University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill) is one of the oldest public institutions in the United States and in this article, we will be discussing its acceptance rate, admissions, and more.
Each year, thousands of applications are received at UNC-Chapel Hill, and the institution’s acceptance rate admits below 50% of its overall application.
Those who applied to UNC-Chapel Hill in the last admission cycle hail from different states in the U.S. and other countries. The University of North Carolina at Chapel only admitted a few applicants into their preferred programs.
So, what does it take to get into UNC-Chapel Hill as a first-year and transfer applicant?
In a moment, we will be discussing UNC-Chapel Hill’s acceptance rate and more on admission requirements.
About the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel is a public research institution situated in Chapel Hill North Carolina. UNC-Chapel Hill was established in 1789 and it’s the oldest research institution in the University of North Carolina school system.
UNC-Chapel Hill was one of the earliest institutions chartered in the eighteenth century. It began enrolling students in 1795 and is among the first public universities in the United States to have held and graduated students back in the 1700s.
UNC-Chapel offers about 74 Bachelor’s, 104 Master’s, 65 Doctorate, and 7 professional degree programs. The programs are offered through 14 distinctive schools and colleges.
The university also offers continuing education for individuals who wants to enrol on a part-time basis. Online and distance education are available and there are over 500 courses at UNC-Chapel Hill summer schools.
UNC-Chapel Hill’s main campus spans 729 acres in the downtown area of Chapel Hill and holds the Morehead Planetarium.
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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Schools and Colleges.
The following are undergraduate, and graduate schools and colleges at UNC-Chapel.
- College of Arts and Sciences
- School of Government
- Adams School of Dentistry
- School of Medicine
- School of Education
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media
- School of Information and Library Science
- School of Nursing
- Kenan-Flagler Business School
- Gilling School of Global Public Health
- The Graduate School
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy
- School of Social Work
- School of Law
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report, UNC-Chapel Hill is ranked #25 in National Universities, #5 in Top Public Schools, and #15 in Best Value Schools.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is also ranked #132 on QS World University Rankings. UNC-CHapel Hill also ranks #69 in world university rankings according to Times Higher Education.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill) Acceptance Rate
In the last few years, the admission statistics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill show an acceptance rate that only admits one-quarter of the overall applicants.
During the last Fall term, UNC-Chapel Hill received a total of 57,219 first-year applications. According to admission statistics from UNC-Chapel Hill, the acceptance rate at the university is 16.8%.
About 43% of the newly admitted students were residents of NC, and 8.2% were out-of-state-applicants.
Acceptance Rate at UNC-Chapel Hill from Previous Years.
| Academic Year | Admit Rate |
| 2016-2017 | 26.9% |
| 2017-2018 | 24.4% |
| 2018-2019 | 22.7% |
| 2019-2020 | 22.6% |
Early Action Acceptance Rate at UNC-Chapel Hill
The admit rate for Early Action at most selective colleges and universities is always less competitive than that of Regular Decision.
In the previous admission year, UNC-Chapel Hill received 31,940 Early Action applications. It admitted 47% of North Carolina students and 13% of non-resident students who applied during Early Action.
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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Acceptance Rate for International Students
UNC-Chapel Hill is a household name among global research institutions and it attracts thousands of international applicants who apply to the university each year.
The majority of the international students at UNC-Chapel Hill enrol in Master’s degree programs.
During the last application cycle, UNC-Chapel admitted 12% of international students into various degree programs. The applicants were nationals of over 100 countries.
GPA Requirements at UNC-Chapel Hill
UNC-Chapel Hill requires an average GPA of 4.39.
UNC-Chapel Hill high school GPA standard is extremely selective for most applicants and it will require a near-distinction academic record.
SAT Requirements
The average SAT score at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is 1395 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Here are the statistics for the new SAT scores.
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
| Math | 705 | 650 | 760 |
| Reading and Writing | 690 | 650 | 730 |
| Composite | 1395 | 1300 | 1470 |
ACT Requirement
The minimum ACT score at UNC-Chapel Hill is 30.
Below is the ACT score for the 25th and 75th percentile.
| ACT | Score Range |
| English | 28-35 |
| Math | 26-32 |
| Composite Score | 28-33 |
First-Year Application Process and Requirement
For a successful application to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, kindly follow these simple steps.
Step 1. Select Your Deadline
If you want to apply to Early Action at UNC-Chapel Hill, the university recommends that you apply by the 15th of October. After your application, you should expect your admission decision by the 31st of January.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Early Action program is non-binding. If admitted, you will not have to commit to UNC-Chapel Hill until the regular reply date by May 1st.
If you want to apply to Regular Decision, submit your application by the 15th of January and receive your admission decision by the 31st of March.
Step 2. Complete the Application Process
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill accepts the Common Application. During your application, ensure to use personal emails and not school emails.
What to expect in the application.
Extracurricular Activities
UNC-Chapel Hill is interested in how you spend your time outside the classroom. You should include your extracurricular activities, academic achievement, goals, and your sense of leadership.
Essay and Two Short Answers
The personal essay and short answers provide an opportunity for you to explain and express yourself to admissions at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Write an essay that defines your personality and what makes you who you are.
Application Fe of Fee Waiver
Pay a nonrefundable application fee of $85. The application fee can be paid electronically.
Fee waivers are available for eligible students, and the waiver form must be submitted by your school counsellor.
Step 3. Submit Supplemental Materials
Submitting your academic records enables UNC-Chapel Hill to evaluate your application profile.
