Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start applying to college?
The summer before senior year is a great time to start our applications. Most students do the majority of their college applications during their senior fall. While you have to wait until senior year to apply, it is never too early to start researching and preparing for the process!
How many colleges should I apply to?
I recommend 3-7 schools. It is good to apply to some schools that are more of a reach for you, and some you feel will likely accept you. Only apply to schools you would consider attending - those applications cost money.
Should I apply early?
That depends. If you are positive about what college you want to attend, early decision or early action may be a good move. Some colleges accept higher rates of students early decision, but then you are promising to go to the institution, so be absolutely positive before you decide. Early action only means that you will submit your application earlier and hear back earlier. This can be nice if you want to get the hard work out of the way early.
There are times when it makes more sense to wait and apply later in the year. If you need to use senior fall to raise your GPA or increase your test scores, wait to apply until the regular deadline.
Should I apply to schools if my test scores or grades are below their listed averages?
Yes. The admission scores and grades that colleges show on their websites are averages or ranges — not cutoffs. There are students at every college who scored lower (and higher) than the numbers shown. Colleges consider many other factors when deciding to admit you, including your activities, experiences, recommendation letters, etc.
Is it okay to use the same material on different applications?
Definitely! You should save time by reusing personal statements, resumes, and activity lists on applications. In fact, portals like the Common Application make it easy and encouraged to do this. Be careful when reusing supplemental essays, however. You do not want to tell UNC-Chapel Hill why Duke is your dream school or vice versa, so be sure to proofread before you submit!
Should I take the ACT or the SAT?
That is up to you. Every junior will take the ACT in late February or early March, but many students choose to take the SAT as well. Both exams are similar and test your knowledge of similar subject areas. Which test you choose to focus on depends on which you feel more comfortable and confident completing. Explore both tests and practice questions and decide which test you think works best for you.
Should I send additional material to colleges along with the required stuff?
In college application language, "optional" really means required. You should complete the optional essays and components of your applications too. The additional parts allow colleges to see more of who you are instead of just grades and test scores. If you feel additional essays, letters or recommendation, or information would benefit your application, send it along to the college.
How do I apply to college?
You can apply through college online through an application. Look up what type of the school in which you are interested uses, and then create an account. Some colleges use the Common App, CFNC, or their own personal website for your application. On these applications, you will fill out basic information about yourself, your family, your education, and your activities.
What are the Common Application, Coalition Application, and CFNC?
These are portals that allow you to apply to several colleges using the same system (and often the same information). The Common Application (commonapp.org) houses applications for nearly 700 colleges, the Coalition Application (coalitionforcollegeaccess.org) hosts about 100 applications, and CFNC (cfnc.org) has applications for most North Carolina colleges, universities, and community colleges.
When should I start my college prep?
Now! Preparing for college should start as early as possible. Get good grades, take challenging classes, and participate in activities. Start thinking about what colleges and subject areas interest you, and do some research into schools that appeal to you.
What do I need to know about student loans?
Student loans are a way to pay for higher education, where you borrow money from a lender and promise that you’ll repay it, with interest. Unlike with traditional loans, with student loans you are not expected to begin repaying the loan until after your education is over. While the idea of taking on debt is scary, student loans are considered “good debt” because they tend to have lower interest rates and represent an investment in your future. Nevertheless, be careful about taking on loans and debt, making sure to educate yourself about the type of loan and the commitment you are taking on.
Do all schools accept both the ACT and the SAT?
The vast majority, if not all, colleges accept both the ACT and the SAT and have no preference on which one you choose to send.
What do colleges look for in an application essay?
Colleges ask for essays to get a sense of who you are outside of your grades and test scores. It is your chance to show your personality and express yourself in your application. Remember, you are already sending a list of your activities and accomplishments in your application, so colleges do not want your essay to be a rehash of your resume. Instead, use these to tell a story that is important to you, make it personal and specific, and avoid being overly cheesy or cliché.
Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?
Some colleges request letters of recommendation from specific people, such as your counselor or a teacher in a core subject. If they do not specify, your letter can be from any adult who knows you well. I recommend at least one of your letters come from a teacher in a core subject, such as Math, English, science or history. Select a teacher whose class you excelled in, and who would be able to speak to your personality and accomplishments. If you want (or need) a second letter of recommendation, this can come from any other teacher, coach, counselor, or adult you feel would write you a good letter on your behalf.
When I will hear if I got in or not??
That depends. Some schools have rolling admissions, meaning they continuously review applications as they receive them. If you applied to a school with rolling admissions, you will likely hear back within 4 weeks. For other schools, especially more competitive schools, your wait may be longer. If you apply Early Action or Decision to a school such as UNC-CH or NC State, you will not hear back for several months, until mid- to late January. If you applied regular decision, you will typically not hear back until late spring.
How do I apply for financial aid?
The first step in applying for any type of financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can submit the FAFSA online by going to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Once this form is processed, you will receive a student aid report (SAR) from the U.S. Department of Education at the email address you provided. The SAR will contain your expected family contribution (EFC), which is the amount your family is expected to contribute toward your education. The school(s) that you listed on the FAFSA should also receive this information electronically. The financial aid office will then use it to award you an aid package.
Help! I did RDS and it came back out-of-state!
Come see me ASAP. If you should qualify as an in-state student but did not, we need to appeal your Residency Determination. This will require uploading some additional paperwork and answering some questions, and must be done within ten days of getting your original determination. I will walk you through the process.
How will I know if I am accepted?
Typically, after you submit an application you will create an account with the school where you can check your status, and they will email you with updates. Once they have made a decision, they will email you to access their decision. Additionally, you will receive a notification of your acceptance or rejection in the mail.
What is the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized loans?
With subsidized Direct loans, the government pays the interest on the loan that accrues while you are in school. With unsubsidized Direct loans, you are responsible for paying all the interest over the life of the unsubsidized loan. You don't have to make interest payments while in school, but the interest amount will be added and increase the loan balance. It is a good idea to make the interest payments on an unsubsidized loan while enrolled in school, if possible.
What is superscoring on the ACT and SAT?
Many students take the ACT or SAT more than once. Superscoring means that schools will combine your highest scores from each section of multiple exams to give you the highest score possible. For example, if you got a 25 on English and a 24 in Math the first time you took the ACT, and a 21 in English and a 27 in Math the second time, colleges will use your English score from your first test and Math score from the second test in order to give you the highest composite score.
When should I fill out the FAFSA?
The FAFSA opens October 1st of each year, and you should submit it as soon as possible after that date to ensure you receive the most financial aid possible. October of your senior fall is best!
When should I do RDS?
You are eligible to complete your residency determination beginning in July before your senior year. Again, we recommend filling out the form as early as possible just to get it out of the way.