You can check on a school’s website to see how they prefer you to submit an application. The three most popular websites for applications are Common App, CBCA and CFNC. Many schools use one of these three websites to make the process simpler. Some schools may have you submit an application directly through their website. 

You will have to make an account to use any of these websites. Use a personal email and be sure to write down your usernames and passwords!

Awesome question! The college you choose should not only match your academic abilities and interests, but also fit your personal lifestyle and needs. Ultimately, if you are interested in four-year schools, you want to apply to around 3-5 schools that give you a good variety of options. Here are some things to consider:

• Grades/GPA: How does my GPA fit in with the average GPA range of the college?

  • Your list should try to include one college that's higher (Reach), one that is lower (Safe), and 1-2 that are right in the middle (Target) - More About What These Terms Mean in the "Building A List" tab!

• Location: How far do I want to be from Charlotte? Do I prefer rural or urban spaces?

• Size: Do I want to go to a big school, with lots of different opportunities? Or a small school, with smaller class sizes and a bigger sense of community? Or something in-between?

• Major/Career: Does this college teach classes in the things that I'm interested in? Do they offer opportunities for experience (i.e. internships)?

• Organizations/Activities: What do you enjoy doing outside academics? (Remember, you will be living in this community for 2-4 years!)

• Identity: Are there parts of my identity that are extremely important to me? Which colleges have centers or resources for people like me?

In addition to personal info about yourself, your family, and your interests, most applications will also require at least one of the following:

• Transcript(s): Official High School Transcript and RCC Transcript (if applicable)

  • VIDEO: How to Send your Transcript on CFNC.org

• Test Scores*: ACT or SAT scores

  • *For the 2025-26 Application Cycle, many public NC colleges will not require test scores ONLY if your GPA is above a 2.0

• Essay(s): Typically Long (500-700 words) or Short (150-300 words)

  • Many four-year colleges/universities will require a Common Application essay with a minimum of 250 and a maximum of 650 words. Please visit the "Essay Writing" tab for further information.

  • Reuse essays if possible! Some prompts may be similar, while others will be school-specific

• Letter(s) of Recommendation: Colleges may ask for these from teachers, coaches, counselors, employers, or other key figures who can speak to the student's character, service experience, work ethic, and general aptitude for college success. Ask early and be sure to ask people you trust to speak well of you!

• Application Fee: These can range from $35-$85, depending on the college

  • Fee Waivers are available! See Ms. Johnson if you are in need of one. It is likely you will qualify!

  • During College Application Week, many colleges waive their fees. Stay tuned for a list of participating colleges in the "College Application Week" tab!

Colleges truly want to see YOU. They want to know what you’re interested in, what your strengths are, and what your goals are. Be yourself! 

Every college will have different deadlines, so check their website to keep track! The earliest applications will be due October 15th for UNC Chapel Hill, while some colleges have deadlines extending into the Spring. You can begin submitting applications as soon as they are available, which is typically early August. Below is a list of the different types of deadlines you will face:

​Types of Deadlines:

• EARLY DECISION: Applying to a college under this deadline means that you legally bound to attend if you are accepted. This means that you will have to commit to the school, even if you have applied elsewhere, often before financial aid packages are released. Only use this deadline if you are 100% committed to this school. These deadlines are typically November 1st or November 15th.

  • Pros: Since most, if not all schools that offer this option are private schools, they prioritize these applications early in their admissions cycle. Because they do so, they tend to favor Early-Decision applications for their scholarship money! 

  • Cons: Of course, these scholarships are never guaranteed, and regardless of your financial aid package, you will have to attend the schools you apply ED to. 

• ​EARLY ACTION: Applying to a college under this deadline means that you will receive your admissions decision earlier, but you are NOT legally bound to attend if admitted. These deadlines are also normally tied to the college's scholarships, so November 1st or November 15th. I encourage you to apply early if you are seriously interested in the school. If EA is offered, universities typically fill the majority of their incoming class from this pool.

  • Pros: Schools will prioritize these applications, so you have greater chances of acceptance. There's no good reason not to apply Early Action unless you feel you are not ready. Come see me! 

  • Cons: There are none? Maybe if you feel that it's too early for you. If this is the case, come see me! 

• ​REGULAR DECISION: Applying to a school under their regular decision deadline means you will receive your admissions decision later in the spring and are not legally bound to attend if admitted. These deadlines tend to have more limited space to accept applicants, so please prioritize Early Action deadlines (NOT ED!) if possible. I recommend using this option in two cases: (1) you have a number of schools you prefer that you're applying in the EA window but still want to submit an application, and (2) you need to wait until after a good fall semester that may increase your GPA/strength of application.

• ROLLING ADMISSIONS: The college has no specific deadline in the fall/spring and instead reviews applications on a first come, first serve basis. NCCU, Guilford College, and Community Colleges are examples of colleges with this deadline. Many private schools work on a rolling basis as well, especially with their ED applicants. 

How do I know that my application and transcript has been sent?

Check your email!!!! Colleges normally send you confirmations that they have received everything and will email you with reminders if they are missing anything. You can also check the website that you used to apply, which will tell you if you have completed all of their steps.

When will I hear back from colleges to see if I got in?

It depends! Some colleges have quick turnarounds, while others choose a specific date to let all of their applicants know. On average, give it about 1-3 months and keep checking your email and student portal!

I got accepted, what now?

First of all, congratulations! Next, start checking on your financial aid packages (see the FAFSA tab) so that you can make an informed decision about where you'll be attending school in the fall. Remember, you have until May 1st to respond in most cases, so don't rush!

Extra Resources:

• CFNC FAQs

  • CFNC Practice Application

  • CFNC en Español

• CommonApp Guide

  • Essay Guide

• College Search Tools:

• NC Colleges

• College Board College Search (National)

• College ScoreCard

• Princeton Review

Helpful Worksheets