The CFNC Countdown to College logo. Photo Cred: CNFC.org.
The College Foundation of North Carolina is all about making college available for everyone, and with their help, many UNC system schools waive application fees for the week of October 16-21 each year, to the benefit of students applying to dozens of schools.
Administrators and teachers at Watauga are excited about the new program and the many aids granted to support the complicated and costly process of college applications.
“The college foundation of North Carolina doesn't just do a week; they provide support for students year-round for college applications, financial support, and for filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and RDS for residency determination,” said Shannon Burroughs, WHS graduation counselor. “It's really important to look up CFNC because there is always support out there.”
58 community colleges and 43 four-year universities all across North Carolina, both public and private, participate in this week.
“The free application week for high school seniors is a huge benefit for anyone applying to college this year, because it takes that financial burden off the students so that they are more apt to take that leap and apply if they're on the fence,” said Burroughs. “It's a huge resource that CFNC has extended to allow students in all of North Carolina schools to apply and get accepted!”
Not every in-state school students are interested in participates in CFNC Free Application Week. Therefore, when considering the application process, it’s essential “to do your research and to plan,” according to Burroughs. “College application season is stressful, and one of the things that can alleviate that stress is doing your research through CFNC, through your support system, and through college admissions, and then laying out the plan to alleviate that burden.”
The senior class is excited to take advantage of this opportunity, and our teachers are encouraging the class of 2024 to use it.
“Ms. Lord told us about the free college week,” said Korbel Cook, senior. "If we're already paying so much money to go to this school, it's a big [financial] hit to have to also pay to apply to the school. I think it’s a good tool to use to apply!”
This program has been in effect for many years, and it has helped Watauga families with college burdens and stress.
“My sister talked about it because she is older than me, and she used it to apply to a lot of colleges,” said senior Roman Sibaja. “I know the cost of college is a lot, and I’m just using it to take the stress off my parents because they are paying for a lot of it.”
Even if your dream NC school doesn’t participate and the cost to apply is an obstacle, there is an easy way to help!
“There are fee waivers [for some schools]. For any student that needs the application fee to be waived, all you need to do is go to your counselor and ask them about that type of support,” said Burroughs. “Even if a school isn’t on the free application week, students need to know that if they want to go to a school, an application fee shouldn't be something holding them back.”
The programs that the College Foundation of North Carolina offers are available year-round to any student of any grade level for FAFSA assistance, scholarship opportunities, and application help.
“One thing they do that's really important is to promote a culture for students planning on higher education, and it's not only good for seniors, it's good for the underclassmen to see that culture to get them excited about applying to college and their future,” Burroughs said.
Not all Watauga students will go to college, but there are all kinds of post-secondary help available for every student from our counselors.
“There are always resources available. We have a great CAC advisor, Josie James. She’s wonderful; she can help out with FAFSA, RDS, or help with resumes,” said Burroughs. “She's a great resource here, and I encourage students to reach out to student service staff because they are there to help,”
Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Hollis are also available to provide career support.
“I encourage all students to reach out to these people because they are in place to support students,” Burroughs said.
The Countdown to College Week is there to promote opportunity for UNC system students.
“Hopefully, it encourages all of our graduates to dream big, and if this is something that they have thought about, they're going to go home and have a conversation with their families or loved ones and talk about their future plans,” Burroughs said. “Regardless of if that ends up being applying to a college, entering the military, or community college, any conversation about post secondary planning is important.”
No matter a graduate's future, Mrs. Burroughs and all of her colleagues are there to find what’s best for everyone.
“My hope is that they dream big and they realize anyone can apply or go to college,” said Burroughs.
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