Begin with the end in mind!
~ Stephen Covey
9
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10
11
12
College & Career
What’s important in high school?
Make Good Grades!
◦ Transcript
◦ GPA – Current GPA VS Cumulative GPA
◦ Class Rank
Get Involved!
◦ Clubs
◦ Sports
◦ Work
Be proactive!
◦ Seek help! Don’t fall behind and get overwhelmed.
Sophomore Promotion Requirements
In order to be promoted from 9th to 10th grade,
students must pass 6 total credits.
• English
• Math
• Other Courses
TOTAL CREDITS
1
1
4
6
Fort Mill Graduation Requirements
 4 English
 4 Math
 3 Science
 U.S. History
 Government/Economics
 Other Social Studies
 PE or ROTC
 Computer Science
 Career Tech or Foreign Language
 High School 101 (or completion of year long ROTC)
 6 Electives
______________________________________________
= Total 24 credits (minimum)
Minimum Diploma Requirements
College Admission!
DIPLOMA OF DISTINCTION
FMSD DIPLOMA OF DISTINCTION
4 units of English
4 units of Math
4 units of Science
4 units of Social Studies
High School 101
11 other units
______________________________________
28 TOTAL UNITS
3.5 GPA Minimum
(changed from 3.0 GPA)
College Admission Requirements
• 4 Year Colleges
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GPA , Class Rank
Test Scores (SAT / ACT)
Extracurricular Activities
Level of courses (rigorous)
3 Lab Sciences (above Physical Science)
Foreign Language (2-3 credits)
Fine Arts (1 credit)
Technical College Admission
 Must have high school diploma or GED
 Take placement test (COMPASS)
 Opportunity to earn associate degrees,
certificates, or transfer to a 4-year college
Bridge Programs to 4-year colleges
GPA – Grade Point Average
• Consistent performance is key!
• Grades should reflect ability.
• All grades count in GPA.
– SC Uniform Grading Scale
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Weighted scale
For SC schools only
Used by SC colleges for admission
Determines qualification for State Lottery Scholarships
(Hope, LIFE, and Palmetto Fellows)
SC Uniform Grading Scale
Unweighted GPA
• Unweighted GPA – also known as “4.0 Scale”
A
93 – 100 4.0 GPA
B
85 – 92
3.0 GPA
C
77 – 84
2.0 GPA
D
70 – 76
1.0 GPA
F
0 – 69
0.0 GPA
o Mostly used by out-of-state colleges
*Colleges can refigure GPA using their own system.
Scholarships / Financial Aid
• FEDERAL
– Complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal
Student Aid) during Senior year.
• STATE
– Lottery Scholarships (Hope, Life, Palmetto Fellows)
• OTHER
– Check Fort Mill Guidance Webpage
Test Preparation
• Take the PSAT in the 10th and 11th grades.
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Sophomore – practice test
Junior – National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
Provides experience in taking a timed test
Shows a snap shot at potential performance on the SAT
• The best way to improve critical reading and
writing skills is to do both and do them often.
• Take a rigorous course load and perform well
in those courses.
Test Preparation
• There is no substitute for personal initiative in
the learning process.
Students who take shortcuts by not completing
homework, not completing reading or writing
assignments, or who don’t study every day are selling
themselves short when it comes to test preparation.
• Take advantage of test preparation materials.
• READ! READ! READ!
Freshmen should…
• Make the most out of their high school experience.
– Take a variety of challenging courses
– Get involved – arts, activities, sports, clubs, etc.
– Keep a list of your honors, awards, and activities
• Explore career choices and majors.
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What are my strengths?
What do I enjoy doing?
What are my goals?
What are my favorite classes, hobbies, activities?
Begin college search based on your interests and majors.
Practice Good Study Habits
• Keep up with your assignments and due dates.
• Review material each night.
– Even if you don’t have “homework”, study!
• Schedule your work and study time.
– Make studying a priority.
• Organize your materials.
• Remember – every grade counts!
– Do your best work on every assignment every day.
High School Major
• What is a high school major?
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Focus interests
A way to explore potential college majors
Clusters and majors are about choices of electives.
With 4x4 block scheduling, FMHS students have the
opportunity to take 32-34 courses. Up to 16 of these
may be considered electives.
• 4 classes = Major
SCHOOLS OF STUDY
• Arts and Humanities
• Business and Information Systems
• Engineering and Integrated Technologies
• Health and Human Services
IGP Planning VS Course Selection
• Individual Graduation Plan
– An IGP meeting is a time for students, parents,
and their Guidance Counselor to help students
focus on their interests, abilities, goals, and
college/career plans. We encourage all of our
parents to attend!
*It is very important that parents hear the
same information that our students hear.*
IGP Planning VS Course Selection
• Course Selection
– The Course Selection process is a time for
students and parents to select specific courses for
the next school year. This process will begin
second semester.
• Individual Graduation Plans should serve as a
guide when planning Course Selection for
high school and beyond.
Course Selection
• Read the FMSD “Program of Studies”
– See courses, descriptions, and prerequisites
• Make Course Selections
– Required courses (Teacher Recommendation required)
– Electives and alternative electives
Fort Mill High School creates the Master Schedule based upon
students’ course selections. These course selections will be the basis
for the employment of teachers and the development of the Master
Schedule. Unless it is our error or students do not meet the
prerequisites, your schedule will not be changed. It is very important
that you chose your courses carefully based upon graduation
requirements and desired electives.
Individual Graduation Plan
English
4 Units
Math
4 Units
9
10
11
12
ENGLISH
ENGLISH
ENGLISH
ENGLISH
MATH
MATH
MATH
MATH
SCIENCE
SCIENCE
SCIENCE
SOCIAL
STUDIES
SOCIAL
STUDIES
SOCIAL STUDIES
SOCIAL STUDIES
(US History)
(Govt & Econ)
Science
3 Units
SCIENCE
(or Elective)
(including Biology)
Social Studies
3 Units
(including US History & Gov’t Econ )
Electives
REQUIRED
RECOMMENDED
- PE or ROTC
- Computer Science
- Foreign Language OR Career Tech
- High School 101 OR Year-Long ROTC
- Fine Arts
- Foreign Language
What’s Next?
• Parents sign up for IGP meeting
– Fort Mill High School Webpage
Choose the Guidance tab
– Flash Appointments
– We will conduct all 9th Grade IGPs in the
R Wing Guidance Office
• Review Program of Studies
– Explore Majors
– Select courses based upon major
• Keep up with grades and attendance!
WE ARE….. FORT MILL!!!