Senior Year FAQ

The questions we hear most, with quick answers. Some are AFHS-specific, some are about the wider college application timeline. Each answer points you to the page or the official source with the full details.

Do not see your question? Email [email protected] and we will answer it, then probably add it here.

Events & Traditions

What senior events happen at the start of the year?

Fri, Aug 21 - Senior Social, 11am-1pm, cafeteria
Sun, Aug 23 - Chalk / Parking Spot Decorating, 5-7pm
Mon, Aug 24 - Senior Parade + Sunrise, first day of school
Full list: Senior Calendar

What is the Senior Parade and Sunrise?

First day of school tradition
Seniors gather at Apex Nature Park and parade to campus
Sunrise breakfast follows at the stadium
Details and volunteer needs: Parade + Sunrise

Is Baccalaureate happening this year?

Only if a parent steps up to organize and fundraise for it. It is not a school or PTSA event
The PTSA stopped funding it after the Class of 2026
Interested in leading it? Email [email protected] or see the Baccalaureate page

When is Senior Sunset?

Spring 2027, after Senior Awards
Exact date set by the school closer to the end of the year
Watch the calendar

Can families come to the Senior Social?

No, the Senior Social is for seniors, not families
Parents help by volunteering and donating
Details: Senior Social

How many graduation tickets will we get?

Graduation details are expected by early August
Because the class is about 700 seniors, each student gets at least six tickets to start, possibly more
More: School Information & Forms

Signs, Shirts & Pictures

How do I order a senior yard sign?

Order through the PTSA Givebacks store
$30 through August 7, $35 after
Enter your student's name at checkout so we can match it at pickup
Details: Senior Signs

When and where do I pick up my yard sign?

Senior Social (Aug 21) or Chalk Decorating (Aug 23)
Signs are sorted by last name
Details: Senior Signs

How do senior shirts work?

A StuCo project. Design and voting happen on @afhs.seniorstuco27
Handed out at the Senior Social (Aug 21), and at Chalk Decorating (Aug 23) if missed. After that, with Ms. Wooten and StuCo
Questions go to Ms. Wooten, [email protected]
Details: Senior Shirts

Do senior pictures have to be through Cady?

For the yearbook, yes. Only Cady "tux and drape" photos go in the yearbook
Book at cady.com/schedule
Details: Senior Pictures

Is there a free way to get my senior in the yearbook?

Yes. A yearbook-only photo can be taken at no fee, after the paid sessions
The school will announce the date. You do not need to do anything now
Details: Senior Pictures

How do I buy a yearbook?

AFHS yearbooks are sold through Jostens
Ordering is not open yet. Check back, and order early once it is
Details: Senior Pictures

How does the senior parking lottery work?

Enter online through the AFHS student parking page, July 6-31 (closes midnight, no extensions)
It is a lottery, not first-come-first-served
Do not pay until you get confirmation
Details: Parking Lottery

Getting Involved

How do I volunteer?

Sign up at our SignUp Genius
See roles for each event on the Volunteer page
Most jobs are an hour or two

How can I donate?

Claim an item on our donations SignUp Genius
Cash through Givebacks
Supplies shipped from our Amazon Wish List
Food and gift cards by emailing us
Details: Donations

I do not have much time. Can I still help?

Yes. Drop your info on the parent help list
We will reach out when something fits. No commitment

Who runs this hub and is it official?

The senior committee, a group of parent volunteers
Not an official school or PTSA webpage, just a place we built to pull senior year info together
For anything official, always confirm on the AFHS school website
Spot an error? Tell us and we will fix it: Contact

College Applications

When should we start applications?

Now. Common App opens August 1
Summer: finalize the college list, draft the personal statement, line up rec letters
Full timeline: College Prep

What is RDS and do we need it?

NC Residency Determination. Decides in-state tuition and NC state aid eligibility
Colleges may ask for the RCN it gives you
Every NC student needs it, even lifelong residents
Complete early at ncresidency.org

How does my student send an AFHS transcript?

Depends how they apply (CFNC, Common App, or ScribOrder)
Wait until fall rank is complete, around mid-September
Full breakdown: College Prep

Does AFHS send SAT and ACT scores?

No. Students send them directly through College Board (SAT) or ACT

Where do I find deadlines for NC schools?

UNC system and NC private school deadlines are in a table on College Prep
Always confirm on each school's own site, dates shift year to year

Money & Financial Aid

When does FAFSA open and should we file?

Opens October 1
Most families should consider filing, even if they do not expect federal need-based aid
Some colleges and scholarship programs use it when awarding other aid, so check each school's requirements
File at studentaid.gov

What is the CSS Profile and who needs it?

A separate aid form some private schools require
Includes Duke, Davidson, Wake Forest, and UNC Chapel Hill (for institutional aid)
File at cssprofile.collegeboard.org

Is there NC-specific aid we might miss?

Yes. The Next NC Scholarship covers tuition and fees for many NC families at NC public colleges
Automatic once you file FAFSA
More NC aid: College Prep

Where do I look for scholarships?

Start with your counselor and Student Services for local ones
National: Fastweb, Scholarships.com
Full link list: Resources

What is the $45 senior activity fee?

A school fee covering a Senior t-shirt, diploma cover, end-of-year celebration, and other senior year costs (listed as "Class of 2027 Senior Fees")
Pay online through Online School Cash. Parking assignments require it to be paid
Struggling to pay? There is help. Talk to Mr. Pittman or your counselor
Details: School Information & Forms

Questions? Email [email protected] | collegehound.com/community/afhs/seniors