Enrollment

• College Applications open on August 1st. 

• You can apply via Common App, the Individual College's Website or College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC).

• Some colleges require you to submit a school profile which helps colleges understand Pinecrest’s educational environment, enabling them to evaluate applicants within the context of their school. School Profile

• College Application Lingo:  As you start this process, you may encounter many unfamiliar terms. The link provided will be helpful for you. 

• The Common App asks specific questions about Pinecrest High School, including test codes, GPA information, class size, and related details.  You can find that information linked here.

All students applying to colleges in North Carolina must complete the Residency Determination Service (RDS) process. This step is necessary to determine eligibility for in-state tuition rates and state grant opportunities. To understand more about RDS and its connection to the FAFSA, refer to the "Navigating RDS and the FAFSA" tip sheet. After completing the RDS process, you will receive a Residency Certification Number (RCN), which you must provide when applying to North Carolina colleges.

Complete an Academic Resume as a quick way to introduce yourself to someone who may not know you. It gives them information about your education, experience and accomplishments! Templates can be found here.

Helpful articles for creating an Academic Resume:

1. How to Write a College Resume (Templates & Examples)

2. How To Write a Resume for College Applications (With Sample)

3. College Application Resume for 2025

4. How to Write an Resume for a College Application

Complete a BRAG SHEET for your recommender - Allow a minimum of 2- weeks prior to the deadline to complete the recommendation. 

College application essays are incredibly important as they show colleges what makes the applicant unique. Whether it is the applicant's personal values, life experiences, passion projects or personality, the college application essays provide a way for the colleges to get to know their applicants beyond the applicant's test scores and high school transcript. 

The FAFSA should be completed by any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs. This includes grants, work-study funds, loans, and many scholarships require the FAFSA to be completed as part of the application process. The FAFSA opens December 1st for the following school year's application window. **Tip: it is not necessary to complete the FAFSA before submitting your college application**

It is essential for students to take schoolwide tests seriously. While many colleges are test-optional, performing well on these assessments can enhance a student's admissions packet and make them more competitive in the college application process. 

PHS CEEB Code: 343670

Testing Information