What is match and fit?

• “College Match" is about academics. It's how similar your GPA and test scores (ACT, SAT) are to the students already enrolled at certain colleges. If your GPA and test scores are similar to enrolled students and you meet any minimum entrance requirements, you have a good opportunity to be admitted and succeed there.

• "College Fit" includes things like location, size, cost, and extracurricular activities. For instance, some people love the idea of a large college in a big city; others prefer a smaller college or a college close to home. While no college is perfect, some colleges are probably a better personal fit for you than others.

How do I build a college list?

• Start by thinking about what your "college fit" looks like - location, size, academic programs available, athletic opportunities, variety of clubs/activities offered, cost, etc. Try to imagine a campus where you could genuinely see yourself fitting in and thriving for 2-4 years. Remember, if you're happy where you are, you're more likely to do well! Then, filter these schools by your "college match" - how does your GPA and test scores compare to the standards at that school? 

• Likely, Target, and Reach are terms you will hear used to describe the three types of schools you should be applying to.

  • Likely schools are colleges that you have a very strong (or “likely”) chance of getting into. They should check off all of your other boxes (size, location, degree offering), but consistently accept students with GPAs and test scores below yours.

  • Target schools are colleges and universities that are right on the money — they fit your GPA and standardized test scores on the money. While chances of being accepted are good, there’s still the possibility of being waitlisted or denied, especially the more competitive a school is.

  • Reach Schools are institutions that more commonly accept students with higher GPAs or standardized test scores. Notably, these schools are not “out of your academic range,” but rather at the very top of it.

• The links below have a lot of great resources. Some are college search websites that let you search for schools based on location, test scores, sports and activities, academic credit, and more. You have to make an account for some of these links.

  • https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search (college search)

  • https://www.petersons.com/college-search.aspx (college search)

  • https://www.cappex.com/ (college search)

  • https://college-insight.org/ (college search)

  • https://professionals.collegeboard.org/guidance (for any more questions you might have)

How many institutions should be on my college list/should I apply to?

• It depends on how many schools you are interested in and could genuinely see yourself attending. You should heavily consider the cost of attendance, location, and how you compare to their average admissions standards (i.e., you should be applying to likely, target, and reach schools). Generally, you should be looking to submit 3 to 5 applications to ensure you have choices when you make your final decision.

Application

• Every college/university website will state how they would prefer you to submit your application. The three most popular websites for applications are Common App, Coalition, and CFNC. Many schools use one of these three websites to make the process simpler. However, some schools may have you submit an application directly through their website.

  • Common App: https://www.commonapp.org/explore/

  • Coalition: http://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/members-new.html

  • CFNC: https://www1.cfnc.org/Apply/To_College/_default.aspx

Payment

• Many schools require an application fee (typically ranging from $30 to $90) in order to apply. However, this requirement can often be waived if you are experiencing financial hardship. Talk with Ms. Young to see if you qualify and how to receive fee waivers.

• Also, many schools in North Carolina waive their application fees during College Application Week, which will be October 17-21, 2022. 

  • Click here for a list of college/universities that are waiving application fees

• CFNC will be hosting live virtual events and posting How-To videos to support high school seniors in completing Residency, FAFSA, and applications the entire month of October! Click here for more info on NC Countdown 2 College!

When do I apply?

• Every school will have different deadlines, check their website. The earliest applications will be due around the middle of October, while some schools have deadlines extending into the spring. You can begin submitting applications as soon as they are available, which is typically early August.

Types of Application Deadlines:

• ​EARLY DECISION: If you are considering applying to a school for their early decision deadline, you must be 100% certain that it is your first choice. If you are accepted under an early decision agreement, the decision is binding - meaning you must attend that school. Also, you will often have to commit to that school before you receive a financial aid offer.

• ​EARLY ACTION: Applying to a school for their early action decision deadline means that you will receive your admissions decision earlier, but you are not bound to attend if admitted. *Tip - you should apply early (especially to your top schools), some institutional grants/scholarships/honors programs are only available to early applicants!

• ​REGULAR DECISION: Applying to a school for their regular decision deadline means you will receive your admissions decision during the spring, and are still not bound to attend if admitted.

What do I need to apply?

The application itself will include questions about you, your family, your activities, your school, and your interests. In addition to completing the application, you may also have to submit the following items:

• Transcript(s): High school and community college if applicable

  • You generally don't have to send your community college transcript until you decide to enroll at a certain university. However, some schools will request an unofficial community college transcript for admissions.

• Test Scores (SAT/ACT): Optional for some institutions

  • UNC System schools are test optional through Fall 2024 meaning it won't hurt your application if you don't submit a test score. Instead, your GPA and other academic achievements will be more heavily weighted. However, including test scores could strengthen your application and/or allow you to be eligible for merit-based scholarships.

• Letter(s) of Recommendation: Some schools may have parameters on who you can get these from (i.e. teacher, community member, coach, etc.)

  • Don't worry! You can submit your applications before your letters of recommendation have been submitted.

• Essay(s)/Short Answer Question(s): Generally, you can reuse the same essay for multiple institutions at a time. However, some schools will require short answer questions in addition to your essay. 

• Resume: Some schools will ask for a resume! If you don't have one that's okay, there are lots of resources on how to write one (google is your best friend :)).

What about community colleges?

• Community college applications are completed through CFNC. They typically do not open until the end of September/October, so you can expect to complete them a little later than other college applications. There is not a due date or application fee for these applications.

How will I know if the college has all of my documents and if my application is complete?

• CHECK YOUR EMAIL! Colleges will communicate with you via email to inform you if your application is missing anything. Many schools will invite you to create a portal through their website where you can check your status.

How will I know if I got accepted?

• Most schools will notify you online first - either through their online portal or by email. You can then expect to receive a letter (and probably a cool envelope!) in the mail about a week later.