Panther Creek High School� Student Services

SEnior Information Presentation

Class of 2026

Student Services  

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• Dean of Students: Shernita Telfair, stelfair@wcpss.net (12TH GRADE: LAI-LOUTHAN)

Academic Counselors

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• Mario Jones: mjones@wcpss.net (9th-12th Grade; Last Names AA-COL)

LATRIEVA WILSON: LWILSON11@WCPSS.NET (9TH -12TH gRADE: LAST NAMES CON-HIL, 12TH: KHARE-KYESKAT)

• Ashley Mathes: amathes@wcpss.net (9th-12th Grade; Last Names MAD-PED, 12TH: JAFAR-JOSHI)

Michael Smith: msmith21@wcpss.net (9th - 12TH Grade; Last Names PEM-SMI, 12TH: HILLEN-JACOB)

• angela spangler: aspangler@wcpss.net (9th-12th Grades; Last Names SMo-Z, 12TH: JOSLIN-KHANNA)
• SAP Counselor: BROOKE kEARNEY:, BLKEARNEY@WCPSS.NET

oUR iNSTAGRAM hANDLE: PCHS_STUDENTSERVICES- pLEASE JOIN US TO STAY UPDATED ON sCHOOL EVENTS

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Student Services  

STUDENT Services Receptionist: Sheri Hahn, shahn@wcpss.net

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Registrar: Nikkia Higgs, nhiggs@wcpss.net

Data Manager: THIRIPURASUNDARI RAJENDRAN, TRAJENDRAN@WCPSS.NET

Career Development Coordinator: Shekevia Smith, ssmith30@wcpss.net

Financial Aid Advisor: Pam Savage, psavage@wcpss.net

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Senior Meetings

• September 15TH - 30TH
• Seniors will be Emailed via their school email with appointment time to meet with their counselor
• We will also have conference times posted and sent to teachers.
• If a counselor recommendation is required for college or scholarship applications, students should submit the Completed Brag sheet on the Student Services site under the Seniors tab along with their resume

Senior Brag Sheet

• Counselor and student will review their transcript
• Discuss college and post-secondary opportunities 

Future Ready Core - Graduation Requirements

Class of 2026

Senior Exemption Policy

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students in Grade 12 May be exempt from exams based on the following criteria:

• students must have a projected final grade of B (80) or Higher
• Students must have 10 or Fewer absences in the course **absences beyond the 10 may be waived by the Principal for circumstances beyond the students control (EX. Medical or transportation)
• Students cannot exempt from state testing including Field Testing

Senior honors

All high schools will determine senior honors using the system based on GPA at the end of the 1st Semester of the graduating year, for students graduating at the end of eight semesters.

• Students with a 3.75 - 3.99 weighted grade point average shall receive the distinction of cum laude
• Students with a 4.0 - 4.249 weighted grade point average shall receive the distinction of magna cum laude
• Students with a 4.25 or higher weighted grade point average shall receive the distinction of summa cum laude
• For students graduating mid-year, we will use this same system for determining graduation honors using the weighted GPA from the last completed semester of study. The principal shall have final approval of honors designations.

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Nc Academic Scholars endorsement

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

● Complete all the requirements of the North Carolina Academic Scholars Program (All graduation requirements including chemistry and 2 foreign languages)

● Have an overall four-year unweighted GPA of 3.5 OR HIGHER

SEE PROGRAM PLANNING GUIDE

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Post-Secondary Options

• Enter workforce
• Military
• Vocational/Technical Colleges
• Community College
• Four-Year College/University

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Types of Institutions

Technical School​

​Certificate ​

(6 months – 2 yrs)

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Community College​​

Associate’s Degree​

(2 years)

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University​​

Bachelor’s Degree​

(4 years)

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Graduate or Professional ​

School​

Masters, Doctorate

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High School​​

Diploma/GED

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Researching Colleges 

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• How do students find a good school?
• Visit collegeboard.org (college matchmaker) and CFNC.org
• Visit college websites
• Visit college campuses
• Things to Consider: ​
• Program of Study​
• Cost (with financial aid)​
• Location​
• Size​
• Campus Life​
• Research universities on www.cfnc.org​
• College Admissions visits will be announced. They will be on campus to meet during lunch!

Minimum Course Requirements for Undergraduate Admission to UNC Institutions

In addition to completing Future Ready Core course of study with 22 credits you must also have the following:​

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• Strongly recommended 2 years of the same World Language (i.e.., Spanish I, II)​
• Minimum weighted GPA 2.5 and a SAT score of 880 or ACT composite of 17

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Replaced the second language requirement with:

• Two additional academic courses in English, math, science, world languages, social studies, or computer science
• implementation for first-year undergraduate students applying for fall 2025 admissions

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Which college can I get into?

