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Figuring out college and the application process can be tough! But luckily, with the right online tools and planning out the steps, it can be a breeze.
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1) What school is right for me?
http://www.collegeconfidential.com/college_search/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/make-a-plan
https://www.cfnc.org/index.jsp- College Foundation of North Carolina
Here are two wonderful links that allow you to find colleges that are a perfect match. You answer questions about location, size, major, tuition, etc. and these websites will show different schools that are the ideal fit and why.
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2) Which ones should I apply to and how many?
After investigating the schools that are a good match you must choose the schools you wish to apply to. It's possible to apply to as many schools as you want but it is not ideal to do so as applications cost money, and in the end you need to decide which one you want to go to. On the opposite side, some students might choose to apply just to one school. The recommended way to choose your schools is to choose Safety School(s), Ideal Fit School(s), and Reach Schools(s). A safety school is one that you are confident that you will get into. An ideal fit school is one that matches your academic level and goals. A reach school might be a prestigious school that is difficult to get into. So the ideal amount of colleges to apply to is 3-5.
However, choosing these schools can be difficult. There are many factors to take into consideration so there are questions that you need to ask yourself. Does this school have my intended area of study? Are there ways for me to be able to afford this school? Do I see myself living here and in this area for a period of time? I recommend going and visiting the campus if possible. This way, you can get a feel for the environment and the people there. There might be a school you are considering but when you go and visit the campus you realize it doesn't feel right.
3) I have my schools! What's next?
Make a chart! I find this is the easiest way to organize information and keep up with deadlines. Most schools have different deadlines. These are critical to remember. Usually colleges will have an Early Decision and a Regular Decision deadline. Applying before the Early Decision allows for consideration for merit-based scholarships. Some prestigious private colleges might have a Early Action deadline which is a legally binding contract if you get into the school. Only do this if this is top choice and you are 100% sure you want to go to this school.
Look at the required materials for each application. Some colleges are a part of a universal application system called the Common App. However, it is specific to each school. Create an account for each school and write down the passwords. Other required materials sometimes include Recommendation Letters, Resumes, Essays, SAT/ACT scores, Transcripts, etc. Make sure to get a jump start in asking teachers for a letter of recommendation. Often they will only write a certain number so it is best to try and get at the top of their list. Be sure to leave plenty of time to take for the SAT/ACT. I recommend the middle of Junior Year so you can retake it if necessary.
*Tip: Don't think too hard about the essays. They don't have to be long (most are capped at 200-700 words). Try and be personal when writing them so the college can best get to know you as a person. Also, try and find an adult or teacher to look over your essays for feedback.
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Counselors
A- Cam Janice Kilgo
Can-F Toni Naples
G-I Megan Reen
J-Mej Jacqueline Strickland
Mel-Ram Vickie Brunnick
Rap-So Kimberly Preacher
Sp- Z Amy Jurusik
Academic Performer Counselor John Gordon
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http://southmeckcounseling.cmswiki.wikispaces.net/Home
Go to this link for many helpful links and tips.
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College Prep
Scholarships
Financial Aid
