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Presenters and representatives

Tiphany Speck - PHS Administration

Britney Forbis - PHS Senior Class Sponsor

Major Chadrick Richardson - Senior Aerospace Science Instructor

Erica Floyd - PHS Career Development Coordinator

Kimberly Jordan - Rehabilitation Counselor, NC DHHS

Darin Hinson - Career Coach, South Piedmont Community College

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Piedmont High Counseling department

Office Assistant: Emily Thomas

Student Last Names…

A-Con: Penny Breslin
Coo-Hel: Erica Henderson
Hen-Mir: Kelly Whitley
Mit-San: Stacey Butera
Sar-Z: Jan Blumer

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Post-Secondary Options

Community College/Trade School

4-Year College

The Workforce

The Military

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Career Development Coordinator (CDC)

Erica Floyd

erica.floyd@ucps.k12.nc.us

Internship opportunities
Major Clarity

Career pathway options
Post-secondary exploration
Resume builder

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Division of employment & independence

for people with disabilities

(formerly the division of vocational rehabilitation)

Kimberly Jordan - Rehabilitation Counselor, NC DHHS

https://www.ncdhhs.gov/eipd

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Accommodations

If you receive accommodations through an IEP or 504 in high school, you may be eligible for accommodations in college
The accommodations may not be the same as what you received in high school
You will need to contact the Student Support/Disability Services office and provide documentation of your disability
Meet with a specialist to discuss your needs and apply for accommodations
It is important to take these steps before enrolling in courses

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Military options

Different military branches visit throughout the year
ASVAB test

Required for enlistment into the military
Different branches and jobs require different minimum scores
Offered at Piedmont at least once per year

Officer opportunities

See Major Richardson for information on Military Academies or College ROTC programs

Talk to your School Counselor or JROTC instructor for more information on upcoming ASVAB test dates or to set up a meeting with a recruiter

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What Next? (For Military-Bound students)

Meet with Major Richardson
Research different branches

And available career opportunities within each branch
Be aware of all disqualifiers (See Major Richardson for more details)

Study and take the ASVAB
Focus on physical fitness and academics

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So far this year…

Counselors have reviewed transcripts for all seniors
Individual senior meetings have started
College Representatives are visiting during lunches on specified dates
The Senior Panther monthly newsletter has been emailed and advertised via social media
Seniors have been sent an invite to activate their SCOIR account and directions on how to add colleges and recommenders, as well as how to connect Common App + SCOIR

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General

information

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Senior Timeline

Fall

-Apply to colleges

-Complete Residency Determination Service (RDS)

-Retake ACT/SAT if needed

-Make FSA ID

-Complete FAFSA

-Research and apply for national and institutional scholarships

Winter

-Finish college applications

-Take any other placement test, if necessary

-Complete FAFSA verification, if necessary

-Apply for regional, state and local scholarships

Spring

-Hear back from colleges and make decision by May 1

-Send new test scores to schools, if necessary

-Receive and compare financial aid awards

-Apply for local scholarships, receive decisions & report scholarships to schools

-GRADUATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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SCOIR

Every student has an account & can be found on their Student Startup Page

Within their account, students are able to explore colleges, apply to colleges, request letters of recommendation, and sign up for college visits (college reps visit Piedmont)

Students applying to college using Common App, CFNC, or directly through the college’s website can link those applications with their SCOIR account - we will discuss more about this!

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Scoir

Scoir’s college search is a great resource for learning about schools!

You must use Scoir for:

Transcripts
Letters of recommendation
Fee Waivers

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Community college vs. 4-year college

2-year Community College

Students can earn Associate degree
Trade programs available
Can start here and transfer to 4-year college
Not as many options for athletics and social events
Lower tuition rates

4-year College

Students can earn Bachelor’s degree
Students complete general education requirements before focusing on major
More options for athletics and social events
Higher tuition rates

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Applying to a community college

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North Carolina Residency (RDS)

Residency determination is the process by which the state determines whether a student is a North Carolina resident.

In-state residency is required in order to receive reduced tuition prices at public colleges and financial aid from the state.

