How can I improve my chances of getting in?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
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<p>Hey, everyone! I'm Kendra, I'm a junior, I live in NC, and Chapel Hill is my dream school! </p>

<p>GPA: I'm unsure of the exact number, but it was a 4.2 (weighted) in the beginning of the year and it's probably stayed the same. I'm in the top 25% at my school. I go to a tough high school, so it's hard to get in to the top 10% but that's my goal!</p>

<p>SAT: I've only taken it once, and I got a 1720. Definitely working on improving this score! I am not satisfied.</p>

<p>ACT: I haven't taken this yet, but my AP Language class will be spending a month studying for it and the teacher said her students haven't gotten below a 30 in the past.</p>

<p>AP Courses: AP Language, AP US History, and I took General Psychology at my local community college. I plan on taking at least 3 APs next year.</p>

<p>Extra Curriculars/Clubs: Debate Club (9, 11), Health Occupation Students of America (11), Keywannettes service club (11), Photography club (11), Odyssey of the Mind (9, 10, 11)
I was a summer camp counselor at a camp for kids with Muscular Dystrophy, and I plan on continuing this job. I volunteer with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and at local elementary schools.</p>

<p>I'm really hoping to improve my chances this year. I know UNC likes to see leadership, but I'm not sure how to acquire such a position. Also, I'm looking for more volunteer work. I'm planning on doing all the clubs mentioned above next year, and I plan on getting my GPA high enough to be considered for National Honors Society. What else can I do? Suggestions are encouraged!</p>

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<p>Looks like you have a solid base but I will add some observations on things to do in the upcoming year:</p>

<p>Being from NC is a plus. Are there any additional classifications that will help? First time college student, URM, legacy, etc.?</p>

<p>Work on getting your SAT score up. The current first year class has an average of approximately 1940. With some review and practice, you should see some significant improvement. At 1720, you are probably in about the 20th percentile of the current freshman class.</p>

<p>Definitely work on getting you class ranking into the top 10%. The higher, the better as Carolina is very competitive. Does your school place many people at UNC and have they been successful there?</p>

<p>Work to get your unweighted GPA as close to a 4.0 as possible and weighted up to 4.5+. As long as you are taking advanced and AP classes, the weighted grade average should climb. You will need a strong junior year to pull this up. Remember, you will be applying in October of your senior year so look as strong as you can by then.</p>

<p>Your ECs are good but try to become an officer in one or more of your clubs.</p>

<p>You will need strong recommendations and write compelling essays on your application.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the tips! Sadly, I don’t have any classifications to help me out. My school is known for sending kids to prestigious schools, and we always send quite a few to UNC! Not really counting on this to help me out too much, though.</p>