College Applications

More information about the UNC System of public university and NC community colleges found here and here, respectively.

College App Websites

CFNC: Allows you to submit college applications to all of the colleges in North Carolina. Apply directly to the colleges in your CFNC account or be linked to the college's website to apply there. You can also send and track your transcript requests that will be sent to the colleges you have applied to. Instructions for creating an account can be found here and here.

Common App: Over 900 colleges use the Common Application as a means for receiving applications from prospective students. This is especially great for students who plan to apply to colleges out-of-state. The benefit of the Common App is that it allows you to complete one section of questions that will be sent to all of the colleges on your list. You'll then have to go through and submit the supplemental questions that are required for each school. Once you list a counselor, he or she will be able to go in and add your transcript, counselor letter of recommendation, and school report. You can also add the contact information for those who will be writing a letter of recommendation for you if applicable. They will upload that letter directly to your Common App account!

Coalition App: Over 140 colleges use the Coalition Application as a means for receiving applications from prospective students. This is a less commonly used database than the other two. But if you are applying out-of-state and don't see their application on the Common App, you can check to see if they have one with the Coalition Application.

Colleges' Websites: Some colleges will not use any sort of database for their applications. In this case, students will need to apply online on the college's website. A simple google search (ex. Campbell University application) will take you to the correct location.

*CFNC and Common App tutorials found here. Dates and Deadlines found here.

College Application Components:

Application: This is the traditional application that asks for high school information, extracurriculars, honors and awards, short-response answers, etc. You'll complete this through Common App, CFNC, Coalition App, or directly on the college's website.

Test Scores: Most colleges are test-optional for the class planning to enroll in college in the Fall of 2021. However, under normal circumstances, colleges require you to submit test scores for either the ACT or SAT. Some colleges will allow you to unofficially self-report scores, while most will require that you submit them via your ACT or College Board accounts. It does cost to send official scores. However, fee waivers are available for students that meet certain requirements. Contact Ms. Kelley if you have questions.

Transcript: You will have to submit an official transcript to the colleges that you are applying to. You can send a transcript on your own to a college in NC through CFNC. If you apply through Common App, list your counselor so that they can submit your transcript for you. If you need to mail a transcript out-of-state, you will need to request an official transcript from the registrar of Student Services, Ms. Edwards.

Personal Statement: Some schools will require that you submit a personal statement. This is an essay about yourself that shows the college something about yourself that can't be seen anywhere else in your application. This is a great place to shine and show the admissions team how you stand out from other applicants. This is NOT required by all colleges.

Letters of Recommendation: Some schools will require that you submit one or more letters of recommendation. These can be from teachers, coaches, principals, bosses, program leaders, or others that can speak to your character. I recommend having a least one come from a teacher in a core curriculum class. Make sure to ask for letters of recommendation in a respectful manner and well in advance of when your application is due. This is NOT required by all colleges.

Resume: It's a good idea to have a resume or "brag sheet" handy to give to a counselor or teacher who will be writing a letter of recommendation for you. Colleges will rarely ask for a resume but scholarship applications often will!

Application Fee: Most colleges require submission of an application fee as part of the application process. This can range anywhere from $35 to $100. Some colleges (ex. Barton College) don't have an application fee, but most do! There are fee waivers for eligible students that waive the entire fee. Contact Ms. Kelley if you believe that you may qualify.