LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL Who is my counselor

LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

Who is my counselor? A–D Ms. Andrea Martin (E-Go, K) martina 6@gcsnc. com E–K Mrs. Amber Marshall L – Ri Ms. Leslie Deaton (Gr-He, K) deatonl@gcsnc. com Ro – Z Ms. Kayla Christmann (Hi-J, K) christk@gcsnc. com marshaa 5@gcsnc. com

Ways to apply to college ◦ When you visit the school’s website and access the admissions section, you will: 1. Be directed to the Common Application / Coalition site if that school accepts ONLY the Common Application / Coalition Application 2. Be directed to the school – specific application if that school is not part of the Common Application/Coalition 3. Be directed to a page that requires you to choose whether you will apply through the school specific application or if you wish to apply through the Common Application / Coalition 4. NC Schools ONLY – most applications are available on CFNC. org

Admission Decision ◦ Regular Admission – You are applying by the normal date set by the college and will receive your notification of admission based on how that college processes applications. You have until May 1 st to make your admission decision and deposit. ◦ Rolling Admission – This college will process your application as soon as it is complete. They will send your admissions status results, usually within 2 – 4 weeks of the application completion. You have until May 1 st to make a decision and deposit. ◦ Early Decision – This is a contract between you and the college to which you are applying. This college is your first and only choice. You must have your materials in by an early deadline (generally November 1 st). Colleges will respond by January 1 – 15 th. If accepted, you must deposit at that college immediately. The contract is binding and the college must also agree. ◦ Early Action – This is an early application deadline similar to Early Decision; however, it is not a binding contract. If accepted, you can deposit at this college immediately or wait until May 1 st to decide. ◦ Priority Admission – colleges will often have a priority date for scholarships and other benefits.

Common App FAQs ◦ Graduation class size: 344 ◦ Class Rank Reporting: Exact ◦ Rank Weighting: Weighted ◦ GPA Scale Reporting: 4 ◦ GPA Weighting: Weighted ◦ Scheduling System: Quarter

aila v a th be l l i 0 1 ts w mber p i r nsc Septe a r T ng i t r a st ble Transcripts ◦ For North Carolina colleges/universities students will request their transcripts through CFNC ◦ For out of state colleges/universities students will request their transcripts through Scrib. Order ◦ For an unofficial copy students will request their transcript through Scrib. Order and pick it up in the counseling office when it’s ready.

Letters of Recommendation ◦ Research school requirements ◦ Teachers, principals, and counselors can write on your behalf ◦ Please ask your recommender 2 weeks in advance ◦ FERPA Waiver ◦ Waiving your right lets colleges know that you will never try to read your recommendations. That in turn reassures colleges that your recommenders have provided support that is candid and truthful. If you choose not to waive your right, some recommenders may decline your request, and some colleges may disregard letters submitted on your behalf.

Residency Determination Services ◦ You will need to submit a residency application with the North Carolina Residency Determination Services (RDS), which is a government agency that serves the entire state. ◦ Must know your CFNC account!! ◦ It’s an online interview where you have to provide documentation verifying your North Carolina residency. ◦ Should be linked through the college application. ◦ At completion of interview you will receive a Residency Certification Number which will be requested on your college application.

A Completed Application ◦ Includes: ◦ Student’s Application and fee ◦ ACT/SAT scores sent directly from the testing company to the college ◦ Transcript, current schedule, and school profile ◦ If required: ◦ Student essay(s) ◦ Letter(s) of recommendation ◦ School report completed by the counselor

NC Promise ◦ The following universities have $500 tuition per semester: ◦ UNC – Pembroke ◦ Elizabeth City State ◦ Western Carolina

Community College ◦ There is no application fee for NC community colleges. ◦ Can apply through CFNC or the school’s website. ◦ You do not need to submit SAT/ACT scores if you plan to take the placement exam. ◦ Can sign up for summer classes through college career promise and get tuition for free! ◦ See Ms. Deaton for more information!

Military ◦ Listen to announcements for military visits. ◦ Service Academy Day at the NC National Guard Joint Force Headquarters– September 21 ◦ Meet representatives, midshipmen, and cadets from each Military Academy. ◦ Speak with the staff of Senator Tillis' office about the nomination process.

FAFSA 2020 -2021 ◦ Opens on October 1 – must be completed each year ◦ Use 2018 tax information ◦ Priority aid deadline is often February 15 ◦ Must be filed by that date in order to be considered for institutional aid. ◦ Colleges review Student Aid Report (SAR) and then compile a comprehensive package of aid for you. ◦ College aid package indicates all grants, scholarships, subsidized loans, and work study for which you qualify ◦ CSS Profile is REQUIRED for UNC, Elon, Davidson, Duke and Wake.

Scholarships ◦ Scholarship Newsletter will be available online by the 5 th of each month. ◦ Listen to the announcements for various scholarships. ◦ Sign up for our scholarship remind! ◦Text @moneytalkz to 81010