The College Application Process

College Application Websites

Common App

Other Information

What Decides College Admissions?

The Five Major Application Components:

1. Course Rigor (the difficulty of classes taken in high school)

2. Grade Point Average (GPA)

3. Test Scores (ACT/SAT, many colleges are test-optional due to COVID-19)

4. Extracurricular Activities (commitments outside the classroom)

5. College Essays (personal statements)

Reminders

Transcripts tell an interesting story and say more about a student than just their GPA. They can show improvement over time after a rough first year in high school or a drop in performance after a strong start. They indicate if a student challenged himself or herself by taking difficult classes or only took standard level courses. Unweighted GPA is more important than students think. A 3.0 Unweighted GPA indicates a "B" student even if the weighted GPA is a 3.5 (not a bad thing, but something to note).

You are more than your test scores. Many students do not perform well on standardized tests. While testing is an important part of the college admissions process, it is not everything. Some students get admitted to great schools with low test scores. Colleges emphasize "holistic review" which means reading and taking into account all the other factors in your application.

Commitment over time is more important than the quantity of extracurricular activities. Colleges want to see involvement in activities over time rather than loading up on extracurriculars senior year. Take that leadership position senior year to demonstrate your commitment.

Family obligations such as babysitting and cooking for siblings should be included and so should jobs outside of school. Many students are unable to participate in extracurricular activities because they have responsibilities at home. Students should include these family obligations in their college applications in addition to any past or present jobs.

Proofread, revise, and edit your college essays. Do not rush writing your college essays. Make sure to have someone proofread your essays, preferably a person other than your parents. Correct use of grammar is extremely important.

Universities are trying to round out a class. This means they want the violinist, the cross country runner, the artist, the point guard, the entrepreneur, the poet, the mathematician, etc. Universities also want strong, hardworking generalists or those who excel in multiple areas, so don't stress on finding that one unique quality. And they want diverse perspectives. Think about what makes you stand out and your answer to this question: What will you contribute to the student body?

Application Terms

Early Action: Apply early to find out early. Non-binding decision. I highly recommend early action. October 15th and November 1st are common early action deadlines. Get those applications in! Applicants usually find out in December and January if they apply early action.

Early Decision: Apply early, and if accepted, you must withdraw all other applications and commit to enroll. This is a binding decision. You can only apply to one school early decision. Most colleges have an early decision deadlines of November 1st. Applicants usually find out in December.

Regular Decision: Apply at a later date to find out at a later date. Most regular decision deadlines are in January, February, and March.

Rolling Admissions: Colleges accept applications as they come in. Applicants are usually notified of a decision quickly, but it may take longer if the applicant does not meet or exceed admission medians (GPA and test scores).

Accepted: Congrats, you're in!

Denied: The admissions committee is not inviting you to be part of the upcoming class. These decisions are final.

Deferred: The admissions committee has decided to review your application again at a later date. Usually, colleges will ask for mid-year grades and updated test scores of deferred applicants. Most deferrals occur when the student has applied early action or early decision.

Waitlisted: The admissions committee has decided to put you on a waitlist which usually occurs when a student has applied regular decision. Waitlists are safety nets for colleges to ensure they fill all vacancies. Students may accept a spot off the waitlist after the May 1st commitment deadline. Sending in new information is not likely to change your situation, but you should still keep your admissions file updated.

North Carolina Minimum Admissions Requirements

2.5 Weighted GPA or 1010 SAT or 19 ACT

NOTE: Because of COVID-19, the UNC System has approved a temporary waiver of the SAT or ACT requirement for first-year candidates who are applying for admission for Spring, Summer, or Fall 2021. However, they still encourage you to submit scores if you have them.

UNC System

Click here for a list of schools by size, cost, and percent of need met

Click here for GPA and ACT/SAT medians for UNC System schools

College Application Fee Waivers

Students who participate in Free and Reduced Lunch are eligible for college application fee waivers. College applications usually cost around $65 per application, which adds up quickly. If you took the SAT with a fee waiver, you can access fee waivers through College Board. Ask the guidance office for a hard-copy fee waiver that will be scanned and emailed or faxed to admissions offices.