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College Planning & Scholarships

 

College Application Presentation – Friday, October 10th

School Counselors will present information on the college application process to college-bound students graduating in June 2026.
This session is designed for seniors and 3-year graduates who plan to attend college after high school.

Students will attend during 2nd or 3rd period based on their last names. The full schedule is posted in teacher and student Teams pages.

Students who plan to join the military, enter the workforce, or who have already applied to college do not need to attend.

Counselors will provide guidance on applications, timelines, and resources to help students prepare for life after graduation.

For questions, students may contact their school counselor.

 

Download presentation here

Important Steps to Follow:

  • CFNC.org Account Creation
    • Essential for NC college applications
    • Access to college planning tools
    • Scholarship search capabilities
  • NC Residency Determination Service (RDS)
    • Required to qualify for in-state tuition
    • Complete before college applications
    • Have SSN (yours and your parents) and tax information ready
  • FAFSA 
    • Apply for Financial Aid for the year in which you will be in college. (i.e. it is currently the 2025-2026 school year but you will be applying for aid for the 2026-2027 school year when you will be in college)

Navigating the College Application Journey

Understanding the College Application Process

  • College applications are your gateway to higher education
  • Typically submitted during senior year of high school
  • Components include
  • Each college may have unique requirements
  • Deadlines vary, but many fall between November and April(ish)

Researching and Selecting Colleges

  • Start by assessing your academic interests and career goals
  • Consider factors like
    • Location
    • Size of student body
    • Available majors and programs
    • Campus culture
    • Cost and financial aid options
  • Use resources like college websites, CFNC, and campus visits
  • Create a balanced list of:
    • "Reach" schools (more competitive)
    • "Match" schools (align with your profile)
    • "Safety" schools (likely acceptance)
  • Aim for 6-8 schools on your final list

Crafting a Compelling Application

  • Highlight your strengths and unique qualities
  • Academic achievements:
    • GPA
    • Challenging coursework
    • Academic awards
  • Extracurricular activities:
    • Leadership roles
    • Community service
    • Sports, arts, or other pursuits
  • Personal essay:
    • Showcase your voice and experiences
    • Address the prompt thoughtfully
    • Revise and proofread carefully (ask your English teacher, counselor, or other trusted adult to assist with editing)
  • Letters of recommendation:
    • Choose recommenders who know you well
    • Kindly ask if they would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for you
    • Provide them with necessary information 
    • Give them plenty of notice so they have time to write about how awesome you are

Managing Deadlines and Submissions

  • Create a timeline for each application
  • Common deadlines:
    • Early Decision (ED): Usually in November
    • Early Action (EA): Often in November or December
    • Regular Decision: Typically in the Spring
  • Keep track of:
  • Submit all materials well before deadlines
  • Follow up to ensure all parts of your application are received
  • Stay organized with a spreadsheet or application tracking tool

After Applying: Next Steps

  • Monitor your email for communications from colleges
  • Prepare for potential interviews
  • Continue to maintain strong grades (avoid "senioritis")
  • Apply for scholarships and financial aid
  • Once accepted:
    • Compare offers carefully
    • Consider visiting or revisiting top choices
    • Make your final decision by the national response deadline (May 1ish)
  • Celebrate your accomplishments and prepare for the transition to college life!

This video was constructed during Countdown To College and Career Day at WOHS during NC College Application Week 2023.  It displays WOHS school counselors and our Career Development Coordinator working together to assist students in college planning, exploring career choices, and having the opportunity to meet with employers as well as military personnel.  WOHS Student Services Department focused on meeting the goal of offering a comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of ALL graduating seniors.