Welcome to The Taylor Institute!
We're a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to empowering students and families in North Carolina — through college scholarships, career development, college planning, financial guidance, and more.
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College Planning
A complete roadmap from 9th grade to graduation — career exploration, salary data, training programs, and financial aid resources all in one place.
College Readiness Roadmap
Every year of high school matters. Here's exactly what to focus on — from 9th grade all the way to graduation day.
"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing."
— President Abraham Lincoln
9th Grade
Build Your Foundation
- Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher from day one — it's easier to maintain than recover
- Meet with your school counselor to map out your 4-year course plan
- Take challenging courses (Honors/AP if available) to build academic strength
- Join at least one extracurricular activity — clubs, sports, arts, or community service
- Start a personal portfolio to track achievements, awards, and volunteer hours
- Explore career interests through job shadowing or informational interviews
- Open a savings account and begin learning basic financial literacy
- Research what college looks like — visit a local campus or attend a college fair
"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing."
— President Abraham Lincoln
"Every accomplishment starts with a decision to try."
— President John F. Kennedy
10th Grade
Explore & Discover
- Take the PSAT 10 to practice for the SAT and identify areas for improvement
- Increase AP or Honors course load if your grades support it
- Deepen involvement in extracurriculars — take on leadership roles
- Begin researching colleges: size, location, programs, and culture
- Attend college fairs and campus visits when possible
- Explore summer programs, internships, or community college dual enrollment
- Identify 2–3 teachers or mentors who could write strong recommendation letters
- Volunteer consistently — aim for 50+ hours by end of 10th grade
"Every accomplishment starts with a decision to try."
— President John F. Kennedy
"Your decisions determine your direction; and your direction determines your destiny!"
— Apostle Donald Q. Fozard, Sr.
11th Grade
Prepare & Position
- Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October — National Merit Scholarship eligibility
- Register for and take the SAT or ACT (aim to take it at least twice)
- Narrow your college list to 8–12 schools: 2–3 reach, 4–6 match, 2–3 safety
- Request letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors
- Begin drafting your personal statement and college essays
- Apply for summer programs, internships, or research opportunities
- Visit your top college choices in person or virtually
- Apply for scholarships — many open to juniors, including The Taylor Institute
- Take AP exams in May — strong scores can earn college credit
"Your decisions determine your direction; and your direction determines your destiny!"
— Apostle Donald Q. Fozard, Sr.
"Never Forget, Better is Always One Decision Away!"
— Founder Derrick L. Taylor
12th Grade
Apply & Achieve
- Finalize and submit college applications — Early Decision/Action deadlines in Nov
- Apply for all scholarships you qualify for — including The Taylor Institute
- Request official transcripts to be sent to all colleges
- Retake SAT/ACT if needed to improve scores
- Maintain your GPA — colleges can rescind offers for grade drops
- Notify your chosen college by May 1 National Decision Day
- Complete housing applications, orientation registration, and enrollment steps
- Celebrate — you did it! Graduation is the beginning of your next chapter
"Never Forget, Better is Always One Decision Away!"
— Founder Derrick L. Taylor
Ready to Apply for a Scholarship?
The Taylor Institute awards one scholarship annually to a deserving NC high school senior.
Apply NowYour Future Is Worth Planning For
Apply for The Taylor Institute Scholarship and take the next step toward your college journey.