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Fort Mill High School �Senior IGP Meeting

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Counseling Staff

Courtney Kountz kountzc@fortmillschools.org A-Ce

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Hunter Durham durhame@fortmillschools.org Ch-Gi

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Christina Pellicer pellicerc@fortmillschools.org Go-Kr

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Doug Peters petersd@fortmillschools.org Ku-N

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Adrienne Long longa@fortmillschools.org O-Sh

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Jodi Costanzo costanzoj@fortmillschools.org Si-Z

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Edward Young younge@fortmillschools.org Career Development Facilitator

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Susan Brackett bracketts@fortmillschools.org Work-Based Learning

Coordinator

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FMHS Guidance Website

https://sites.google.com/fmsdmail.org/fmhs-counseling/

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Senior IGP Process

  • The Senior IGP/college application process needs to be student driven.
  • Join the Google classroom for Seniors ASAP: ouuapoi
  • Parents, please empower your students to reach out to their counselor themselves if they have questions.
  • Counselors are available before and after school, during student lunches, FLEX, and by appointment to answer any questions students may have regarding the college application process.
  • You should start applying to colleges NOW!
  • Request all transcripts through NAVIANCE. Send all test scores directly from the TESTING AGENCY.

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Transcripts

FUN FACT: Did you know you can easily find your GPA, Class Rank and total credits in the lower right quadrant of your transcript?

-All transcripts MUST be requested through Naviance. Requests via email will not be processed.

-To view a video tutorial, visit:

https://youtu.be/-LBFpyCiBWc

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South Carolina High School

Graduation Requirements

The FMSD Program of Studies website has detailed information about graduation

and four-year college requirements.

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FMSD College & Career Ready

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High School Major�Graduation Cords

(Applications available second semester)

  • Must complete all required courses in a major to earn a cord (required courses for major are listed in the Program of Studies)
  • Can complete/earn multiple majors/cords
  • Students are NOT required to complete a high school major for graduation.
  • A high school major does NOT have to match your intended college major.
  • To receive a cord, the student MUST complete the application for Graduation Cord (Google Form) – available second semester.

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You can find the cord requirements in the Program of Studies or by clicking here.

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Destination - Military

  • Speak to former military members (family, friends, neighbors, ROTC instructors) to help you decide which branch of the military you would like to pursue.
  • With a Bachelor’s degree, you may join as an Officer = more $$
  • Once you have decided on the branch, talk to a recruiter and please be sure to get everything in writing.

https://asvabbootcamp.com/blog/asvab-scores/

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Destination - Workplace

  • Explore your options now, not at the end of the school year!

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  • See Mr. Young (younge@fortmillschools.org) to do interest inventories and assessments, as well as to prepare resume, applications, interview skills and explore the Career Development Website

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Destination - Two Year College

  • Many options for students to obtain certificates, diplomas or degrees in many areas (Dental Hygiene, Cyber Security, HVAC, Paramedic, and many more)
  • Viable option for students who are undecided on what to do but want to work on obtaining college credits
  • Entrance exam needed if overall HS GPA is under a 2.7
  • Students can submit SAT or ACT scores, but most take Accuplacer at the technical college testing center.
  • Open Admissions
  • Apply at: https://www.yorktech.edu/apply/

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Programs and Certificates at York Tech

  • Early Childhood Development
  • Theatre Production
  • Patient Care Technician
  • Medical Assisting
  • Commercial Driver's License
  • Phlebotomy
  • Business Administration
  • Exercise Science
  • Welding
  • Administrative Office Technology
  • Medical Laboratory Technology
  • Teleproduction Technology
  • Nursing

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  • Building and Construction Trades
  • Industrial Maintenance Technology
  • Dental Health Professions Major
  • Radiologic Technology
  • Paramedic
  • Engineering
  • Automotive Technology
  • Machine Tool Technology
  • Surgical Technology
  • Information Technology
  • Utility Line Worker

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College Comparison

2 year vs. 4 Year

Tuition & Fees

Effective Fall Semester

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In-County Tuition *(York and Chester County residents, taking classes within their county of residence) - $190.00 per credit hour

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190 x 12 = $2,280 per semester

x 2 semesters = $4,560 per year

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Out of County Tuition - $206.00 per credit hour

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Out of State Tuition - $419.00 per credit hour

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*Students enrolled in 12 or more credits are considered full-time

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York Technical College

USC Columbia

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Destination - Two Year College

USC Lancaster Tuition - $3,579

Undergraduate Resident

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  • Associate in Arts Degree
  • Associate in Science Degree
  • Associate in Business Degree
  • Associate in Criminal Justice Degree
  • Bachelors in Nursing
  • Bachelors in Education

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USC Lancaster Degree Opportunities

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Destination - Four-Year College

**For out of state schools, contact the college or university directly to learn about their particular admission requirements.

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Decisions, Decisions

  • A focused approach is to FIRST research CAREERS, then select a MAJOR, then decide on a COLLEGE that offers that major. Most students take the opposite approach, selecting a college first, then a major, then a career, which can lead to being underemployed and in debt post graduation.
  • Research Possible Colleges
    • -Internet Searches (Naviance, BigFuture, etc.)
    • -College Websites (virtual tours are often available)
    • -Campus Visits – visit the school’s website for information
      • Open Houses
      • Campus Tours
  • 2 days are excused for official college visits. Students must present a statement on the college’s letterhead that you attended on an official college visit.

