Senior Parent Info Session Class of 2014!!!

1. Senior Parent Info Session Class of 2014!!! * September 2013 Carolyn Powell 12th Grade School Counselor cpowell@vcs.k12.nc.us 252-492-6041

2. Graduation Requirements English 4 Credits-English 1, 2,3,4 Math 4 Credits-Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Advanced Math Science 3 Credits-Physical Science course, Biology,Earth/Environmental Science Social Studies 3 Credits-World History, Civics/Economics, US History Second Language Not Required for graduation. 2 credits in the same language to meet minimum admission requirements for UNC system. Elective Credits 6 Credits Required-2 Elective credits (CTE, Arts Education, Second Language). 4 Elective Credits strongly recommended from 4 course concentration (JROTC, Arts Education, CTE, Second Language). Other Electives Student Choice Total Credits 28

3. NC Academic Scholars Recognition Students who complete the requirements for this academically challenging program will receive special recognition ( see page 4 of Registration Guide). Un-weighted GPA : 3.5

4. Post-Secondary Plans • Community College • Technical/Trade School • College/University • Military • Workforce

5. Applying to College…. • Apply directly to the (16) public NC colleges/universities and/or (36) independent/private colleges/universities • Out of state-apply directly • On-line applications: College Foundation of NC (www.cfnc.org) Common Application (www.commonapp.org)

6. College Admissions Key Words • Early Action-notify student of early admission. Not obligated to accept offer • Early Decision-student may submit credentials early to one college. Applicants notified by December. Binding • Regular Admission-student will submit credentials during Nov-Feb. Check DEADLINES for each school!!!! • Rolling Admission-student will submit credentials at their convenience through a certain date.

7. Key Words • Onsite admission-colleges visit students at high school and make admissions decision during visit • Offer of Conditional Acceptance—provided student maintains academic performance • Denial---final decision not to offer admission • Deferment—delay of admissions decision until a later time (grades, additional info) • Waitlist—occurs after regular admissions process is complete. No guarantee college will go to wait list. Should plan to attend another college

8. Transcripts • Request forms are available in Guidance. Please allow 2-4 days to process. We do not mail transcripts. • Due to new system, transcript from end of junior year, letter from Mr. Gregory & schedule. • Send electronically to any NC college/university, community college via College Foundation of NC (www.cfnc.org), Transcript Manager. The final transcript will also be sent automatically after graduation. (CFNC Account & NC Wise ID required).

9. Test Scores • To register for the SAT visit, www.collegeboard.com. To register for the ACT visit, www.act.org(Oct.26/Sept. 27) • Colleges/Universities must receive official SAT and ACT scores directly from www.collegeboard.com or www.act.org.

10. Counselor Statement/Recommendations • Some college applications require the submission of a counselor statement/recommendation: *Please allow the counselor or teacher a sufficient amount of time to complete (1-2 weeks). • Helpful to provide a resume.

11. Teacher Recommendations • Choose a teacher, coach etc. that knows you well and can supply specific details about what makes you unique. • If they are to expect an email; ask prior. • Provide a resume and other information to write a comprehensive letter for you • Communicate to the teacher how to process (do they give it back to you, do they mail the letter directly to the school) • Follow up with the teacher to make sure it has been completed in order to meet deadlines. • Thank them for their time!

12. Essay/Personal Statement *Shows admissions officers who you are *Should be personal and tell your story, your experiences and be communicated effectively • If essay is optional, be sure to complete it! * Be sure to ask a teacher, counselor or parent to REVIEW!!!!

13. Community College • 59 community colleges in NC • Certificate, Diploma & Associate Degree Programs • Have established relationships with universities for students who wish to transfer after receiving an Associates or the required number of credit hours for transfer • Visit www.ncccs.cc.nc.us for information

14. Military Information • The different branches of the military visit the school monthly. • Display will be set up in the band lobby. • JROTC Instructors: Speak to Cpt. Whittacre or Sgt. Kingsberry!!!

15. Scholarship/Financial Aid Info • Criteria: merit, leadership, community service, extracurricular, work experience, financial need • Check with the college/university on available scholarships • Check with Guidance for local scholarships (newsletter, NVHS website, bulletin board, EBB, announcements) • All students applying for any federal aid must complete the FAFSA form. www.fafsa.ed.gov/. Cannot submit until January 1st.

16. Parents *School Counselor---Open Door Policy *Visit College/Universities *Research financial aid/scholarship opportunities *Be Supportive/Encourage Personal Responsibility  *Congratulations-----June 2014!!!!

17. Information • www.vcs.k12.nc.us • Select school • Seniors • Weekly newsletters • Scholarships • Admission deadlines • Congratulations

18. Questions