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Counseling Center

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Graduation Requirements

Requirements are subject to change based on NY State Board of Regents approval.

Regents Diploma*

  • English – 4 credits
  • Social Studies – 4 credits
  • Math – 3 credits
  • Science – 3 credits
  • Foreign Language – 1 credit**
  • Art of Music – 1 credit
  • Health and Wellness – 1/2 credit
  • Physical Education – 2 credits
  • Electives – as required
  • Min. credits for graduation – 22
  • EXAMS (passing score of 65 or higher)
    • English Language Arts Regents
    • Global Studies Regents
    • U.S. History Regents
    • Science Regents
    • Algebra Common Core

Advanced Regents Diploma

  • English – 4 credits
  • Social Studies – 4 credits
  • Math – 3 credits
  • Science – 3 credits
  • Foreign Language – 3 credits***
  • Art or Music – 1 credit
  • Health and Wellness – 1/2 credit
  • Physical Education – 2 credits
  • Electives – as required
  • Min. credits for graduation – 22
  • EXAMS (passing grad of 65 or higher)
    • English Language Arts Regents
    • Global Studies Regents
    • U.S. History Regents
    • Two Science Regents
    • Algebra Common Core Regents
    • Geometry Common Core Regents
    • Algebra II/Trigonometry Regents
    • Foreign Language Exam

* – Students with documented learning disabilities who are under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Special Education could earn a local diploma through the use of a “compensatory option.” Contact the Counseling Office or the CSE Office with questions.

** – Students are required to have completed one unit of credit in a language other than English by the end of their freshman year, or pass the NYS Proficiency Exam.

*** – To earn the advanced designation the student must complete one of the following:

  • A language other than English (total of 3 credits)
  • Career and Technical Education (5 credits), plus one credit in a language other than English.
  • The Arts (5 credits), plus 1 credit in a language other than English.

College Admissions Guide

Junior Year

  • Think about your college choice. Talk with your counselor about your options.
  • Use fastweb.com to find money for college.
  • Take the PSAT: consider taking the ACT/SAT in the spring.

Summer after Junior Year

  • Visit college campuses; ask college friends for advise.
  • Request applications and brochures from your top college choices and visit their web sites.
  • Practice application essays by writing sample drafts.

Senior Year – Fall

  • Organize your applications by creating files for your choices. List application requirements and deadlines.
  • Take the ACT and/or SAT. Listen to announcements for application deadlines. Dates and locations of exams will be announced.
  • Request letters of recommendation from teachers and community leaders early.
  • Talk to your parents about college costs. What can you afford?
  • Visit finaid.org to learn about financial aid.
  • Attend FPCS financial aid night and FMCC college night. Listen to announcements for date and time.

Senior Year – Winter

  • Work on college applications. They are due to FPCS Guidance Office late December.
  • January: File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid as soon after Jan. 1 as possible at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
  • Check with your prospective colleges about additional financial application forms and requirements.

Senior Year – Spring

  • Check the mail for admission letters and financial aid awards.
  • Compare your admission offers. Ask your counselor to help you weigh your options.
  • Time for a decision! Most schools ask you for a decision by May 1.
  • May: Don’t forget to notify schools you have decided not to attend.
  • Double check deadlines for housing, financial aid, etc.
  • Send your final high school transcript to your new school.