Resources Hub
Tools, links, and information for your family, organized by category.
Browse the categories below to find college planning tools, testing info, military and career paths, scholarships, and more. Tap a card to see everything in that category.
Choose Your Path
College Planning Tools
Explore & Grow
Building a college list can feel overwhelming, and that's completely normal. The goal isn't one perfect school. It's finding schools that are a good fit.
There's not just one path to success. Many colleges can help a student reach their goals.
CFNC College Search
Explore NC colleges by size, location, major, and admission requirements.
Search NC CollegesBigFuture: College Search
Search colleges nationwide, compare by major and size, and get matched based on interests and goals.
Search CollegesNorth Carolina has 16 public universities through the UNC System. Use this quick reference guide to compare SAT/ACT ranges, average GPA, popular majors, and application deadlines side by side.
North Carolina also has 35 private, independent colleges and universities, from major research universities to small liberal arts colleges, HBCUs, and faith-focused institutions. Browse by category below, or explore the full statewide directory. Unlike the UNC System, each institution sets its own admissions requirements, test-score policies, and deadlines. View the profiles below for a starting point, then confirm specifics on each school's own admissions site.
Visiting a campus is one of the best ways for a student to gauge fit. Walking around and soaking in the environment reveals things no website can.
Most colleges use a holistic review process, looking at the whole student rather than just grades.
- GPA and class difficulty
- SAT/ACT scores (if required)
- Academic interests and goals
- Extracurricular activities
- Leadership and initiative
- College essay(s)
- Letters of recommendation
- Community service or volunteer work
- Jobs or internships
- Awards and honors
- Fit with the college's mission
Building a High School Resume
A resume summarizes a student's skills, experiences, and accomplishments: an introduction that helps colleges and employers get to know them quickly.
| Date | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
Oct 1Thu | The University of Tampa | Tampa, FL |
| Catawba College | Salisbury, NC | |
Oct 6Tue | Washington and Lee University | Lexington, VA |
Oct 7Wed | Wofford College | Spartanburg, SC |
| Roanoke College | Salem, VA | |
| Rice University | Houston, TX | |
Oct 8Thu | Elon University | Elon, NC |
Oct 13Tue | University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh, PA |
| Hollins University | Roanoke, VA | |
| University of Chicago | Chicago, IL | |
| Boston College | Chestnut Hill, MA | |
| Duke University | Durham, NC | |
Oct 20Tue | Howard University | Washington, DC |
Oct 21Wed | The Catholic University of America | Washington, DC |
| Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, FL | |
Oct 22Thu | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD |
Oct 27Tue | Johnson & Wales University | Charlotte, NC |
Oct 29Thu | UNC Wilmington | Wilmington, NC |
| Date | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
Nov 5Thu | Belmont Abbey College | Belmont, NC |
Nov 12Thu | Salisbury University | Salisbury, MD |
September: Appalachian State University · Samford University · University of Miami · Mercer University · Skidmore College · Savannah College of Art and Design · John Carroll University · Christopher Newport University · East Carolina University · Marymount University · University of Essex · Davidson College · Seton Hall University · UNC-Chapel Hill · Vanderbilt University · The College of Wooster
Both tests are widely accepted by colleges nationwide. The best test is the one that plays to a student's strengths. A practice test for each can help decide.
- Administered by College Board
- Score range: 400–1600
- Sections: Reading/Writing and Math
- Now fully digital
- Strong free prep through Khan Academy
- Administered by ACT, Inc.
- Score range: 1–36
- Sections: English, Math, Reading, plus optional Science
- Composite score uses English, Math, and Reading
- Shorter test with more time per question
- Some colleges may still want the Science score, so check each school
Many colleges have gone test-optional; some still require scores. Always check each school's policy.
- A full-time job
- May live on or near a military base
- Can be stationed in the U.S. or overseas
- Full-time pay and benefits
- Part-time (typically one weekend/month plus annual training)
- Can attend college or work a civilian job while serving
- National Guard also supports state emergencies
Both paths offer real benefits. The right choice depends on goals and lifestyle.
Branches of Service
The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force: missions, culture, and requirements.
Explore BranchesASVAB Test Prep
The ASVAB determines which military jobs a student qualifies for.
ASVAB Info and Prep ASVAB Fact SheetROTC Programs
College while training for military service, often with generous scholarship opportunities.
Army ROTC Air Force ROTCMilitary Benefits
Education benefits (GI Bill), healthcare, housing allowances, and career training.
GI Bill BenefitsMilitary Academies
West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, and other service academies: nominations and applications.
West Point Naval Academy Air Force Academy Coast Guard Academy Merchant Marine AcademyTalking to a Recruiter
A great way to understand the enlistment process. The school counselor can help connect a family with a recruiter from the branch of interest.
Explore Careers
Research careers including job duties, required education, salary ranges, and future outlook through the Occupational Outlook Handbook or CFNC's occupation profiles.
Occupational Outlook Explore Occupations (NC Careers)Job Shadowing and Internships
Real-world experience before graduation is one of the best ways to explore a career.
Prepare for Work (NC Careers)CFNC Career Assessments
Career Cluster Match, Interest Finder, and Skills Matcher. Students should log into CFNC before taking these to save results.
Career Cluster Match Interest Finder Skills MatcherTrade programs, certifications, and vocational pathways at Central Piedmont Community College that can lead directly to well-paying careers.
