Irmo HIGH SCHOOL THE NEXT STEP TOWARD SUCCESS - Lexington-Richland School District 5
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Irmo HIGH
SCHOOL
THE NEXT STEP TOWARD
SUCCESS
School Counseling Department
Irmo High School
2021-2022
1
Table of Contents
SC High School Diploma/College Admissions Requirements 3
SC Diploma Seals Endorsement Criteria 4
District Five Extended Studies Diploma 5
SC College and Career Readiness Indicators 6
Post- Graduation Plans 7
SC Institutions of Higher Education 8
The College Application Process 9
National College Search Resources 10
Parchment 10
SAT & ACT 11
Accuplacer 12
ASVAB 12
WIN 13
Scholarships and Financial Aid 14-17
NCAA Eligibility 18
Career Development 19-20
*The information contained in this document is subject to change
and will be updated as information is received.
2
The School Counseling Department has produced this booklet as a guide for
students and parents. Please feel free to contact us at 803-476-3005 with any
questions you may have.
Students are assigned to School Counselors by last name
Dorothya Nero
Director of School Counseling, A-B
dnero@lexrich5.org
803-476-3034
Cherise Jacobs
School Counselor, C-Gr
cjacobs@lexrich5.org
803-476-3042
Cherisha Floyd
School Counselor, Gu-L
Cfloyd@lexrich5.org
803-476-3033
Britta Ashman
School Counselor, M-Sa
BAshman@lexrich5.org
803-476-3036
Ruschell Pearson
School Counselor, Sc-Z
Rpearson@lexrich5.org
803-476-3035
School Counseling Support
Jennifer Gallagher Office Assistant 803-476-3005 Jgallagher@lexrich5.org
Jennifer Etheredge Career Specialist 803-476-3057 Jetheredgelexrich5.org
Jo-Ana Hammond Mental Health 803-476-3098 Jhammon@lexrich5.org
Michelle McCoy Registrar 803-476-3047 MMcoy@lexrich5.org3
SC High School Diploma/College Admissions Requirements
Requirements for earning a South Carolina High School Diploma (Grades 9-12). The student must earn a total
of twenty-four (24) units of credit as follows:
Graduation Requirements for Prerequisites for Direct Enrollment in
SC High School Diploma a SC 4-Year College or University
Students and parents must ensure that courses Students who plan to enter a 4-year college immediately after
selected each year allow students to earn the graduation should check the school’s specific entrance requirements.
following minimum credits for a SC Diploma: These will fulfill requirements for SC public colleges and universities:
Subject Units Required Subject Units Required
English/Language Arts 4 credits English/Language Arts 4 credits
Mathematics* 4 credits Mathematics* 4 credits (Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, plus one higher level
math)
Science 3 credits Science 3 credits (2 units from 2 different fields selected from biology,
chemistry, earth science, and physics. The third unit must come
from same fields or any lab science that requires biology or
chemistry as a prerequisite)
U.S. History & Constitution 1 credit Social Science 3 credits (1 unit of US History is required; government and
economics are strongly recommended)
Economics .5 credit
U.S. Government .5 credit
Other Social Studies 1 credit
Physical Education or 1 credit PE or JROTC 1 credit
JROTC
World Language or Career and 1 credit World Language 2 credits in the same foreign language (some colleges may
Technology Education require 3 credits)
Fine Arts 1 credit
Computer Science 1 credit Electives At least 1 unit (a college preparatory course in computer science
is strongly recommended; other electives may include additional
English, math, science, social science, world language, or fine arts
Electives 7 credits classes)
TOTAL 24 credits
Students planning to go to a 4-year college or university should take the American College
Testing Assessment (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). These test scores are used as
one indicator of a student ‘s potential to do college work.4
South Carolina Diploma Pathways
Beginning with the freshman class of 2018-2019 students enrolled in SC high schools shall have the opportunity to
earn graduation Seals of Distinction within each high school diploma pathway that identifies a particular area of
focus. Students may earn one or more Seals of Distinction. Students are not required to earn a Seal of Distinction
in order to receive a diploma.
