Engineering Program at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Hey there! I'm really interested in engineering and UNC Chapel Hill is on my list of potential colleges. Does anyone have any information about their engineering program? How difficult is it to get in, and what kind of opportunities do they offer?

UNC Chapel Hill offers several promising degree programs through its Department of Computer Science and its joint Department of Biomedical Engineering with North Carolina State University. If you're interested in computer science, you'll find opportunities such as varied research areas, internships, and student organizations. The Biomedical Engineering program is renowned, with resources and research opportunities in fields like biomedical microdevices, pharmacoengineering, and regenerative medicine.

However, for prospective students seeking a broader range of engineering disciplines like Mechanical, Chemical, or Aerospace, you might want to consider that UNC is more traditionally known for its arts and sciences programs. It's not that you can't study engineering here, but the engineering fields are limited compared to universities with a dedicated engineering school. Note that NC State, in contrast, has a very established College of Engineering with a vast range of fields.

In terms of admission, remember that UNC Chapel Hill does not have direct admission to majors, and engineering is not an exception. You would apply to UNC as a whole, declare your major once you're a student, usually in your sophomore year. As of the 2024-2025 application cycle, UNC Chapel Hill is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores.

UNC has a competitive acceptance rate (around 24%), so your high school academic performance will be an important factor. Beyond academics, they will consider your essays, your extracurricular involvement, and your personal qualities. While Extracurriculars related to your interest in engineering—like Science Olympiad, coding clubs, or internships—will be helpful, keep in mind that UNC, like most top colleges, is looking for students with a well-developed specialty, also known as a "spike," rather than well-rounded students.

For your extracurricular profile, it could be beneficial to pursue activities related to your engineering interest. This could mean joining or leading a robotics club, competing in programming contests, or even conducting research at a local university. Remember, the level of dedication and achievement you display in your activities can be more important than the number of activities you participate in.

Don't hesitate to show your genuine passion for engineering and how you plan to contribute to UNC's engineering community in your essays. Colleges like UNC appreciate students who can bring a strong sense of personal identity, personal growth, and intellectual curiosity to their campus.

Lastly, consider that while it's important to enter a strong program, it's equally important to consider fit. Don't just consider the academic programs, consider the school's environment, campus culture, location, and resources. If you're passionate about engineering and excited about what UNC has to offer, that will come across in your application.