Alumni

There are several ways to submit your college applications:

• College for North Carolina: For students applying to NC community colleges, public/private colleges
• Common Application: For students applying to in-state & out-of-state institutions
• Common Black College App: For students applying to several historically black colleges & universities (HBCUs) at once

You can also apply directly through a college’s website. Visit the Admissions page and select “First-Year Freshman” or “Transfer Student” based on your status, then create an account to begin your application.

Note: Most colleges charge application fees ranging from $50 – $100, unless you qualify for an application fee waiver. There is no fee required to apply to community colleges.

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is required to determine eligibility for federal grants (such as the Pell Grant), scholarships, work-study, and student loans. You must complete the FAFSA each year you are in college.

Household income and asset information are used to determine financial need. The form opens each year on October 1. Get started at fafsa.gov.

Free money you don’t have to repay. 

Scholarships are awarded based on merit, achievements, or specific criteria. Do your research, ensure you fit the criteria/requirements to apply, complete the application, then await a response to see if you’ve been awarded the scholarship. Start your search here. 

The ACT and SAT are entrance exams used by most colleges and universities to assess college readiness.

For UNC System schools (i.e. East Carolina University, Winston-Salem State University, etc.), students with a weighted GPA between 2.5-2.8 must submit test scores (minimum 17 ACT or 930 SAT)

Learn more about the ACT or SAT and how to register.

Some colleges require a CSS Profile to determine financial aid eligibility, in addition to FAFSA. This form is more detailed than the FAFSA and must be completed each year if required by your institution. Your financial aid package cannot be finalized until both your FAFSA and CSS Profile have been submitted.

See if your institution(s) requires the CSS Profile and click here to get started!

A strong resume highlights your skills, experience, and accomplishments in a clear and concise way.

• Download resume template
• UNC Chapel Hill Resume Guide for Students: Strong FAQ that includes various resume templates for many different professions.
• Duke Career Center Resume Guide: Multi-step guide no matter where you are in your resume journey
• Harvard Career Services Resume Guide: Great step by step guide that includes a great list of action verbs!

Interviews can be challenging, but preparation makes a difference. These resources can help you build confidence and improve your performance:

• STAR Method Guide from MIT (technique for responding to interview questions)
• Interview Resources Guide from University of Michigan
• General Interview Question List from St. Johns University (we know this says for student workers; however, these questions are very applicable to most job interviews!)
• Successful Interviewing Guide from UCLA

Searching for jobs can feel overwhelming. Use these tools to guide your process:

• Internship and Job Search Guide from Duke
• General Internship and Job Search Websites from Penn State
• NC Biotech Center Jobs Board
• Refer to local community colleges and universities for their various job postings as well! There are so many opportunities and jobs at institutions ranging from administrative (For example, search “Duke jobs” and refer to their careers webpage)

Interested in starting a business or exploring entrepreneurship? Check out these local resources:

• Innovate Durham is a 16-week program partnering with the City and County to test and scale new ideas. Participants gain access to staff, data, and facilities.
• The Equity for Every Entrepreneur (E3) Durham Program employs a community-centered model that reduces the cost of doing business for Durham entrepreneurs. Local navigators provide guidance to enrolled entrepreneurs at no-cost.
• Knox St. Studios mission is focused on three objectives; information sharing, teaching, and apprenticeship. Which supports Community Code: Stem Learning For Future Success, Launch Lab Accelerator, Support to Scale Incubator and more!
• Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce Small Business Resources