How Do Online College Applications Work?
Gone are the days of filling out a college application by hand and sending it in the mail. These days, online college applications are standard. College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) makes it possible to compile everything you need and stay organized while you prepare your online college applications. Here’s how the application process works and what you need to have ready to apply.
Online College Application Process
You’ve narrowed down your colleges of choice, and it’s time to get started on your online college applications. The process may seem daunting, but if you keep your applications and documents organized you don’t have to be overwhelmed.
CFNC Application Hub
You can start, work on, and submit your online college applications through the CFNC Application Hub. You can also work on tasks associated with the applications and request high school transcripts. More than 90 NC colleges use the CFNC online application, and all 110 accept the CFNC official electronic high school transcript.
To start an application, select the button to the right of the “Start an Application” paragraph. A window will appear which contains a list of all colleges whose applications are available. Once you have selected the application for the college, click the “Apply” button immediately to the right of the selected application name.
The admissions websites for each college will also provide a link to their preferred online application(s) if they have one.
Gather Materials
Just as you would if you were filling out applications by hand, you will need to gather materials to include in your online college applications. You will need to have:
- Transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Scores to your college entrance tests (if applicable)
- A personal statement or an essay
Current and former NC public high school students can send official electronic high school transcripts for free to more than 100 NC colleges and universities. You can send them through the CFNC Application Hub either along with your applications or directly from the hub.
Deadlines and Entrance Requirements
While working on your online college applications, keep deadlines and entrance requirements in mind. At the start of the process, make a list of deadlines and requirements for your individual applications. The CFNC Application Hub will help you keep an eye on deadlines and organize your tasks.
Requirements for admission into college vary depending on the schools you choose. Take a look at some minimum admission requirements at North Carolina institutions.
Practice Application
You can get a good idea of the online college application process by completing a CFNC practice application. This will help you familiarize yourself with the CFNC application tools and questions you will likely see on applications.
Here’s how it works:
- After logging in to your CFNC account, you can find the practice application in the Apply to College section
- Once you begin the practice application, use the tabs on the left to navigate each section.
- Enter your information or select your answers from the drop-down lists.
- Checkmarks will appear next to completed tasks in the navigation section to help you keep track of your progress.
- “Submit” your application once all the tabs have checkmarks.
- The practice application will not appear in the CFNC Application Hub, but you can save your work and return to it later.
College Application Resources
Get all the resources you need to complete and organize your online college applications from CFNC. Create a CFNC account and get started today!