Honors College-Ready Career Specialized
Deal of Distinction Seal of Distinction Seal of Distinction Seal of Distinction
(Complete one area to qualify)
GPA 3.5 or higher GPA 3.0 or higher GPA 2.5 or higher
GPA 3.0 or higher (all areas)
English Or English
4.0 credits ACT (Composite) = 20 4.0 Credits STEM
4.0 credits beyond required
2.0 credits at honors or Or Math courses in math, science, and
higher level 4.0 Credits technology; at least 2 at
SAT = 1020 (combined honors level or higher; may
Math math and evidenced- Science be in 1 area of STEM or
4.0 credits based reading/writing 3.0 Credits across 4 areas
scores)
3.0 at honors or higher Social Studies World Language
level English 3.0 Credits 4.0 credits in the same
(Alg. 2 as a prerequisite 4.0 Credits language and/or minimum
for the 4th higher level And ACTFL Exam score of
credit) Math “Intermediate Low”
4.0 Credits Completion of an EEDA Or
Lab Science major *AP exam score- 3 or higher
3.0 credits Alg. 1, Geometry, Or
Alg.2 and 4th Math And one of the following: *IB exam score- 4 or higher
2.0 credits at honors with Alg.2 or *must before the senior year
level or higher Integrated Math 3 as a o Earn at least 1 Or
prerequisite industry Limited English Proficiency
World Language recognized students – all criteria above
Lab Science credential and Level 5 composite
*2 Credits of the same 3.0 Credits ACCESS test score
language for class of OR
18-19 9th graders Social Studies Military
3.0 Credits o Silver or higher on 4.0 credits in JROTC; and an
*3 Credits of the same WIN ASVAB score of 31 or higher
language for entering World Language
9th graders 19-20 and 2.0 Credits of the same OR Arts
beyond language 4.0 credits in single or
o A semester-long multiple areas of the Arts; 2
Advanced Fine Arts WBL placement or more at Honors or higher
Coursework 1.0 Credit credit. level; Mastery on external
4 credits of honors or exam or performance task
higher in Jr/Sr years5
School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties
Extended Studies Diploma
To be eligible to receive a School District Five Extended Studies Diploma, a student must earn
28 units of credit and perform 10 hours of community service work each year. Students are
responsible for annually verifying community service. Verification forms are available in the
School Counseling Office and should be submitted annually to the appropriate counselor by May
1st during the 9th, 10th, and 11th grade years, and by February 1st during the senior year.
Competitive colleges look for students who have gone above and beyond the minimum
requirements. While an Extended Studies Diploma is a local award and does not guarantee
college admission, the higher-level courses and the extent of commitment required will certainly
enhance a student’s profile when applying to college.
Extended Studies Diploma Academic Requirements
English Language Arts 4.0
Math (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2) 4.0
Lab Science 4.0
U.S. History & Constitution 1.0
Economics 0.50
U.S. Government 2.0
Elective Social Studies 1.0
World Language (same Language) 3.0
Physical Education or JROTC or Marching Band 1.0
Computer Science 1.0
CTE or Visual or Performing Arts 1.0
Electives 6.0
Community Service Requirement
The requirement of community service may be met in a variety of ways. Community service projects will take
place at times other than during the school day. Examples of typical community service projects include but
are not limited to activities as the following:
Extended Studies Community Service Verification Form
• Working with community groups to build homes through such groups as Habitat for Humanity
• Volunteering with such groups as Red Cross
• Helping with environmental issues such as Adopt-a- Highway or Keep America Beautiful
• Raising funds to support a community group in such events as Multiple Sclerosis
• Working with Special Olympics
• Other similar community service projects as approved by the principal or his/her designee6
South Carolina College and Career Readiness Indicators
South Carolina recognizes the value of college and career readiness to achieve the Profile of the South
Carolina Graduate. Students have multiple pathways to college and careers based upon their individual
goals. Students should demonstrate they are “ready” for the next level (i.e. two-year college, four-year
college or careers) by meeting any one of the measures used by the state and by not requiring
remediation or significant on the job training to enter their post-secondary choice. In South Carolina, a
student is considered college and career ready by meeting at least one or all of the marks listed below.7
Post-Graduation Destinations
Destination: Work or Military
Work: Students should strive to secure a work site towards the end of senior year.
Military: Students should speak with recruiters as early as possible during high
school. Recruiters from different military branches come to IHS during lunch and
are available to talk to students. Students interested in the military may also wish to
take the ASVAB for military-entrance purposes and job identification. For
assistance with military recruitment see the IHS Career Specialist.
Destination: Two-Year College
Transfer vs. Career Programs: Students can attend a two-year college to work
towards a degree in a certain career. Students may also wish to look into the
transfer programs at two-year colleges, which allow students to transfer from a
two-year school to a four-year school after completion of a certain number of
credits.
Entrance Exam: Students going to a two-year school should take the entrance
exam or placement test required by the college. For example, Midlands Technical
College requires Accuplacer. Some programs at two-year colleges may require the
SAT or ACT.
Destination: Four-Year College
Students should check with the four-year colleges that they are interested in for
their specific admissions requirements. Students should also take a college
entrance exam (ACT or SAT).
PLEASE NOTE: Students
should ALWAYS check with
their college of interest to
verify correct freshman
admissions requirements.8
South Carolina Colleges and Universities
2 Year Institutions: Admissions requirements for 2-year colleges vary. Many require a
placement exam. Some 2-year colleges also require the SAT or ACT for certain majors. Please
check with your college of interest for their specific requirements.
Aiken Technical College (Aiken) Spartanburg Community College (Spartanburg)
Central Carolina Technical College (Sumter) Spartanburg Methodist College (Spartanburg)
Clinton Junior College (Rock Hill) Technical College of the Lowcountry (Beaufort)
Denmark Technical College (Denmark) Tri-County Technical College (Pendleton)
Florence-Darlington Technical College (Florence) Trident Technical College (Charleston)
Forrest College (Anderson) University of South Carolina- Lancaster Campus
Greenville Technical College (Greenville) (Lancaster)
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (Conway) University of South Carolina- Salkehatchie Campus
Midlands Technical College (Columbia) (Allendale)
Northeastern Technical College (Cheraw) University of South Carolina- Sumter Campus (Sumter)
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College (Orangeburg) University of South Carolina- Union Campus (Union)
Piedmont Technical College (Greenwood) Williamsburg Technical College (Kingstree)
Remington College (Columbia) York Technical College (Rock Hill)
4 Year Institutions: On page 4 are the requirements for admissions for 4-year public universities in
South Carolina. If you are interested in a private university, please check with them for their
requirements.
Allen University (Columbia)
American College of the Building Arts (Charleston) Limestone College (Gaffney)
Anderson University (Anderson) Morris College (Sumter)
Art Institute of Charleston (Charleston) Newberry College (Newberry)
Benedict College (Columbia) North Greenville University (Tigerville)
Bob Jones University (Greenville) Presbyterian College (Clinton)
Charleston Southern University (Charleston) South Carolina State University (Orangeburg)
The Citadel (Charleston) Southern Methodist College (Orangeburg)
Claflin University (Orangeburg) Southern Wesleyan University (Central)
Clemson University (Clemson) University of South Carolina- Columbia Campus
Coastal Carolina University (Conway) (Columbia)
Coker College (Hartsville) University of South Carolina- Aiken Campus (Aiken)
College of Charleston (Charleston) University of South Carolina- Beaufort Campus
Columbia College (Columbia) (Beaufort)
Columbia International University (Columbia) University of South Carolina- Upstate Campus
Converse College (Spartanburg) (Spartanburg)
Erskine College (Due West) Voorhees College (Denmark)
Furman University (Greenville) Winthrop University (Rock Hill)
Lander University (Greenwood) Wofford University (Spartanburg9
The College Application Process
1.GET AN APPLICATION: Most college applications can ne accessed online. Student’s can simply go to the
colleges website and fill out the online application. Some applications require payment of an application fee.
2. APPLY: Students should read and follow all direction and fill out the application thoroughly. If using a paper
application, be sure to write neat and legibly.
3. COUNSELOR FORM: Some colleges include a form that must be completed by the school counselor. Print this
form and bring it to your school counselor as soon as possible.
4. RECCOMENDATION LETTER: Colleges often require recommendations. This can be either a letter or may
be a certain form that the college has within the application that is sent to the recommender via a secure link. Be sure
to give the writer of any recommendation plenty of time to complete the letter or form. It is recommended that you
provide the writer a copy of your resume or an activity sheet listing your activities, awards, and accomplishments,
etc.
5. TRANSCRIPT: After completing the application, students are required to request their high school transcript
through www.Parchment.com to be sent to each college they are applying to.
6. ACT/SAT SCORES: Colleges require that students have test scores sent directly from ACT or Collegeboard
(SAT). Students can also indicate which colleges they would like for their scores to be sent to when they register to
take the test.
College Admission Types
Regular Decision Early Decision Early Action
Deadlines are normally later than Usually a BINDING decision Gives the opportunity for students
early decision • For those students who will apply who want to apply early, but do not
• Some colleges wait until April to to a college that is their FIRST choice want the commitment
inform students of a decision • Suggested by the name, most • NOT BINDING
• Many colleges work on rolling deadlines for early decision are • Good for students who might want
admission, which means that EARLY—many colleges between the to factor in all financial aid packages
students can apply regular decision end of October to the beginning of before making a decision
anytime during his/her senior year December • Be careful, not all colleges offer
• Decisions by colleges are normally early action
made by December10
National College Search Engines and Resources
Big Future, Comprehensive college search engine.
Campus Tours, Links to virtual tours, video clips, and other material.
College Quest, Search for colleges by interest, size, location.
College Net, Search for colleges, scholarships, financial aid; electronic applications; virtual
bookstore.
College Navigator, Search for information on college, financial aid and other college application
information. Provided by the National Center for Education Statistics.
CollegeWeek Live, Virtual college fairs.
College View, College searches and information about college life.
National Association of College Admissions Counseling, Information about admission policies
and procedures. This information is provided by the Association of College Admissions and
Counseling Professionals.
Peterson's, College searches, information on majors, careers, financial aid and preparation for
college.
Parchment
Irmo High School has partnered with Parchment to provide secure online transcript ordering
available 24/7. If you would like your transcript sent to any university, college, military branch
or employer please complete the request through Parchment. Creating an account only takes a
few steps. It is recommended that you use a personal email, not your school email when
creating your account. Be sure to choose Irmo High School as the high school that you attend.
Transcript request for current students are free.
www.Parchment.com
The following video will assist you with the ordering process
How to Order Transcripts11
Post-Secondary Testing
Both ACT and SAT scores are used for 4-year college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based
scholarships. Most colleges do not prefer one test over the other. Some health career programs at 2-year
colleges also require the SAT or ACT for specific program admissions.
SAT Test Dates (2021-2022)
Test Date Registration Deadline Late Deadline Online Score Release
August 28, 2021 July 30, 2021 August 17, 2021 September 20, 2021
October 2, 2021 September 3, 2021 September 21, 2021 October 15, 2021
November 6, 2021 October 6, 2021 October 26, 2021 November 19, 2021
December 4, 2021 November 4, 2021 November 23, 2021 December 17, 2021
March 12, 2022 February 11, 2022 March 1, 2022 March 25, 2022
May 7, 2022 April 7, 2022 April 26, 2022 May 20, 2022
June 4, 2022 May 5, 2022 May 25, 2022 July 13, 2022
ACT Test Dates (2021-2022)
Test Date Registration Deadline Late Fee Required Online Score Release
Sept. 11, 2021 August 6, 2021 August 20,2021 September 22, 2021
October 23, 2021 September 17, 2021 October 1, 2021 November 9, 2021
December 11, 2021 November 5, 2021 November 19, 2021 December 21, 2021
February 12, 2022 January 7, 2022 January 21, 2022 February 25, 2022
April 2, 2022 February 25, 2022 March 11, 2022 April 12, 2022
June 11, 2022 May 6, 2022 May 20, 2022 June 21, 2022
July, 16, 2022 June 17, 2022 June 24, 2022 July 26, 2022
Dates are subject to change. Visit www.SAT.org/register or www.ACT.org for the most up to date
information and to register.
All TEST DATES & SCORE RELEASE DATES ARE ANTICIPATED12
The Accuplacer test is required for admissions to all 2-year Technical Colleges in the state of
South Carolina. This test is administered by Midlands Technical College within their Testing
Services Department. For information on MTC Testing Service, hours of operations and
Accuplacer registration visit https://www.midlandstech.edu/admissions/testing-services
Irmo High School partners with Midlands Technical College to offer Accuplacer on the Irmo
High School campus throughout the year. For more information on Accuplacer test dates at HIS
please contact Ms. Rice, Career Specialist.
For more information about the Accuplacer, and to access test preparation materials, please
visit https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org.
The ASVAB is a timed multi-aptitude test, which is given at over 14,000 schools and Military
Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) nationwide and is developed and maintained by the
Department of Defense. The ASVAB is a multi-aptitude test battery. It helps you identify your
different skills and competencies. It measures potential to learn and perform in certain career
areas. ALL students interested in joining a branch of the military after graduation.
For more information on the ASVAB visit:
https://www.asvabprogram.com/
Taking the ASVAB does not commit you to join the military.13
WIN Assessments
This test is administered to third year high school students in South Carolina
Ready to Work Assessments
Ready to Work is a workforce education and development tool, comprised of three
proctored assessments, Applied Mathematics, Reading for Information, and Locating
Information, leading to a work ready credential. It brings employ- ers, learners/job-
seekers, and education/workforce partners together in building a skilled workforce,
while keeping and attracting businesses with higher-wage jobs and national economic
growth.
More than 20 years of prevailing career readiness skills research consistently identifies mastery
of core communication, reasoning, and problem-solving skills as required or highly
recommended for most jobs across occupations and industries. The research further defines the
standards for those core skills in terms of applied workplace math, workplace reading, and use of
charts, graphs and similar workplace information. These are the standards that are the basis for
the proctored assessments and earning the Ready to Work Credential.
What skills do the assessments measure?
Applied Mathematics - Measures workplace mathematical reasoning and problem-
solving skills from basic addition, subtraction, and multiplication and division to multiple
math functions like calculating percentage discounts.
Reading for Information - Measures reading comprehension and reasoning skills
when using written text on the job including memos, letters, directions, signs, notices,
bulletins, policies and regulations.
Locating Information - Measures comprehension and application of workplace graphics
such as charts, graphs, tables, forms, flowcharts, diagrams, floor plans, maps and
instrument gauges.
WIN Essential Soft Skills- The assessment is composed of questions measuring entry-
level work tasks and behaviors, including cooperate with others, re- solve conflict and
negotiate, solve problems and make decisions, observe critically, and take responsibility
for learning.
• Applied Mathematics - 55 min.
• Reading for Information - 55
min. Locating Information - 55
min.
• Essential Soft Skills -60 min.14
Scholarships & Financial Aid
State of South Carolina Scholarships
More info available at www.che.sc.gov
Palmetto Fellows Scholarship
To qualify, a student must meet one of the two academic requirements:
1. Score 1200 on the SAT or a 27 on the ACT; and earn a 3.5 GPA at the end of junior year and rank in
the top 6% of the class at the end of either the sophomore or junior year; or
2. Score at least 1400 on the SAT (32 on the ACT); 4.0 GPA at the end of the senior year.
Students attending a four-year college receive up to $6,700 for the freshmen year and up to $7,500 for
their sophomore, junior and senior years. For Enhancement eligibility, Palmetto Fellows must declare a
major in an approved math or science program. Eligible students may receive up to $10,000 (combined
funds from the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship and the Scholarship Enhancement) per year beginning with
their second/sophomore year of college enrollment.
Life Scholarship
To qualify, a student must meet two of the following three criteria for four-year colleges:
1. Graduate from high school with a 3.0 cumulative GPA on the Uniform Grading Scale calculated after
the eighth semester.
2. Receive a score of 1100 on the SAT (24 on the ACT).
3. Rank in the top 30% of the class.
To qualify, a student must meet the following criteria for two-year colleges:
1. Graduate from high school with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA on the Uniform Grading Scale.
There is no application process. The college will notify the student if he/she is eligible for the Life
Scholarship. Students attending a four-year college will receive $4.700 plus a $300 book allowance.
Students attending a two-year college or technical college will receive the cost of tuition plus a $300 book
allowance. For Enhancement eligibility, Life Scholarship recipients must declare a major in an approved
math or science program. Eligible students may receive up to $7,500 (combined funds from the Life
Scholarship and Scholarship Enhancement) per year beginning with their second/sophomore year of
college enrollment.
