College Planning

For students interested in college, planning for the future can seem like a monumental task. Students can utilize the counseling services at school to help determine topics such as which colleges to apply to, how to find financial aid & pay for college, and how to choose a major.

College Admissions Averages ACT & SAT Information Senior Year Checklist

Application Deadlines Newsletters UNC Public Deadlines

College Open House/Tour Dates (see below) RDS Help Sheet Helpful College Links

Applying to College

Some colleges use an online application that can be used at multiple universities (such as the Common Application) & others still rely on their own institutional applications. Either way, many of the steps are the same. Nearly all NC Schools also accept applications through CFNC's application hub. 

1. Research college options.

2. Determine which colleges you will apply to -you should have 3 to 5 colleges selected to apply to. Be aware of their deadlines!

3. Apply for admission:

   • Complete RDS by logging in with your CFNC account information

   • Send your transcript (SCHS and CCC&TI transcript if you have taken any college courses)

   • Send official SAT/ACT score(s) (these must be sent though SAT or ACT)

   • Letters of recommendation (not all schools require)

   • Submit essay (not all schools require)

   • Pay application fee. If you qualify for a fee waiver, see your counselor

Choosing Colleges

Ask yourself some questions about the kind of college you want:

• Large or small?

• Type of college? -see the different types of colleges HERE

• Urban, Suburban, or rural?

• What's your major?

• How selective is the school and/or program?

• How much will it cost?

Big Future - College Search

Where you can learn about basic college categories & answer questions about your preferences. You will also find in-depth information about searching for colleges along with advice from college students & educators.

CFNC College Search

If you're looking at North Carolina colleges (2-year, 4-year, public, or private), you can use CFNC's College Search. Once you find schools through CFNC, you can also apply & send your transcripts electronically.

Paying for College

Types of Financial Aid:

• Federally Funded Aid 

• Institutional/College Backed Aid 

• Aid from Private and/or Non-Profit Organizations 

• Scholarships/Grants

The Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) -Opens October 1st!

• FAFSA is the best place to start when figuring out finances for paying for college, and it's free. 

• To qualify for many types of aid, you will need to complete an application. This will give you access to scholarships & grants, work-study job opportunities, and federally funded loans. 

• To complete the FAFSA, follow the steps below:

1. Both the student and a parent will need to create an Student Aid Index online HERE

2. Once the SAI is created, the student can complete their FAFSA application HERE

   • Parent(s) will need to have with them:

     • a copy of their tax return from 2024

     • their social security number

     • driver's license number

     • records of untaxed income (such as child support, interest, etc.)

     • other banking/property information.

   • Students will need to have:

     •  their social security number

     • if he/she filed for a tax return, will need a copy of their return

3. After you submit your FAFSA, your application is processed and the results are sent electronically to the schools you listed on your application. You will also be sent a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the college/university.

4. Once you receive your SAR, review it for accuracy. If you need to make corrections, you can log in online and use your PIN you created at the beginning of the application.

What happens once the FAFSA is finished and I have been accepted to colleges?

1. If you listed a school on your FAFSA and have been offered admission by that school, the financial aid office at the school will send you an award letter through your college portal or new email specifically created by the college. The award letter includes the types & amounts of financial aid you may receive from federal, state, and school sources. This combination of aid is your financial aid package.  See your counselor with questions.

2. Review each award letter carefully and compare the amounts and types of aid you receive at each school. Pay attention to letters or emails from schools, follow all directions, and contact the financial aid office if you do not understand what the school is offering you.

Receiving Financial Aid Money

Schools must pay you at least once per term (semester, trimester, or quarter) or twice per year. Your school will:

• Credit your financial aid funds into your school account

• Pay you directly (either by paper check or directly depositing the funds into a bank account)

• Combine these methods (apply the money to your school tuition and fees first, then disburse the remaining funds to you)