Embedded Files
College 101
College 101
- College application season is upon us! September 15-19th counselors met with each senior to give them their transcripts, discuss remaining credits for graduation, and share information about scheduling their senior conference.
- Counselors would like to invite parents and guardians to view College 101: Everything you need to know to navigate and complete your college applications. Click here for the presentation. Click here for slides only. The presentation can be viewed with subtitles in 6 languages and can be paused, rewound, or forwarded as needed.
- We will hold a College 101 info session for the class of 2027 in the spring!
To Do: College Planning for Juniors
- A document to step you through the application process
- For students applying directly to 2- and 4-year colleges.
- Seniors are encouraged to schedule their Senior Conference to discuss their application in more detail, ask questions, and share their Senior Self Assessment.
Senior Transcript Meetings
Senior Transcript Meetings
- At the end of September, Counselors meet one on one with seniors through their English classes to review their transcript, class rank, and GPA. Click here to access the presentation.
- Senior class rank and GPA will be finalized on the 20th day of school.
- Each year (October 20-26, 2025), certain NC colleges and universities will waive application fees. During this week, we work to raise awareness about applying to college and hold a Mini College Fair.
- Counselors meet with students via English classes during the week and will be available in the Media Center to help with college applications. Check your canvas announcements for details!
Additional Resources:
Additional Resources:
NC College Admissions Statistics Tool: Interactive Data Dashboards
College Admission Statistics At A Glance (2023) includes NC Colleges and some of the more popular out of state colleges
NC Merit Scholarships Info Session and program overview (September 2024)
The College Tour (Streaming on Amazon Prime Video)
Pursuing a career in education? Click here. (the early Teaching Fellows Application is open until Nov. 1)
NC College Connect - A New Direct Admission Program
NC College Connect - A New Direct Admission Program
25+ Private College/Universities in NC are participating in a new Direct Admission program for students who have a weighted GPA of 2.8 or higher. The application is intended to take less than 5 minutes to complete, there is NO application fee, and students are conditionally accepted just by submitting the form! Click here for more information: https://ncicu.org/direct-admission/
That’s right—no essays, test scores, or recommendation letters required. Open to public and charter school seniors with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or higher who meet course requirements, students will be matched with colleges where they already qualify—no traditional application needed. The program now includes more UNC System schools, NC Independent Colleges and Universities, and NC Community Colleges. Students are directly admitted and can accept offers by completing a short form on CFNC.org.
August 5, 2025 – Parent Webinar @ 6:00 PM LINK
August 26, 2025 – Parent Office Hours @ 6:00 PM LINK
September 16, 2025 – Parent Webinar @ 6:00 PM LINK
September 30, 2025 – Parent Office Hours @ 6:00 PM LINK
NC College Connect - Spring 2025 Flyer.pdf
How to Apply to GTCC
How to Apply to GTCC
Pursuing an associate's degree or certificate?
Or prefer to start at a 2-year college and then transfer to a 4-year university?
Helpful Links & Websites
Helpful Links & Websites
NC College Admissions Statistics Tool: Interactive Data Dashboards
Download the Common App Guide HERE
The Common Black College Application (apply to many HBCUs for just $35)
CFNC.org - Research, Plan For and Apply to all colleges in NC
CollegeBoard.org - Search colleges nationwide by major and other interest areas
NC Careers - Interest Finder, Reality Check, and more!
Major Clarity - Interest Finder and College Search
Application Deadlines, explained
Application Deadlines, explained
Early Action - If you submit your application by this date, you will receive an admissions decision from that college sooner (typically in December). Early Action deadlines can vary at each school, but are typically in mid-October or early November. This gives many students & families reassurance by receiving an acceptance early on OR allows families more time to change their game plan and apply to additional schools if not accepted to top choices.
Early Decision - This type of deadline (usually in November) is “binding” which means you must attend this school if they choose to accept you. Students may only make this commitment to 1 school and must withdraw all other applications if accepted by this school. Choosing this shows your commitment to the school which makes you a more appealing applicant, but students often receive less comparable financial aid packages if accepted. You may deny an Early Decision acceptance if the school does not meet your demonstrated financial need, but the key word here is "Decision"...you are making the decision to commit to this school if they accept you without hearing from any other schools.
Priority Deadline - This is yet another type of early deadline. Many colleges will specify that you must apply by this deadline to have priority consideration for admission to a specific program (honors college, certain majors, etc.), scholarships, and/or other forms of financial aid.
Regular Decision - This type of deadline is typically in January for most schools. This is the last deadline to apply to a school. Applying Regular Decision may be a good fit for you if you need more time to work on your college application material and/or need to show your 1st semester senior year grades to strengthen your application.
Rolling Admission - If a school offers “rolling admissions”, you may apply to this school at any time during their listed application window. Acceptances are usually granted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Rolling Admissions does NOT mean that you should procrastinate, especially if you want to be considered for merit or financial aid.
Admissions Decisions, explained
Admissions Decisions, explained
It's not always a yes or no.
Admitted = You're in! Pay your deposit to secure your spot.
Deferred = Your application will be reviewed again with the regular decision applicants.
Waitlisted = You have been offered a spot on the college's waitlist and will be notified over the summer IF a spot opens up for you. Depending on the school, it can be rare to get a spot from off the waitlist, so you should make plans to attend your next choice school.
Denied = Your application did not meet the school's qualifications for admission. This can be a numbers game, especially within the context of the other applicants of the incoming class. You can re-apply as a transfer student. Continue your college search to find the right fit for you!
Parts of an Application
Parts of an Application
Online Application Form (including Essay responses, Short-Answer responses, Supplemental Questions, and Extracurricular Activities)
Residency Determination Service
Transcript (showing gpa & class rank)
ACT/SAT Test Scores (if applicable)
Letter(s) of Recommendation, if applicable
Counselor Evaluations have a 2 week grace period
Paid Application Fee or Fee Waiver
Extenuating Circumstances (if applicable)
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse