Senior Presentation

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Meet the Counselors

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Dean of Students - James Gross

Grades 9th and 10th

919.335.1354

jgross@wcpss.net

School Counselor - Savannah Bunn

Grades 11th and 12th

919.335.1334

sbunn2@wcpss.net

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Agenda

• Graduation Nuts and Bolts
• Resources
• Senior Meetings
• Post Secondary Options
• Financial Aid

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Resources/Communication

• Website
• Maverick Messenger
• Email
• Talking Points

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SENIOR EVENTS

• August 5: Senior Breakfast
• August 8: Yearbook Pictures
• August 14: Open House with Senior Parent Meeting
• January 13: Grade 13 Intent Form Due
• March 27: Senior Picnic
• April 30: Senior Awards
• May TBD: Graduation Rehearsal
• May 21: Graduation

GRADUATION INFORMATION

• Rehearsal: Week of May Final Exams
• Graduation: Thursday, May 21st
• Location: Meymandi Concert Hall, Downtown Raleigh
• Start Time: 4 pm
• 12 tickets per student

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MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

• Comprehensive permission form
• Splitting campuses in January
• App State College Tour Field Trip–Thursday, Sept 25th
• Permission Forms & Google Form due Thursday, Aug 21st

Senior Conferences

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Senior Conferences

Tuesday, August 26 - Thursday, September 11

Students will…

• Review individual post-secondary plans
• Discuss their questions and concerns
• Complete the Student Personal Profile Form before they come. Located on WECIB website (under Student Services–Forms tab).

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Passes will be distributed during classes & an email will be sent with the specific date/time. Conferences will last ~20 minutes. Parents can attend the sessions virtually–please reach out to the counselor if you would like to join.

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Senior Recognitions

• NHS
• Volunteer Hours - Form is online and should be submitted to Ms. Patterson
• NTHS
• Latin Honors
• NC Scholars - student will receive certificate (no stole)
• Student Council

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Senior Exemption Policy

For the 2025-2026 school year, Students in Grade 12 may be exempt from exams based on the following criteria:

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• Students must have a projected final grade of B or higher.
• Students must have 10 or fewer absences in the course. All absences will count toward the total absences; including excused, unexcused, educational, college visits, etc.
• Students cannot be exempt from state testing including field testing.
• Cannot be exempt from Wake Tech exams

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The principal (consistent with GS 115C-288) has final authority to determine a student's exemption status.

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Latin Honors

WCPSS will designate the following senior honors in lieu of naming a Valedictorian or Salutatorian:

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1. Students with a 3.75 - 3.99 weighted grade point average shall receive the distinction of cum laude.

2. Students with a 4.0 - 4.249 weighted grade point average shall receive the distinction of magna cum laude.

3. Students with a 4.25 or higher weighted grade point average shall receive the distinction of summa cum laude.

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For students graduating at the end of eight semesters, all high schools will determine senior honors using the GPA at the end of the 1st semester of the graduating year (semester 7).

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North Carolina Academic Scholars Endorsement

Students who complete this requirements for this academically challenging high school program are named North Carolina Academic Scholars and receive special recognition. Students must:

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• Complete all the requirements of the North Carolina Academic Scholars Program
• Have an overall four-year unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Complete all requirements for a North Carolina high school diploma.

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Specific Requirements can be found in the WCPSS Program Planning Guide

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

• ENGLISH: 4 credits
• Levels 1, II, III, and IV
• MATH: 4 credits
• Levels I, II, III and a 4^th Math Course
• SOCIAL STUDIES: 4 credits
• World, Civic Literacy, American, Econ & Personal Finance OR
• AP World, AP Govt & Politics, AP US History, Econ & Personal Finance
• SCIENCE: 3 credits
• Earth, Biology, Physical (Chemistry)
• HEALTHFUL LIVING: 1 credit PLUS CPR certification
• ELECTIVES: 6 credits
• Including 2 World Language or 2 CTE or a combination of the two

World Languages

World Language not required for graduation, however, required for some college and universities for admissions

Post-Secondary Options

• 13th Year
• Employment
• Military
• Trade School
• 2-Year Community College (Non-13th Year)
• 4-Year College

Post Secondary Options - 13th Year Option

13th Year Option

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• Complete 13th Year Intent Form
• Students must follow their WTCC Program of Study to earn AAS Degree
• Communicate with 4-year colleges to see how this impacts transition to their program of interest.

