C-STEP Overview
The Carolina Student Transfer Excellence Program (C-STEP) is a partnership between Craven Community College and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill looking for high-achieving, low-to moderate-income students who will enroll in an Associate in Arts/Science program with the aim of transferring to UNC-Chapel Hill as juniors with complete Associate degrees. Entry into the program is competitive and is based on both demonstrated financial need and academic excellence. Statistics show that transfer students from North Carolina Community Colleges, on average, perform better as juniors than those who enter UNC-Chapel Hill as freshmen.
C-STEP is not a scholarship program. However, C-STEP students are provided exemplary advising, mentoring, and support during their transition and subsequent enrollment at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. They participate in group activities, trips to UNC, and community service projects during their time at Craven.
This ensures that Craven C-STEP students feel “firmly planted” at Carolina after transferring there, being academically prepared and engaged in the campus community — both are strong indicators of student success. Read testimonials from Craven C-STEP veterans or view Craven’s C-STEP students and advisors on our profile page.
An important consideration for many students interested in transferring to a four-year University is how to pay for their education. Once enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the university attempts to meet 100 percent of every admitted C-STEP student’s demonstrated financial need through grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. In addition, qualified C-STEP students will be eligible to apply to be Carolina Covenant Scholars, a landmark program that enables students from low socioeconomic backgrounds to graduate with minimal debt from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Please note that the following criteria apply to C-STEP applicants:
- Current enrollment or plans to enroll as an Associate of Arts Degree (AA) or Associate of Science Degree (AS) student at Craven Community College;
- Record of strong academic performance;
- Demonstration of financial need, according to FAFSA;
- Completion of all developmental studies requirements; and
- Commitment to be a full-time student each semester.
Application Information & Deadlines
Students who wish to apply to C-STEP at Craven Community College must complete the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s C-STEP application process.
C-STEP Deadlines and Application Materials
Community college candidates wanting to enter UNC in Fall 2021 – Deadline to apply October 1, 2019
High school students graduating in Spring 2020 – or – high school seniors with dual enrollment credit (earning 30 hours or less) – or – community college students with earned college credit (30 hours or less including current semester course work) Deadline to apply April 1, 2020
Application Checklist
In order to be considered, these materials must be received by the deadline for which you are applying:
- Fill out the online application. Please include all requested information. If you answer “yes” to any of the community standards questions, please submit an explanation and supporting documentation as requested in the instructions. Please note that we are unable to review incomplete applications that do not include an explanation and support documentation standards incidents.
- Send two electronic letters of recommendation. Letters should be sent in PDF format from your recommender’s email address to cstep@admissions.unc.edu and include your full name and date of birth.
- Upload any and all unofficial copies of transcripts from your graduating high school and all colleges and universities attended. (You must submit transcripts from all post-secondary institutions in which you have enrolled, regardless of whether you completed coursework.)
- Self-report SAT or ACT results (if taken).
CravenCC C-STEP Advisor
