<p>I will be a freshman in high school this year and am in-state. My parents didn't go to college, i'm a white male, and i'm taking the most rigorous course available for me (which isn't the most rigorous for other students.) So what should I do starting now, to get accepted? Any advice is appreciated, thanks!</p>
<p>Obviously there is get all A’s and take all honors or AP classes available. But see how you handle the rigor of your freshman year before anything. Its super important to be in a club for 4 years shows dedication commitment. Get some leadership positions and Maybe start a club in something you like. Volunteer hours are important so see what you can find like in a hospital or library. If your counselors slows it do it on weekend unless you’d rather have a social life in that case do it in the summer.</p>
<p>Make sure you stand out to your teachers. The really out going kids are ones that UNC loves. Make sure that they remember your name. So answer questions, seem interested, etc. Teachers love witty kids also (I don’t know if you are though). It will all come to fruition with recommendations. Make sure you do EC’s in your desired area of study. It’s much more intriguing to UNC than just volunteering at a church, for example.</p>
<p>First off, you are asking questions as a freshman and that is a very good start!</p>
<p>Grades, unweighted and weighted, are quite important along with class rank, though some schools do not post rankings. 43.7% of incoming students were in the top 10 students of their class (not top 10%). Refer to the class profile information as a reference:</p>
<p>[UNC</a> News - Preliminary Profile: 2013 UNC First-Year Class](<a href=“http://uncnews.unc.edu/content/view/6168/68/]UNC”>http://uncnews.unc.edu/content/view/6168/68/)</p>
<p>Being in-state is a big plus, of course. First generation college student is also a plus and being male might help since the gender split is close to 60/40 female. Make sure you are involved in things you are passionate about. not just a member of lots of clubs. Seek out leadership roles in organizations. Get involved in your community. Be very disciplined in your study habits because success at Carolina depends on it.</p>
<p>Carolina definitely looks at the whole application. My daughter’s standardized test scores were only about in the 30th percentile of incoming UNC students. The rigor of her academic schedule (5 APs along with many advanced classes), her extensive ECs, her class rank (top 2%), good essays and recommendations made up for her test scores.</p>
<p>She just completed her first year at Carolina with GPA well above average, was chosen for a competetive study abroad program and completed two honors courses. I mention this because an “average” student can excel at an exceptional school with the right attitude and dedication.</p>