What do I need to fill it out?:

CFNC account

Parent/guardian(s)’ & Student’s SSN (or ITIN) & Birthdates

Address

State Tax Filing Status

Vehicle registration state and driver’s license #s

ncresidency.org

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To apply to Community College, you must…

Have your Residency Certification Number (RCN)
Complete the application on CFNC’s website (CFNC.org)
List the school on your FAFSA application so they receive your financial aid information
Update your SCOIR account with the school you applied to so your School Counselor can send your transcript
Take a placement test (if needed)
Meet with an Advisor from their Advising Center to register for classes

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Admission Requirements for 4-year Colleges

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Course Requirements

Subject	Average HS	UNC System	Selective College
English	4 Course Units	4 Course Units	4 Course Units
Math	4 Course Units	4 Course Units	4 Course Units
Science	3 Course Units	3 Course Units	3 Course Units
History	4 Course Units	2 Course Units	3 Course Units
Foreign Language	Not Required	Not Required but still encouraged	2+ Course Units (school dependent)
Health/PE	1 Course Unit
Elective	2 Electives from CTE, Arts or World Language 4 Electives from CTE, ROTC, Arts or other subject area	2 additional academic courses from English, Math, Science, Social Studies , World Language or Computer Science	As specified by individual college

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Minimum Admission Requirements

UNC System modified requirements for students entering in 2026
Must have a minimum weighted GPA of 2.5
Students with…

2.5-2.79 weighted GPA must submit a standardized test score of a 17 or higher on the ACT or a 930 or higher on the SAT

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Applying to 4-year colleges

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To apply…

Research school(s) and make a school list in SCOIR

*Make note of deadlines!

Complete the RDS
Complete the FAFSA & include colleges to which you are applying
Start applications on CFNC, CommonApp, and/or school websites
Work on essay(s) if needed
Ask teachers for Letters of Recommendation if needed
Pay application fees or get fee waiver if you qualify

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CFNC.org

The Common Application

Individual College Websites

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SCOIR + Common app integration

https://www.loom.com/share/9c7e0b1c6dfb4d40bca5f71ede93276b?sid=5a619c2e-8029-47b5-92b4-aeb287848ccc

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If you apply through common app:

In Common App you will:

Create your account and complete application
Add your high school and colleges
Complete the FERPA Release Authorization
Request a Fee Waiver or complete Early Decision Agreements (if applicable)
Submit applications

In SCOIR you will:

Connect your Common App account
See your synced Common App colleges in your My Colleges list in SCOIR
Request and assign teacher recommendations*
Add any other colleges you’re applying to using different methods
Mark outcomes once you hear back from applications

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NC College Connect

Simplified way to apply to participating UNC System, NC Independent Colleges & Universities, & NC Community College System schools. Students with a weighted 2.8 GPA or above at the end of their junior year that meet minimum course requirements will qualify.

Letters were sent to eligible students with directions to participate. Application fees apply.
GPA determines the list of schools where students are admitted (listed in portal)
Meeting NC College Connect requirements means meeting course requirements and any additional criteria required by individual institutions, as well as responding to safety questions to show a student meets the institutions’ safety requirements.
No need for a traditional application if accept admission through NC College Connect portal
Qualifying students must maintain their admitted GPA through senior year and maintain NC College Connect course requirements
Students need to add colleges in SCOIR
May submit Letters of Recommendation through SCOIR (this could help with scholarship opportunities)

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College Application Week

Many colleges and universities in North Carolina waive application fees on CFNC.org during this week!

Make sure to complete application steps!

10/20-10/26

https://www.cfnc.org/apply-to-college/nc-countdown-to-college/

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Resume

All students should have a resume
Should be up-to-date and focus on high school activities
If applying to a 4-year university, your resume should be shared with Teachers/Counselor to assist in writing Letters of Recommendation
Resume templates available in Major Clarity (found on Student Start Up page)

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Letters of Recommendation

These will be required for some 4 year colleges

Some schools specify who should be submitting these and will require more than one

Ask a teacher who knows you well and will be able to speak on your strengths, character, and leadership qualities
Students should give recommenders AT LEAST TWO WEEKS to write a letter of recommendation
Letters of Recommendation must be requested, and submitted through SCOIR (please see your counselor for specifics)

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College essays

Function: to tell a memorable story so admissions counselors want to accept YOU
View the essay as an opportunity; it’s one of the few things in the application you have complete control over
Not a 5 paragraph essay
Make the essay personal and unique - not your entire life story or a list of accomplishments
PROOFREAD!
“Optional Essays” are NOT optional
You cannot write it in one day
College Application Essay Support: Media Center 7:45-8:15am

9/25, 9/30, 10/7, 10/9, 10/14

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Admissions Timelines

& Options

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College admissions options

Early Action: Highly selective early application deadline. Students are notified early if they have been accepted but are not committed to attend
Early Decision: Students are notified of status usually by Dec 1, and are required to sign an agreement to accept an offer of admission and must withdraw other applications if accepted under early decision - this is binding!
Regular Admission: Deadlines will vary but most fall in early January with offers of admissions sent out in late March/early April
Rolling Admission: Applications are reviewed as they are received. Students will receive admission decisions within 4-6 weeks.

