The two best places to search colleges by majors, location, admissions, affordability, etc are:
Your search results will help you zero in on where you want to apply.
Minimum GPA of 2.5
Math 4 or higher math
NC graduation requirements including 2 electives that are additional core credits, computer science, or world languages. World languages are recommended.
Beginning with the Fall 2026 application cycle: College entrance exam (standardized test score of a 17 or higher on the ACT or a 930 or higher on the SAT is required if GPA is 2.5 to <2.8)
If you have not created a CFNC account, do so. If you do not have a CFNC account and want help on how to create your account, watch this video.
Complete the RDS process (Residency Determination Service) if you are applying to a NC college or university. This process is completed through your CFNC account, hover over the Apply tab and RDS will appear. Your parent and you need to work on the RDS together as parent information is required. The Residential Certification Number (RCN) is required to submit applications to community college applications. The RCN is good for 15 months prior to admission to a college. So you can complete RDS in the summer before your Senior year.
Always begin the college application at CFNC for ALL North Carolina colleges and universities. You will either complete the application within CFNC or you will springboard to Common App to complete your application.
Common App is a good option especially if you can apply to all of your colleges through that website. If you are applying to an out of state college/university, utilize Common App if possible and if not, then the college/university website.
Click here to see if you qualify and want to request an application fee waiver.
Complete the FAFSA (opens in December 1st of your senior year) - FAFSA.gov
See Transcripts section in the 12th Grade drop down options on this website for details if you are not clear about how your transcript will be sent.
Send Official Test Scores directly from SAT or ACT if desired or required. See the UNC System Requirements for more information.
Keep checking your email and college/university portals for any communication from admission staff.
Early action plans are nonbinding — students receive an early response to their application but do not have to commit to the college until May 1st. Most students apply early action as this type has many benefits such as if you're accepted, you can say yes right away or wait until spring to decide. Plus, many colleges consider candidates for their institutional scholarships among the early applicant pool.
Early decision (ED) plans are binding — a student who is accepted as an ED applicant must attend the college. You may apply to only one college as ED. If you wish to apply ED, contact your counselor to discuss you choice before submitting your application.
Rolling admissions mean that these schools will accept college applications throughout the year until a class or program fills.
College applications typically include: the application itself, test scores, an official transcript, essay, school profile, fee, and recommendation letters. Requests for the Self Reported Academic Record (SRAR) or the Self-reported Student Academic Record (SSAR) are independent systems that some colleges and universities require beyond the Common App or university application.
The SRAR and SSAR are student-submitted transcripts of your high school coursework and academic record. Because so much data is necessary and accuracy is extremely important, students need to have their transcript in hand in order to enter their data properly. Email Mrs. Murray to request a PDF of your transcript to use as a reference.
Some tips for completing the SRAR / SSAR:
Enter your final grades for all courses completed in grades 9 through 11.
Choose “In-Progress” for second semester or in-progress 12th grade courses for which you do not yet have grades. If you have already completed a 12th grade course and received a grade, list the grade that you received.
If you’ve taken high school courses in the 8th grade, then list those courses on your SRAR /SSAR in the middle school section..
If your exact course name is not listed in SRAR/SSAR, type it in exactly as it appears on your transcript.
See your counselor if you have any questions.
Students should only have to complete the academic record once. Students are assigned an identifying number which they can share with other colleges. If applying to both SSAR and SRAR colleges, be sure to start with SSAR so you can import that information into the SRAR.
Visit the college’s SRAR / SSAR or admissions web page for specific information.
Available Each Year April 1 - August 31
Whether you’ve been denied admission or are just running late in applying to college for this fall, here’s one important thing to keep in mind: be proactive! Even if your initial plan has changed, there are still lots of great options. Here are three suggestions:
Consider your local community college and other transfer options.
Use College Search to find two-year and four-year institutions that meet your needs.
Register below for the College Redirection Pool (CRP). After you share some information about yourself, NC colleges and universities with open admissions slots for this fall can reach out to you.