- Southwest Guilford High School
- Post-Secondary Planning
-
College/Universities
Choosing the right college/university
-
Step 1: Complete Interest Survey
An interests survey helps students identify the things they like to do and how those interests relate to various careers.
O*NET Interest Survey: https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip
CFNC Career Interest Profiler: https://www.cfnc.org/plan-your-future/
-
Step 2: Research College Programs
When selecting a college major, you should consider your interest, strengths, and ultimate career goals. Knowing what you want to do will help you identify the correct pathway.
College Majors Search Engines
CFNC College Programs: https://www2.cfnc.org/programsMajors/?p=2&searchType=careercluster&searchId=5
Princeton Review Programs: https://www.princetonreview.com/majors/al
-
Step 3: Search for Colleges/Universities
What College/University Should You Go to?
Choosing the right college is an important step in your academic future. There are many factors to consider when selecting the right college. Students should consider the following before making their final decision.
- Size (class size, campus size)
- Location (city, state, rural, suburbs, etc.)
- Distance from home
- Available majors and classes
- Housing options
- Makeup of the student body
- Available extracurricular activities
- Campus atmosphere
- Cost of attendance
Students should also plan to visit the schools that interest them before committing.
College Search Englines
CFNC College Search Engline: https://www2.cfnc.org/college-search
CollegBoard Search Engine: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search/filters
-
Step 4: Apply!
There are several admission types students can apply for. It is important to understand the pros and cons of each type to be sure you are following the correct admissions process.
-
Where Do I Apply to College?
Applying to colleges is a big step in your post-secondary planning phase. Start the process by checking the admissions page(s) of the colleges/universities you want to apply to. It is important to know the expectations for each school and the admissions deadline to ensure you are on track throughout the application process. Below are 2 common sites used to apply to schools here in NC and around the world. Click the icons to be directed to the sites.
- Best for applying to schools in the state of NC.
- Best for applying to schools outside of NC.
NEW*** NC College Connect: Simpified way to apply to participating colleges/universities (Public)
- If you have a weighted GPA of 2.8 or above, you have the opportunity for a simplified application process to the participating NC colleges and universities.
- To claim your spot, you should scan the QR code on your letter (or the one below!) to visit NCCollegeConnect.org.
- There you will find a “Claim Your Spot” button that will take you to the NC College Connect portal if you are already logged into your CFNC account. (Tip: If you are not logged in, you will be asked to log in using your CFNC credentials or create a new CFNC account.)
- After logging in, you will see a list of colleges and universities where you can complete a simplified application for each institution.
- Once you’ve submitted your simplified application(s), the college(s) will contact you with more information about next steps.
- These simplified applications will have fees, possibly ranging from $30 to $75. Submit your simplified application during College Application Week (October 21-27, 2024) to avoid application fees for most participating institutions.
NEW***NCICU Direct Admissions (Private)
• Eligible students have the exclusive opportunity to submit the streamlined application for the 2025-26 academic year.
• Form can be completed in 5 minutes or less with no application fee.
• Students will hear from each of the participating colleges and universities they have selected with information about individual campus requirements, their conditional acceptance, and the availability of financial aid.(Students may also apply directly through the college/university)
Common App Questions
- Q: What is the GPA Scale? A: 10.0
- Q: What is our class ranking reporting? A: Exact Rank
- Q: Rank weighting? A: Weighted
- Fee Waiver? If you say that you are paying with a fee waiver, you must email a copy of your Medicaid card or free/reduced lunch approval to Mrs. Powell, Counseling Assistant.
How do I find my GPA?
- Your transcript lists your weighted and unweighted GPA. Request a copy using the Transcript tab.
- Your GPA is cumulative over your 4 years of high school.
- GPA is re-calculated at the end of each semester for block-scheduled classes and at the end of the year for year-long classes.
Remember every senior must send their official transcript when you send your college application. See the Transcript tab on this site for more information.
College Deadlines/Admission Requirements
UNC Systems College Deadlines
UNC Admissions Requirements
Announcements/Updates
-
UNC System Virtual Open House
• Purpose: Provide prospective students with an opportunity to explore UNC System institutions, learn about the admissions process, hear from current students, and ask live questions, all from the convenience of their own home.
• When: October 7-8 and 14-15, 2024, from 6:30 pm-7:45 pm
• Where: Online via Zoom Webinar
• Registration: Opening Soon – Registration Link