Students must:

* Begin planning for the program before entering grade 9 to ensure they obtain the most flexibility in their courses.
* Complete all the requirements of this North Carolina Academic Scholars Program
* Have an overall four-year unweighted grade point average of 3.5
* Complete all requirements for a North Carolina high school diploma

Credits
The following designated number of credits per subject area listed below must be taken in grades 9 – 12.

* 4 English Language Arts I, II, III, IV

* 4 Mathematics (Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and a higher level math course with Algebra II as a prerequisite)

* 3 Science (Biology, a physics or chemistry course, and an earth/environmental course)

* 3 Social Studies (world history, civics/economics, and US history)

* 2 Language other than English (two credits of the same language)

* 1 Healthful Living

* 1 Career and Technical Education

* 1 Arts Education (dance, music, theater arts, or visual arts)

* 5 Elective credits to include at least two second-level or advanced courses