Hope Scholarship
Students attending a four-year college but who do not meet the eligibility requirements for the Life
Scholarship. Hope is $2,500 plus a $300 book allowance.
Lottery Tuition Assistance
Students who do not meet the eligibility requirements for the Life, Hope, or Palmetto Fellows
Scholarships may qualify for a portion of the tuition. Students must fill out the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).15
Useful Scholarship and Financial Aid Resources
Irmo High School Scholarship & Financial Aid Directory
The scholarship list will be updated throughout the year as new scholarships become available.
Please carefully check the scholarship eligibility requirements and the deadlines! When
applicable, paper copies of applications will be available in the School Counseling Office. We
hope you will find these lists to be a valuable resource in your search for scholarship money!
Students are encouraged to look for the link “Financial Aid and Scholarships” for each college
you will apply for admission. That site will tell you what your college of interest has to offer in
scholarships.
Some scholarship applications require an official transcript be included in the application
packet. You would need to contact your school counselor to have one prepared in a sealed
envelope. Please consider your deadline when making the request. Parchment can be used
if the scholarship will accept an electronic official copy of the transcript.16
Scholarship Application Submission Tips
Throughout the year, the Irmo High School Counseling Department receives information
on various scholarships. Listed below are the steps for how to apply for scholarships.
1) GET AN APPLICATION: Students can apply for some scholarships using online
applications. Other scholarships have paper applications; which students can pick up from the
School Counseling Department. Students should carefully read the eligibility requirements for
these scholarships to see if they qualify.
2) COMPLETE THE APPLICATION: Be sure to fill the application out completely. Don’t
wait until the last minute!
3) TURN IN THE APPLICATION: Students must turn applications in by the date listed for the
student to be considered for the scholarship. Students should also be aware of deadlines for
online applications.
4) TRANSCRIPTS/TEST SCORES: Many scholarships require a transcript and/or scores from
the ACT/SAT to be attached. If students turn the scholarship into the Counseling Office, we will
attach the transcript and/or scores for them. If students fill an application out online or send it
themselves, they will need to request a copy of their transcript and/or test scores from the
Counseling Department as outlined in the application. This must be done before the deadline.
5) RECOGNITION: At the end of senior year, there are times where students will be
recognized for receiving scholarships. Students must let the Counseling Department know what
scholarships they have received in order to be recognized at those times. In the spring of the
senior year students complete the Scholarship Award Reporting google form. All scholarships
awarded must be submitted via this form to ensure students are recognized for them in the
graduation program. This form is available on the school counseling website.17
Financial Aid 101
The financial aid process can seem daunting, but the truth is that it is probably not as difficult as
one might think. Knowing the lingo and the forms is half the battle.
FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid
• The form used to apply for financial aid from the U.S. Government, including both
grants and loans. (FAFSA)
• ALL COLLEGES require this form if applying for financial aid.
• Parents can fill out the FAFSA form beginning in October
• ALL students should fill out the FAFSA.
• The form can be filled out with estimates before taxes are complete and updated after
tax returns are filed.
• The best complete estimate of financial need comes from a completed tax return.
• Assistance and online application @ www.fafsa.ed.gov
• 1-800-4FEDAID (1-800-433-3243) for assistance
FSA ID:
An FSA ID is comprised of a username and password and can be used to login to certain Federal Student
Aid websites, such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The security of your FSA
ID is important. Your FSA ID can be used to electronically sign Federal Student Aid documents.
If you are a parent and need to electronically sign your child’s FAFSA, you need your own
FSA ID. If you have more than one child attending college, you can use the same FSA ID to
sign their applications.
SAR: Student Aid Report
• The report generated from filling out FAFSA
• Official document colleges use to determine eligibility for federal student aid
• Report will be sent to student—needs to be reviewed for any corrections before
being sent to a college—follow directions on SAR for any corrections needed
EFC: Expected Family Contribution
• A measure of your family’s financial strength.
• Represents amount of money the federal government believes your family can contribute
toward one academic year of college.
• This number will be on your SAR.
Financial Aid Package
• Amount of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study a college offers you to help you pay for
college costs
• Will be offered in the form of an awards letter, which if accepted, must be signed
and sent back to the college—be sure to make a copy before sending it back
Financial Aid Award Letter
• List of all the aid from multiple sources that you are
eligible to receive through your prospective college.
