<p>So I was remembering how at the admissions session, the admissions officer was explaining how applying early doesn't really affect the decision. She said the only reason it had a slightly higher acceptance rate is because most of the IS kids applied then. Because I'm out of state my counselor pretty much said to not bother but I'd still like to apply. </p>
<p>My GPA/class rank is not the best due to my lack of motivation freshman and sophomore year. I ended soph year with about a 3.5/4.5 weighted GPA, despite my honors/AP classes/class. But I went through junior year with one B (first semester) and all As second semester translating to a junior year GPA of 4.3/4.5 (roughly a 4.65 GPA on the 5.0 scale). That being said, I know my extracurriculars are somewhat decent. I have lots of leadership recognition and have done a lot of volunteering locally. Also I have been a varsity athlete an band member. I know all those ECs really are standard with each applicant at UNC. Currently I have a 32 on the ACT and am retaking on Sept 11 as well as taking the SAT again on Oct 9th (because the first time I didn't do too well).</p>
<p>I am taking 5 AP classes (as well as gym and an elective I need to graduate) and know I'm going to do whatever it takes to get straight As first and second semester. Do you guys think I should apply early in November or regular in January? All feedback is most appreciated.</p>
<p>I say go for it - nothing ventured, nothing gained. The strong upward trend in grades is good, and unc really likes to see good extracurricular involvement (with leadership) and lots of passion. Show them you care enough to apply early and really work on your essays. I definitely think you have a chance. Good luck!</p>
<p>Yours is one of the rare cases where I really don’t have an opinion for which deadline you should apply. Normally for OOS I recommend that unless they have truly stellar stats, they apply second deadline so UNC can see 1st semester grades. Your GPA scale is a bit weird, but it looks like you would be competitive at UNC, but your statement about freshman and sophomore years makes it seem like you have something to make up for.</p>
<p>My advise is this to you: if you want them to see 1st semester grades, apply second deadline. If you don’t care, apply 1st.</p>
<p>Ok thank you guys very much for the encouraging words. I’m going to discuss this with my counselor. I will most definitely PREPARE to apply early, whether or not I decide to.</p>
<p>So to be clear there will be no effect on my admissions decision deciding to apply early or not? The website says it but just because they say it doesn’t mean its true right? My counselor told me apply early to show that I really care about getting in, but I do want my first semester grades to be considered…</p>
<p>The reason 2nd deadline has a lower acceptance rate is because that is when more OOS and less competitive NC-residents traditionally apply. There is no difference between the two deadlines other than the fact that 2nd deadline gets to show 1st semester grades.</p>
<p>Like I said, the choice is yours. If you apply 1st deadline, you find out mid-to-late-January. If you apply 2nd deadline you get to show senior year grades. Those are the only differences.</p>