​YOUR COLLEGE SEARCH​

Higher Education Pathways

 

What are your long term education and career goals? Try looking up career areas you might be interested in and seeing what level of degree you will need to succeed in those careers. What are you interested in? How do you learn best? Are you thinking about learning a specific trade or craft or are you looking for a well-rounded, liberal arts education? Create an account with CFNC.org and research majors and careers.

 

Types of Post-Secondary Institutions

• 4-year Private College/University

• 4-year Public College/University

• 2-year Junior College or Community College

• Trade School

• Special Interest School

 

Factors to Consider

 

There are so many factors to consider when starting your college search. They key is to decide which of those factors are the most important to you. What are your deal-breakers? Rank some of these components as significant reference points for each college you consider. 

 

• Affordability, financial aid packages, scholarships, loans, possible debt

• Environment, geography, location, distance from home, travel

• Majors, areas of study, curriculum (set or flexible)

• Degree programs and long term career plans

• Accessibility of family and community support

• Programs for low income, minority, and first generation students

• Campus atmosphere for women, minorities, LGBTQ students

• Campus demographics and diversity

• Sports programs, arts programs

• Extracurriculars, organizations, service opportunities

• Study abroad programs

• Size, student body

• Living on or off campus

• Average class size

• Graduation and job-placement rates

• National or state rankings, accreditation

• Greek life

• Meal plans

• Religious opportunities

• Libraries

• Available study places

• Community interaction

 

Search, Compare, Quiz: Finding the Best Match/Fit

 

Use college search resources to find colleges that match your academic abilities and fit your personality and environmental needs. Some useful online sources include:

• College Board

  • Use the “College Search” tab.

• Cappex

  • Find colleges that suit you and then calculate your chances of getting in.

• CFNC

  • Extensive information on the North Carolina college network.

 

What do you need to get in?

 

Some factors that are considered by typical college and university admissions include:

• GPA

• SAT/ACT Scores

• Extracurricular Involvement

• Leadership Experience

• Special Talents/Skills

• Essay Writing

• Letters of Recommendation/References

 

How many schools should you apply to?

 

There is no hard and fast rule for the best number of college applications. It is often beneficial to apply to a range of schools which you consider “likely to get in,” “target,” and “reach.” This chart offers a breakdown of these categories: