NC colleges/universities recommend that you apply as a freshman to take advantage of the financial aid and scholarship opportunities. You may apply as a transfer student ONLY if you will earn your associate degree. There a less financial aid and scholarship opportunities for transfer students.
Students should apply to a minimum of three schools in the fall of their senior year or meet the regular deadline set by school which is often in January. The sooner you apply, the sooner you will have an opportunity to be accepted (pending schools' specific deadlines) and once you are accepted, you can apply for colleges' in house scholarships.
https://www.cfnc.org/apply-to-college/nc-countdown-to-college/nc-countdown-to-college-faqs/