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• Look at data on students previously accepted
• Average and mid-range SAT/ACT scores
• Average GPA and GPA range
• UNC system data comparison

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• Think of college choices on a continuum
• Reach—Target—Safety

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Admissions Data: NC Public Universities

Admissions Data: NC Private Universities

Admissions Data: NC Private Universities

Admissions Data Search

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• Big Future
• www.bigfuture.com 
• College Data
• www.collegedata.com 

College Admissions

• Based on academic achievement and potential
• SAT and ACT**
• Strength of curriculum
• GPA and Rank
• Additional considerations (be specific)
• Extracurricular activities
• Community involvement
• Leadership

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**Some schools are test optional. Please look at the school website for testing requirements**

�SAT vs. ACT

Both the SAT and ACT are accepted by most schools

• SAT:
• Aptitude test with math, critical reading, and optional writing section
• Do not lose points for questions answered wrong
• Register at collegeboard.org
• ACT:
• Achievement test with math, critical reading, science, and optional writing section
• Do not lose points for questions answered wrong
• Register at actstudent.org

Early Action vs. Early Decision

• Early Action:
• Simply means early notification
• Automatically considered for merit scholarships based on students’ grades

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• Early Decision:
• Binding
• Only use if students are 100% sure they are attending this school regardless of financial aid at other schools

Starting the Application Process

1. Narrow choices based on college admissions requirements
2. Organize applications by due date 
• Be aware of specific application requirements 
3. Re-take SAT’s or ACT’s if necessary 
• Collegiate Athlete? Send scores to the NCAA Eligibility Center
4.  Begin providing information to teachers for letters of recommendation

Starting the Application Process

5. Begin completing applications
• Write essays and personal statements
6. Pay the application fee by the deadline
7. Send official transcripts - if applying through common app, this will be done automatically by your counselor
8. Send scores through collegeboard.org or through actstudent.org- once you have made your final college decision
9. Research and apply for scholarships
10. Review email communication from colleges about application updates.

Letters of Recommendation

• How to get a letter:​
• Inform recommenders about guidelines​
• Provide sufficient time​
• Share your résumé​/Brag sheet

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• Communication is key:
• Distinguish yourself ​
• Counselors use the brag sheet to help with writing recommendation​
• You may have to provide the email address of your recommender so they can receive the email to complete it.​
• Make sure you have the correct email address!

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Transcripts Request Process

Out of State Schools (non-Common App), Scholarships and Unofficial Transcripts

1. Go to: www.wcpss.net/transcripts

2. Follow the prompts 

3. The first three requests for out-of-state colleges/universities or scholarship organizations are free. There is a $5 fee for each request after the first three. 

NCAA Clearinghouse

Athletes must ensure they are registered for the NCAA Clearinghouse. Final transcripts will be electronically uploaded to the NCAA Clearinghouse system at the end of the 2025-2026 school year.

Transcripts Request Process

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In-state Schools (non-Common App/Coalition)

• College Foundation of North Carolina
• www.cfnc.org

Common App/ Coalition Schools

• Counselor will upload when completing the School Report
• Students DO NOT need to wait for the Counselor Recommendation to submit
• Weighted GPA scale 5.0; Unweighted GPA scale 4.0

Common App is the preferred method of application

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Unofficial Transcript Distribution

• Senior Transcripts
• Courses, GPA, Rank
• Date: late September 

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Mid Year Graduates

• Students that graduate mid-year may participate in the June graduation ceremony with the class.
• Upon graduation, the student will no longer be enrolled in the Wake County Public School System.
• After graduation, the student will not participate in any extracurricular activities, including athletics, school dances, the prom, plays, clubs, senior activities, etc.
• After graduation, the student will not be able to access any of the benefits available to students who are enrolled including bus transportation, lunch program, special education and student services.
• After graduation, the student will not be allowed on campus unless registered as a visitor under the conditions applied to visitors.
• Student and Parent/Guardian will contact the colleges/universities of application and determine that early/mid-year graduation will not affect admission either in the spring or fall semester.

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Student and parent/guardian are aware that early/mid-year graduation will occur after many community college and colleges/universities begin their spring semester

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MID year Graduates

• Graduation is Scheduled for June 16, 2026 AT 4 pm
• Mid Year Graduates who plan to attend college in the Spring of 2026 Or Starting in January of 2026 will need to submit a copy of their acceptance letter to the Dean of Students, Ms. Telfair by December 1,2025.This is needed so that they will be able to take their exams early

***Mid year graduates going to college in the Spring will have a graduation date of december 20th.

Other Graduates will have a graduation date of January 27, 2026

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Residency Determination Service (RDS)

• For more information visit:​

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

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• To be eligible for in-state tuition, state grants, and certain financial aid, you must show that you are a resident of North Carolina. Go to www.ncresidency.org to complete your residency determination, also known as RDS. This is important regardless of what college or university you may attend in North Carolina. You will use the same username and password for www.ncresidency.org and www.CFNC.org.

