College Information

How do I actually apply to college?

Applying to college can feel like a lot of steps and a lot of time. But, if we get organized early and use the resources available, it will feel much more manageable. Under this tab, I'll cover: the difference between 2-year and 4-year college, websites to apply to college, and tips to write essays. Click on the drop-down menu to find what you're looking for!

** PAYMENT - many schools ask for an application fee, ranging from $30-$90. However, reach out to me about obtaining fee waivers - we can often work to get these payments waived if you experience financial hardship. Also, there is a FREE College Application Week through CFNC during October 18th-October 22nd, 2021 -- put it on your calendar and take advantage!

When do I apply?

It varies by college! The earliest applications will be mid-October, while some schools accept as late as the Spring. You can begin submitting applications as early as the beginning of 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. **I advise applying Early Action whenever possible!**

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.

ROLLING ADMISSIONS: Applying to a school with rolling admissions means there is no set deadline; based on the date that you submit the application, you should hear back within a few weeks.


What do I need to apply?

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

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

  • Essay(s): you can reuse essays for multiple institutions!

  • ** Due to COVID-19, NC public schools have waived the test scores (ACT/SAT) requirement, meaning you DON'T need to submit test scores!**

    • * This may not be true for all private schools/out-of-state schools, so make sure to check individual school websites. Similarly, this may not be true for scholarships - some may still require submitting test scores.


How do I choose where to apply?

Make a list of 5-10 colleges and universities you may be interested in. Ask yourself:

  • Do I want to stay close to home? Do I want to be close to a city?

  • Am I interested in going to a big or small school?

  • What am I interested in studying? (It's okay if you don't know yet!)

Now that you have a sense of the general region and type of school you're interested in...

Make a college list of:

  • Likely - where your academic qualifications (GPA and test scores) are higher than the average student; these are colleges where you are reasonably certain you will be accepted

  • Target: colleges where your qualifications are similar to the average first-year student. These are colleges where you think you have a good opportunity of being accepted for admission.

  • Reach: colleges where your academic qualifications are lower than the average first-year student. These are colleges where you are less likely to be accepted for admission, but you're really interested in attending if given the opportunity.

Now that you have found schools that 1) are in the general area you are interested in and 2) have a range of academic qualifications...

1) Research the type of financial assistance they provide and look at potential scholarships those schools offer that you may qualify for

2) Research any programs or spaces you are interested in to see if this list of schools provides that (i.e. programming for First Gen students, LGBTQ+ Safe Spaces, sororities/fraternities, spaces for underrepresented and/or minority students)

** I can help with each step of this process, but especially the last part! Finding the right fit is so important for not only academic success, but also social and emotional success. Let's work on finding the perfect fit together!