So far UNC is my top choice. I don’t see a real solid reason for being denied there, but I still worry. Here are my numbers and some things that may affect admission. I realize that each case is different, and that many qualified applicants get denied. I just need some reassurance or some advice as to what else I could do before I start my application in a couple of weeks.
- IB diploma program (haven't taken exams yet)
- Straight As (4.0 GPA unweighted and currently ranked 1st in my class)
- Started a charity/business
- Attended UNC's summer session II (open to rising seniors)
- SAT (new): 1410 (should I try to retake?)
- ACT: 29
- Lots of volunteer work and involvement in extra-curricular activities in/out of school
- Accepted in NHS
- Not involved in sports
- In-state
I can’t really think of anything else at the moment. I definitely have some things that make me “unique” I guess. I’m just worried my SAT score isn’t high enough. It’s not quite “above average” when compared to the 2017 class profile. It would be better to get in the 1500s, but I don’t think I can go through studying for it for the 4th time. My GPA is fine, I’m in IB, I have lots of volunteer work under my belt, I just don’t know what else I can do.
UNC cares more about GPA than test scores. Submit your SAT but not your ACT. Focus on your essays-- make them personal and revealing about what you care about and who you are. And pick your recommendations carefully. When filling put the ECs on your common app show dedication and progression in the things you have been most involved in.
Submit early action – of course – since it’s your number one choice.
Depends where are you in-state but I think you have very good chance. Do you you have access to Naviance to see how others in your schools with similar stats have fared? Where do you live (generally)?
Good luck and congrats on all your hard work and success in HS. Getting a 4.0 in an IB program is impressive!
I live near Raleigh in a small town. I’m also Asian, so I have those two things going for me too.
Put together a great application – which I know you will – and I think you’re in good shape. Good luck!!
@AlmostThere2018 : If you look at the UNC-CH Common Data Set, here, https://oira.unc.edu/files/2017/07/cds_2016_2017_20170411.pdf , under Part C7 it states that standardized test scores, application essay(s), letter(s) of recommendation, and the rigor of your high school record are “very important” academic factors considered for freshman admission, whereas GPA and class rank are “important” academic factors considered for freshman admission. Extracurricular activities, talent, and character/personal qualities are considered as “very important” non-academic factors.
So, considering that UNC-CH officially views standardized test scores to be a “very important” academic factor, whereas GPA is an "important"academic factor, I don’t think that it is fair to say that UNC-CH “cares more” about GPA over test scores.
@gandalf78 – huh, that’s interesting. I based my assertion on what the UNC admissions rep said during their info session in 2017 as well as information presented by our HS’s guidance counselor during "college night.’ She regularly communicates with UNC admissions. (We are in-state and prolly about 75 kids each year apply to UNC). Both emphasized ‘holistic’ admissions (i.e., the non-academic) and both also said that GPA is more important than test scores at UNC. (As an aside, UNC is not the only college I heard that from during our info sessions.) To be clear neither said test scores were not important – just that they put more emphasis on GPA. Anyway, not sure which source is more reliable, and it’s kinds odd there’s conflicting messaging out there.
@AlmostThere2018: At the schools where I have heard admissions officers talk about GPA being more important in the admissions decisions – Michigan and Georgia Tech come quickly to mind – the respective Common Data Sets reflect that in Part C7. But inconsistent messaging by AOs also doesn’t surprise me, either.