NC Countdown to College

CFNC College Application Week October 20tH-26th

• North Carolina’s annual campaign to support college access occurs during the month of October. Activities during the month support high school seniors in completing three important college enrollment steps: residency, FAFSA, and applications.
• https://www.cfnc.org/apply-to-college/nc-countdown-to-college/

NC college connect

• If you are a senior with a 2.8 Weighted GPA or above, you should have received a letter.you can also log into your cfnc account to see the schools you were admitted to!
• You must go into cfnc and accept your admission, this is not binding but saving your spot!
• questions? find answers here: https://www.cfnc.org/nc-college-connect

NC College Connect Participating Universities

Participating UNC System institutions: 

• Appalachian State University
• East Carolina University
• Elizabeth City State University
• Fayetteville State University
• North Carolina Central University
• University of North Carolina Asheville
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• University of North Carolina at Greensboro
• University of North Carolina at Pembroke
• Western Carolina University
• Winston-Salem State University

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Participating North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities:

• Barton College
• Belmont Abbey College*
• Bennett College*
• Brevard College
• Campbell University
• Catawba College
• Chowan University
• Gardner-Webb University*
• Greensboro College
• Guilford College*
• Johnson C. Smith University*
• Lees-McRae College
• Lenoir-Rhyne University*
• Livingstone College
• Louisburg College
• Mars Hill University*
• Meredith College*
• Methodist University
• Mid-Atlantic Christian University
• Montreat College
• North Carolina Wesleyan University
• Pfeiffer University
• Saint Augustine’s University
• Salem College*

• Shaw University
• University of Mount Olive
• Warren Wilson College
• William Peace University
• Wingate University*

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*These colleges and universities have additional requirements for a student to qualify for direct admission. These requirements will be noted in each institution’s NC College Connect form.

North Carolina Community College System (all 58 colleges)* 

While You Are Waiting…

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• Focus on grades and test scores
• Colleges will review mid-year and final grades
• Colleges will take highest SAT/ACT
• Apply for SCHOLARSHIPS
• Applications are detailed and may require essays

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Scholarship Research

• Check the PCHS Scholarship Bulletin regularly
• Scholarship Plus
• College Foundation of North Carolina
• Register online at Fastweb for a free national scholarship search
• Check college websites
• Contact employer, church and community organizations

Additional Scholarship Resources

• https://www.fastweb.com/
• https://www.scholarshipplus.com/wake/
• https://trianglecf.org/students/scholarships-awards/
• https://www.nccommunityfoundation.org/scholarships?nc-counties=wake
• https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1fqJ8_P_RUUiY4ICdWggHMtOjsbW1cZNM/edit#slide=id.p1
• https://www.cfnc.org/pay-for-college/scholarship-search/
• https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/get-help-paying-for-college/scholarships-grants-institutional-aid
• https://www.scholarships.com/
• https://www.salliemae.com/scholarships/
• https://www.greatvaluecolleges.net/best-scholarship-websites/

Beware of Scholarship Frauds

• Application fee for scholarships
• Small “processing” fee for applications
• Scholarship lotteries
• Guaranteed scholarship money
• Paid services with unique information
• Free seminars with high-pressure sales
• “You need this service to be successful”
• “You are a bad parent if you don’t do this”

Financial Aid Process

• Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive any aid
• FAFSA 
• Opens October 1
• Need-based: Grants, Work-study, Loans
• Non-need-based: Scholarships, Loans
• Check the priority deadline at each college
• Check with each college for institutional forms such as the CSS PROFILE
• https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/

Financial Aid Advisor

Ms. Pam Savage

Contact me for assistance with:

• Completing the FAFSA
• General Financial Aid Questions
• Complicated NC Residency cases
• Understanding Financial Aid Awards

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psavage@wcpss.net

(919) 476-8656

At PCHS on Mondays 7:45-12:45�

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NACAC VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIR�

• Sunday, September 14th
• Sunday, October 19th
• Sunday, November 9TH

Be sure to register ahead of time

https://www.nacacnet.org/nacac-college-fairs/

�If you register and cancel after 11/15 for a fall exam or 3/15 for a spring exam – you will be required to pay a $40 cancellation fee.��If you register and do not show up for your exam, you will be required to pay a $40 unused exam fee.

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Stay in the loop:

Competitive Scholarship Presentation: Wednesday, September 17th A/B lunch in 2613��Student ServicES Website:

https://www.wcpss.net/domain/11466 �

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