Story Written by Chance Thomas, Hillside High Senior and DPS Pixel & Pen Creative
“NC Free College Application week is important to students because it helps them learn more about the landscape of North Carolina colleges.”
- Raguell Couch, Hillside High School College Advisor
The Impact Across North Carolina
Statewide, Free Application Week held from October 20 -26 serves as more than just an opportunity to save money, it becomes a pathway to discover opportunities. By waiving application fees, students with a 2.8 or higher GPA were ecstatic to learn that they were immediately eligible to gain access to a wide range of colleges and universities across the state, providing the opportunity to apply to schools students may have previously thought were out of reach. Hillside’s college advisor Ms. Raguell Couch explained free application week gives students a chance to “Learn how to access these schools, what these schools are looking for, and what their families can afford to pay”.
Expanding Horizons Through Access
Throughout Durham, high schools hosted workshops, application labs, and college information sessions designed to guide students step-by-step through the process. The week served as an eye-opening experience, showing students that there are dozens of strong academic programs, majors, and extracurricular opportunities across the state. “By waiving the fees, it helps them have the first step to accessing the school,” Ms. Couch added. “It also helps them learn more about the programs available to them and what each school can offer.” This access not only helps students explore but also inspires confidence that they belong in higher education spaces. As of now, I’ve officially claimed my spot at five North Carolina colleges, marking an exciting milestone in my own college journey.
Looking Ahead
Now that Free Application Week has wrapped up, Durham Public High Schools are keeping the momentum going. Counselors are helping students finalize their FAFSA, apply for scholarships, and stay on track as decision season approaches. “I really think it’s a great opportunity, and I encourage students to take advantage of it every year because it’s very unique, and it’s going to be important for your future,” she shared.
"I’ve been accepted into 9 colleges and I believe that the college application process has prepared me for the next life steps."
-Kaci Lawrence, Senior at Hillside High School