Admissions Counselors Offer Tips for Aspiring Eagles
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Posted By: Hija Chang on October 19, 2018 Good grades, club memberships, volunteerism and campus leadership roles are just some of the ingredients that go into a winning college application, according to Undergraduate Admissions Office counselors at North Carolina Central University. The truth is that twice as many aspiring Eagles will apply to NC Central this year than can be admitted into next fall’s freshman class. As Free College Application Week rolls out Oct. 14-20, NCCU student advisors are offering a few tips to help improve the odds of becoming part of the next wave of admitted students. “We tell students to start building an academic resume early in their high school career,” said undergraduate counselor Stephanie Gant. “And even though our university doesn’t require an essay, it’s a good idea to have one ready because scholarships often do.” During Free Application Week, students may apply to North Carolina colleges and universities without submitting the $50 application fee that is charged the rest of the year. At NC Central, students are accepted year-round through a rolling admissions process, but the sooner you get the ball rolling, the better your chances of becoming part of the class of 2023, the counselors said. As a minimum, NC Central applicants should have a 2.5 grade-point average and scores of 880 on the SAT or 17 on the ACT exam. In addition, high school coursework must include four units of English; four units of mathematics, including at least one course above the level of Algebra II; three units of science, including a lab; two units of a single foreign language; and two units of history. “If you are unhappy with your SAT or ACT score, take it again,” said admissions coach Dwanson Clark. “The university will look at the highest score that you can get.” A history of strong high-school coursework is another plus, including Advanced Placement or other college-preparatory courses, especially those taken during junior year. Gant advises students to get to know their the college admissions officers. At NC Central, aspiring Eagles are assigned an admissions advisor based on their hometown locations. Building a rapport with that person could provide inside information that less personable applicants may not come across. Consider the full range of scholarship options. NC Central has dozens of scholarships that may help pay for school expenses, from a discount on tuition to the full-ride Cheatham-White Scholars program. Cheatham-White Scholars not only attend the university tuition-free, but receive additional extras, such as academic support, a computer, books, supplies and even academically- related travel – valued altogether at $75,000. “Students must have a 4.0 grade point average and a 1280 on the SAT or 28 on the ACT to even apply,” Gant explained. “The admitting team also looks at extra-curricular involvement, and there is a strong emphasis on service and leadership skills.” More than 150 students applied for the Cheatham-White distinction last year, but fewer than 20 of these special scholarships were granted. Other scholarships for high-achieving applicants include University Scholarships and the Chancellor’s Merit Scholarships. There are also scholarships that benefit students in particular majors, as well as grants for students who can demonstrate financial need. Visit http://www.nccu.edu/scholarships/ to see the full list of scholarships offered. Other tips for a successful application gleaned from NC Central counselors, Collegedata.com and other college advisory services, include: · When participating in high school extracurriculars, limit yourself to two to three, rather than switching activities every year. This demonstrates commitment and provides a better chance for obtaining leadership experience. · Stand out from the crowd by listing some accomplishments not typically seen on resumes, such as starting a blog or teaching yourself guitar or French cooking. · Submit two or three strong letters of recommendation attesting to your various strengths, rather than six or seven repeating similar information. · Don’t skip the college visit, and while you are there, stop by the admissions office to demonstrate your interest. · Apply early. Not only does it make a good impression but gives you better chances of landing a spot in the favorite campus residence hall. http://www.nccu.edu/ If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Hija Chang
Management, See Moss Interactive Central State University class of 2021 Member Since January 2011 |
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