Research colleges and make a list of 3-5 schools you are interested in
Go to CFNC.org or Naviance through Clever for assistance on narrowing down your search
Register and take the ACT and/or SAT
Because many colleges are test-optional this year, don't feel pressured to do this if you are not comfortable with COVID-19 precautions. Contact me if you are unsure if the school(s) and/or scholarships you are interested in require a test score.
Reach out to me to see if you are eligible for a fee waiver!
Begin college applications
Make a draft of your essay and send it to me and a trusted teacher/friend/family member for edits
Ask teachers for recommendations; teachers are busy so it is good to ask early
If you have a resume, attach that to the email when you ask them. If you have questions about how to ask, reach out to me!
Complete N.C. Residency Determination Service (RDS)
The earlier the better! Many in-state colleges REQUIRE that you complete this before submitting applications.
Complete the FAFSA!
Opens October 1st
Submit by DECEMBER 1st - even though a college's deadline may say later, the earlier you submit it the more likely you are to get more money
Some schools also require the CSS Profile, NC schools include UNC-Chapel Hill, Elon, Duke, Davidson, and Wake Forest
Submit college applications!
Most Early Action deadlines are between October 15th-November 1st, many regular decision deadlines are around December
Free Application Week is October 18-22, 2021!
Similar to FAFSA, for many colleges (especially those with "rolling deadlines") it is better to submit the application earlier rather than later
Apply to scholarships!
Many national (and some state/local) are due during these months. Refer to my national/institutional scholarship pages for specific dates.
Finish applying to any other colleges
Apply for local/state scholarships
Set aside time for this! 5 hours on a $500 scholarship = $100/hour ... do it!!
You will begin to hear back from colleges about acceptances and financial aid packages; begin to narrow down your decision
Verification - around 30-40% of students are selected for verification for FAFSA; keep an eye on your college emails to see if you have to submit any additional documentation to receive your financial aid offer
You will finish hearing back from colleges, financial aid, and scholarships!
It is time to decide!!
This can be an exciting and difficult time! Talk with me and we can weigh the pros and cons of decisions.
Talk with current students, admissions counselors, friends/family
Compare financial aid packages, academic programs, and other factors that are important to you