Frequently Asked Questions

Is college right for me?

Answer: It depends!! College is a GREAT opportunity to learn about the world, about yourself, about people who are different from you, and about what you get really excited about! Some people say college is a waste of time and money, but you learn so many valuable skills, like how to research, build your network (meet people who can help you get jobs down the road), speak in front of crowds, manage your time and complete big projects -- which employers love! Plus, it's a great investment! Many jobs are now requiring at least some college to even be considered for a position (Read more about college's importance and its effect on economic mobility)! Some students even qualify for financial aid (free money for college and community college) through the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA), which is due October 1! All in all, what you learn in college can shape who you are and where you're going in life!

Ask Yourself: What career is most intriguing to you? What education do you need to pursue that career? What colleges or community colleges have the programs you are interested in that can help you achieve your career goals? How can you save money for school (e.g. complete the FAFSA, scholarships, etc.)?

How do you decide which colleges to apply to?

Answer: Let’s narrow down your list! You will need to think about several factors when creating your college list. I recommend that all students think of at least 3 schools to add. Always have at least a LIKELY, MATCH, REACH school!

*Remember: All UNC System schools require a 2.5 GPA OR minimum test scores on either the ACT (19) or the SAT (1010) to be considered for admissions (Read more here). Community colleges only require you complete your high school diploma at the end of your senior year.

Ask Yourself: Does the school have the programs you are interested in that can help you achieve your career goals? Is the school too close or too far from home, too rural or too urban? What does it cost to go there, and are you planning to complete your Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) when it opens on October 1st? What opportunities outside of the classroom does your school offer (e.g. study abroad, clubs, engagement with faculty)?

How do I prepare for the ACT and SAT?

Answer: PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE! The best way to prepare for college entrance exams is by studying! By familiarizing yourself with the material on the exams, test strategies, as well as HOW the questions are asked, you will be one step ahead! See FREE study materials on my website! Register for these tests at: ACT and SAT! Watch this walkthrough video for help!

Ask Yourself: How much time do I have to study? Can I devote at least 5 hours a week to studying? Will I ask my college adviser for a fee waiver to register for the tests and access extra free study courses? Have I filled out the interest form for tutoring?

What is the FAFSA?

Answer: The Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) is a free application that can help you see how much college/community college might cost you. With the application, the government can provide you FREE money (in the form of grants), and schools can determine how much aid you will get. Additionally, most scholarships require it. All seniors should complete the FAFSA. You will complete a FAFSA every year you are in school. If you are not a US Citizen, contact the financial aid offices at your schools for more information on how to complete the form. And come to our FAFSA Nights!

Ask Yourself: Whose information do I put on the FAFSA (check here)? Will I be able to collect all of the required documents by October 1st? Will I come to the Virtual FAFSA Nights on October 7th from 5-8 (Register) or October 12th from 5-8 (Register)?

What are Recommendation Letters?

Answer: Recommendation letters are necessary for college, scholarship and job applications! Recommendation letters are letters from someone who can speak on your character/work ethic/abilities and show that you are a good candidate! Politely ask three people to be your recommenders at least 2 weeks before an application is due to give them time to write it! See comprehensive Rec Letter FAQs here!

Ask Yourself: Who will be the best people to speak on my behalf? How many weeks do I have before my applications are due? Can I ask my recommenders by email or can I approach them in person? How does my resume look (you will need to send it to them so that they know what you’re involved in)!

How do I submit a college application?

Answer:

You can apply to your colleges on three platforms: (1) CFNC, (2) Common App, or (3) the schools’ websites! If you apply through CFNC from October 18-22, 2021, you will be able to complete your applications to most NC schools for FREE! Check each platform to make sure your colleges are on there!

Ask Yourself: Which schools would I like to apply to? Are my schools all on the same platform? Can I apply to all of my schools on CFNC? Am I ready to include any required materials, including essays, recommendation letters, transcripts, etc? Am I planning to apply to at least three schools?

What do I do after I press submit on a college application?

Answer: After you press submit on an application, make sure to send your official transcript to the schools. See the Transcript Request page on my website for more information. Also, make sure to create an account at your colleges so that you can see if they need any other documents and to retrieve your admission update. Think about visiting your schools as well to see which one will be a good fit for you! In the spring, you will receive financial aid packages, so watch for that as well!

Ask Yourself: Have I seen any emails from my schools? Did I send my official transcript? Are there any other schools I would still like to apply to?

How do I apply to scholarships now that I've applied to college?

Answer: You may need essays, transcripts (see this Transcript Request page), resume (see template), test scores, etc. Read about each important scholarship piece here. In the spring, you will receive financial aid packages, so watch for those as well! There are three types of scholarships! USE MY WEBSITE FOR HELP WITH APPLYING!

1. Institutional/School: Some schools require essays to be sent to them in order for you to be considered for institutional aid. Make sure that your automatic institutional scholarships are available to you!

2. National/Bigger Pools: Please visit my website to see different search engines, like CFNC Scholarships, GoingMerry, etc. See all scholarship search websites here!

3. Local/Smaller Pools: Ms. Lester will be updating this PHS Scholarships 2021-2022 google doc all year with more and more scholarships! Definitely check it regularly (like once a week)!

Ask Yourself: When are the scholarships due? What do they require? Have I made my resume?

Can I still apply to college if it's late fall or the spring semester?

Answer: Yes! If you are just now starting the college application process, you can still apply to your dream schools! Here are the main types of application deadlines. Check your schools' website to see what application deadlines are still open. Sometimes scholarships are tied to priority or early action deadlines!

Early Action: Shows your interest.

Early Decision: You're going if you're accepted.

Regular Decision: Last deadline (typically).

Rolling: You can apply anytime (e.g. ECU).

Ask Yourself: Have I missed any deadlines? Are any deadlines coming up, and do I have time to complete the necessary steps? Have I met with my college adviser to find out what else I need to do?

What do I do after I've been accepted?

Answer: CELEBRATE! Congratulations on completing yet another step in your college journey! But, you’re not done! Once you are accepted, here are some things you need to do:

1. 1. Complete your FAFSA and review your Student Aid Report if you haven’t already.

   2. Do not pay your enrollment deposit unless you are 100% sure you (1) can pay to attend that school and that (2) that school is the only school for you! BE PATIENT! Oftentimes, schools do not tell students how much attendance will cost until March or April, so don’t commit to the school unless you fully understand what you are committing to! Other schools may provide more financial aid and scholarships, making them a better deal! So you should always leave the door open for better opportunities!

   3. Apply to scholarships! You never know what you will get!

Ask Yourself: What other schools do I still want to apply to? What scholarships do I qualify for? Can I start scholarship applications at least 2 weeks in advance to give my recommenders time to complete any required recommendation letters? Have I reviewed my Student Aid Report from my FAFSA to see if I am eligible for financial aid?

What can I do to prepare for college after I graduate?

Answer: Check off your steps on your Senior Timeline, and reach out to your schools if you have any questions! Plus, mark off the following steps that you've completed!

1. Created a Resume.

2. Applied to your schools.

3. Reviewed your financial aid package.

4. Enrolled in your school after seeing how much everything will cost. (You might qualify for an enrollment fee waiver).

5. Registered for classes and the new student orientation.

6. Research how to get ready for school! Visit your school’s Facebook page, YouTube channel, and maybe even reach out to current students to ask questions!

7. Know requirements to keep your financial aid and scholarships while in school (if applicable). Read about more Satisfactory Academic Progress for financial aid.

Ask Yourself: Have I completed everything I need in order to attend my school?