Resources
College Search/Applications
ACT- find ACT dates, register, and get ACT preparation
Appily- a college search engine platform that provides free tools and resources to first-generation students
Big Future- College Board’s college search planning website that features an extensive college search engine
CFNC- College for North Carolina- helps North Carolinians plan, apply, and pay for college. Apply directly to some NC colleges, send your transcript
College Essay Guy- college essay resources for students and parents
College Navigator- a college search engine offered by the National Center for Education Statistics which features information about prices, graduation rates, and student outcomes
College Scorecard- the US Dept. of Education’s search engine used to compare college’s fields of study, costs, admissions, graduation rates, etc.
The College Tour TV Series- individual episodes that showcase different colleges, including tours and testimonials from current students. Past episodes include UC Davis, Arizona State University, TCU, Baylor University Jackson State University, and more!
Common App- the most widely used college application platform, featuring more than 1,000 institutions
Common Black College Application- apply to several HBCUs with one application and one application fee
Fair Test- a website that lists all national test optional and test free colleges
NC Careers- a NC-based tool used for career exploration
I’m First!- an online community of support and mentorship for first-generation college applicants and students
SAT- find SAT dates, register for the test, and sign up for FREE SAT prep via Khan Academy
Financial Aid/Funding
Tip: You should never pay to apply for scholarships!
Appily Scholarships- a national scholarship search engine
Big Future Scholarship Search Engine- National scholarship portal offered by College Board
CFNC Scholarship Search- Scholarships local to NC
College y Consejos Scholarship Database- scholarships for Latinx students
Fastweb- a national scholarship portal
FAFSA- the Free Application for Federal Student
Federal Student Aid Estimator- use the tools to estimate the amount of federal student aid you will receive and make informed choices
Federal Student Aid- YouTube- watch short videos to get caught up on all things FAFSA and financial aid
Going Merry- A scholarship website that will match you to scholarships based on your interests
Golden Door Scholars- scholarships and mentoring support DACAmented and undocumented students
How to Pay for College Webinar Series- watch financial aid experts discuss strategies for paying for college
NC Community Foundation Scholarships- Search for scholarships specifically for NC students
RaiseMe- as early as 9th grade earn “micro-scholarships” from more than 330 colleges and universities
StudentScholarships.org- a database of national scholarships. Sign up for the scholarship newsletter and receive a scholarship newsletter directly to your inbox!
UNCF- a national private scholarship provider for minority group members
UndocuCarolina- a list of scholarships open to undocumented and/or DACAmented students
