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Division of Academic and Student Affairs 
TRIO Programs

Current Students

Upward Bound students working in NC State Science Labs

9th Grade

  • Meet and get to know your counselor.
  • Explore career options.
  • Attend college career fairs.
  • Review college entrance requirements.
  • Research college cost.
  • Start a college planning file and keep usernames and passwords, activities, awards and lists of work experience paid and unpaid.
  • Participate in extra curricular activities.
  • Take and enroll in challenging courses.
  • Attend the Upward Bound summer academic residential program to experience a college like atmosphere.

10th Grade

  • Meet and get to know your counselor.
  • Research possible college choices and majors.
  • Take PSAT in mid October.
  • Keep grades up – do well in all courses to maintain or improve GPA and class rank.
  • Continue involvement in school and community activities.
  • Update your college planning file.
  • Select challenging courses for junior year. (Consider Advanced Placement courses)
  • Attend the Upward Bound summer academic residential program to experience a college like atmosphere.

11th Grade

  • Meet and get to know your counselor.
  • Continue career exploration and take challenging courses.
  • Volunteer for activities and clubs related to career interests and continue involvement in school and community activities.
  • Research possible college choices and identify admissions and application requirements for your top choices.
  • Develop rough draft of college admission essay.
  • Investigate scholarship opportunities and identify ways to pay for college.
  • Check college websites for specific entrance requirements and time-lines.
  • Visit college campuses.
  • Participate in SAT and SAT Prep activities.
  • Take SAT/ACT
  • Begin requesting college applications.
  • Update your college planning file.
  • Attend Upward Bound summer academic residential program to experience a college-like atmosphere.

12th Grade

  • Visit with your counselor to make sure you are on track to graduate.
  • Retake SAT/ACT if you are not satisfied with your score.
  • Attend any fall college fairs.
  • Submit college applications. (Check each interested school for deadlines)
  • Have an official transcript sent to all colleges to which you are applying.
  • Search and apply for scholarships.
  • Attend a financial aid workshop.
  • Complete and file the FAFSA. (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
  • AVOID SENIORITIS AND STAY FOCUSED!
  • Respond to college offers of admission. Notify all colleges to which you have been accepted of your final decision.
  • Submit required deposits.
  • Request that a final transcript be sent to the college of your choice.
  • GRADUATE!
  • Attend the Upward Bound Summer Bridge Program and earn college credits that will transfer to the college of your choice.