Apply to Schools
Let's make applying possible!
How to Apply
You can apply to North Carolina schools with 3 application sites.
Most merit scholarships and financial aid packages are tied to when you apply, so apply early.
CFNC
Apply to NC Colleges and Community Colleges
Pros:
CFNC is a one-stop-shop for college, so you can search schools, find out details about each one and compare their costs.
College App Week (October 17-22, 2022) allows you to apply to these NC colleges for free! (Community college applications are always free, and you have to apply through CFNC)!
Cons:
You have to fill out your information multiple times to apply to multiple schools.
You have to send your transcript and any essays yourself (see Transcript Requests for instructions, and see the Our Admissions Reps for sending essays to schools).
Common App
Apply to NC Colleges & most Out-of-State Schools
Pros:
Opens August 1st!
More user friendly because you only have to fill in your basic information and essay once in order to apply to multiple schools. (See what it looks like!)
Your counselor sends your transcript for you.
You can keep track of your recommendation letters and seamlessly invite recommenders (see how by watching the video under Letters of Recommendation in the next section).
Cons:
Applying during College App Week does not apply the CFNC free app fee. You may have to pay unless you are eligible for a fee waiver (see if you qualify by reading Application Fee in the next section).
Access your CFNC Account
You should already have a CFNC.org username and password. Try to login. Press "Forgot Username/Password" if you forgot, and answer the security questions. Can't log on for some reason? Email Ms. Lester. WRITE DOWN YOUR LOGIN! (I recommend creating a note in your phone for all of your login information)!
Usual Application Requirements:
Applications vary, so check your applications to ensure you include the required materials.
Resumé
You may be asked to include a list of your activities with short explanations. The application committees want to know what you do with your time and see your interests and volunteering experiences! Use this sample resumé and build yours.
Tip #4: When describing your activities on the resumé and on Common App, use action phrases and numbers to show your impact! (Ex. Student Council Treasurer: Assured accounts were updated on weekly; Tracked $250 of expenses for an event).
Letters of Recommendation
From someone who can speak on your character/work ethic (e.g. teacher, coach, employers)
Ask for these letters (2 or 3) AT LEAST 2 weeks in advance of your application deadlines!
For Common App, add your recommenders by following these instructions! (Don't forget to add your college adviser too, who can review your application for you)! Email your recommenders/advisers to politely ask them to follow up with the invitation that Common App will send them.
Send a thank you note for their time!
Essays
THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR APPLICATIONS! *not always required*
Start early! Select a 2022-2023 Prompt first!
Begin with a short story/a good hook to draw us in to YOU!
Answer the prompts! Write about what's important to you! Score your own essay!
Have someone read over your essays (your college adviser would love to do this)!
Transcripts
Don't forget this!!
Your application will not be reviewed until your schools have it!
(See Transcript Requests for instructions)
Residency (with RDS)
To get in-state tuition (and save thousands of dollars!!), you will need to be considered an in-state resident.
That means that you will have to complete the RDS to prove your residency.
(See RDS for instructions)
ACT/SAT Scores
During your junior year/fall of senior year, you can take/retake these tests! Go to the ACT/SAT websites to find your score reports and send them to your schools! Your first 4 sends are free!
(See ACT/SAT Tests for an explanation of these tests and to find resources)
Application Fee
Let your college adviser or counselor know if you qualify for one of the following, and we'll get you a fee waiver to cover the cost!
Student has received or is eligible to receive an ACT or SAT testing fee waiver.
Student is enrolled in or eligible to participate in the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch program (FRPL).
Student’s annual family income falls within the income Eligibility Guidelines* set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
Student is enrolled in a federal, state or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g., TRIO programs such as Upward Bound).
Student’s family receives public assistance.
Student lives in federally subsidized public housing, a foster home, or is homeless.
Student is a ward of the state or an orphan.
Finish your steps! Enter into the CollegeBoard Opportunity Scholarship for a chance to win $40,000!
Know Your Deadlines
Ask your college adviser to review your applications, essays, resumé, you name it!
After you are Accepted
Are schools telling you that you can enroll? WAIT to enroll until you have heard back about the cost of the school, which will be given to you in what is called a financial aid package.
Do not accept/pay the enrollment deposit until you have talked with a parent/guardian/college adviser about the financial aid package! Read this article to find out more!
I can get you an enrollment fee waiver! Click here to access the link to the form, and complete the top part! After you fill it out, make sure to download it so that you can add your signature, and then email it to me.