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HOW to Apply to College:
HOW to Apply to College:
There are multiple ways to apply to college...
There are multiple ways to apply to college...
Choose based on what is most convenient for you and the list of schools you are applying to.
Choose based on what is most convenient for you and the list of schools you are applying to.
CommonApp tends to have the most seamless experience for students, counselors, and teachers, but all methods are valid!
CommonApp tends to have the most seamless experience for students, counselors, and teachers, but all methods are valid!
CommonApp (commonapp.org)
This is a website used to apply to over 900 American colleges and universities. This saves you time. You fill out 1 application and can send it to all the colleges on your list. You may be required to submit supplemental materials that are specific to each school, but it streamlines the process. If most of the schools on your list accept the Common App, it would be in your best interest to apply this way!
Guide to the Common App: This is an AMAZING resource. Follow this link & provide your email address to receive some of the best application tips and tricks out there!
2. CFNC (cfnc.org)
This website allows you to apply to any school (public, private, or community college) in North Carolina. If you are applying to a school in NC that does not accept the Common App, apply through CFNC or the school’s website directly.
3. The school’s website
For most schools, if you go to their main website, you will see a tab or button that says “Apply” or “Apply Now!”. This will direct you to an online application.
4. Common Black Application (https://commonblackcollegeapp.com/)
Prospective students can apply to dozens of HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) for a single $20 fee.
5. Coalition (coalitionforcollegeaccess.org)
This is another website similar to the Common App. Use this if Common App is not an option for you.
College Application Resources:
College Application Resources:
Wake County Public Libraries offers FREE programs for first-generation college students including practice ACT and SAT exams, assistance with Residential Determination Services (RDS), FAFSA, and more!
Learn about each part of the application, one question at a time!
CollegeWise offers TONS of free articles, webinars, and documents to help you understand and prepare for the college application process.
Their "Guide to the Common App" is a very thorough instructional resource to help you perfect your Common App application!
A free online college advising space for Latinx students in North Carolina. Sign up for a brief one-on-one conversation with a virtual coach to get access to all of their resources.
WHEN to Apply to College:
WHEN to Apply to College:
College applications open August 1st of your Senior Year. When applying to schools, you will notice many options of deadlines to select.
College applications open August 1st of your Senior Year. When applying to schools, you will notice many options of deadlines to select.
The most common different types of application deadlines are explained below:
The most common different types of application deadlines are explained below:
Early ACTION
If you submit your application by this date, you will receive an admissions decision from that college sooner (typically in December). Early Action deadlines can vary at each school, but are typically in mid-October or early November of your senior year. This gives many students & families reassurance by receiving an acceptance early on OR allows families more time to change their game plan and apply to additional schools if not accepted to top choices.
PRIORITY Deadline
This is a type of early deadline. Many colleges will specify that you must apply by this deadline to have priority consideration for admission to a specific program (honors college, certain majors, etc.), scholarships, and/or other forms of financial aid.
Early DECISION
This type of deadline (usually in November) is “binding” which means you must attend this school if they choose to accept you. Students may only make this commitment to 1 school and must withdraw all other applications if accepted by this school. Choosing this shows your commitment to the school which makes you a more appealing applicant, but students often receive less comparable financial aid packages if accepted. You may deny an Early Decision acceptance if the school does not meet your demonstrated financial need, but the key word here is "Decision"...you are making the decision to commit to this school if they accept you without hearing from any other schools.
Regular DECISION
This type of deadline is typically in January for most schools. This is the last deadline to apply to a school. Applying Regular Decision may be a good fit for you if you need more time to work on your college application material and/or need to show your 1st semester senior year grades to strengthen your application.
Rolling Admissions
If a school offers “rolling admissions”, you may apply to this school at any time during their listed application window. Acceptances are usually granted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Rolling Admissions does NOT mean that you should procrastinate.
College Application Components:
College Application Components:
Everything DUE by your selected deadline...
Everything DUE by your selected deadline...
Online Application Form
(including Essay responses, Short-Answer responses,
Supplemental questions, and Extracurricular Activities)
Residency Determination Service
Transcript (showing gpa & class rank)
ACT/SAT Test Scores (if applicable)
Letter(s) of Recommendation (if applicable)
Counselor Evaluations have a 2 week grace period
Paid Application Fee or Fee Waiver
Extenuating Circumstances (if applicable)
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