I recently got invited to go to something called “Carolina 101” on March 28th. I live pretty close to Chapel Hill and I got an email from UNC admissions inviting me to it. I’m not entirely sure what it is. I have a few questions:
Is it just a more in-depth campus tour?
Would this look good on my UNC application?
Is this a good sign (for admission) because it’s invitation-only? They said it was for “outstanding high school juniors”.
I’m most likely going to go to Carolina 101 because UNC is my first choice, but I just wanted some additional information regarding this event. Thanks!
Wondering if you received response to your question about Carolina 101? My daughter also received the e-mail and is wondering how valuable it is. The website doesn’t say much. Any information is appreciated!
My student received this as well and I can find very little information to dissect and parse ~meaning. I echo your question, ibmomlkn: how valuable is this invitation? Of course we’re going, as it’s obviously more in-depth than the regular presentation and tour, but i don’t want to put too much stock in this invitation if it’s unwarranted.
Any previous Carolina 101 attendees care to weigh in?
We were invited last year and went, it was informative and I would classify it as an “in-depth campus tour” but one really nice thing was an open Q&A with existing students, and free lunch! I would encourage you go to if local, not sure it’s worth it if you have to come in from out of town. I doubt it really has any bearing on your acceptance.
I believe you qualify for the invitation to this event as a Junior based on your PSAT score. Just guessing, but did everyone that got invited and is posting here score ~195 or better on the PSAT this year?
My PSAT was not good hahah I don’t think that’s it. My friend also got invited and he has very similar SAT scores (both around 1900) so I think that’s it.
I attended Carolina 101 last year as well. It was much more in-depth than a normal tour, as you get to sit in on a student panel and a professor panel. The campus tour, however, will be the same as a normal tour, but the sessions are much more informational.
I’m not sure that they invite you based on PSAT scores because I don’t think my score was all that great (although, I don’t actually remember it). They never specified how they chose students, except that we were high-achieving juniors.
While I’m positive that this does NOT guarantee your admission, I’d definitely say it’s a good sign. If anything, it means that they recognize your achievements and want to learn more about you, which is always good in college admissions. Looking back, I suppose it’s kind of like an exclusive invitation to apply. The reason I say this is that the director of Carolina 101 emailed us (the entire group- she referred to us as Carolina 101-ers) twice after the event, once in June and once in September. The one in June said this: “I also wanted to reiterate what an awesome group you are and how we sincerely hope you are considering applying to Carolina next fall.” The one in September was a reminder of deadlines and whatnot, specifically again to the group who attended, so they definitely want to read your application.
When I was invited, Carolina was my number one choice, so of course I attended and applied (and I suggest you do the same). However, over the course of that semester and the summer, I decided to apply Early Decision to Vanderbilt because it became my dream school. I was accepted in December and had to withdraw my UNC app before I got their decision in January, so I can’t comment on whether it helped me in their admissions specifically.
Hi, @agc1998! I was wondering what you thought of the Carolina 101 presentation on the 28th. My student will be attending on the 11th and we’re still not sure what the invitation criteria was. We’re definitely looking forward to it though. Thanks for any feedback you can offer.
I attended Carolina 101 with my older daughter a few years back and really enjoyed the day. It really highlighted for us the opportunities available at Carolina for high stats/high achieving kids. Ultimately my D decided to go elsewhere, but I was so impressed I will be attending with my son in April…I don’t mind sitting thru it again at all, in fact, looking forward to it!
