Applying to College

Applying to colleges can be a stressful and time consuming process. Make sure to check application deadlines for schools you are interested in. Give yourself enough time to complete the application as well as for your information to be sent, such as test scores and recommendation letters. 
Check to make sure you can apply to a school through CFNC, some schools have unique applications and require you to go to their website in order to apply. 
Make sure to check your email regularly, this is how colleges will communicate with you from now on. Not checking your email often puts you at risk of not turning in extra material they might need from you or missing out on a scholarship you qualify for. 
After you've applied, make sure to fill out your FAFSA (more information can be found in the Financial Aid tab under "College Information") and send it to the schools of your choice. Do this as soon as you can.

Do
  • Stay organized
  • Take the SAT and/or ACT (and retake if needed)
  • Check deadline dates
  • Apply to at least 5 schools
  • Have others proof read your essays and personal statements
  • Make sure your recommendation letter is from someone who knows you well
  • Practice for interviews
  • Meet with your college adviser if you have any questions, need more information, or need help on an application
  • Research majors and possible career paths
  • Try to apply to schools where you think you would benefit the most, both as a student and an individual
  • Participate in College Application Week: November 2nd-6th


Don't
  • Wait until the last minute to do everything
  • Apply to just one school
  • Send in an essay or personal statement as soon as you finish writing the first draft. These are very important in showing the school who you are and what you have to offer as a potential future student.
  • Apply to certain schools just because your friends are. Their best fit might not be the same as yours.

Writing your admissions essay

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