Click here to access all NC Independent colleges/universities
College Foundation of North Carolina
- Apply for Colleges
- Register for the SAT/ACT
- Explore Colleges and Universities
- Explore Careers
The Common Application
1 Application = 255 Colleges - The easiest, most efficient way to apply to any of the Common Application member colleges and universities. Complete your Common App once to submit to any of the member colleges.
1 Application = 255 Colleges - The easiest, most efficient way to apply to any of the Common Application member colleges and universities. Complete your Common App once to submit to any of the member colleges.
Don't know where you want to go to college?
Explore colleges/universities here to see some of your options:
CFNC.org
EDUTrek
BigFuture (this site is good for schools outside of North Carolina)
Hobsons: Naviance, College and Career Readiness (this is a good site to prepare you for college and career readiness)
College Scorecard
CFNC.org
EDUTrek
BigFuture (this site is good for schools outside of North Carolina)
Hobsons: Naviance, College and Career Readiness (this is a good site to prepare you for college and career readiness)
College Scorecard
College Application Process
Selecting a college is a very personal decision and should be based upon what is important to you. Research a variety of schools and narrow down your list to 5 schools, which range from “pie in the sky” to “a sure thing.”
1. SAT I or ACT TEST- take it early so that you have an opportunity to retest, if necessary. All schools will accept either test. Registration information is available in Mrs. Matthews' office or you can visit www.collegeboard.org for SAT or www.act.org for the ACT.
*Some colleges may require students to take one or more SAT Subject Tests for admissions.
Selecting a college is a very personal decision and should be based upon what is important to you. Research a variety of schools and narrow down your list to 5 schools, which range from “pie in the sky” to “a sure thing.”
1. SAT I or ACT TEST- take it early so that you have an opportunity to retest, if necessary. All schools will accept either test. Registration information is available in Mrs. Matthews' office or you can visit www.collegeboard.org for SAT or www.act.org for the ACT.
*Some colleges may require students to take one or more SAT Subject Tests for admissions.
2. APPLICATIONS- Visit the college’s website. College and university applications are available online and most schools prefer electronic filing. In order to be considered for MERIT scholarships (FREE MONEY), the earlier you apply the better as many schools in North Carolina have an application deadline sometime in November or early December. Sometimes additional materials are required, but it’s well worth your time! Ways to apply are listed above.
3. SUBMITTING TRANSCRIPTS- the student is responsible for mailing or sending the application and application fee. Once you submit your application, use the Transcript Manager under your account at www.CFNC.org to send an electronic transcript to any college/university in NC! For a paper transcript, complete a Transcript request form on Mrs. Matthews' door. Give her at least a 2-day notice!
4. SECONDARY SCHOOL REPORT FORM and/or COUNSELOR RECOMMENDATION- if your application has one, turn it in when you request a transcript at least two weeks before the deadline, and Mrs. Matthews will complete and mail the form.
- College Application Week- October 16-20, 2023 GCHS will be participating in College Application Week. You will be able to apply to certain schools for FREE on this day. CLICK HERE for a list of schools who are participating in North Carolina.
4. SECONDARY SCHOOL REPORT FORM and/or COUNSELOR RECOMMENDATION- if your application has one, turn it in when you request a transcript at least two weeks before the deadline, and Mrs. Matthews will complete and mail the form.
- RECOMMENDATIONS- ask a teacher who knows you well. If your teacher agrees to write a recommendation, make an appointment for an interview so he/she will know more about your expectations achievements and goals. Bring a resume and stamped envelope with you to the meeting. Three recommendations are more than enough!
- MID-YEAR GRADE REPORT FORM- if one is included with the application, turn it in to Mrs. Matthews.
- FINAL TRANSCRIPTS- will be sent out at the end of the school year to the college you have selected.
- COLLEGE ESSAY- write about something you know and keep it upbeat and positive. Tell the truth about who you are and who you are not. Ask a favorite teacher to proofread your essay and ask for his/her suggestions.
NCAA Clearinghouse Information
Any student-athlete who is planning on participating at the Division I or II level must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse: www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. The registration form is located in the Prospective Student-Athletes link. Currently, the registration fee is $100.
In order to gain eligibility through the Clearinghouse you must send ALL of your SAT and/or ACT scores directly to the Clearinghouse. On the SAT and ACT registration forms, you must select code 9999 NCAA Clearinghouse as one of the destinations for your scores to be sent. High Schools can no longer send the Clearinghouse these scores.
You should register for NCAA Clearinghouse during your Sophomore year.