Comprehensive Summary of the Financial Aid Guide for First-Generation Students Purpose The guide offers a roadmap for first-generation, low-income high school students to explore financial aid opportunities, such as scholarships, grants, and loans, to reduce the financial burden of college. It emphasizes planning, organization, and early action to secure funding for higher education. Key Sections and Highlights 1. Starting Your Scholarship Search When to Start: Begin searchi

Exploring Diverse College Pathways W hat is ROTC? The ROTC program trains students to become officers in the U.S.military by offering scholarship opportunities, military training, andleadership development alongside their academic studies. Upon graduation, students are commissioned to serve in their respective military branches(Army, Navy, and Air Force) Why Should I Consider ROTC Programs? Scholarships f or full or partial tuition and extra fee coverage Additional aid availa

Exploring Diverse College Pathways What is Community College? Community colleges are public institutions that offeraffordable, high-quality education and a wide range of optionsand pathways to success for local high school graduates. NC Community College System offers options including two-year associate degrees, transfer programs to universities, certificates, apprenticeships, etc. Why Should I Consider Community College? Cost-Effective options Higher admissions rate with t

Exploring Diverse Pathways What Are HBCUs? HBCUs are higher education institutions established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to serve African American students. HBCUs provide a distinct college experience, combining rigorous academics with a strong sense of cultural heritage and community. North Carolina has the second-highest number of HBCUs in the country, offering a wide range of academic programs and opportunities. Why Should I Consider HBCUs? Strong sense of cultur

College Admissions Checklist 1. Start Early  Begin preparing the summer before your senior year. Starting early helps manage deadlines, refine applications, and minimize stress. Staying organized and methodical is key.  2. Gather Personal Information (June)  Step 1: Collect essential personal documents for applications , such as:  Personal Information (legal name, date of birth, contact information) Transcripts and education history Social Security number (if applicable) Imm

Glossary of terms  Social Security Number (SSN) : A nine-digit number issued to U.S. citizens, permanentresidents, and temporary workers for identification and record-keeping purposes.  Transcripts : An official academic record listing the courses taken and the grades received.  Common App (Common Application) : A standardized online application used by manyU.S. colleges and universities. Students fill it out once and can submit it to multiple schoolswithout re-entering infor

Dependent Student: A student who relies on parental financial support and must provide their parents' financial information when applying for FAFSA. DACA (Differed Action for Childhood Arrivals): Federal program that provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization for undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children. Extracurricular Activities: Non-academic activities such as sports, volunteering, or clubs that are considered in scholars