In choosing a college, consider the following questions:

Does the college you are considering offer the major you are interested in?

How much will it cost to attend the college? (Tuition, fees, room and board, meal plan, and books)

Is the college located in a place you will enjoy? (Size of college, city/town the college is located, weather, etc.) 

Will the college provide the support you need and desire? (Smaller colleges can better offer a more personalized       educational experience than larger colleges).

What is the average GPA of incoming freshman students and how do you compare?

What is the average SAT/ACT scores of incoming freshman and how do you compare?

What other factors does the admissions office considering when reviewing applications? (Volunteer work, service       learning, employment, school organization, school sports, etc.)

What is the social life like at the college you are considering?

Visit the college (Where are the academic buildings, the library, the caf,  and can freshman students drive?)

What are the extracurricular activities provided by the college? (Sports teams, Greek organizations, service organizations, study abroad opportunities, etc.)

What is the percentage of students employed after graduation? or the percentage of students who continue on to graduate school?

It is highly recommended that you select 3 colleges to apply to. This includes your top choice (dream school), a back up school, and a school you know without any doubt you would be accepted.  

Preparing for College 

9th Grade - Set Your Sights on College

-Take courses that challenge you.

-Concentrate on making good grades.

-Meet with your school counselor.

-Create a FREE CFNC account to record your courses, activities, and more.

-Explore career interests at CFNC.org

-Research ways to save and pay for college. 

10th Grade - Keep Your Focus

-Pursue extraccurricular interests (eg. dance, sports, clubs, or community service)

-Review your goals for the future with your counselor.

-Update your CFNC planner.

-Start using  the free SAT and ACT test prep at CFNC.org

-Take the PSAT for practice.

-Talk with family and friends about their educational choices.

-"Tour" colleges online at CFNC.org

-Register for AP, Honors,and Advanced Courses (if available). 

11th Grade - The Critical Year for Success

-Review your academic plan with your counselor.

-Get schedules for college entrance exams and placement exams.

-Use the free SAT and ACT test prep at CFNC.org

-Take PSAT in October (you may qualify for National Merit Scholarships)

-Check entrance requirements for colleges that interest you.

-Keep your CFNC planner updated.

-Attend college fairs and financial workshops.

-Visit colleges.

-Research scholarships, grants, and loans at CFNC.org

-Talk with coaches about college sports and scholarship eligibility.

-Register and take SAT, ACT, and/or AP tests.

-Narrow down your lists of colleges.

-Find a summer job or internship in your field of interest. 

12th Grade Fall Semester - Don't Let Up

-Review courses, graduation requirements, and scholarship opportunities with your counselor.

-Update your CFNC planner.

-Select 3 - 5 colleges (a dream school, a safety school, and others in between)

-Track application and financial aid deadlines for colleges.

-Take the first SAT or ACT offered this fall.

-Write, edit, proofread, and rewrite your admissions essays early.

-Ask teachers, counselors, or references to write letters of recommendations.

-Attend college days and participate in College Application Week.

-Complete online college applications before deadlines.

-Check with college financial aid offices for school-specific scholarship information and forms.

-Student athletes send transcripts to NCAA Clearinghouse for eligibility certification.  

-Apply for PIN number from www.fafsa.gov 

12th Grade Spring Semester - Finish Strong

-Complete and submit FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov as soon as possible after January 1st.

-If not accepted by your college of choice, find new options (Use College Redirection Module at CFNC.org).

-Compare admissions acceptance letters and financial aid packages.

-Submit your enrollment deposit to hold your spot at the college you select.

-Apply for education loans (if needed).

-Make sure your final high school transcript is sent to your college of choice.  

-Send in early college credit course transcripts (community college, middle college)

-Take exams for any AP or college-level  courses completed.

-For community college admissions, take the ASSET, COMPASS, NCDAP or ACCUPLACER test.  

College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) 

CFNC is a great website to learn information about all the colleges and universities in North Carolina. This includes all 2-year and 4-year colleges. This site also allows you to apply to most of the North Carolina 2-year and 4-year schools through this one site. CFNC also allows students to submit their transcripts, take various career assessments, and research career options. Lastly, CFNC annually holds the CFNC College Application Week. During this week, most of the colleges and universities in North Carolina will waive their application fees or accepts fee waivers. This can potentially save a student hundreds of dollars in college application fees. CFNC College Application Week for this school year will take place on Monday, November 2 - Friday, November 6, 2015. For additional information contact school counselor, email Ms. Geter.

Big Future by College Board

Big Future by College Board provides students an opportunity to learn more about colleges and universities, how to pay for college, and future career options.