Traditionally, applying to college means essays, applications, and weeks of anxious waiting — but now, NC College Connect is simplifying the process for many students. 

In August, many students with a GPA of 2.8 or higher received a letter from the College Foundation of North Carolina, which has a program called NC College Connect. This program gives students direct admission to selected colleges in the state. This is highly beneficial and stress-free for rising seniors planning to attend an in-state college after high school. 

“This program has been advertised through the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) as an educator. I get their newsletters and email blasts,” said Jasmine Pearson, Dean of student at Athens Drive. 

Many counselors have already been informed about this program and are keeping up with recent updates for the new graduating classes. This helps counselors support and reassure students who are unsure about the program. When some students received this letter, they thought it was an unbelievable opportunity. 

“I didn’t really know about it before receiving the letter. I talked to my friends about it, and they said it was an actual thing. I looked into it, and yeah, some colleges assured me that I didn’t have to apply to some colleges. It made me less stressed,” said Waleed Kotwal,  senior. 

Many students in Athens have worked hard to maintain their GPA. After years of late-night studies, taking AP classes, and keeping their grades, this program helps students feel reassured that their hard work has paid off, and schools are taking notice of them. 

“It’s not hard to apply to college since it makes it easier if you meet the requirements, ” said Kotwal. 

 NC College Connect can help alleviate stress for students by letting them know that they don’t have to apply to all their colleges. By assuring them they already have direct admission, students won’t have to worry about reapplying through the most common application used: Common App. It can be a huge workload applying to college after college, typing in the same information repeatedly for every college, and NC College Connect helps reduce this workload.  Doubts about whether a student has been accepted into a college can be very stressful, and NC College Connect helps alleviate those concerns. 

“It gives them a fair chance, since not everyone has a chance. But with this program, if you have a high GPA, it gives you a fair chance,” said Kotwal.

The beginning of this program will open new doors for many students. With programs like NC College Connect, students are becoming more informed about the chances they have to continue their education after high school and pursue their interests. 

“I am hoping that we will see an increase in college attendance and matriculation through graduations with the introduction of new programs like this one,” said Pearson.