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Contact: Mr. William Kincy

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Post Secondary Options - Employment

Employment

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• Complete Applications
• Complete Cover Letter
• Resume

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Contact: Ms. Stacy Baxley

Post Secondary Options

Military

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• Contact Recruiter
• Take ASVAB Test

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Contact: Ms. Stacy Baxley

Community Colleges (Not 13th Year)

• NC Community College System:
• One of the largest systems of higher education in the nation with 58 comprehensive community colleges serving all 100 NC counties.
• One within a 30-minute drive of all NC residents.
• Lowest tuition in the Southeast Region – one of the lowest in the nation!
• You may apply to the community college of your choice, regardless of your county of residence
• Offers' Associate Degrees and Certificate Programs
• Offers college transfer programs to 4-year colleges such as UNC C-STEP and NC State's' C3 .
• NC Community Colleges: http://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/

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Post Secondary Options - Traditional 2 - Year Community College (Not 13th Year Option)

• Complete application(In-state on CFNC; Free application fee)
• Apply for scholarships
• Apply for Financial Aid
• Contact: Ms. Savannah Bunn

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Post Secondary Options - 4 Year College University

• Complete College Application
• Send appropriate documents
• Monitor application
• Apply for scholarships
• Apply for Financial Aid
• Contact: Ms. Savannah Bunn

What’s a Good Match

• They have the major my child is interested in?
• Compare the data points of students previously accepted (average SAT/ACT scores, average GPA, UNC System data for in-state schools)
• College or University factors: Locale, Co-ed or single sex, Size of school, Campus life, Housing options and cost.

• Safety - almost certainly
• Target - test scores, GPA are similar to those of the recent entering class
• Reach - meet criteria but may not have the stellar qualifications of most first-year students.

Factors to Consider

Think of choices on a continuum - Safety - Target - Reach

Best Fit - Choosing College/University

• What are your goals?
• Earn Associate's of Applied Science (AAS) degree
• Associate of Arts and Sciences or AAS
• Earn Bachelor's Degree
• Transfer to a 4-year institution as a Junior?
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• What is a “good” school?
• A “good” school meets your child’s interests academically, geographically, financially and social emotionally.
• Has a variety of activities of interest for your child.

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Methods of Applying to College

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Common App

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• Over 900 participating colleges and universities around the world
• commonapp.org

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CFNC (College For North Carolina-formerly College Foundation of NC)

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• Apply to any North Carolina college, university or community college
• cfnc.org

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Methods of Applying to College

College Websites

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• Apply directly via the college website.
• Click on “undergraduate admissions” and start your application there.

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Coalition

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• 150 colleges and universities use the Coalition
• To date there are 6 NC Schools who use the Coalition
• https://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/

College Application Appropriate Documents

• Transcript
• SAT/ACT Scores (Send one or both directly to each school(s) that requires it)
• Essays or Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendations (Ask teachers)
• Resume (Extracurricular activities/list of awards and achievements/volunteer activities)
• Application Fee
• Submit AP Scores to college/university for college credit

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Transcripts

Requesting a Transcript

Requesting a Transcript

1. Go to https://wcpss.scriborder.com/applicationCurrent
2. Follow the prompts to complete the required questions and submit your request.

Out of State College or University (non- Common App), Scholarship or Unofficial Transcript for Coaches

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Transcript Review

• Fall 2025 Rank will be run on the district-provided date in September
• Students will get an unofficial copy afterwards to use if needed. Official copies must be requested. Questions and concerns about updated transcripts once received should be addressed by October 10th.

School Profile

Provides a summary information about the school’s student body, curricular offering and grading system. The school’s profile helps the college admission officer (and other stakeholders) decode information about the school quickly and easily. It will be available on our website and it will be sent with each transcript that is requested.

SAT Scores/ ACT Scores/AP Scores

• ACT www.act.org
• SAT www.collegeboard.org
• AP scores www.collegeboard.org

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Counselors cannot send scores directly to colleges and universities.

Standardized Testing

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• Achievement test with math and critical reading, and optional science & writing section
• 2 hours 5 minutes without optional sections
• Add 40 mins per optional section
• Scored on a scale of 1-36
• Register at www.actstudent.org

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• Achievement test with reading, writing, & math
• 2 hours 14 minutes
• Scored on a scale of 400-1600
• Register at www.collegeboard.org

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Test Optional, what does this mean?

Test optional for the Class of 2026

• Several colleges and universities have announced that they are going ‘test optional’; meaning they will not require SAT and/or ACT test scores on student applications.
• More emphasis place on the applicants academic and extracurricular record.
• Academic criteria that will be reviewed include the student’s grades in core academic courses, the rigor of a student’s course selection as compared to what is offered in the school/community.
• On May 23, 2024, the UNC Board of Governors approved Policy 700.1.1 revising the test score requirements for admissions. Effective Fall 2025, students with a weighted GPA between 2.5 and less than 2.8 must submit SAT or ACT scores. Students with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or higher have the option to submit these scores.
• Standardized Test Requirement for UNC Systems Colleges & Universities
• Universities state, “students should not feel any pressure to take standardized tests at this point. Scores submitted will only be used to enhance a student's application.”
• Test Optional Schools to date

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Essay or Personal Statement

• They can help you stand out from other applicants.
• Show your personality.
• You can tell a story that shows your personality, character, and ambitions.
• Provide context.
• You can give admissions officers a different perspective on you beyond your academic achievements, test scores, and extracurriculars.
• Make yourself unique
• You can describe your strengths and other personal aspects that can help admissions officers see you as a unique individual.

