College Admissions Process FAQs
HowdoIstartmy application?
Determine how you will apply- Common Application, Coalition application, institutional application etc.
Review the requirements of the application and prepare your materials. Create an account.
Have a list of your Activities throughout high school ready. Start brainstorming for your essays for any applications that require them. Submit essays to Crosby Scholars for review.
If letters of rec are required- reach out now to request the recommenders help. Follow your schools policy to request transcripts. Stay organized with logins, passwords, frequently-used links, etc.
WHENSHOULD IAPPLY?
Through Rolling Admission
Through Early Action Through Regular Decision
Through Early Decision Through Restrictive Early Action
Send an email to:
Always check school websites for all schools you plan to apply to. Make sure to review all admission types for each school and check the requirements for each deadline!
Certain programs may require portfolio submission. Some schools may have a separate general scholarship application.
Whoisreviewingmy application?
Very much depends on the specific university
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 websitesattend the school information sessions to learn more for the specific school
WHATCOLLEGES LOOKFORINAN APPLICANT 75%
STRENGTH OF CURRICULUM/RIGOR OF ACADEMIC PROGRAM
QUALITY OF THOUGHTFUL, CLEAR, AND CONCISE
ESSAYS
of Colleges report Grades achieved in all courses are considerably important in college admissions decision
STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES (UNLESS TEST OPTIONAL)
4.
5. 6.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
COUNSELOR’S RECOMMENDATION
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (RESUME’) –
COMMITMENT, PASSION, LEADERSHIP
INTERVIEWS/AUDITIONS/PORTFOLIO
OTHER FACTORS – WHEN SCHOLAR APPLIES, DEMONSTRATED INTEREST (HAS VISITED CAMPUS, ATTENDED A RECEPTION, ETC.)
1. 2. 3.
HowdoIknowifIhavedone enoughtobeadmitted?
Start by looking up the freshman class profile- this is data on the most recent 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- knowing this information can help you determine your academic fit at an institution.
Willtestscoresbe importantthisyear?
UNC System Schools extended the test optional policy for the 2024 application year. Along with many other colleges across the country. Check out fairtest.org to learn more about which schools are test optional this year.
ACT
WWW.ACT.ORG
SAT
WWW.COLLEGEBOARD.COM
SAT SUBJECT TESTS
WWW.COLLEGEBOARD.COM
ACT or ACT with writing
Administered to every NC junior
FREE in Feb/Mar
Sept, Oct, Dec, Feb, Apr, June, July
4 sections: 1-36 points per section, average 4 scores together to get composite score
Test Areas: English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing test is optional
SAT or SAT with optional essay
Aug, Oct, Nov, Dec, Mar*, May*, June* (*digital)
Total Score: scale of 400-1600
Section Scores: scale of 200-800, one score for Evidenced-Based
Reading and Writing and one score for Math
Test Scores: Reading, Writing & Language, Math – individual scores for all 3: scale 10-40
Essay is optional
Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, May, June
Typically used for course placement but can be considered in admission decisions – many new schools no longer require these test scores in admission decisions
HowdoIwritea strongessay?
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.
DoIhavetowritethe SupplementalEssays?
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 Foundation of 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
CFNC requires the student to complete a separate application for each school they apply to.
CanIapplyto morethenone schoolatonce?
The Coalition App is a universal application that can be used to apply to multiple schools.
150+ Colleges accept the Coalition App
The Coalition App aims to:
The Common App is a universal 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
create space for students to collaborate with mentors while applying to college allow students to begin their applications years in advance
ensure students find an accessible college experience
WhatisNCCountdowntoCollege?
DoIhavetoapplytoa specificmajor?
This will depend on the institution.
Some schools require you to apply to a specific school within the college or university- 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 the specific institution you are interested. Don’t be blindsided by extra requirements or steps in the admissions process.
HowdoIsubmitmy 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 service website at your high school to review any changes for this years transcript requests. Depending on how you apply- you may be asked to enter all of your grades directly on the application. Note- you will still need to request a transcript to be sent from from your high school!
Whatarefee waiversanddoI qualifyforone?
Typically fee waivers are awarded based on fee waivers from the SAT/ACT. If you receive 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, select schools in North Carolina offer a free application if you apply during this week
ExtraQuestions
How many schools should I apply to?
How do I navigate all of the immense amount of deadlines and things to do during this time?
How are the classes going to be like?
Why do people say it is so “stressful”?
How do I decide where to apply?
How to apply for scholarships?
Jess Hancock Junior + Senior Program Specialist jhancock@crosbyscholars.org CONTACT Mary Allen Conforti Junior + Senior Program Coordinator maconforti@crosbyscholars.org Senior Program seniorprogram@crosbyscholars.org www.crosbyscholars.org (336) 725-5371 THANKS FOR JOINING! Please complete the Exit Survey for attendance credit using the QR code or the link in the chat. Exit Survey
