Hello everyone! I’d like to begin by saying that I haven’t done the best for myself in school, as you will see by my gpa. Some of you may think that I’m an idiot, but I never planned ahead for any of this; in fact, I was completely oblivious to all of this - for most of my life, “college” was an abstract concept. Still, I’d like to get the best education possible, so I’m applying to UNC. I’m in-state and am applying for regular decision.
I’m male, white, and I come from a low-income family, single mother, etc.
3.1 UW/3.9 W GPA
AP Scores:
4 Lang. 3 US History; I’m also taking Latin, Bio, and Lit this year.
ACT Scores:
34 (36 E, 36 R, 30 M, 34 S). I got a 10 on the writing if that matters at all.
31 (35 E, 35 R, 20 M, 32 S). I panicked hard and didn’t have any preparation whatsoever; I got a very poor writing score of 4 on this one. I think this was a fluke, but should I not send it because of this?
EC’s are very minimal. All I’ve ever done really is Latin Club and Latin National Honors Society, and even this was only because my latin teacher was so nice to me.
So can I get into UNC Chapel Hill? If not, what about UNC Wilmington or NC State?
I think UNCW is almost definite. Yeah, the GPA is a little shaky, and DEFINITELY DO NOT SEND THE BAD ACT SCORE (It isn’t bad at all, but the other one is so much better so I would just keep the other one to your self, why would you show them a weakness if you don’t have to right?), but your 2nd ACT Score if phenomenal. NC State seems like it could go either way - work hard on the essays, DEFINITELY write about why your GPA is so low in the obstacles section (talk about how coming from a low-income family was tough and you never even considered college). UNC seems like a stretch, but they are a weird school. If you can shine in your essay (Common App and the UNC specific essay) you can get in. They really like people who are passionate, so if you can make it seem like you are obsessed with Latin or something like that in one of your essays and then in the other one (the Common App essay? I think there’s one about a mistake or something) talk about your obstacles with being low-income and how you’ve recently been inspired to further your education you could do it.
I’m applying to UNC and NC State (engineering) too. Good luck!
First off, you have an amazing ACT score! 34? Jeez! I wish I could get that.
Don’t send the 31 because the 34 itself is amazing! (31 is great too, but the 34 in one sitting looks better).
UNCW is a match for sure!
NC State is a match too (50 something acceptance rate and with your scores there is no doubt you’ll get in)
UNC-CH is weird. You’re scores are great, but they do care a lot about GPA/rank.
Just explain your situation without making it look like you’re making excuses (own up to your mistakes like you did here and show how you have learned from it).
You got this!
