I’m a senior in state in NC from a small town and I’m ranked 23/217
My gpa is a 4.3 (because I didn’t care about school freshman and sophomore year and junior year I took really hard AP classes and got straight A’s). I’m retaking SAT in November and I got a 25 on The ACT and am also retaking that. UNC is my top 2 choice. I’m also Brazilian/Nicaraguan and I speak 3 languages, I have a lot of EC, leadership positions, and my essays are really good. I’m taking 4 ap courses this year and I have all A’s and I know I will continue too, should I apply early and go ahead and send it in, or wait until regular decision so I have this semesters grade and two more chances to take ACT and SAT again? And what are my chances?
With your current GPA and ACT score I would put UNC as a reach school for you at this point. If I were you I would wait and try to get your ACT up to a 28 or better to increase your chances. Good luck to you
The Common Data Set tells you, under Part C7, 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 with a 25 ACT you are rather low in a “very important” criterion for admission.
Have you talked to your high school’s guidance counselor about EA, and, if so, what is his/her recommendation? What is your high school’s record for placing people at UNC-CH?
Listen, I am a freshmen here at UNC who got a 23 on the ACT but I made up for it with grades, extracurricular and essays. About the standardized testing, it is good you are taking it for a second time but after that, I would advise you to not retake again, just because you want more time to focus on college applications because yes, they do say “standarized testing is very important” but what people do not know is that they really key in on the essay, which will be the last thing they look at before they determine whether you are in or not.
Your chances are good, just focus on essays and recommendations. I think from gathering information about this, those essays and recommendations can make all the difference. Good luck and I hope you get in like I did!