College & Career Prep
“Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives – choice, not chance, determines your destiny.”
- Aristotle
Our mission is to empower students to discover the path that aligns with their unique strengths, passions, and aspirations—one that leads not just to success, but to genuine happiness. We’re committed to walking alongside students every step of the way by:
Exploring the best-fit options for life after high school
Offering guidance, resources, and encouragement
Sharing important dates and opportunities
Highlighting school and community events
Supporting college and career readiness
Providing thoughtful academic and extracurricular advice
Helping manage workload and wellness
College Preparation Timeline
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Student Action:
Develop study skills for academic success.
Begin having conversations at home about academic & career goals.
Identify co-curricular and extra-curricular activities that align with interests.
School Action:
Host small-group Academic Advising Meeting.
Administer PSAT (Fall).
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Student Action:
Continue best effort in the classroom.
Take practice tests for both ACT & SAT to determine best exam for student.
Start building co-curricular, extra-curricular, and community service list to track involvement.
Discuss college visits with parents.
Take advantage of the summer between Sophomore and Junior years to deepen interests and explore service opportunities.
School Action:
Hosts 10th Grade College Counseling Information Night (Fall).
Administer PSAT (Fall).
Introduce SCOIR to students (Spring).
Host group Academic Advising sessions (Spring).
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Student Action:
Remain focused on academics and good study habits.
Seek leadership roles in your extracurricular activities and in the community.
Complete student survey on SCOIR.
Meet with College Counselor to refine college list on SCOIR.
Attend college rep visits for colleges of interest hosted at NCA.
Take SAT/ACT.
Plan college campus visits with family.
Create GAFutures.org account.
Create profiles on scholarship websites.
Request letter of recommendation from teacher(s).
Participate in classroom led discussion on essay writing.
School Action:
Host 11th Grade College Counseling Information Night.
Provide students with HOPE (and other) Scholarship information.
Host Individual student meetings with College Counselor.
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Student Action:
Focus on your studies and strive for a strong finish.
Complete college applications (Fall).
Apply for scholarships.
Complete FAFSA (CSS Profile, if applicable).
Take SAT/ACT if needed.
School Action:
Host (mandatory) individual Senior check-in meetings (Fall & Spring)
Send test scores to colleges.
Portrait of an NCA Graduate
Meet our College & Academic Counselor
Mrs. Jasmine Simmons
A proud Atlanta native, Mrs. Simmons is a graduate of the University of West Georgia. After graduation, she worked in the UWG Registrar’s office before beginning her career as an admissions advisor at West Georgia Technical College. While working, she earned her master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Purdue University.
Mrs. Simmons continued to work as an admissions counselor at Georgia State University and, later, Life University for several years before transitioning into an academic advising role. She has worked as an adjunct instructor at both Life University and her alma mater, Purdue University, teaching freshman seminar courses, Life Skills, and Introduction to College Reading.
“Joining this community as a parent and the College and Academic Counselor is an honor. I look forward to working with students and families as they navigate and decide on their post-graduation plans. I am thrilled to immerse myself in this unique community and eager to get to know the NCA students and parents!” Mrs. Simmons says,