College Planning

Here is the overview of college preparations throughout high school! If you have any questions please reach out to your college counselor!

College Planning and Application Timelines

College Search & Application Forms

College Application Organizational Spreadsheet Template

College Application Deadline Planner

College Application Checklist

Student Brag Sheet

Parent Brag Sheet

College Visit and College Fair/College Admissions Rep Guide

How To Videos

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Worksheets

Need Based Financial Aid Information

Need-Based Financial Aid is awarded based on information from the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and, at some institutions, the CSS Profile.

The FAFSA opens on October 1 each year and uses prior-prior year tax information.

Get free help from professionals at FAFSA Day in October.

Every college is required by law to have a Net Price Calculator on their website which estimates a family’s Expected Family Contribution, specific to that institution.

College Savings Plan contributions are considered as part of a family’s EFC.

First page of the PDF file: nacac_financial_aid_101_2017

Merit Scholarships

Merit Scholarships vary based on institutional funds and priorities. While some universities consider every student for scholarships, other require additional information through a separate application process. A college’s website is the best place to find this information.

External/Community Scholarships are not tied to a specific university and can be used to pay for expenses wherever a student chooses to enroll. Searchable scholarship databases include:

North Carolina Community Foundation

College Foundation of North Carolina

Student Scholarship Search