North Carolina Academic Preparation

Master North Carolina's graduation requirements and prepare for success at the state's premier universities.

North Carolina High School Graduation Requirements

North Carolina requires 22 credits for graduation, with specific courses required for university admission.

English Language Arts

4 Credits Required

• English I, II, III, IV
• Reading and composition focus
• Literature analysis
• AP English Lit/Language recommended

Mathematics

4 Credits Required

• Math I, II, III (or equivalents)
• Pre-Calculus recommended
• Advanced math for competitive schools
• Statistics or Calculus preferred

Science

3 Credits Required

• Biology (required)
• Physical science or physics
• Chemistry strongly recommended
• AP sciences for competitive schools

Social Studies

4 Credits Required

• Founding Principles of U.S. & NC
• World History
• American History I & II
• Additional social studies elective

World Languages

2 Credits Required (Universities)

• Same language for 2 consecutive years
• Required for UNC system admission
• 3+ years recommended for selective schools
• AP languages enhance applications

Arts Education

1 Credit Required

• Visual arts, music, dance, or theater
• Career and technical arts qualify
• AP arts courses available
• Portfolio development encouraged

Additional Requirements

Health, PE, Electives

• Health and physical education
• Career and technical education
• Additional electives
• Computer science courses valued

Advanced Coursework for Competitive Admissions

Advanced Placement (AP)

AP courses provide college-level rigor and can earn college credit with qualifying exam scores.

Popular NC AP Courses:

• AP English Literature
• AP Calculus AB/BC
• AP Biology/Chemistry/Physics
• AP U.S. History
• AP Psychology
• AP Computer Science Principles

Target: 5-8 AP courses

Career & College Promise

Dual enrollment program allowing high school students to take college courses at North Carolina community colleges.

Key Benefits:

• Free tuition for eligible students
• Transferable college credits
• Smaller class sizes
• College experience preparation
• Available statewide

Target: 12-24 college credits

Honors Courses

Honors-level courses provide additional rigor and depth in core subject areas.

Course Features:

• Accelerated pacing
• Enhanced curriculum depth
• Critical thinking emphasis
• Preparation for AP courses
• GPA weight bonus

Foundation for advanced study

Strategic Four-Year Course Planning

Recommended Course Sequence

9th Grade

• English I
• Math I or Geometry
• Biology or Physical Science
• World History
• World Language I
• Arts Education

10th Grade

• English II
• Math II or Algebra II
• Chemistry or Physics
• American History I
• World Language II
• Health/PE

11th Grade

• AP English Language
• Math III or Pre-Calculus
• AP Biology/Chemistry
• American History II
• World Language III
• Career & College Promise

12th Grade

• AP English Literature
• AP Calculus or Statistics
• AP Sciences
• Founding Principles
• Advanced coursework
• College courses

North Carolina Testing Strategy

State Testing Requirements

North Carolina requires End-of-Course (EOC) tests in specific subjects for graduation.

Required EOC Tests:

• English II
• Math I
• Biology
• Additional tests may be required

Note: EOC scores count as 20% of final course grade.

College Admission Testing

While many schools are test-optional, strong SAT/ACT scores enhance applications and scholarship opportunities.

Competitive Score Ranges:

• UNC Chapel Hill: SAT 1350-1500, ACT 30-34
• NC State: SAT 1270-1420, ACT 28-32
• UNC Charlotte: SAT 1160-1300, ACT 24-29
• Take tests multiple times if needed

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