FAQ: College Applications

Application

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, Coalition, 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.

Common App: https://www.commonapp.org/explore/

Coalition: http://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/members-new.html

CFNC: https://www1.cfnc.org/Apply/To_College/_default.aspx

Payment

Many schools do require an application fee (typically ranging from $30 to $90) in order to apply. However, this requirement can often be waived if you are experiencing financial hardship. Talk with Ms. Hepburn to see if you qualify and how to receive fee waivers.

Many schools in North Carolina waive their application fees during College Application Week, which will be October 18th through the 22nd.

More Info on College Application Week & Other Events Here.

When do I apply?

Every school will have different deadlines, check their website. The earliest applications will be due around the middle of October, while some schools have deadlines extending into the spring. You can begin submitting applications as soon as they are available, which is typically early August.

• ​EARLY DECISION: Applying to a school under their early decision deadline means that you are 100% sure that it is your top choice. If you are accepted under an early decision agreement, you must attend. This means that you will often have to commit to the school before you receive a financial aid offer.

• ​EARLY ACTION: Applying to a school under their early action decision deadline means that you will receive your admissions decision earlier, but you are not bound to attend if admitted.

• ​REGULAR DECISION: Applying to a school under their regular decision deadline means you will receive your admissions decision within the spring, and are still not bound to attend if admitted.

How many institutions should i apply to?

It depends on how many schools you are interested in and could genuinely see yourself attending. You should heavily consider the cost of attendance, location, and how you compare to their average admissions standards (found on the schools website or College Board College Search). Generally, you should be looking to submit 3 to 5 applications to ensure you have choices when it comes time to decide.

What do I need?

The application itself will include questions about you, your family, your activities, your school, and your interests. In addition to completing the application, you may also have to submit the following items:

• Transcript(s): HS and community college if applicable

  • You generally don't have to send your community college transcript until you decide to enroll at a certain university. Some schools will request an unofficial community college transcript for admissions

• Test Scores (SAT/ACT): potentially optional for some institutions

  • This year NC schools are test optional due to COVID, talk to Ms. Hepburn if you have questions about this

• Letter(s) of Recommendation: may have parameters on who to get these from i.e. teacher, community member, coach, etc.

  • Don't worry! You can submit your applications before your letters of recommendation have been submitted

• Essay(s): you can reuse essays for multiple institutions at times. Others will have specific questions they need you to answer

• Resume: some schools will ask for a resume! If you don't have one don't stress, there are lots of resources on how to write one, or Ms. Hepburn can help you!

What about community colleges?

Community college applications are completed through CFNC. They typically do not open until the end of September/October, so you can expect to complete them a little later than other college applications. There is not a due date or application fee for community college applications.

How will I know if the college has all of my documents and if my application is complete?

CHECK YOUR EMAIL! Colleges will communicate with you via email to inform you if your application is missing anything. Many schools will invite you to create a portal through their website where you can check your status.

How will I know if I got accepted?

Most schools will notify you online first - either through their online portal or by email. You can then expect to receive a letter (and probably a cool envelope!) in the mail about a week later.

How do I know what schools I would be a good fit for?

This has a lot to do with personal preference. Try to imagine where you will fit in and where you will enjoy being for 2-4 years. If you are happy where you are, you are more likely to do well!

These links have a lot of great resources. Some are college search websites that let you search for schools based on location, test scores, sports and activities, academic credit, and more. You have to make an account for some of these links.

• https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search (college search)

• https://www.petersons.com/college-search.aspx (college search)

• https://www.cappex.com/ (college search)

• https://college-insight.org/ (college search)

• https://professionals.collegeboard.org/guidance (for more questions you might have)