1. Fuquay-Varina High School Junior & Senior Information Night
September 23, 2008
Presented by
FVHS Student Services

2. Tonight’s Agenda Welcome Introduction of Counselors
Course of Study Requirements
Transcripts
Graduation Project
Post-Secondary Planning
SAT, ACT, & Testing
NCAA
Scholarships
Financial Aid

3. Program Overview Briefly review Graduation Requirements
Provide resources and a guideline to assist with college planning and the application process
Provide information on post-secondary options

4. Student Services Please visit our web site: www.fvhs.wcpss.net
Under Student Services you will find: forms, application procedures, a listing of scholarships …

5. Student Services Phyllis McLeod, Dean of Student Services pmcleod@wcpss.net 557-2526
Guidance Counselors
Mr. Eric Kostecki th Grade
Mrs. Xana Harrington th A-G
Mrs. Tricia Myers th H-M
Mrs. Jill Kreacic th N-Z
Mr. Stephen Moore SAP 9th Grade
Mrs. Kara Morgan Test Coordinator
Mr. Randy Swann CDC
Mrs. Pat Lyle Registrar
Mrs. Fonda Phillips Secretary

6. Graduation Requirements
Minimum of 26 credits
Pass NC Math and Reading Competency Exams
Pass Computer Proficiency Exams
Complete Requirements for at least one Course of Study: College/University Prep, College Tech Prep, Career Prep or Occupational

7. Courses of Study Career Prep College Tech Prep College/University Prep
Minimum graduation requirements
Prepares for entry-level career choice
Admission to a community college
College Tech Prep
Higher academic standards
Prepares for highly technical fields of study in community college
College/University Prep
Highest level of academic standards
Course requirements for UNC Institutions
Occupational
Appropriate for certain students in special education

8. Mathematics Three courses to include Algebra I 3
Career Prep
Course
Number of credits
English I, II, III, IV 4
Mathematics Three courses to include Algebra I 3
Science Biology, Earth/Environmental, Physical
Social Studies World History, Civics & Econ, U.S. History
Healthful Living Education 1
Arts Education or Career-Technical Education-Four courses in one pathway with one class at an advanced level
Electives 8
Total 26

9. Science Biology, Earth/Environmental, Physical
College Tech Prep
Course
Number of credits
English I, II, III, IV 4
Mathematics Algebra I, Geometry & Algebra II or Algebra I & Technical Math I & II 3
Science Biology, Earth/Environmental, Physical
Social Studies World History, Civics & Econ, U.S. History
Healthful Living Education 1
Career-Technical Education-Four courses in one pathway with one class at an advanced level
Electives 8
Total 26

10. Career Pathways at FVHS
Agricultural & Natural Resources
Business Technologies
Engineering Technologies
Commercial & Artistic Production
Construction Technologies
Health Sciences
Public Service
Arts Education (Career Prep Course of Study only)

11. College University Prep
Course
Number of credits
English I, II, III, IV 4
Mathematics Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II & a higher level course (Stats AP, Trig, Pre cal…)
Science Biology, Earth/Environmental, Physical 3
Social Studies World History, Civics & Econ, U.S. History
Second Language Two credits in the same language 2
Healthful Living Education 1
Electives 9
Total 26

12. Occupational English I, II, III, IV 4
Credits
# of credits
English I, II, III, IV 4
Occupational Mathematics I, II, III 3
Occupational Life Skills Science I & II 2
Occupational Social Studies I & II
Healthful Living Education 1
Career-Technical Education Electives
Occupational Preparation I, II, III, & IV Completion of 300 hours school based training, 240 hours community based training, & 360 hours paid employment 6
Total 22

13. Transcripts

15. Requesting Transcripts
Each school requires an official transcript sent directly from FVHS to the college.
Student must fill out and turn in a transcript request form available on Ms. Lyle’s door (Registrar).
If the student is under 18, the request must be signed by a parent.
Any counselor recommendation forms must be turned in with the transcript request.
Transcripts are free!!!
Starting May 1st final transcript requests must be sent to the college of your choice. Forms will be available on Mrs. Lyle’s door (Registrar).

16. NC Academic Scholars GPA 3.5 unweighted English: 4 Credits
Math: 4 Credits
Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and a higher math course with Algebra II as a prerequisite
Science: 3 Credits
Chemistry or Physics, Earth/Environmental Science, and Biology
Social Studies: 3 Credits
World History, Civics & Economics, and US History
Second Language other than English: 2 Credits
Level I and Level II
Health Living: 1 Credits
Career Technical Education: 1 Credits
Art Education: 1 Credits
Electives: 5 Credits
(Elective credits to include at least two second level or advanced classes)

17. North Carolina Graduation Project Class of 2010
The GP is a statewide graduation requirement that provides students with experience in:
Public Speaking
Presentation
Community Involvement
Personal Responsibility
Personal Growth
Written Language
Technology
*more information available on school website

18. GP Timeline for current juniors
Junior Year
Students need to:
finalize topic
write essential question
complete research paper requirement
secure a mentor for product options & begin consultation to log hours
practice oral presentation skills
finalize product ideas
work on portfolio completion
Senior Year ( )
Students need to:
complete the Product, Presentation, and Portfolio components
present their entire GP to a panel of judges
projects will be scored using state-endorsed rubrics
Students will have gained useful skills for transitioning into college/university & workplace 18

19. Career Information Our Career Development Coordinator is Randy Swann
Career Assessment/Planning
Career Options
To contact Mr. Swann, call or at

20. Post-Secondary Options
2 – Year University
Community College
Junior College
4 – Year University
16 Public Universities
Independent Colleges and Universities
Military
Work

21. Making Choices About College
Know yourself and your reasons for wanting to go to college
Consider College Characteristics
List, compare, and visit colleges
Apply for admission and adhere to deadlines

22. College Visits
Juniors are allowed 1 excused absence for college visits.
Seniors are allowed 2 excused absences for college visits.

23. (In no particular order)
Applying to College
Admissions look at:
(In no particular order)
Course work
Grade Point Average (GPA)
Class rank
SAT and or ACT scores
Extracurricular activities
Recommendations, essays, and interviews (if required)

24. Application Tips Read all instructions before beginning Know deadlines
Students should fill out applications
Fill out in black/blue ink – Make them NEAT!
Fill out transcript request two weeks prior to the date you need the transcript to arrive.

25. (Example of the Benefits of a Community College)
Wake Tech
(Example of the Benefits of a Community College)
The only requirement for entrance to Wake Tech is a high school diploma.
Many students choose to go to Wake Tech to get a 2-year associates degree. Some will enroll in the College Transfer Program with plans to transfer to a 4-year university after two years.
Wake Tech is a great option for students who would like to “start over” academically.
It is also a very affordable option at a cost of only $42.00 per credit hour. (The cheapest in the US!)

26. UNC Minimum Admissions Requirements
4 units of English
4 units of Math, 1 unit for which Algebra II is a prerequisite
2 units of History, 1 unit of US History
Biology, Physical Science, 1 lab Science
2 units of a language other than English
SAT/ACT
It is recommended that students take a math during their senior year.
GPA 2.0, SAT Minimum 700, ACT Minimum 15

27. Independent Colleges and Universities
Private and independent colleges sometimes have more flexible entrance requirements. Check with individual schools for specifics.
Don’t let cost deter you from considering a private or independent college. They usually give great financial aid packages!!!

28. College Admission Options
Early Action-is an admissions procedure to notify student of early admissions to the college. Students are not obligated to accept the college’s offer of admission and may file applications at other universities.
Early Decision-is a plan under which candidates may submit credentials early to one college, usually by Oct. 15th of senior year. Applicants are notified of their status by December. As part of the early decision plan, students may be required to sign an agreement to withdraw other applicants if accepted.

29. College Admissions Options cont…
Regular admission-is the plan under which candidates submit credentials during November to February, depending on school deadlines. Check the deadlines for each individual school.
Rolling admission-is the plan under which candidates submit the credentials at their convenience through a certain date, usually late in the year. They receive an offer of acceptance or denial within four to six weeks.
Onsite admission-is an admissions option in which colleges visit students at the high school and make an admissions determination during a scheduled appointment with the student.
East Carolina University is planning onsite admissions this year they will require electronic application.

30. Benefits of the “Brag” Sheet
The ‘Brag’ sheet is an extremely helpful tool in comprehensively completing the Counselor Recommendation Form
Answering ‘Brag’ topics allows each student to express her or himself as individuals
Any unique circumstances in a student’s life can be explained through the ‘Brag’ Sheet
Completed ‘Brag’ Sheets may be given to the teachers that are asked to write letters of recommendation.
PLEASE ALLOW TWO WEEKS TO COMPLETE YOUR LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION!!!

31. SAT & ACT Testing SAT ACT October 4, 2008 October 25, 2008
November 1, 2008
December 6, 2008
January 24, 2009,
March 14, 2009
May 2, 2009
June 6, 2009
Cost $45
ACT
October 25, 2008
December 13, 2008
February 7, 2009
April 4, 2009
June 13, 2009
Cost $48
(including the writing portion)

32. SAT I Reasoning Test
Measures the skills students need for academic success in college in three areas: Critical Reading, Math, & Writing
Score Scale: 800 on each section; 2400 total
Average score is 500 on each section
The College Board reports that 55% of juniors improve their scores as seniors; 35% decrease; 10% no change
Register online at
Prepare for the SAT: sign up for SAT prep classes, utilize free practice Web sites (such as ), and resource books

33. Math & Critical Reading only SAT combined for NCAA purposes
SAT/ACT Conversion
ACT
Math & Critical Reading only SAT combined for NCAA purposes
NEW SAT 36
1600
2400 35
2340 34
2260 33
2190 32
2130 31
2040 30
1980 29
1920 28
1860 27
1820 26
1760 25
1700

34. Conversion cont. 24
1650 23
1590 22
1530 21
1500 20
1410 19
1350 18
1290 17
1210 16
1140 15
1060 14
1000 13
900 12
780 11
750

