I am currently a second-semester junior and I’m planning to apply to the NCSU School of Engineering this fall. Although NC State seems to be a relatively easy school to get into in general, I am applying to arguably the most competitive program - engineering. I want to pursue computer science and I’ve always been interested in technology since I was a little kid. However, I am so insanely scared that my stats are not good enough to get me in.
Some of my stats (updated from one of my previous threads):
GPA (UW): 3.583
GPA (W): 4.67 (this is on a 6.0 scale since I live in NC; I know NC State has a 6.0 scale as well)
In State?: Yes
Extracurriculars: 3+ years of community service, out-of-country community service (been in the newspaper and on an organization website for that), held a leadership position in a club during sophomore year (planning to get another one this year), currently in a computer science club in my school (been in it for 2 years now, continuing with it senior year as well - hopefully I can get a leadership position on that as well!), getting an internship/job shadowing opportunity at a computer science company this summer, art classes for 2 years, computer programs during summer, fall, and spring (for 2-3 years) at a university
SAT: 1370/1600 (planning to take it again in March of this year, aiming for a MUCH better score)
ACT: Taking it next week; may or may not submit it depending on my score
I’ve been constantly researching and researching about applicants who were deferred, rejected, and accepted into NC State School of Engineering. It seems as though there is no consistent pattern to how they choose their applicants - lots of people had 4.0 UW GPAs, extremely high weighted GPAs, stellar standardized test scores, and lots of extracurriculars, but were still rejected from this college, yet people with less impressive stats were accepted and very few were deferred. Is there anything in particular that NC State is looking for in their applicants for the School of Engineering? I just can’t seem to find any more information than I already have. Is there any way I could currently improve my stats other than the ways I’ve listed?
The thought of not being accepted here as been eating at me for months and months - it’s my dream school! The closer and closer it gets to senior year, the more I start getting nervous. I just need some more advice or (I wish!) a surefire way to get into this school.
Any insights or commentary would be appreciated.
For in-state people, NC State is a moderately selective school, and you seem to me to be a fairly strong candidate. For out of state people (like me!), it’s much more difficult, so you’re fairly lucky :P.
With that said, the best ways to improve your odds are to improve your SAT/ACT score. I would study up for this upcoming ACT. If possible, improve your GPA. When it comes time to apply, make sure to put a lot of effort into your essays. They’re the best way to improve your chances if you end up being a borderline candidate.
Also, don’t be discouraged by the EA results. Many people who get deferred EA eventually get accepted.
Just an FYI my son was deferred with a 4.87 GPA . Also in state…
@lijrobert Thank you so much for your advice. I just hope everything works out …
@eaglemom2014 Was there a specific reason he wasn’t accepted? His GPA is obviously amazing, so that can’t be the reason. Was it that he didn’t have any extracurriculars or something to set him apart from other candidates?
@eaglemom2014 ^that being said, best of luck to your son - wherever he goes (whether it’s NC State or not), he will do great.
He had tons of extracurriculars - Eagle scout, Eagle scout project of the year, robotics, Ham Radio, Symphonic Band, Honors band, Internship at a prestigious Engineering Business ( Music related - they build Analogs, Synthesizers, Theremins, Varsity letter in Cross Country 4 years in a row. 100+hours of Volunteer work. The only thing that could have kep him down was his SAT. He does not test well. Only a 1220. However I have another friend with similar stats that is dual enrolled at North Carolina School of Science and Math and he was deferred.
Wow - I can’t believe they deferred two extremely strong candidates…Although his SAT score was a bit low, the rest of his stats were absolutely fantastic. Is your son not in-state? NC State (especially the School of Engineering) tends to have much, much higher standards for out-of-state students. @eaglemom2014
^OH I’m sorry - just saw your first comment that said he was in-state. Again, good luck to your son, and I hope everything works out for him!
Hoping to hear a yes at the end of the month. Cost wise this is the best option. VA tech will cost us after aid over 35k a year…
@eaglemom2014 - already accepted at VT? if so, I would be very surprised if your son is is not accepted at NCSU.
@DecideSomeHow He was accepted to VA tech, and Penn State. ETSU and UNC Charlotte.
Penn State or NCSU for Engineering? We are from out of state.
@Anxious56 Are you out of state for both schools? If you guys are from Pennsylvania, then I would strongly recommend going there - the in-state tuition for Penn State is far less than the out-of-state tuition for NCSU Engineering.
Penn state just gave out financial Awards. It is now out of the running. No merit or grant. Just loans and work study. 50K a year. Waiting to hear on March 30th if my son gets in to State. if not its VA tech all the way.
eaglemom - I hope he gets in to State. IMHO it is better than VT. And I am a Hokie.
It would be better financially @DecideSomeHow. We are in state.
We are out of state for both.
@eaglemom2014 Congrats on VT. That’s something to be very proud of. I’m instate for Tech and got deferred, then accepted for my second choice major, but I got in EA NCSU Engineering so I’m now officially headed there. Waiting for scholarships to lighten the load, but it’s not too bad. I don’t think he will have any trouble getting into NCSU if Tech accepted him.