Explore CPCC ProgramsBeyond CPCC, these schools offer focused, hands-on training in high-demand trades. Program length, cost, and job placement support vary by school. Contact each school directly and confirm current program details before enrolling.
A 4-year technical training program in the Charlotte, NC region for motivated juniors and seniors who want to learn a valuable skilled trade. Students who qualify train for technical careers with local manufacturing partners, earning paid college tuition toward an associate degree with no student debt at completion. Each partner company has its own needs and offers trades accordingly.
Build a Resume
Guides and tools to write, format, and strengthen a resume for employers and colleges.
Resume Builder (TruTalent) NC Careers Resume GuideBuild a Cover Letter
A cover letter introduces a student to an employer and explains fit for the job.
Cover Letter Tips Sample Cover LetterAsking for References
Who to ask, how to ask, and what to say when requesting a reference.
How to Ask for ReferencesEssential Employability Skills
Key skills employers look for in every candidate, no matter the job or industry.
View Tip Sheet- Researching the company and the job
- Practicing common interview questions
- Preparing 2–3 questions to ask the interviewer
- Bringing extra resume copies
- Planning to arrive early
- Dressing neatly
- Introducing themselves with confidence
- Making eye contact and sitting up straight
- Speaking clearly and staying positive
- Taking time to answer, since pausing is okay
- Sending a thank-you email within 48 hours
- Restating interest in the job
Study and Learning Skills
Resources to sharpen study habits, manage test anxiety, and find strategies matching a student's learning style.
Test Prep Skills Tips for Test AnxietyOrganization and Time Management
Planning tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to sort tasks by urgency and importance. Downloadable and printable.
⬇ Weekly Planner ⬇ Eisenhower MatrixDigital Tools and Apps
Free digital tools to stay organized and break big assignments into smaller steps: Magic ToDo breaks down assignments, Google Keep offers synced digital sticky notes, and a Pomodoro Timer supports focused work sessions.
Magic ToDo Google Keep Pomodoro TimerHomework Tracker
A shared Google Sheets tracker students can copy to their own Drive to log assignments and due dates across devices.
📊 Open Google Sheets TrackerAcademic Planning and Readiness
Graduation requirements and course offerings to stay on track for success at LNC and beyond.
Grad Requirements 2027–2029 Grad Requirements 2030+ LNC Curriculum Guide 2026–2027Tutoring and Extra Help
Students can talk to a teacher directly or Flex into tutoring sessions during Knight Time, plus free online tutoring resources.
Free Tutoring (Khan)Free money for college starts with one form. The FAFSA opens October 1 each year, so file as early as possible after it opens, and file again every year your student is in college.
Enter each name and SSN exactly as it appears on that person's Social Security card.
- SSN, if you have one
- Tax returns (student and parents)
- Child support, if any
- Bank and investment balances
Most students receive their Student Aid Index (SAI) and Pell Grant eligibility immediately.
Not needed: home value or retirement balances. A parent without an SSN can still create an account.
- Sit down together with your student to complete it.
- Save usernames, passwords, and backup codes.
- Double check spelling. Typos are the #1 mistake.
- File again every year your student is in college.
Source: CFNC.org
The CSS Profile is a financial aid application from College Board. Some colleges use it, in addition to the FAFSA, to award their own grants and scholarships. It asks for more detail about family finances than the FAFSA, so plan extra time to complete it together. Your student only needs to complete it if a school on their list requires it.
Requirements can change each year. Always confirm on the college's financial aid website.
Complete the CSS Profile All Participating Colleges (U.S.)
The full list of scholarship opportunities available to LNC seniors. Encourage your student to check the details for each scholarship to confirm eligibility and note application deadlines and instructions.
📄 View Scholarship BulletinMany colleges offer their own merit scholarships based on GPA and test scores, awarded automatically or through a simple application at the time of admission. This guide outlines what individual colleges offer. Confirm scholarship deadlines on each college's website, since they are often earlier than admission deadlines.
📄 View Merit Scholarship GuideCFNC's database and other tools help students find scholarship money to reduce college costs. Each college also sets its own scholarship deadlines, which are often earlier than admission deadlines.
Search CFNC ScholarshipsNC College Connect automatically identifies eligible NC high school seniors for admission to UNC System schools and participating NC independent colleges and universities, based on GPA and coursework. Seniors who are on track to graduate with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or higher and are enrolled in a fourth-level math course receive direct admission to a personalized list of participating schools, with no essays, test scores, or recommendation letters required. New this year, every senior on track to graduate is also offered admission to their local community college.
Students will need to log in to their CFNC account to view their matches and take action.
CPCC Dual Enrollment (Career and College Promise)
Central Piedmont Community College partners with LNC to let eligible students take college courses tuition-free while earning high school credit. Review eligibility requirements, the application process, and available pathways so you can support your student through the CPCC informational meeting and enrollment steps.
Summer and Experiential Programs
Browse pre-college programs, service academy seminars, STEM research opportunities, and leadership programs, organized by category with eligibility and application dates for each. Updated throughout the year as new opportunities arise.
NC Countdown to College
A statewide campaign every October covering residency determination, FAFSA, and college applications, plus College Application Week, when many NC colleges waive application fees. Learn what to expect and how you can support your senior through each step.