• You are not required to accept every type of aid found in the letter. You can
turn down loans.
• BUT turning down loans will not increase the amount of grants and/or
scholarships you may receive18
NCAA Eligibility Information
If a student is planning to participate in a sport at the college level for a Division I or Division II
school, he or she MUST register with the NCAA Eligibility Center online at:
Student athletes should apply to the NCAA at the beginning of their junior year.
1. To apply, go to www.eligibilitycenter.org
2. Click on prospective student athlete and complete the online application.
3. When taking the SAT or ACT, students should use the NCAA Eligibility Center’s code
of 9999. Scores must be sent directly to the NCAA using this process.
4. Students will also need to submit a request through www.Parchment.com via the school
counseling website in order for their transcript to be sent to the NCAA Eligibility Center.
5. There is a $90 application fee. If you have received a fee waiver for the SAT
or ACT test, you can request a fee waiver for the NCAA.
NOTE ABOUT FEE WAIVER: If you complete the Web Student Release Form and
check you are eligible for a fee waiver, your high school counselor MUST submit and
electronic fee waiver confirmation for you. (NOTE: If you are applying for an Eligibility
Center fee waiver, your forms will remain unprocessed until an executed waiver is
received from you high school counselor.)
NCAA Guide for College-Bound Student-Athletes
The NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete is a compressive guide to the initial
eligibility process. The 2020-2021 version of this document is available here .19
Irmo High School Career Development
Jennifer Etheredge, Career Specialist
Room 106
The Irmo High School Career Center is located in room 106.
Mrs. Etheredge, Career Specialist, provides the following services:
Career Exploration
• Assists with career awareness & IGPs
• Organize career events
• Career screenings/personality screenings
• Information on career exploration
• Interview skills
• Resume’ writing
• Career related field studies
• College and Career Readiness
• Coordinates Job Shadowing
College Exploration
• Meetings with college representatives
• College information and advice
• Scholarship search assistance
• College campus trips
• Financial aid workshops
What is Career Exploration?
Career exploration is an opportunity to explore your natural interests, what you like
to do, what comes easy for you to do, skills, etc. Students will explore careers
through a variety of activities including interest assessments, career lessons, job
shadowing, Career Day, speakers, field trip opportunities and more.
The more you can learn about yourself and the world of work, the more likely
you’ll be able to identify careers that will bring you satisfaction.20
District Five Curriculum Framework
School District Five Curriculum Frameworks include Schools of Study, Clusters of Study, and
Majors. District Five offers four schools of study: School of Fine Arts and Humanities; School of
Business Management and Information Systems; School of Engineering, Manufacturing, and
Industrial Technology; School of Health Science and Human and Public Services. The purpose
of choosing a Career Cluster in the 8th grade and a Career Major in the 9th or 10th grade for the
Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) is to promote students’ awareness and exploration of career
opportunities related to the various career clusters and majors and to focus on elective credits.
Individual Graduation Plan (IGP)
An IGP consists of the state high school graduation requirements and/or college entrance
requirements with course recommendations for successful completion of a major that
aligns to post-secondary education and the workplace. An IGP is designed to assist
students and their parents in exploring educational and professional possibilities and in
making appropriate secondary and post-secondary decisions. The IGP is part of the career
planner. It builds on coursework, assessments, and counseling. Students are never locked
into a specific cluster or major and may change majors if their professional interests
change. Students can use the curriculum framework, with its clusters of study and majors
and career assessment information in making these decisions. IGP meetings are held each
year with parents and students.
Career Exploration Sites
Occupational Handbook
The Occupational Handbook can help you find career information on duties, education and
training, pay, and outlook for hundreds of occupations.
Career Explorations
Offers career guides that provides career seekers with in-depth data and information curated by
experts in their fields.
Career Videos
Career One-Stop offers career videos organized into 16 clusters related to the career.
College and Career Planning
Education planner, provides practical advice so that you can find the career and educational path
that’s right for you.
How to choose a Major
• What is a college major and why choosing the right one is important.
• How to choose a major that is right for you and your future career path.
• How to figure out what you want to major in during your university studies.You can also read
