Advise NC at UNCW

Next Step Summer Challenge: Week 2

This week’s goal is to create a college list that works for YOU. The more research you do now, the more confident you’ll feel when applications open this fall. 🎓

One of the the biggest mistakes students make is choosing a Common App essay prompt before they know what story they want to tell. 📝

Instead, think about your experiences, values, challenges, and accomplishments first.

Remember: Admissions officers aren’t looking for the most dramatic story but insight into who you are, what you value, and how you’ve grown.

Which prompt are you considering?✍️

Next Step Summer Challenge: Week 1

Rising seniors, now is the perfect time to get ahead on your college planning!

This week’s challenge focuses on building a strong foundation by creating your Common App and CFNC account.

Goal: Complete at least 80% of your profile. Drop a 🎓 in the comments if you’ve completed Week 1!

Celebrating the impact of our adviser across schools✨

These school staff testimonials highlight the dedication, collaboration, and student-centered work happening every day across our sites. Each reflection speaks to the meaningful progress being made to support students in their postsecondary journeys. 🎓

25-26 Highlights:
West Columbus High School | Rebekah Stout: Maintained an 80%+ FAFSA completion rate for the second consecutive year, leading the county and earning recognition as a CFNC Financial Aid Champion.

South View High School | Evelyn Trejo: FAFSA completion increased from 43.5% to 56% and received recognition as one of the Financial Aid Champions in the state for outstanding FAFSA support.

Jones Senior High School | Quianna Oliver: 100% senior contact achieved with 402 total 1:1 meetings, ensuring every student received personalized support.

West Craven High School | Emily Conner: 396 college applications submitted, an increase of 60+ from last year, expanding opportunities for more students than ever before.

Washington High School | Courtney Boyd: Over 93% of seniors participated in class presentations, after-school events, and field trips, showing strong engagement in college and career readiness.

Attention Rising Seniors! 🎓

NC College Connect helps simplify the college application process by connecting eligible students with direct admission to participating NC colleges and universities.

As you prepare for senior year, this is a great chance to start exploring your options and planning your next steps early.

The earlier you start preparing, the smoother the process becomes. Rising seniors, your future starts now 🎓

Ms. Trejo is back for this week’s takeover! 🎓

This month has been full of milestones, celebrations, and unforgettable moments for SVHS’s seniors. From Decision Day celebrations to seeing students commit to their future plans, it’s been incredible watching everything they’ve worked for come together.

This week I’ll be sharing helpful tips and information for rising seniors as they begin preparing for their own postsecondary journey!

Today was Washington High School’s Senior Walk AND Decision Day Celebration! A beautiful sandwich of grief and celebration.

The graduating seniors, donning their caps and gowns, did their final walk-through of Eastern Elementary. Students went here for kingergarten and first grade, but it is being demolished this summer to make room for a new, larger elementary school. Students got to see it intact one last time, and dig up time capsules they made for this very day. It was sentimental and bittersweet for everyone involved.

As soon as the seniors got back to the high school, though, they were met with Decision Day! Students got to pick up custom candy boxes and take photos holding props and college pennants at the Pam Pack themed photo booth.

Despite the many hours it took getting everything together for them, their joy and gratitude made it all worth it to me 🤍

Ms. Boyd has returned for her last takeover of the 2025-26 academic year! It’s Senior Week at Washington High School, and I’m excited to share just a sliver of these students’ joy with you all online these next few days.