than next Saturday night.
But as their parent, you know the future is right around
the corner. Many think high school is the end. But with
your encouragement and guidance, your child will be
prepared to take the step of the next generation.
The help you give your high school student today will
change your family for generations. Help your child
reach higher—for that higher education degree.
And by the way, if you haven’t heard it from them
lately, you are one smart parent.
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Your checklist.
Use this checklist to help your child prepare for educational
opportunities after high school.
In 7th or 8th grade
• Monitor your child’s progress in reading, writing
and math. Identify and discuss any learning
problems with your child’s teacher.
• Help your child set realistic goals. Recognize your
child’s efforts as well as successes.
• Talk with your child’s school counselor about
having him take an interest and skills assessment
to help him or her begin thinking about a career.
• Talk with a school counselor and your child
about classes that lay the groundwork for
higher education.
• Encourage your child to take challenging courses.
• Encourage your child to be an active learner by
taking notes, participating in discussions, asking
questions and learning from mistakes.
• Establish a quiet space for studying and a regular
daily schedule for homework. Buy a dictionary
and thesaurus.
• Help your child develop problem-solving
skills by asking for his or her input, assigning
responsibilities and allowing him or her to make
certain decisions.
• Consider summer enrichment classes and
programs for your child.
• Continue saving and encourage your child to put
aside some of his or her earnings.
In 9th or 10th grade
• Make sure your child is enrolled in challenging
core subjects that are appropriate for your
child’s abilities.
• Encourage your child to evaluate his or her
abilities. Help make the connection between
education and career options.
• Talk with your child’s school counselor about
assessment tests to help your child identify
personality traits, interests and skills.
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• Suggest a tutor or other special help if your child
is struggling with a certain subject.
• Help your child to learn how to manage time and
to use library and Internet resources.
• Talk with your child about his or her academic
plan and learn about different types of post-
secondary schools.
• Talk with your child’s school counselor about
having him take an interest and skills assessment
to help him or her begin thinking about a career.
• Suggest extracurricular activities to help
your child develop teamwork, leadership and
commitment skills.
• Continue saving and encourage your child to put
aside some of his or her earnings.
• Consider summer enrichment classes and
programs for your child.
In 11th or 12th grade
• Talk with your child’s school counselor about
having him take an interest and skills assessment
to help him or her begin thinking about a career.
• Help your child explore programs like Advanced
Placement, International Baccalaureate, Post-
Secondary Enrollment Options and College in
the Schools as well as career-focused programs
such as tech-prep, school-to-career, and school-
to-work.
• Make sure your child takes the PSAT no later than
the fall of eleventh grade.
• Check if your child has registered for the college
entrance exam (ACT or SAT) required by the
schools your child would like to attend.
• Talk with your child about his or her academic
plan to make sure your child takes the courses
required for graduation and by post-secondary
schools. Talk about different types of colleges.
• Consider summer enrichment classes and
programs for your child.
• Attend job fairs with your child. Explore career,
apprenticeship or internship options.
• Attend college and financial aid fairs.
• Help your child narrow his or her choice of
schools. Arrange for campus visits to those
schools and help your child evaluate them.
• Find a mentor or enrichment program to build
on your child’s interests and aptitudes.
• Encourage your child to mentor other students
or volunteer in the community.
• Make sure your child asks for letters of
recommendation (if required) from teachers,
counselors and others who can comment on
his or her ability to succeed in college.
• Make sure admissions applications are sent
on time to four to six schools. If you cannot
afford the application fee, check if the school
has the option to waive it.
• Make sure your child’s high school transcript
has been sent to the schools to which your
child applied.
• Search and apply for private scholarships
to help pay for college, but be wary of
possible scams.
• Request financial aid forms from the schools
to which your child plans to apply. Fill out the
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
as early as possible after January 1 of your child’s
senior year. Note: you do not have to file your
taxes before submitting the FAFSA.
• Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) for
accuracy. If you make corrections, return the
form as soon as possible.
• Help your child choose a college. Make sure
your child notifies in writing the schools he or
she doesn’t plan to attend.
NC State University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Box 7103
Raleigh, NC 27695 -7103
919.515.2434
admissions.ncsu.edu 10-ENROLL-1783 4/2010

NC State University is dedicated to equality of opportunity. The University does not condone discrimination against students, employees, or applicants in any form.
NC State commits itself to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability. In addition,
NC State welcomes all persons without regard to sexual orientation. 2,500 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $1.25 per copy.