Many schools will require students to pay an application fee before they process your application. These application fees can range anywhere from $20 - $100+. Do not let this discourage you from applying! It is possible that you may qualify for an application fee waiver, CHECK THE CRITERIA HERE!!!
If you believe that you may qualify for a fee waiver, please come see your adviser or guidance counselor for additional assistance.
While the majority of college applications open on August 1st, sometimes it can be difficult to know exactly which deadline to apply by. Below we have broken down the different types of deadlines, what they mean, and when you can expect these deadlines to be.
Make sure to check each school's admissions website for official application due dates!!!
Early Action
Mid-October to Early-November.
Applicants who apply by the early action deadline receive their admission decision sooner! With this option you are NOT legally bound to attend the school, but you get to find out sooner! This is a great option if you are applying to multiple schools and want to make your college choice earlier!
Early Decision
Mid-October to Early-November.
Like early action, applicants who apply early decision get their admissions decision sooner. The only difference is that if the college offers you admission, you ARE legally bound to attend the school. This is a good option for students who are all-in on one school!
Regular Decision
Typically February - April.
You are right on time! Students who apply by the regular decision deadline are still on schedule. These students will receive their admissions decisions after the early action and early decision applicants. Applying regular decision is a great option for many students, but beware that there may be limited aid left when you apply later!
Rolling Admissions
First come first serve, final deadline typically May - June.
Some schools offer rolling admissions rather than specific early and regular decision deadlines. This just means that the admissions decisions are made on a first come, first serve basis! Make sure to get your applications in as early as possible so you get can get your decision back sooner!
The College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) is a great application hub for North Carolina Schools, including community colleges and trades schools, as well as many other wonderful planning resources, tips, timelines, RDS application, scholarship opportunities, and more!
Every student should have a CFNC account (use your personal email so you don't lose access to it when you graduate!)
Add your student ID so that your transcripts can be sent.
Under the "Apply to College" tab, click on "Application Hub". This is where you will manage your applications.
Common App is a non-profit organization that represents over 1000 colleges and universities across the country. The Common App is great because it uses one application to send to multiple schools, making the application process much easier. Not every school in NC uses the Common App and some schools only accept Common App applications so definitely research your school's preference before deciding which platform to use.
*If you are applying for a fee waiver, please request through Common App under the profile section. It is the very last drop-down menu, titled "Common App Fee Waiver".*
A lot of colleges have their own application portal on their website, typically found under the "Admissions" tab. It is usually just another option in addition to the CFNC or Common App, but some schools only allow their own application.
Again, this is why it's so important to check each school's website for info regarding preferences, deadlines, specific components, fees, and other important information.
This section of your application includes information about your high school, personal information like your birthday, information about your parents, and enrollment information like when you are looking to start college! This just allows the school to get a general idea of who you are!
This section is where you allow your life outside of the classroom to shine! Here is where you would share what activities you are involved in and how long you have been involved in these activities. Examples include sports, clubs, volunteer experience, jobs, family involvement, etc.
Some schools may require you to write an essay to apply. Don't worry, this is just so they can get to know you better! These essays are often short (250-650 words) and are designed to allow you to show the admissions teams who you are outside of the classroom.
Colleges require you to submit your high school transcript so they can see your GPA and confirm that you are on track to meet the minimum course requirements for admission to the school. If you need help finding, requesting, or submitting this information please do not hesistate to reach out to your adviser or guidance counselor!
When schools request to see your test scores, they are referring to your ACT & SAT scores. Make sure to check if the school you are applying to requires you to submit these scores. Even if they are not required, they could be beneficial to submit for some scholarships!
Many schools require at least one (1) letter of recommendation. Typically schools are looking for an academic recommendation (teacher), but recommendations can also be written my coaches, volunteer leaders, and other community members. Make sure to ask your recommender in advance to give them plenty of time (at least 2 weeks)!