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Submitting College Applications

  1. Application: Apply through the college’s website or Common App

2. Transcripts: Submit a request through Naviance for your high school transcript to � be sent to the college(s) of your choice

�3. Letters of recommendation: Some schools want them and some don’t. Identify 1-2 teachers who know you well and speak to them first before putting in a letter of recommendation request in Naviance. Be sure to enter your request 4-6 weeks in advance.

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4. Test Scores Send your test score(s) to the college (directly from testing agency, SAT collegeboard.org or ACT actstudent.org). If you have forgotten your login information for your ACT or SAT account, you will need to contact them directly as we do not have access. � FMHS cannot send test scores for students, we do not have access.

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Common Application (aka Common App)

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Pros: �-Can save you time �-They have useful tools on their site �-Common App interfaces with Naviance�(makes sending transcripts/letters of recommendation easier)

Cons:�-Time consuming due to the amount of information they require (only makes sense if applying to more than 4 schools that take it; may be faster to apply directly to the schools)

IMPORTANT: Common App is handled by a third party vendor. If you have issues with your login information or the application itself, you will need to contact them directly. The FMHS Counseling Department does NOT have access to your account or application at any time.

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Letters of Recommendation

Some schools want them and some don’t. Please refer to the your school’s application to see their specific requirements. Request these ASAP if needed.

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The Main Types of College Admissions Options

ou’leceive.

http://www.campusexplorer.com/college-advice-tips/FC3F1C62/College-Admissions-Options-Early-Decision-Early-Action-Rolling-Regular/

Regular Admissions

Rolling Admissions

Open Admissions

Early Action

Early Decision

-Most Common�

-Students must submit application by a specific date�

-Usually between November and January

-Students may apply at any time during the admissions period

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-Typically between September and July

-Typically used by Community Colleges

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-Nearly all High School Graduates are admitted

-You are not bound to attend if accepted

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-You can apply Early Action to MORE than one university

- This option is binding

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-You agree to attend this school if accepted, and students must revoke applications at other schools if accepted.

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-If you are relying on financial aid to pay for college, this may not be the option for you. You will receive your acceptance before you know your financial aid package

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College Deadlines

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  • Watch for deadlines - each college sets their own. Admissions application deadlines can be different from a school’s scholarship application deadline.
  • Set a personal timeline to complete applications. You are responsible for meeting the deadlines for your school(s).
  • Counselors and FMHS staff do not have access to any part of the application.

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Standardized Tests

  • To register AND send scores go to: www.sat.collegeboard.org
  • Reading/Math scores
  • Score reports can be sent to 4 colleges without charge- take advantage of this.
  • Be sure to check your college(s) websites as many of the testing requirements have changed.

SAT

  • To register AND send scores go to: www.actstudent.org
  • One composite score
  • Score reports can be sent to 4 colleges without charge- take advantage of this.
  • Be sure to check your college(s) websites as many of the testing requirements have changed.

ACT

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Naviance

  • https://student.naviance.com/fortmill
  • Organizational tools
  • Only your counselor can see your information – colleges cannot view it
  • To log-in, click the above link then click "Login with Clever." Students will use their student Google email address and password
  • Transcripts will be sent after your application is submitted. Request transcripts now!
    • Initial: now
    • Mid-Year: now - sent in January
    • Final: now - sent in June
  • Request Letters of Recommendation – Please reach out to the teacher prior to requesting through Naviance.
  • Counselors and teachers will use Naviance to submit your transcripts and letters of recommendation to colleges
  • Counselor letters need to be requested in person or via email. Students must provide a resume and the Request for a Letter of Recommendation that is posted in Google Classroom.

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Naviance Walk Through Videos

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Naviance - Navigation

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College Athletes

  • If you are planning to participate in college level athletics, you MUST register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
  • Registration is online at: www.eligibilitycenter.org
  • Register NOW. Once registered, FMHS will send your transcript for you (no need to make a request on Naviance).
  • Registration requires sending your ACT or SAT test scores directly from the testing organizations.
  • See your coach for more information.

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Federal Financial Aid

  • Must complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens

October 2025. Before completing, you must first have an FSA ID. https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing

  • https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
    • Need Based Financial Aid
      • Pell Grants
      • Campus-based Programs
        • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
        • Federal Work Study Program
        • Stafford Loan
        • PLUS Loans (Parents)

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State Supported Scholarships

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Senior Quick Links

Athletes

NCAA Eligibility Center

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College and Career (investigate, explore, and apply)

Common Application

Naviance

Big Future

York Tech Application

USC Lancaster Application

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Naviance Questions?

How to request transcripts in Naviance

How to request Letters of Recommendation in Naviance

How to match my Common App to my Naviance account

How to add colleges in Naviance

Scholarships/Financial Aid

Fort Mill HS Scholarship Portal – Coming Soon!

Naviance

FAFSA

Scholarships.com

Big Future

Finaid

SC Specific Scholarships

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Testing (register for upcoming exams or have scores sent)

ACT - act.org

SAT- collegeboard.org

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Scholarships

  • State Scholarships
  • Please check the FMHS Class of 2026 Scholarship Portal frequently for scholarship opportunities.
  • FMHS Scholarship Portal - updated as new offers become available
  • Popular websites:
  • Beware of “for fee” services and companies that request confidential information (ex. Social Security #). You should not have to pay to apply for a scholarship.
  • FM Foundation Scholarships applications open in the spring. Don’t miss it!

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Next Steps

Review the senior handouts in your folder.

Complete the

Class of 2026 Survey!

Join the Senior

Class Google

Classroom!

ouuapoi