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Factors for Admission

Most Important

GPA
Rigor of classes
Extracurriculars
Essay

Other Important Factors

ACT / SAT Scores
Letters of Recommendation
Demonstrated Interest

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College admissions decisions

ACCEPTANCE: Congratulations! Look at your financial aid package.

CONDITIONAL ADMITTANCE: Acceptance to the college provided you maintain your academic performance throughout the year. The college can withdraw its offer if your grades fall significantly or if you are involved in an activity that results in disciplinary action by the school or law enforcement.

DENIAL: A final decision by the college to not offer admission.

DEFERMENT: This is a delay of admissions decision. Make sure you update the college on any accomplishments/awards, additional letters of recommendation, and/or grades.

WAITLISTED: This occurs after the regular admissions process is complete. Plan to attend another college and then reconsider if later offered admission. Provide similar information as for Deferment.

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Paying For College

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Types of Aid

Grants (free $$$)

Loans

Work-Study Jobs

Scholarships

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fafsa

Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Opens October 1st
Uses family income to determine a family’s eligibility for financial aid
Includes Pell Grant eligibility
Based on merit and need, schools then offer a financial aid award

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Applying for Aid

Make Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID

Complete 2026-2027 FAFSA

Submit Verification Documents

Unique identifier linked to SSN. Serves as a digital signature. Create at StudentAid.gov.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Uses tax information to determine financial need. Complete at FAFSA.gov. Opens in October.

Some students will be required to submit documentation to verify their FAFSA. This is normal.

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NC Public Universities

In-State Tuition
Generally fewer scholarships
Often affordable because of state and federal aid

Private Schools

No in-state tuition
Often more scholarships
Some have lots of need-based aid

Don’t let the published cost of attendance keep you from applying! Most people do not pay full price for college. You will only know your cost after you get your financial aid award letter.

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Scholarships

You must report ALL scholarship offers to Ms. butera

National

Deadlines typically in early fall.

Very competitive.

Often large awards.

Institutional

Deadlines usually around the early action application deadline.

Lots of available money with a smaller applicant pool.

Local

Deadlines in the spring semester.

Smaller award amounts.

Less competition.

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Piedmont High School website

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Students:

Complete RDS (let us know ASAP if you get out of state)
Create an FSA ID and complete the FAFSA once it opens in October
Make a school list on Scoir
Work on application steps (and apply during CAW if possible!)
Meet with your Counselor

Families:

Help students stay on top of deadlines
Help students access financial/personal info necessary for the RDS and FAFSA (and create an FSA ID if you can!)

Next Steps

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ACT/SAT: Upcoming Test Dates

ACT		SAT
Test Date	Registration Deadline	Test Date	Registration Deadline
Oct. 18, 2025	Sep. 30, 2025* Nov. 7, 2025 Jan. 9, 2026	Oct. 4, 2025	Sept. 19, 2025
Dec. 13, 2025		Nov. 8, 2025	Oct. 24, 2025
Feb. 14, 2026		Dec. 6, 2025	Nov. 21, 2025
Apr 11, 2026	March 6, 2026	March 14, 2026	Feb. 27, 2026

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College Open House Information

Check out the Link below or scan the QR code for updated open house dates and links

https://bit.ly/3XvmHid

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Join the piedmont student resources 25-26

canvas course!

Check out the senior panther newsletter!

https://secure.smore.com/n/9snb

Monthly updates

Sent via Canvas Announcements and posted on social media

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Mark your calendars!

Christian College Fair

September 22, 2025

6-8PM Charlotte Christian School

Union County College Fair:

October 13, 2025

5:30-8PM - Monroe High School Register Here

October 14, 2025

10-11:30AM - Monroe High School

FAFSA Information Session:

October 28, 2025

6:00 pm - PHS Cafeteria

Getting Ready for College:

November 15, 2025

11AM - 12PM - Wingate University Register Here

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Graduation - Class of 2026

Time & Date: June 10, 2026 8am

Location: Piedmont High Stadium

Graduation Items Assembly

- Friday, Sept 19th (2nd Block)

Cap & Gown Ordering

- Wednesday, Sept 24th (lunches)

-items will be delivered to PHS in the Spring

- cap & gown picture date TBA in the Spring

Required Graduation Practice - Friday, June 5th @ 8 am

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