UNC admission difficulty?

I'm really interested in attending the University of North Carolina. Can anyone tell me how difficult it is to get into UNC? What can I do to make my application stand out?

Getting into the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) can be competitive. For the class of 2025, UNC had an acceptance rate of around 17-20%. Therefore, it's important to build a strong application to stand out among other applicants. Here are some tips to help you improve your chances:

1. Academics: Aim for a strong GPA and challenging course load, including AP or IB classes. UNC values applicants who have challenged themselves academically and have a consistent upward trend in their grades. Also, while standardized test scores are optional at UNC, if you have a high SAT or ACT score, it can strengthen your application.

2. Extracurricular activities: Focus on the quality and depth of your involvement rather than the quantity. Top colleges look for students with a "spike" or highly-developed specialty in their field, so aim to demonstrate leadership and accomplishments in a few meaningful extracurricular activities.

3. Essays: UNC requires a few short-answer prompts and supplemental essays in addition to the Common App essay. Ensure your essays are well-written, engaging, and showcase your unique voice and personality. Avoid cliché topics and focus on experiences that genuinely shaped your beliefs, values, and aspirations. For in-depth advice on tackling the UNC essays, check out this CollegeVine article: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-unc-chapel-hill-essays

4. Letters of recommendation: Obtain strong letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or mentors who can genuinely speak to your character, academic, and extracurricular accomplishments. Give recommenders ample time and relevant information about you to help them write detailed and supportive letters.

5. Demonstrated interest: Although UNC doesn't heavily weigh demonstrated interest, it's still a good idea to familiarize yourself with the school's programs, values, and campus culture. Attend virtual or in-person information sessions, and if possible, visit the campus. Incorporate this knowledge into your essays to show why you're a good fit for UNC.

6. Apply Early Action: Applying Early Action (EA) can give you a slight advantage since it shows your genuine interest in attending the school. Although the boost is not as significant as Early Decision (ED), EA still demonstrates your enthusiasm and allows you to receive your decision earlier.

In summary, focus on excelling academically, deeply engaging in extracurricular activities, writing compelling essays, obtaining strong letters of recommendation, and demonstrating your fit with the school.