Regular Decision

Most applications are due between January 1 and February 1. Decisions are received in March.

Early Action

Applications are typically due October 15, November 1, or mid-November, and decisions are released December/January. Students are not required to commit to a particular university until May 1. Many colleges require you to submit your application during Early Action window to be considered for university scholarships.

Restrictive Early Action

More restrictive, but less committal. Students can apply only to their single choice early action institution. Mostly applies to highly selective, private colleges.

Early Decision

Students apply Early Decision Only use if they are 100% sure they are attending this school regardless of financial aid at other schools. Early decision is a plan where you may submit, your application early to one college, usually by October 15 or November 1 of your senior year. You are notified of your status in December.. This is a BINDING AGREEMENT As part of an early decision plan, you are required to sign a statement agreeing to accept the college’s offer of admission. You must also withdraw your application from other colleges if accepted under Early Decision. (Used by Duke, Elon, Wake Forest, etc.) Points to remember are the same as listed above in Early Action.

Rolling Admission

There are no application deadlines. Universities accept applications throughout the year. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Students usually receive a decision within 4 to 6 weeks.

WCPSS Financial Aid Advisor: Linda Taylor

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What is financial aid?

Where does financial aid come from?

• Federal government
• State government
• Colleges and universities
• Private foundations
• Employers and private companies
• Church and Social Organizations
• Sororities and Fraternities
• Professional and service

organizations

Money to help pay for college or career school.

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THE FAFSA�FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID allows college students to access financial aid for college, including grants, scholarships, work-study and federal student loans

The FAFSA is expected to open October 1, 2025, for applications for aid for the 26-27 school year. The FAFSA requires contributors to directly exchange data with the IRS. The FAFSA form has 36 questions (used to be 108), making filing quicker and easier.

Expected to open October 1st

�COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP SERVICE�CSS Profile�In North Carolina : Chapel Hill, Elon, Wake Forest, Duke, Davidson�� Costs $25 to submit and $16 for every submission afterward. Undergraduates coming from a family with an income under $100,000 may file for free.�����

Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC) is a service that collects family financial documents and distributes them to institutions on behalf of the student. You'll be notified by the College Board if you need to submit documents through IDOC.

Some colleges have their own financial aid forms.

These forms must be filed according to the college’s deadlines.

OTHER FORMS YOU MAY HAVE TO COMPLETE

Competitive Scholarships

• UNC Chapel Hill Morehead Cain
• NCSU Park Scholarship
• Cheatham White NCA&T and NCCU
• Belk at Davidson
• Robertson - UNC CH & Duke
• Goodnight (NCSU-Invitation Emailed)
• East Carolina - Brinkley-Lane Scholars /Honors College
• Levine Scholarship - UNC Charlotte

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Check out Student Services page on the website to complete nominee request form if applicable!

Residency Determination Services

• NC Residency Determination
• Is required for all students considering and/or planning to attend any public college or university in North Carolina (2-year or 4-year).

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• https://ncresidency.cfnc.org/residencyInfo/

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If your child plans to play collegiate sports

• Be sure your son/daughter has:
• A current NCAA account
• Has selected WECIB High School as their current high school
• Has uploaded all their high school transcripts to their dashboard?
• Has shared their NCAA number with prospective colleges
• Has sent SAT scores directly from College Board; use code 9999

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Everyone expecting to play sports at the college level must register

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CFNC Countdown to College Month

NC Countdown to College will take place during the month of October of 2025 and College Application Week (when many NC colleges have free applications) will be Oct 20-26.

The list of participating colleges will be available

at the start of October.

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CACRAO Wake County Schools College Fair

Sunday, September 21, 2025

NCSU McKimmon Center

1101 Gorman St.

Raleigh, NC 27606

1 pm - 4 pm

Over 100 colleges will attend to discuss college admission with our high school juniors and seniors.

Admission Free.

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As the parent/guardian what do I need to remember ?

• Remember:
• Be open minded and realistic
• Encourage and support your child even more this year.
• Be aware of the level of emotional support your child needs. Maybe schedule certain days to talk post-secondary plans as opposed to it being a daily discussion
• Know that they are nervous about their next step in life.
• They are concerned with:
• Whether or not they are “good enough” to get into a particular college
• Moving away from home
• Meeting new people and finding new friends
• Responsibilities ….getting up on their own, talking to professors, scheduling time to do their homework, getting along with a stranger (roommate), etc.
• College applications are a process; think marathon, not a sprint!

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• Make sure your child is currently working on their college applications.
• If your child is considering attending college in North Carolina, be sure to complete the RDS process.
• Be sure your child has completed their Personal Profile Google Form if requesting a counselor recommendation.
• Parents are invited to join senior conferences via Google Meet. I will send a Google invite if interested.
• Keep up with all scholarship offers. Ms. Bunn will request that information in the Spring to compile the total scholarship award for WECIB Class of 2026!
• Acceptance Bulletin Board will be put up in lobby! Students are encourage to share their news so we can celebrate with them.

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THANK YOU!

WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU!

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