Resources Hub
Tools, links, and information for your family, organized by category.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
FAFSA: Federal Student Aid
The key to unlocking grants, loans, and work-study funds. File as early as possible every year.
Complete FAFSAScholarships
CFNC's database and other tools help students find scholarship money to reduce college costs.
CFNC Scholarships
| Date | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
Sep 9Wed | Appalachian State University | Boone, NC |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | |
Sep 10Thu | University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL |
| Mercer University | Macon, GA | |
| Skidmore College | Saratoga Springs, NY | |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, GA | |
Sep 15Tue | John Carroll University | University Heights, OH |
| Christopher Newport University | Newport News, VA | |
| East Carolina University | Greenville, NC | |
Sep 16Wed | Marymount University | Arlington, VA |
Sep 17Thu | Int'lUniversity of Essex | Colchester, England |
| Davidson College | Davidson, NC | |
| Seton Hall University | South Orange, NJ | |
Sep 22Tue | UNC-Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC |
Sep 29Tue | The College of Wooster | Wooster, OH |
| 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 | |
Oct 8Thu | Elon University | Elon, NC |
Oct 13Tue | Capital University | Columbus, OH |
| University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh, PA | |
| Hollins University | Roanoke, VA | |
| University of Chicago | Chicago, IL | |
| Boston College | Chestnut Hill, MA | |
Oct 21Wed | The Catholic University of America | Washington, DC |
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, Science
- Includes a Science section
- Good option for science-strong students
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 (CFNC)Job Shadowing and Internships
Real-world experience before graduation is one of the best ways to explore a career.
Prepare for Work (CFNC)Career Skills and Certifications
Trade programs, certifications, and vocational pathways that can lead directly to well-paying careers.
Explore CPCC ProgramsCFNC 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 MatcherBuild a Resume
Guides and tools to write, format, and strengthen a resume for employers and colleges.
Resume Builder CFNC 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)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.
📄 View Merit Scholarship GuideCPCC 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.