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Required Secondary/High School Materials
Recommendation Letter
Ask your secondary/high school teacher who has taught you in core academic subjects (English, Maths, and Science) to write and submit the recommendation letter.
School Report and Official Transcripts
Your official transcript and school report should be sent to UNC-Chapel Hill by your school counsellor via a secured electronic delivery.
College and University Courses
If you have acquired credits while taking college or university courses, UNC-Chapel Hill demands that you report your credits on your application.
Additionally, you should specify each course and grade in the UNC supplement during your application.
The official transcripts of your college or university courses will only be needed when you are admitted and choose to enrol at UNC-Chapel Hill. Your final secondary/high school official transcripts should also be submitted during your enrollment.
Standardized Test (SAT/ACT) Scores
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is test-optional for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 admission cycles.
Steps 4. Share Further ApplinitiallyyInformation
You can add more information to your application after initially submitting it. To get more information on how to do this, kindly visit the UNC-Chapel Hill official website.
Step 5. Apply For Aid
You can submit your Free Application for Federal Students Aid (FAFSA) and CSS profile during the March 1st deadline.
Application Requirements for International Applicants
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has the same first-year application requirement for both domestic and international students, except for the application for aid and English proficiency.
English Proficiency Test
International applicants who are non-native speakers of English or who received instructions in a different language other than English must provide a test score.
Required English Proficiency Test and Scores
- TOEFL or TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Minimum score- 100 or above.
- IELTS (Academic): Minimum score- 7.0 or above.
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Application Dates and Deadlines
| Deadline | Early Action | Regular Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Application and Fee or Waiver | October 15 | January 15 |
| Residency | October 15 | January 15 |
| Supporting Materials and Test Scores | November 1 | February 1 |
| Financial Aid | March 1 | March 1 |
| Decisions Released | January 31 | March 31 |
| Enrollment Decision if Admitted | May 1 | May 1 |
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Into UNC-Chapel Hill
The acceptance rate at UNC-Chapel Hill is highly competitive, yet several applicants are admitted into the institution.
If you want to become the next freshman at UNC-Chapel Hill and outdo other applicants, applying these strategies will boost your admission chances.
#1. Apply Early Action
We already explained the acceptance rate for Early Action at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The Early Action program at UNC-Chapel Hill is flexible and non-binding, and you are not committed to attending the university until May 1st.
If you are certain that UNC-Chapel Hill is your choice, then you should apply in Early Action to enhance your admission chances.
#2. Write Interesting Essays
Any application with an excellent high school GPA and standardized test scores can get into the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill easily.
However, good grades and high test scores are not the only academic qualification to get you into UNC-Chapel Hill. Essays are also considered during your application to the university.
Write an engaging, different from what other applicants will present to the admission committee at UNC-Chapel Hill. Through your essay, the university will understand your personality, interest, academic goals, and what you will contribute to the UNC-Chapel Hill community.
#3. Aim for a minimum GPA of 4.39 While Taking Hard Classes
UNC-Chapel Hill considers good grades and high test scores during admission. The University wants to see you ranked in the top 10% of your graduating class with a GPA of 4.39.
If your high school GPA is below UNC-Chapel Hill standard, you can take a rigorous curriculum (AP or IB courses) available at your school to increase your chances of getting into the university.
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Why Does UNC-Chapel Reject Students with Good Grades?
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill considers the best grades and high test scores as essential application requirements and not a guarantee for admission.
Applicants with excellent academic records with no passion for non-academic activities are likely to be rejected by the university.
The University of North Carolina is searching for vibrant students who are interested in succeeding in academics and adding value to the UNC-Chapel Hill community.
This is one of the reasons the University of North Carolina at Chapel has a selective acceptance. Most applicants assume that what the university is looking for are just good grades and test scores.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Tuition
| Undergraduate Degree Seeking Programs | Per Credit Hour | Tuition Max Rate* | Student Fees** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Resident (In-State) | $292.46 | $3,509.50 | $1,008.56 |
| Undergraduate Non-Resident (Out-of-State) | $1,453.42 | $17,441.00 | $1,008.56 |
| Undergraduate Non-Resident (Out-of-State) continuously enrolled since 2017/2018 | $1,440.30 | $17,283.50 | $1,008.56 |
Contact Address of UNC-Chapel Hill
- School Address: Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Phone: +1 919-962-2211
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the frequently asked questions regarding the acceptance rate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
What GPA do you need to get into UNC-Chapel Hill?
The average high school GPA required at UNC-Chapel Hill is 4.39. To acquire this GPA standard, you will need to be at the top of your class with more A’s in your high school courses.
You can also take rigorous coursework available at your school, to convince the admission committee at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Is it hard to get into UNC-Chapel?
The acceptance rate at UNC-Chapel Hill is 16.8% which is highly selective. UNC-Chapel admits 16 applicants out of every 100.
Can I get into UNC-Chapel Hill with a 3.8 GPA?
UNC-Chapel Hill’s average GPA is 4.39. A GPA of 3.8 will likely get into the College of Arts and Sciences.
Conclusion
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of the prominent public research institutions in America.
The acceptance rate at UNC-Chapel Hill holistically evaluates a student’s academic ability and intellect. If you are considering submitting an application to the university, I believe you already know what to include in your application profile.
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References
- U.S. News & World Report: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Admissionlawsuit.unc: ADMISSIONS
- TopUniversties: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Times Higher Education: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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