<p>Hi guys,</p>
<p>I'm a sophomore about to finish 10th grade in Massachusetts, and I probably will have a 2.7 cumulative GPA by the end of my sophomore year. I can do better than that and I'm going to a public school and plan to take lots of AP and honors courses to boost my GPA after going to a christian school and not taking tough courses. If I can boost my GPA the way I want it to, I think I can get a 3.5 cumulative GPA after my junior year. If I get great SAT and ACT scores, could I get into UNC?</p>
<p>The great news is you are going to work on that GPA and standardized tests. However, having a 2.7 AND being out of state already puts you at the bottom of the pool as things stand now. There just aren’t enough spots. My D applied OOS with a 3.7 and was admitted, but we were scared to death. She did have really strong extracurricular and leadership activities.</p>
<p>Another issue is the reason behind the 2.7. You said you got that taking easy classes, so it begs to question can you get a 4.0 next year taking harder classes? If you do you’ve already got a great essay explaining how you were able to overcome your lower GPA and show an upward trend. </p>
<p>So to answer your question, is it possible. Yes. But you have a tougher road than many others who will be applying. I’d do the best you can and if UNC is your dream school, go for it! We did and have no regrets.</p>
<p>To be honest, being a sophomore is a bit late to make a goal, it is very unlikely that you will be admitted UNLESS:
Score above 2000 on your SAT but honestly a 3.5 is not really going to help you. Also, GPA isn’t only what’s important, your class rank is too, be in the top 10% and you might be able to get something going. On the other hand, you have already had a few C’s or lower because you have a 2.7 (with easy classes) so there is really know point in trying.</p>
<p>You already had a bad start just finish now without too much effort, but when you get into college work hard to get a >3.5 then transfer.</p>
<p>So, does this mean a Californian with a 3.9 culmative GPA and only 1900 SAT score will have a tough time getting in as well?</p>
<p>^I think that is such a hard question to answer. Is that unweighted? Did you take APs and Honors to earn the 3.9? Is your high school known to admissions? </p>
<p>One thing I can say from our admissions cycle is I believe UNC is not numbers focused or have cut-offs, but you do have to demonstrate you will be successful and can do the work and/or bring something great to the campus. My Ds GPA wasn’t the strongest, but it was good. Her reading and writing scores weren’t great, but she submitted subject scores (not required) to show her strength in other areas. She did research on a national level in a government lab. She applied early and she loved UNC which I think came out in her essays. To me that demonstrates they look beyond the numbers and really try to determine if a person will do well on their campus. We were very fortunate and we know it. </p>
<p>OOS admissions at UNC is tough for all applicants. Even the ones with stellar GPAs and scores. Check out the results thread. We were told by several teachers and counselors to not apply or be sure to have a back up. We chose to make sure we had a back up. California has a wonderful college system so you don’t lack in the back up department. If you love UNC give them the pleasure of reading your application.</p>
<p>^ yes, I did have to take ap/honor classes, but 3.9 is unweighted. But I see what you mean though about being accepted is more than just numbers. And the uc system is great, but just way too expensive, even for in-state students. Have a good day though!</p>
<p>UNC actually commits to meeting 100% of need even for OOS students and they’ve been voted in the top ten for several years for best value. Google Kiplingers for the list. Don’t let the sticker price shock you too much. They were actually more affordable then our state university. Run their cost calculator. It was pretty accurate.</p>
<p>I just realized you meant the UC system was too expensive. I have heard that for OOS, but didn’t realize it was tough for in state as well.</p>
<p>cost about $32,000 for an in-stater if your not close enough to be a commuter. Also very little aid is available due to lack of funds.</p>
<p>Of course it is possible! Just work on your weak spots (GPA) and make sure you have great SATs. Remember, admissions is a wholistic process. Having one bad thing may not necessarily doom you to rejection. However, it is best that you make up for your failing or at least explain them. Good luck!</p>