Choosing the right college is about analysis and some magic. Of course, you want to pick an institution that provides you with opportunities you are looking for, so you need to do a research first. However, there is a slight touch of mystery here as well – sometimes, you have no idea why this or that college makes you excited. You just visit someplace only to fall in love with it. Similarly, days of research can convince you that this or that college is a rational choice, but you don’t like it without any reasons that can be articulated. The feeling you get from the campus, and the college as a whole makes a huge sense.

Colleges in North Carolina offer more than education and atmosphere. Incredible beaches and breathtaking mountains make NC an ideal place to study. There are 17 state institutions there as well as endless independent colleges. How to choose the one that will give you that amazing feeling of being where you belong? And how to become its student? Let’s discuss this.

Tip #1: Get ready for competition and prepare your application documents early

The colleges of North Carolina offer fantastic opportunities for both US and international students. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University have a pretty low acceptance rate – about 20%. 

In general, students in North Carolina apply Early Action by the 15th of October and Regular Decision by the 15th of January. The application process here is pretty standard, and you can get all the key information from the web resources provided by particular colleges you are heading to. Here are the documents you will need no matter which college you choose:

• Your SAT and/or ACT scores
• The short application letter or response paper
• Recommendations from your educators  
• High school transcriptions
• Secondary school statement 
• Application fee
• IELTS or TOEFL scores if you are an international student

If you are from North Carolina, then you have more chances to get a place. North Carolina colleges give preference for local students (41% in-state students compared to 13% of our-of-state ones).

Tip #2: Find someone who has been through this before

 It’s crucial to surround yourself with people who have already been through the application process before. Find students of the colleges you consider as options and ask for some advice. Interview them about things that interest you the most – from campus housing to clubs. If you have problems with the application process, find a counselor or mentor to ask for guidance. It’s easy to get cheap service by Australian writers to receive professional assistance with your application letter writing. Near-peer helpers who have successfully gained admission can prepare you for the issues you haven’t been aware of. At the same time, skilled academicians will help you set yourself apart from the crowd.  

Image source: collegechoice.net

Tip#3: Your scores matter

Yes, we all know that your grades are not even half of your application, but in reality, they do matter. Relax, your C for Chemistry won’t be determinative, but this doesn’t mean that your previous success doesn’t matter at all. Choosing a college, you need to know the requirements related to scores and particular subjects. Make sure that you meet them – there is no sense in applying if your grades don’t fit this or that college.

If you want to get a place in a top college of North Carolina, be ready that you will compete for it with the best high-achievers. For example, when it comes to Chapel Hill University and colleges of the same level, about 80% of admitted students were in the top of 10% of their high school class. Your SAT scores should be about 1280-1470, and ACT scores should reach 29-33. 

Tip #4: Your extracurricular activities matter as well

Well, not the kinds of those activities, but actually your stance on them. The admission committee cares about your passion and success more than your particular interests. When writing an application letter, pay attention to this point. This means that you are welcome to tell about your initiatives, like starting a club or organization, taking a leadership position at school, or having awards for your successes. If you do have an experience of that kind, make sure to inform the admission committee about the reasons why these activities were important to you and how you pursued your ideals and values when following them.

Both top and cheapest colleges in NC are looking for candidates who will bring vivid presence to their campuses. That is why they are focused on your past experiences, unique qualities, and involvement. When writing an application letter, talk about extracurricular activities, you would like to continue pursuing. 

Tip #5: Reveal your personality

As we have already mentioned, colleges are interested in you as an individual, not just your grades. That is why, when writing a letter, make sure to show it. NC colleges are looking for learners that have talents and knowledge as well as inspiration to look for solutions to current global issues. When writing a letter, make sure to demonstrate the strong sides of your personality and values. Choose the college that coincides with your world view – this will not only increase your chances to enroll but also reassure that you are following the right direction in life.

Conclusion

North Carolina offers perfect conditions when it comes to education. What is more, the local atmosphere is truly amazing – calming nature, mountains, and sea make this state a desirable place to live. Students from all corners of the US and entire world apply for colleges of NC, so the level of competition here is striking. However, there is nothing impossible! A well-done application letter, a full pack of documents, high scores, and strong aspiration can do wonders. Make sure to prepare your application package beforehand, find someone to consult with, approach the response essay smartly, and your chances to enroll will grow. Choose the best college for yourself, get prepared, and good luck with your application!

