Anyone who managed to decipher the University of North Carolina's requirements for admission? Trying to understand what they're looking for in students.
As per University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill), they are committed to holistic admissions and they review each section of your application to get to know you as a whole. Here's a breakdown of what they look for:
1. Academic Performance: They place a strong emphasis on your performance in high school. They like to see strong grades, but they are also interested in how challenging your classes were. If your school offers honors courses, AP or IB classes, they'd love to see you taking advantage of those. Remember, AP scores themselves don’t really matter in admissions; the AP courses you take and the grades you get in them matter as they show academic rigor.
2. SAT/ACT Scores: For the 2024-2025 cycle, UNC Chapel Hill is test-optional due to the disruptions caused by the pandemic. If you feel your scores reflect your academic potential, you can include them. If not, it's okay to skip this part.
3. Extracurricular Involvement: UNC Chapel Hill is interested in how you spend your time outside of class. Activities in line with your interests and showing a level of commitment are viewed positively. Higher tiers of extracurriculars (Tier 1 and Tier 2) can help you stand out.
4. Essays: UNC Chapel Hill values the essays as your opportunity to tell them about you. They really want to understand who you are as an individual, what experiences have shaped you, and how you will contribute on campus.
5. Letters of Recommendation: One high school counselor recommendation is required, and they also accept a teacher recommendation. These letters can give them insight into your academic and personal qualities.
It's also worth noting that UNC Chapel Hill does consider geography in their admissions process, meaning they have different expectations for in-state and out-of-state applicants.
Keep in mind, UNC Chapel Hill's admissions process is highly competitive, so try to present your best self in every component of the application!
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