Where Do I Start?

Option 1

If you plan to apply to Blue Ridge Community College for either of the following programs, click here:

• 2-year Associates of Arts and/or Science degree and then transfer to a 4-year college
• 2-year Associates of Applied Science degree and then go into the workforce

Quick Facts about Applying to BRCC:

• no application fee
• rolling admissions (apply any time)
• application takes about 20 minutes to complete
• automatic and immediate acceptance
• recommendations are not required
• essays are not required
• SAT/ACT scores are not required

Option 2

Download of this Checklist is Available Below

If you plan to apply to a 4-year college/university immediately following high school, follow these steps:

• map out the high school classes you plan to take each year with your counselor
• create an organizational system to store your college and career information in one location (brochures, printouts, account login information, research, scores, etc)
• take the PSAT at the beginning of your Sophomore and/or Junior year
• talk with your parents, counselor and career coach about the career you are interested in
• if you are undecided about a career, take the ASVAB Career Exploration Assessment and make good use of the results
• investigate which colleges offer the program (major) that matches your career interest
• attend Open House events at the colleges you are interested in applying to
• choose several colleges to apply to that would be a good fit for you (academically, socially, financially, etc.)
• if you plan to play sports in college, register with the NCAA Eligibility Center (Division I and II sports)
• take the SAT and/or ACT at the end of your Junior year, during the Summer, and/or beginning of your Senior year
  • when you register, indicate which colleges you want your SAT/ACT scores sent to
  • students typically score better the second time so give yourself enough time to take it twice, if you choose
• if you take an AP test, indicate which colleges you want your AP scores sent to on your answer sheet
  • different colleges require different scores to receive college credit - see AP Credit Policy Search
• turn in the Transcript Release Form to the Counseling Center at the beginning of your Senior year
• you and your parent must create an FSA ID and then complete the FAFSA by your colleges' deadline
  • attend the FAFSA Workshop at BHS in early November (typically on the evening of Parent-Teacher Conferences)
  • check to see if your college requires submission of the CSS Profile, in addition to the FAFSA, to receive institution-based aid
• in Naviance, do the following:
  • add the colleges you plan to apply to
  • link your Naviance account with your Common App account (only if you're using the Common App to apply to college(s))
  • request that your counselor send your high school transcript to the colleges you're applying to
  • request teacher recommendations (if applicable) at least 2-3 weeks in advance of deadline
• investigate the different college application options (Early Action, Early Decision, Regular Decision) and make note of the deadlines
• once you begin your college applications, check out each colleges' scholarships page and apply by their deadline
  • some college scholarship deadlines are so early that you don't know yet if you've been admitted to the college, but you should still apply to these college scholarships by the deadline so that don't miss out on this opportunity
• check the BHS Senior Newsletter often for local scholarship opportunities and submit all required material by the deadline
• carefully review and compare the financial aid packages you receive from the colleges you're accepted to
  • call or email the colleges' financial aid office with questions
• be cautious when applying for student loans - only borrow what you need and can afford to pay back with interest
  • attending community college for the first year or two to complete general education requirements and then transferring to a 4-year college is a great way to get a quality education, save money, and still earn a diploma from the 4-year college you transfer to