COLLEGE
ADMISSIONS ADMISSIONS ADMISSIONS Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start my application? Determine how you will apply - Common App, Coalition application, Common Black College App, institutional application, etc. Create your accounts. Review the requirements of the application and prepare your materials. Have a list of your Activities throughout high school ready. Start brainstorming for your essays for any applications that require them. Utilize Crosby’s Essay Services - webinars, Coaching, and Review. Touch base with your Recommenders. Finalize your standardized testing plan. Stay organized with logins, passwords, frequently-used links, etc.
When should I apply? Early Action Early Decision Rolling Admission Regular Decision Direct Admissions
Make sure to review all admission types for each school and check the requirements for each deadline!
Who is reviewing my application? Larger schools that have significantly higher # of applications may have several steps in the review process before being reviewed by an actual person. Some schools have a team of admission officers reviewing each application. Many universities explain their admissions process on their websites. Look for school info sessions to learn more for the specific school’s process.
What do colleges look for in an applicant?
GPA
It reflects your performance as a student over almost four years of your life and offers insight into what sort of college student you might be.
Strength of Curriculum/Rigor of Academic Program Quality of Thoughtful, Clear, and Concise Essays Standardized Test Scores (unless test optional) Letters of Recommendation Counselor’s Recommendation Extracurricular Activities – commitment, passion, leadership Interviews/Auditions/Portfolio Other factors – when scholar applies, demonstrated interest (has visited campus, attended a reception, etc.)
How do I know if I have done enough to be admitted? Start by looking up the freshman class profile; this is data on the most recently admitted students. Compare your numbers (GPA, RANK, TEST SCORES) to students the institution has recently admitted. Just because your numbers might not be the highest in this range, doesn’t mean you aren’t qualified.
Will test scores be important this year?
ACT WWW.ACT.ORG
Check for each school beginning August 1st.
SAT WWW.COLLEGEBOARD.COM
How do I write a strong essay? Be authentic! Don't be afraid to talk out loud or brain dump on the page. Your essay should not be a summary of your activities resume. Your essay does NOT have to be a story of the hardest challenge you've ever faced in order for it to be compelling. Utilize Crosby’s Essay Services - webinars, Coaching, & Review.
Do I have to write the Supplemental Essays? quick answer: YES! some schools require extra essays beyond the main essay- these are required to complete typically these are short response essays and usually less than 250 words specific to each institution be sure to review all application requirements before applying
The College for North Carolina (CFNC) is a hub to assist NC students with applying to both colleges and scholarships. Every October, CFNC hosts NC Countdown to College to assist Seniors with College Applications, RDS, and FAFSA Specific dates coming soon - stay tuned!
How to apply to more than 1 school? The Common App is a shared application that can be used to apply to multiple schools. Over 1,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. accept the Common App Common App offers a free Toolkit that can help guide a student through their application process Common App allows qualifying students to receive a fee waiver for their college applications
Apply directly to a school on their own website using their Institutional Application. most schools give you the option to apply directly on their website no difference is fee no preference but sometimes is available earlier than Common App
Common Black College App
Do I have to apply to a specific major? It depends. Some schools require you to apply to a specific “college” within the larger university- ex: engineering, nursing, business, etc. Some schools require students to apply to these schools as first year applicants, others may require an application in sophomore or junior year. If you know what you want to study, research the requirements at each school on your list. Don’t be blindsided by extra requirements or steps in the admissions process.
How do I submit my transcript? Each high school has established a process for you to request a transcript to be sent to each of the colleges you are applying to. Check the student services website at your high school to review any changes for this year’s transcript requests. Depending on how you apply, you may be asked to enter all of your grades directly on the application or a secure site (STARS).
What are fee waivers and do I qualify for one? Typically fee waivers are awarded based on fee waivers from the SAT/ACT. If you received a fee waiver for these tests, you would receive 4 fee waivers to apply for college. Speak with your counselor to see if you qualify for a fee waiver and how to receive your waivers. Some schools offer a free application based on performance, test scores, or if you apply by a certain time- RESEARCH! CFNC Free Application Week- typically in October, some schools in North Carolina offer a free application if you apply during this week.
Extra Questions How many schools should I apply to? How do I navigate all of the deadlines? Can I use AI? Does visiting campuses matter? When will I hear back from colleges? When will I have to decide where I will attend?