Your Direct Admission Opportunity is Here!
YOUR MOMENT IS COMING. DON’T LET IT PASS YOU BY! With NC College Connect, you will be directly admitted to participating colleges and universities where you already meet admissions requirements. No essays, test scores, or recommendation letters needed. Yes, it's that simple.
If you're a current junior on track to graduate, you’re eligible to participate in NC College Connect. Yes, all of you! You’ll receive your NC College Connect letter in mid-September of your senior year with more information about where you’ve been admitted.
NC College Connect is a program that directly admits North Carolina public high school seniors who are on track to graduate, have a 2.8 GPA or higher, are enrolled in a fourth-level math and meet program requirements to participating UNC System universities, North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, and their local North Carolina community college. The higher your GPA, the more schools to which you’ll be directly admitted!
Don't have a 2.8 GPA? If you are on track to graduate, you’ll be directly admitted to your local community college!
We've made your college application process simpler. After all, you've earned it. Have questions about how it all works? We’ve got the answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NC College Connect?
NC College Connect is a program that directly admits every North Carolina public high school senior on track to graduate to participating UNC System universities, North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, and their local North Carolina community college where they already meet admissions requirements.
How do I know which colleges I’m eligible to receive direct admissions for?
You will receive an admission letter in mid-September with your list of colleges and universities. You can also log into your NC College Connect portal to see your personalized list of colleges. Your list is based on your GPA, in addition to being on track to graduate, having a fourth-level math and meeting program requirements. The higher your GPA, the more schools to which you'll be directly admitted.
What is the difference between claiming my spot and doing a traditional application?
Claiming your spot means you’re accepting an offer of admission and sending your information to that college.
- Claiming your spot does not bind you to enrollment
- You can claim spots at multiple schools
- No traditional application is required for those schools
- No letters of recommendation, essays, or activity lists are needed to accept your admission
Note: See below for additional application information that may be requested by your admitted institutions.
Should I apply as soon as possible?
Yes. Even after receiving your admission offer, colleges have earlier deadlines for things like:
- Financial Aid
- Specific Academic Programs
- Scholarships
- Honors programs
- Housing
Apply early to get the most options.
If application fees are a barrier, talk with your counselor about your options. Some institutions will accept a fee waiver, and during College Application Week, most institutions will waive application fees.
Where do I go to claim my spot?
The portal will open in mid-September 2026. Once it opens, go to the NC College Connect portal and log in with your CFNC account. Then:
- Make sure your CFNC account information matches your NC-SIS name exactly.
- View your colleges that you are matched with based on your GPA.
- Complete a short form for each school you’re interested in.
- Colleges will follow up with next steps after you accept your admission.
What if I don't see an institution on my list?
The list of colleges shown in NC College Connect is personalized for direct admissions, but it does not limit your options. You may apply to any college not included on your direct admissions list through the traditional application process. Be sure to review and meet the admissions requirements listed on each institution's website.
Where do I go if I have questions about the program?
Talk with your counselor or other high school advisors for more information about the program and your options.
Take advantage of activities to help you complete residency, FAFSA, and admission applications during NC Countdown to College in October. Many colleges waive application fees during the third week of the month.
NC Countdown to College
All the information you need about scholarships, grants, and financial aid.
Pay for College