All the detailed information about the UNC Chapel Hill Acceptance Rate is readily available on this page, catering to both undergraduate and graduate applicants.
The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, known as the first public university in the USA, has a rich history dating back to 1795. Notable alumni like Caleb Bradham and Michael Jordan have left a lasting impact across various fields. UNC Chapel Hill is renowned for its research initiatives and strong academic reputation, particularly in business, nursing, and computer science, while also boasting world-renowned professors in diverse subjects.
Despite its impressive legacy, gaining admission to UNC Chapel Hill is challenging. The university shows a strong preference for in-state students, with an acceptance rate of 42.2% for North Carolina applicants to the Class of 2025. In contrast, out-of-state students face tougher odds, with an acceptance rate of only 10.5%. This significant disparity contributes to an overall acceptance rate of 19.2%, indicating the highly competitive nature of UNC Chapel Hill admissions, particularly for out-of-state applicants. The university prioritizes qualitative metrics and publishes intriguing admissions facts to provide insight into its selective process.
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Entering class of 2020
| Total Students | 5,303 |
| First-Year Students | 4,444 |
| Transfer Students | 859 |
| Student were selected from | 47,607 applicants |
SAT and ACT* scores
| North Carolinians | 1310-1500 |
| All Students | 1320-1500 |
| Out-of-State Students | 1370-1540 |
a) *Middle 50% of students’ highest reported scores.
b) ACT scores have been converted in the SAT critical reading and math scale.
Top 5 Intended Majors (of enrolling students)
| 1) Biology 2) Business 3) Psychology & Neuroscience 4) Computer Science 5) Political Science |
The numbers are daunting to say the least. But they don’t always give the full picture. And they’re representative of macro trends in worldwide education that are outside any single person’s control. That’s why it’s more effective to first understand these numbers in context, then use your time to focus on preparing your own personal application as best you can.
Why was there such a big increase in applications?
The surge in application numbers seen in prestigious American colleges, including UNC Chapel Hill, can be attributed to several key factors. One significant influence is the removal of standardized testing requirements for applicants due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led more students to believe they had a chance of gaining admission. Additionally, a higher number of students who were accepted in the previous cycle chose to defer their enrollment, resulting in fewer available spots for the Class of 2025. Some students who applied earlier also opted for gap years and reapplication due to pandemic-related uncertainties.
The trend of applying to multiple institutions continues to grow, evident in an 11% increase in applications through the Common App, even as the total number of applicants increased by only 2%. These factors, along with others, have collectively contributed to the significant rise in application numbers at esteemed universities like UNC Chapel Hill.
What do you need to apply to UNC Chapel Hill?
To apply to UNC Chapel Hill, you need to complete a comprehensive application package that comprises various components. This package is meticulously designed to provide the admissions committee with both quantitative and qualitative insights into your suitability for the university. This entails a significant emphasis on effective storytelling, which is conveyed through essays, recommendations, supplemental materials, and, in certain cases, interviews. Moreover, the evaluation process places a strong focus on tangible accomplishments.
UNC Chapel Hill accepts both the Common Application and the Coalition Application. Creating an account and entering essential details on either of these platforms marks a crucial initial step towards completing your application. This process not only facilitates the application submission but also offers you a firsthand experience of the extensive personal information that colleges consider when making their admissions determinations.
Here is the full list of what you will need in order to apply to UNC Chapel Hill:
- The fully filled in Common Application or Coalition Application, including a personal college essay of up to 650 words
- An Activity List summarizing your extracurricular activities
- Two short answer essays chosen from a list of four prompts
- Four fill-in-the-blank responses
- Your Official Transcript and School Report
- A Letter of Recommendation from a subject teacher who has taught you in a core academic class during High School
- Any College or University courses you have already taken
- A Midyear Report
- An $85 application fee
- For Spring, Summer, and Fall admissions for 2022: the requirement for official standardized test scores, ACT or SAT, has been waived—submissions of these scores will be considered but are not required
- (optional) Submit Additional Information via the MyCarolina portal
- (optional) If you’d like to be considered for the Global Gap Year Fellowship or Carolina Global Launch, you must indicate your interest in the Global Opportunities program and submit two additional short answer responses
Depending on what program or college you are applying to, you may be required or encouraged to submit additional supplementary materials, like a portfolio, or to do an interview. For the full detail on these requirements, see UNC Chapel Hill’s comprehensive website for First-Year Applicants.
How can you get into UNC Chapel Hill?
High-achieving high school students aiming to enhance their prospects of admission to UNC Chapel Hill can adopt a tailored approach. Crafting an impactful application involves accentuating unique life experiences and the factors that have contributed to their personal growth. This crucial aspect, the art of storytelling, necessitates thoughtful contemplation and dedicated effort.
While the storytelling element is deeply individual, there are strategic choices one can undertake to fortify their application and align it with UNC Chapel Hill’s evaluation criteria. Alongside familiarizing oneself with the university’s admission standards, certain actionable steps can significantly enhance one’s likelihood of acceptance.
===>To increase your chances of getting into UNC Chapel Hill, take challenging courses that match your academic goals. Highlight your talents and interests through unique activities, connect with different communities, and tell meaningful stories in your application.
===>Learn about Chapel Hill’s culture by subscribing to local event lists, following cultural institutions on social media, and engaging with city-related content. Consider how the rural campus fits your preferences and explore the university’s facilities, programs, events, and traditions.
===>Take on intellectual, professional, and social challenges to show your growth. Practice expressing yourself to adults and refine your storytelling. Spend time crafting essays that emphasize the communities that shaped you.
===>Explore beyond classwork with research or projects. Talk to UNC Chapel Hill’s admissions officers when they visit. Show your commitment to solving real-world problems with achievable solutions that integrate science and technology. These steps can boost your chances of getting into UNC Chapel Hill.
To position yourself as a strong contender for admission to UNC Chapel Hill, it’s essential to showcase your genuine connection to the university’s unique opportunities.
Pair this with an exceptional GPA earned through challenging coursework, and actively engage with your personal interests and community issues. Taking initiative and demonstrating leadership aligned with your principles will further elevate your application in the eyes of the UNC Chapel Hill Admissions Committee.
While these endeavors may not be straightforward, your unwavering motivation to become part of the UNC Chapel Hill community can be effectively communicated through the tactics outlined above. By implementing these strategies, you have the opportunity to make a compelling case for your candidacy and leave a lasting impression on the admissions process.
