NCSSM Class of 2021

Does anyone know when classes (the school day) at NCSSM start / end?
Thanks!

@aplianting Classes start at 8:00 am and end at 4:15 pm. There are also evening classes between 6:15 pm to 8:00pm and then 8:05 pm to 9:45 pm.

I have a mentorship schedule and I go to NC State for research so on Tuesdays I have class from 8:00 am to 5:30pm (about when the bus gets back), then dinner, then another class at 6:15. I also know people with both evening blocks but thats very rare.

@microguy123 How many courses do most kids take in their first trimester junior year and also afterwards? I read that 4 is the recommended courseload but can take 5 or 6…any feel for how many are taking more than 4 at first and then more than 5?

@yearstogo I have always taken 5. 5 for first tri junior year is considered an “overload” but I took a 5th core because I wanted to take a programming class, something that my old school did not offer. However, I have never taken more than 5 just because 2nd tri junior year I had basketball and chemphys and 3rd tri I had a lot of applications for senior leadership and research.

I’m applying to NCSSM this year and I’d like to know if anyone knows how competitive CD 1 is.

@icantfindany I’m super nervous too, I’ve also had my heart set on this since 7th grade and I’m pretty sure NCSSM will be the reason I won’t be able to break my nail biting habit this year.

@CamrynNicole all I know about cd 1 is that it’s somewhere in the middle, I know it’s not the hardest which would be 4 then 9. Sorry I don’t know more. Also, me too, I heard about it in 4th grade and I’ve wanted to go since then. I’m so paranoid anything I do could be the deciding factor.

cd 12 is pretty hard too :(. Are you guys done with your essays

Hi everyone!

As a current ncssm senior procrastinating the last of my college apps, I would be happy to try to answer any questions you might have!

@ThaOneDude I’m done with writing everything for extracurriculars and I’m finished with 6 of the 8 essays. I’m about to finish the last two. Of course I’m not turning them in until I have multiple people check over them.

I’d like to get everyone’s opinion on whether or not they think I am competitive for NCSSM Residential.

I am from CD 9, and currently a sophomore. Here are my stats:

New Sat Score : 1420 (Reading : 740, Math: 680) (No Essay)
Average School SAT Score: 1280 (Reading : 630, Math: 650)

Classes (8th Grade):
Spanish 1
Spanish 2
Math 1
Earth and Environmental Science

Classes (Freshman Year):
World History Honors
Spanish 3 Honors
Math 2 Honors
Biology Honors
Personal Fiance
English 1 Honors
Math 3 Honors
Health and PE

Unweighted GPA: 4.0
Weighted GPA : 4.375

Classes (Sophomore Year - this semester):
AP Microeconomics
Precalculus Honors
Chemistry Honors
AP Computer Science Principles

I currently have A is all classes expect chemistry where I have an B - 86.

Classes (Sophomore Year - next semester):
English 2 Honors
Spanish 4 Honors
Civics and Economics Honors
AP Computer Science A

Extra-curriculars:
Ice Skating
Dance
Ride Unicycle
Job at Mathnasium (math tutoring place)
President of Battle of the Books
Participating In Science Fair
Spanish Honor Society
Tutoring children from Low Income Households in Math and Science
Volunteer at Hospital

Please let me know what I should do/emphasize in my application to get into the program.
Thanks!

@ThaOneDude I have finished, but I’m still working on editing them. Some are over the character count still which I need to fix.

@AnJa26 I’m not the best source since I haven’t actually made it in but you mentioned you would like multiple opinions. Your classes look good, as does your sat score. Keep in mind they consider the opportunities you have at your school as well. I would emphasize whatever is most important to you since you will be able to write passionately about it. It’s important to say why you like science and math (there is a question for that), but they also want well rounded people so don’t be afraid to write about other things.

@AnJa26 Your course rigor is really good, if I were you I’d emphasize that. A friend of mine who is a Junior at NCSSM told me to put a big emphasis on volunteer working and giving back in your community when it comes to the essays because it showcases that you are not only well rounded but also a good person. You’re school has a high SAT average and seems like there’s some real options in terms of AP classes so make sure you have solid points for why NCSSM is something you need. Obviously assert yourself as a STEM student but also make sure that you point out your interests outside of STEM, the best type of student can show strength in various areas. Make sure to show how you’ve seized opportunities you’ve been given to make up for whatever area your school lacks. I don’t think anyone outside of NCSSM admissions could really tell you what your chances are or whether you are competitive but I wish you luck.

@icantfindany @CamrynNicole Thanks!

How Competitive is CD6? I know it isn’t the most competitive but I’m still quite worried…

Hey guys. I’m in CD9 (union county I think). How competitive is that?

I live in CD9. is that competitive?

Hi. I live in CD9 and am applying for NCSSM Residential. I am really worried and need some insight of wether or not i’ll get in. BTW, I go to Weddington High School
In Freshman year, I took:
AP environmental science (Score 3)
English 2 honors
Precalculus Honors
Chemistry Honors
Biology Honors
P.E.(duh)
Band 3 Honors
Computer Programming 1 Honors
Civics and Economy Honors(over summer. got an A)
AP Biology (over summer, got an 80)

Sophomore year:
AP Lang
AP Calculus AB
Health Science 1 honors
Biomedical Technology 2 Honors
Hoping to get all A’s. Currently an 84 overall in AP Lang

Extracurricular:
Tutor kids in math and science at school
Coach at North South Foundation
Play tennis (Won a tournament)
Participate in Science Olympiad(School finally take interest in this club this year. The officers forgot about the club and so did the teacher hosting it )
AMC 10 (new to school this year)
Math Club
Our battle of books team won the regional last year.
Completed Kumon reading
Participating in science fair at UNCC
Volunteer at Second Harvest Food Bank

PSAT: 1360
SAT: 1290
Very very very low.

Weighted GPA: 4.4333
Unweighted: 3.8667
Our battle of books team won the regional last year.
Completed Kumon reading

Initiated HOSA at my school.

Please help me guys. I need other helpful insight on this.

Hi @AceRed. Your rigor looks really impressive as do your extracurriculars. I would emphasize those on your application and, as I keep trying to remind myself, the sat score isn’t the only thing they consider. Additionally they compare your sat score to the average at your school, so if your school average isn’t very good that could work in your favor. My sibling who is a senior at the school had a friend there who had multiple B’s and not the best sat score so they definitely don’t rule you out. Cd 9 is fairly competitive since it includes Charlotte, but not as hard as 4. You look to be a good applicant and I wish you luck. (Also I’ve heard of Weddington because of their cross country/ track teams)