One North Carolina water tower is now going viral due to what many people are saying it looks like.

In the heart of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, the town of Kill Devil Hills is currently constructing a massive new $2.8 million, 160 foot tall water tower with in a very peculiar shape.

The Kitty Hawk Facebook page first noticed the uncanny resemblance to a bong, snapped a picture when the crane swung into just the right position, and posted it to their social channels.

“Breaking news: Kill Devil Hills builds the world’s biggest bong,” wrote the Kitty Hawk Watersports Facebook page.

The post is now going viral with over 3,700 shares and over 200 comments;

The current shape, however, is not permanent. According to city planners at Kill Devil Hills, the water tower’s storage tank will eventually be hoisted up to the top of the tower and the crane will be removed once the structure is completely sealed and painted.

North Carolina is about to open their very first ‘alpine coaster’ – an awe-inspiring mountain-side roller coaster ride.

The new ‘Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster’ will feature 2-person carts that wind through trees, over rocks, and around 360-degree loops on over 2,160 feet of track at speeds up to 27 MPH. The coaster will be just slightly longer than the legendary Canyon Flyer Coaster, America’s first alpine coaster which opened in 2014 (there are currently just 34 alpine coasters in the entire United States).

Tickets will cost $15 for adults and there will be discounts for children and military personnel announced at a later date.

Here’s an exclusive preview of what a ride on the coaster will be like;

The new Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is located along NC 184 at 3229 Tynecastle Highway in Banner Elk, about 2 hours Northwest of Charlotte.

The park hopes to officially open sometime next month.

The North Carolina Zoo is excited to announce the birth of a third southern white rhino in just under two years. The female calf was born on Sunday, Jan. 5,  to mother Kit and father Stormy. The calf weighed approximately 100 pounds and will be named at a later time.

This birth marks another significant achievement for the zookeepers and the veterinarian team who work with the Zoo’s rhino herd every day.

“This is a great moment and testament to the dedication of our Zoo staff,” Zoo Director Pat Simmons said. “These successful births are because of a lot of hard work and collaboration among our entire animal care staff.”

Jade Tuttle, zookeeper for the Zoo and a board member of International Rhino Keepers Association, said the calf and her mother are doing well.

“Grassland keepers are thrilled at yet another addition to our herd!” Tuttle said. “It’s a great gift to usher in the New Year and the new decade here at the North Carolina Zoo!”

The Zoo has been home to rhinos since 1976 as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). However, the Zoo waited for more than 40 years for a healthy rhino calf.

The Zoo’s 40-acre Watani Grasslands expansion – completed in 2008 – was created specifically for a breeding rhino herd, making these multiple births a dream come true.

Zookeepers report the new calf is healthy and nursing. They expect her to gain 100 pounds a month in the first year. She could weigh 3,500 to 5,500 pounds when fully grown.

“Congratulations to the North Carolina Zoo on the successful birth of a third Southern white rhino in just two years,” said Susi H. Hamilton, secretary of the N.C. Dept. of Natural and Cultural Resources. “I’m proud of the Zoo’s continuing commitment to saving this and other threatened species at home and around the world.”

Southern white rhinos were hunted to near extinction by the beginning of the 20th century for their horns, which some erroneously believe provide medicinal benefits. Rhino horn is constructed from keratin, which is the same material that makes up human fingernails and hair.

Today, populations in the wild still face significant threats from poaching and habitat loss. In addition to their work with the rhinos at the North Carolina Zoo, staff work on projects in several countries in Southern Africa to protect wild rhinos from poaching and save the species from extinction.

The Zoo’s herd now consists of nine rhinos: male Stormy; females Linda, Kit, Natalie, Abby, and Olivia; and calves Nandi and Bonnie and the new female calf just born.

The second-largest land mammal after elephants, rhinos are pregnant from 16 to 18 months (elephants are pregnant for approximately 24 months). A rhino will only give birth every two to five years. At full maturity, a southern white rhino will have two horns, grow 12 to 13 feet long and up to 6 feet from hoof to shoulder, and weigh 4,000 to 5,000 pounds. They can live 40 to 50 years and run at impressive speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.