Path to College Just Got Easier: NC College Connect
For many high school seniors, the college application process can feel like a daunting maze of essays, deadlines, and fees. But for North Carolina public high school students, a new and groundbreaking program is making the path to higher education clearer than ever before. It's called NC College Connect, and it's a game-changer for automatic university enrollment.
This isn't just another program; it's a fundamental shift in how college admissions work in our state. NC College Connect offers eligible students direct admission to a wide range of participating universities and colleges—no application required.
Who is Eligible?
The program is open to students who have completed their junior year at a North Carolina public high school with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or above and who have met certain course requirements. This includes taking a fourth-level math class, a key indicator of college readiness.
How Does It Work?
Instead of filling out traditional applications, students who qualify will receive an official letter in the mail at the start of their senior year. This letter serves as their "golden ticket," informing them they have already been accepted to a list of participating schools.
Students can then visit the NC College Connect portal to see a personalized list of the institutions where they've been offered direct admission. From there, they simply complete a short form to "claim their spot" at the college of their choice. It's that simple!
A Diverse Group of Participating Schools
NC College Connect is a collaborative effort between the UNC System, the North Carolina Community College System, and a number of private colleges and universities across the state. The program includes:
UNC System Schools: A number of universities within the UNC system, including UNC Asheville, UNC Charlotte, UNC Greensboro, and East Carolina University, among others.
All North Carolina Community Colleges: Every single one of the state's 58 community colleges is a part of this initiative.
Independent Colleges and Universities: A wide array of private institutions, from Meredith College to Wingate University, are also participating.
This partnership ensures that students have a diverse range of options, from large public universities to smaller, private colleges, all without the traditional application barriers.
A Win-Win for Students and Schools
For students, the benefits are clear: it removes the stress and cost of applying, giving them a clear and simple path to a college education. For the participating institutions, it helps attract a broader and more diverse pool of students who are ready to succeed in a college environment.