35. ACT Assessment
Curriculum-based test designed to measure students’ college readiness and academic achievement in four skill areas: English, Math, Reading, & Science
The writing test is optional but required for admission to UNC system schools
Score Scale is 1-36 on each section; 1-36 composite
Register and prepare online at

36. SAT II Subject Tests
Required by some selective colleges for admission and/or for placement purposes once a student enrolls
Check college Web sites to determine requirements
Students can take up to 3 subject tests on one test date
Recommend taking Subject Tests near the end of a course when the information is still fresh in their mind
Register at

37. Advanced Placement Exams
Taken in May 4-15, 2009 by students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses
Gain an edge in college preparation
Stand out in college admissions
Broaden intellectual horizpns
Used by most colleges and universities, plus colleges and universities in 24 other countries grant students admission credit and/or placement for qualifying AP Exam grades

38. AP courses offered at FVHS
AP English Literature 12
AP English Language 11
AP US History
AP European History
AP US Government
AP Environmental Science
AP Chemistry
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP Statistics
AP Spanish Literature
AP Spanish Language
AP Art History
AP Visual Art – Drawing
AP Music Theory
AP Human Geography
AP Psychology
AP Biology

39. Practice SAT
On October 15, 2008, the PSAT (practice SAT) will be given to all Juniors and Sophomores that have passed Algebra I or both Algebra I part 1 and part 2.
Students that have not taken or not passed Algebra I can take the PSAT for $13.

40. ASVAB November 6, 2008 Aptitude test offered by the Armed Services
Offered in high school for career exploration purposes and is free of charge with no military obligation
Test given in the Media Center
Sign up with Mr. Swann, CDC

41. College Foundation of North Carolina www.cfnc.org
Career Center
Student Planner
College Fair
Online Applications
Paying for College

42. CFNC & College Application Week
All seniors need to register on before November 1st
College Application Week is November 10th-14th
College Application Day for FVHS is
Thursday, November 13th from 8am-5pm
On the 13th students and parents are welcome to come get assistance in the process

43. CFNC Redirection Pool Available from April 1st to August 31st
Purpose: to make available every possible avenue for a student to pursue a post secondary education
Matches students who weren’t accepted to colleges with colleges still accepting students
900 students in 2008 were accepted through this program.

44. NCAA Clearinghouse & Student Athletes
The clearinghouse certifies your eligibility to compete as a student athlete, but your college must accept you as a student.
The clearinghouse evaluates your academic record to determine if you are eligible to participate at a Division I or II college as a freshmen.
You can review the eligibility requirements and register at

45. Scholarships
The Scholarship Bulletin is available online monthly on the FVHS website
The Scholarship Bulletin may be ed to parents and students if you provide your information.

46. FVHS Scholarship Night
Date: September 30, 2008
 Time: 6:30 p.m.
 Location: FVHS Auditorium
 Learn the FVHS procedures for acquiring scholarship information.
Gain knowledge of the different types of scholarship available.
Know helpful tips for interviewing

47. Teaching Fellows Scholarship
(Sample of a scholarship)
Provides $6500 per year, for a minimum of 4 years of college, to 500 high school seniors who agree to teach for 4 years in North Carolina’s public schools after graduation from college.
Application deadline:
October 17, 2008

48. Financial Aid Financial Aid Night is in January
Mrs. Tori Sharpe, a Financial Aid Counselor, will be available for appointments beginning in October to assist with the process.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) must be filled out after Jan. 1st when tax information is available. You can obtain a FAFSA application at
The CSS/Financial Aid Profile establishes eligibility for institutional aid The application is available at

49. Go to www.cfnc.org/FAFSADay for details
FAFSA Day is February 21, 2009
High School seniors and their families will have the opportunity to get help completing and electronically submitting their FAFSA form.
Go to for details
*Students must register through for this event.

50. What Can Parents Do? Encourage your child to challenge themselves
Don’t let your child opt out of classes when the going gets tough
Talk to your child about college costs & how much your family will be able to pay
Investigate and then tour colleges when possible

51. What can Students Do? Start Planning Now!
Discuss expectations and financial aid with your parents
MEET DEADLINES!!!
Make sure applications are sent in a least at week before deadline to ensure prompt arrival and make copies of all applications.
Teacher/counselor should get at least two weeks to complete any recommendations.

52. Helpful Websites www.//fvhs.wcpss.net FVHS
College Foundation of North Carolina
Wake County Public School System
SAT & AP Testing Information
ACT Testing Information
Free Application for Federal & State Aid
Scholarship search
College Admissions
College Admissions

53. Upcoming Events September 30 – Scholarship Night
October 6 – College Fair
October 15 – PSAT
November 6 - ASVAB
November 13 – College Application Day
May 4-15 – AP Testing
June 8 – Graduation Rehearsal
June 13 - Graduation

54. We are looking forward to working with you and your child this school year. Please let us know if we can assist you in any way. This presentation will be available on the website
Go Bengals!