<p>I'm a senior this year, and as was filling out the UNC app, I just really wanted to post a chance thread to have some outside perspective on things.</p>
<p>SAT:2340
GPA: 4.0 unweighted
Class Rank: 1 (unweighted), maybe 2 or 3 weighted (we give a little extra weight to AP's)
SAT Subject Test: Math 2:800, US History:800, Physics: 780
AP: 5's on APUSH (self-study), AP World, AP Chemistry, AP Physics B (C not offered), AP Calc AB (BC not offered), AP Lang, AP US Gov
Current Classes: Calc 2 and 3 joint enrollment, AP Bio, AP Micro, AP Macro, AP Lit, Newspaper, couple of grad req's, self-studying AP Euro</p>
<p>EC's: Newspaper for three years and now managing editor, Founder and editor-in-chief of school literary magazine, NHS, French Club (VP junior year), Academic Team Captain and may go to nationals, 1st place state science fair, did research and have an abstract published in a professional journal, won a journalism scholarship to go to DC for a week, write for a professional sports website</p>
<p>State: South Dakota (moved from Georgia after sophomore year)
URM: No</p>
<p>Wow, you waited almost 2 hours before losing patience with the forum… I am sure you have researched the statistics but if not, here is the profile of the incoming class.</p>
<p>As you will see, there were almost 21K OOS applications this year for a class that by state mandate is comprised of no more than about 18% OOS students system wide. For the class of 2017, actual statistics: 20,944 OOS applications, 3,199 admitted (15.2%), 763 enrolled (3.6%).</p>
<p>Based on the stats presented, it appears that you are in a very strong position to be accepted many places, Chapel Hill included. As strange as it sounds, admission to UNC can be as difficult for an OOS student as it is to gain entrance to an Ivy. Keep up the good work, show Carolina why they need you, write interesting essays and get good recommendations. Good luck with your pursuits.</p>
<p>Thanks for your advice. I have looked at the stats, so I know that I’m reasonably competitive. Their OOS acceptance rate of 15.2% is still way higher than a lot of the Ivys though. </p>
<p>True, with top Ivys Harvard & Yale in the single digits but UPenn & Cornell in the range (13% & 17%) and other places like Duke, Georgetown, Washington - St. Louis also in the 13% - 18% range.</p>
<p>My point is that it looks like you will have tremendous opportunities in many places. A family friend (OOS) was really courted by UNC and was offered quite a package of scholarships, grants & research opportunities. He was accepted at several Ivys and Duke but UNC landed 2nd on his list based on the educational opportunity presented. He chose Princeton.</p>
<p>For UNC, based on what you have presented, I think you have a great shot.Your decision will come down to what your interests and academic goals are, which school best matches that set of criteria and where you think you will fit in best.</p>
<p>Your stats are extremely high, and that helps. You would probably be in the top of the OOS applicant pool. Make sure your essays convey what about UNC attracts you. I think that you stand a pretty good chance of being accepted.</p>
<p>@bonee26: my issue is that I don’t really live in a place that has a lot of people going to top schools, and Chapel Hill is pretty far away from SD, so it’s not like know any alumni. </p>
<p>@smack28752: good point about some of the other Ivys. I disagree about uour standards for choosing a college though. Let’s not pretend that finances won’t play a major, even deciding role. “fit” (whatever that means) is secondary. Academics and finances have to come first. Other than that, I agree with you.</p>
<p>I did not intend to downplay the importance of finances by any means. The good thing about Carolina is they are committed to meeting 100% of accepted students’ financial needs. Even though tuition for OOS students continues rise aggressively at UNC due to budget cuts and constraints, it is still a pretty good value compared to some private institutions. As for private schools, do not let the “sticker” price shock you. If you are competive and they want you (because of “fit”), the cost can be reduced significantly.</p>
<p>“Fit” encompasses many things and is applicable to the school as well as the student when making admissions decisions: School size, class size, diversity, research opportunities, cultural exposure, climate, location, region… No matter how good the school, if you are not content, you probably will not perform to your potential. Having lived in Georgia, you at least have a feel for the south and what to expect.</p>
<p>I will be quiet of the subject going forward. You obviously are aiming high and it appears you have the potential to reach those goals. Best of luck in in your endeavors!</p>
<p>I think you have a chance but it is not a given! My DD had similiar stats and was rejected last year. I am astounded by the 3.6% oos enrollment. I am so glad my dd didn’t end up there - being one of 736 kids oos could be difficult (remember probably over 100 of them are athletes and will have their social circle set).</p>
<p>I think OOS acceptance is way like 15% though, even if enrollment is only 3.6%. Where ever I go though, there’s unlikely to be a large South Dakota contingent, so I don’t really care what proportion are OOS.</p>
<p>smack28752: I think we agree on most things. I’m looking for medium size, reasonably small classes, and good research chances. I’m not sure how climate, location, or “diversity” would affect me though. Especially climate, I doubt there are any schools on my list that are colder than South Dakota!</p>
<p>I think you look pretty competitive. My D’s stats were a little lower than yours and got in. But the aid was abysmal. They figured our family contribution to be pretty high, met our need with loans and work study only. They were the only school to offer no merit aid to D.</p>
<p>But you should apply and cross the financial bridge when you reach it. Check out the UNC website for scholarship information. There are a couple associated with UNC and/or Duke that you must apply for independent of your UNC app. They’re great scholarships, but you have to apply early.</p>