University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of the renowned universities in the USA. It is very competitive to get admission to. The acceptance rate of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is 17.11%. This means that only 17 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.

How Competitive are University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Admissions?

Highly Competitive: Applicants need strong academics and extracurriculars.
GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Admission Competitiveness

With one of the lowest acceptance rates in the US, you need to be excellent in every area to get selected. However, since the acceptance rate is not below 10%, you still have a chance if your GPA isn't perfect. You can make up for a GPA deficiency by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses. Meeting University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's GPA and standardized test (SAT/ACT) requirements is crucial, as failing to do so may prevent your application from moving forward. These requirements act as automatic filters, so meeting them is vital; failing to do so makes your chance of getting in nearly zero.

Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can enhance your admission chances.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Admission Requirements

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill GPA Requirement

The average GPA of the admitted students at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is 3.9. It means that University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is extremely selective in terms of the GPA. (Please note that most schools report a weighted GPA, which is out of 4.0. However, some schools may use unweighted GPAs. For exact information, contact the school admission staff).

With an average GPA of 3.9, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill requires you to be at the top of your class. You need to score straight A's in all classes to have good chances of admission. Additionally, you must take AP or IB courses to demonstrate your academic ability. More specifically, your AP and IB courses must be related to the area of your selected course of study. For example, if you are planning a career in engineering or IT, courses related to mathematics, calculus, and physics will help you.

If your GPA is less than 3.9 and higher than 3.6 then you need higher SAT or ACT scores to compensate. You need a minimum of 3.5 GPA, to secure admission at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Below this, the chances of admission will be very slim.

Can I Get Into University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Without SAT Or ACT?: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill SAT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Average SAT Score: 1449
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is 1449 on the 1600 SAT scale.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill SAT Competitiveness

This score makes it very Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do very well to score 1449 on the SAT.

Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1530 SAT or 34 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.

If your score is below 1350, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections

Section	Average	25th Percentile	75th Percentile
SAT Math	730	680	780
SAT Reading	710	670	750
SAT Composite	1449	1350	1530

It means that if you have scored less than 1350 then you are below most of the admitted students at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1530 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1450

Can I get into University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a 1550 SAT?

With a 1550 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are good but the admission staff at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ACT Requirements

The average ACT Score at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is 32.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ACT Competitiveness

This score makes University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 32 on the ACT.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections

Section	Average	25th Percentile	75th Percentile
ACT Math	30	27	33
ACT English	32	29	35
ACT Composite	32	30	34

Can I get into University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a 34 ACT?

With a 34 ACT Score, your chances of admission at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.

SAT Vs ACT: Which score to send

You can compare your scores in SAT and ACT to the average SAT and ACT Scores of the admitted students at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. More importantly, comparing your scores with the 25th and 75th percentiles of SAT and ACT scores will give you a better understanding of where you stand. If your score on the SAT is near the 75th percentile SAT score, then you must send your SAT score. If your ACT score is near the 75th percentile, then you must send your ACT Score.

But there is more, if both of your scores are in the same range, then it is better to send an ACT Score, as in the case of ACT, you can control which score to send as opposed to SAT.

Here is how: When sending the ACT Score, you can decide which score you want to send to the colleges. You could take 8 ACT tests, and only send your highest one. This is not the case with the SAT, where your score report mentions all of your attempts.

View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 32.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Profile

Name: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

City: Chapel Hill

URL: https://www.unc.edu/

State: North Carolina

Type: Public

Zip: 27599

Campus: Main

Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Boost Your Test Scores: Retake the SAT/ACT if needed. Use resources to improve your score.

Focus on Academics: Maintain a high GPA and take challenging courses.

Extracurricular Activities: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill values well-rounded students who make meaningful contributions to their communities. Here’s how to showcase your strengths:

Highlight long-term commitments, and unique accomplishments.
Leaderships: Demonstrate clear leadership experience. This is not only true for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill but also other schools. If you cannot demonstrate strong leadership qualities, your chances of acceptance will be low. Work on your weak areas, and improve your communication and interpersonal skills. Also, include your work experiences where you were given leadership responsibilities, and write down your achievements and how you were able to contribute as a team leader and team member.
Community Service: Show how you have influenced change in the community and have a strong desire to do so in the future. Also, if you are planning to apply for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, participate in relevant activities. Work for social welfare and look for opportunities where you can make an impact. Start with your school or student council. Those having positions like president, secretary generals etc… in students councils have better chances. Network with notable people and develop your social media profile accordingly.
Passion Projects: Whether it’s starting a club, publishing research, or excelling in the arts, show what sets you apart. Example: If you’ve founded a nonprofit or won a national competition, make sure it’s prominently featured in your application.
Align your goals with University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s mission. Carefully read the objectives and mission of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on their official website and plan accordingly for each specific point. See how well your profile matches their objectives and goals, and work on the areas where you are lacking.
Secure Strong Recommendations: Get letters from professors or employers who know your abilities well. Share your achievements and goals with them for a stronger, more personalized recommendation. If personal statement and recommendations align, your chances of success will be higher.
Build a Strong Network: Engage with University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Alumni and current students. Ask them how they planned their scholarship journey, what challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. Learn about the key factors behind their success and how they secured their selection.
Craft Strong Essays: Tell your story authentically and highlight what makes you unique. College Essay is a very important document. Unlike your transcripts, which just show your numbers or grades, the essay reflects your true personality as a human being. Take considerable time to refine and craft your statement of purpose. Here are the detailed guidelines for writing a winning College Essay form our experts.

Does a degree from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Worth It?

Getting into University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is USD: 66893.88 and unemployment rate is 2.97%.

How much does a degree from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is USD: 24711. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is USD: 12414

How can I get a scholarship?

21.21% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 18.22 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

At University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as your choice in the form.

How much a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Graduate make?

The average annual salary of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 72200. An average University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).

The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595

Less Competitive Schools

These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, you'll be competitive for these schools.

School	Location	SAT	ACT
Occidental College	Occidental College, CA	1434	33
Pepperdine University	Pepperdine University, CA	1399	30
Colorado College	Colorado College, CO	1402	31
Colorado School of Mines	Colorado School of Mines, CO	1403	32
United States Air Force Academy	United States Air Force Academy, CO	1401	31
Connecticut College	Connecticut College, CT	1427	32
Wesleyan University	Wesleyan University, CT	1426	33
George Washington University	George Washington University, DC	1420	33
University of Miami	University of Miami, FL	1409	32
Simpson College	Simpson College, IA	1410	32

Equally Competitive Schools

These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, you'll be competitive for these schools also.

School	Location	SAT	ACT
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL	1440	32
Tulane University of Louisiana	Tulane University of Louisiana, LA	1443	32
Boston University	Boston University, MA	1454	33
Smith College	Smith College, MA	1455	33
Hillsdale College	Hillsdale College, MI	1440	32

More Competitive Schools

These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

School	Location	SAT	ACT
Claremont McKenna College	Claremont McKenna College, CA	1514	34
Pomona College	Pomona College, CA	1520	34
University of Southern California	University of Southern California, CA	1520	34
Georgetown University	Georgetown University, DC	1507	34
Emory University	Emory University, GA	1493	33

Degree Programs

Bachelor Degree Programs

Full list of All degree programs offered by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.