College Application Process

It is important to start planning for college as early as 9th grade with a 4-year plan. By preparing ahead of time and taking advantage of available resources, the process of selecting and applying to college can be manageable.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a college. It is important to explore factors relating to academics, location, size, quality of campus life, student population, support services, and cost. You can call college admissions offices to set up campus visits. Also, stop by the school counselor’s office to talk about colleges!

Visit this website to get a brief summary of schools.
College Score Card

Visit the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) for additional resources on planning for college.
CFNC

NACAC Guide to the College Admission Process


High School Timeline:

9th grade:

  • Create a 4-year plan to ensure that you are on track to graduate from high school with the required credits.
  • Take electives to help you explore your interests. This can help you establish a general path you want to pursue to achieve college and career goals.
  • Get involved in extra-curricular activities like clubs, sports, work, volunteering, job shadowing, summer programs, etc. Select a few that you are passionate about and stick with them throughout high school and show leadership. Colleges like to see students involved in activities outside of academic classes.
  • Work hard and do well in your classes. Colleges like to see you do well all throughout high school.

10th grade

  • Continue to engage in extra-curricular activities and explore electives.
  • Take the PLAN/PSAT. Scores will give you a sense of your strengths and weakness so you can start preparing to study for the SAT/ACT.
  • Challenge yourself! If possible, consider taking an honors course.

11th grade

  • Consider taking AP classes or Alamance Community College courses for college credit.
  • Visit college campuses and narrow your search. You should have an idea of specific schools you are considering applying to by the end of your junior year.
  • Take the ACT or SAT. Consider taking either test twice to improve your score or consider taking one of each.
  • Begin thinking about writing a college admissions essay. Application season in the fall will be a busy time and this is something you can work on over the summer.

12th grade

  • Continue to work hard and do well in your classes. Colleges will look at grades from your senior year.
  • Take the SAT or ACT in the fall if you are not satisfied with your score from junior year.
  • Meet with your school counselor to create a plan to complete college applications. Return all necessary forms to the school counselor at least 30 days before the application deadline. Request transcripts and ask for recommendations. You are responsible for knowing deadlines!
  • Apply to schools at CFNC or The Common Application
  • You will also need to complete the NC Residency Determination Service application to apply for in-state tuition.
  • In October, submit a FAFSA. You will need to have your parent or guardian’s tax information.
  • Search for scholarships.
  • Graduate!
  • Send your final official transcript to the college you plan to attend.

 

Applications

The most important thing when applying to college is to note deadlines!

Most schools offer a chance for students to apply early (usually October/November) and receive their admission decision early.

  • Early Decision-Students who apply early decision are committed to attending that school if accepted. You can only apply to one school early decision. If not accepted early decision, you can either be rejected or deferred (put into the regular decision pool). If you are deferred, you are no longer committed to attend the school if accepted.
  • Early Action-Students who apply early action are not committed to attend that school and may apply to more than one school early. Many schools will allow you to put your final decision off until May.

Common Application

Many colleges accept the Common Application, which allows you to apply to more schools with less work. Check college websites for specific guidelines. Some will not accept it or require a school-specific supplement in addition to it.