UNC Chapel Hill's required GPA: How high should I aim?

In the midst of all this admissions stress, I'm trying to set realistic expectations for myself. What GPA do I need to be competitive for UNC Chapel Hill? Is it one of those schools where only 4.0s stand a chance, or do they consider lower GPAs too?

I can certainly understand the stress that comes with setting realistic college admissions expectations. The first thing you should know is that UNC Chapel Hill, like many other selective institutions, does not have a strict GPA cutoff. While aiming for a high GPA is important, UNC Chapel Hill looks at the rigor of your course schedule and the context of your accomplishments as well. To be competitive, you'll want to strive for a strong academic record throughout high school.

That being said, most admitted students do tend to have high GPAs. However, students with lower GPAs but rigorous course loads or significant extracurricular achievements can also be considered. For example, a student who has a 3.7 GPA, but who has taken several AP courses and shown improvement over the years could be a very strong candidate. It's all about the entire story your application tells. To give yourself the best chance, focus on excelling in challenging courses and engage in activities that are meaningful to you. If you have any further questions about building a strong application profile, don't hesitate to reach out for more personalized advice.