Three keys to the college application process

Former Chapel Hill High School guidance counselor Montez Thomas started his new job as Assistant Director of Admissions at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall.

Plan ahead: Give yourself plenty of time to complete all of your items before the school deadlines. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reads every application line-by-line, so students cannot count solely on their grades and or test scores to “get in.” You must also have thoughtful essays, strong letters of recommendation and detailed extracurricular activity sheets. All of these factors are taken into consideration for the admissions process.

Visit: When possible, it is important to visit the schools you are considering. Many schools may sound similar based on their websites or promotional materials, but the best way to truly get a sense of the campus is to experience it for yourself. At UNC, we offer information sessions and tours Monday-Friday, at 10:30 am and 2:30 p.m.

Breathe: Sounds simple enough, right? The college search process can be stressful, and it is the first major decision that many people are asked to make. However, regardless of whether or not you get accepted into your first, second or third choice, life will go on. You will still have wonderful opportunities to chase your dreams and goals. Just trust the process.

In the event you do not get into your top school the first time around, know that many schools accept students on a transfer basis after completing courses at another four-year institution or two-year community college. In fact, 15 percent of students who started at UNC for the 2015-2016 school year are transfer students.

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