Getting into the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill) is a fantastic opportunity for students looking for academic excellence, a vibrant campus life, and access to top-tier research opportunities. With an acceptance rate of 19%, UNC-Chapel Hill is highly competitive, admitting only a fraction of its applicants. To stand out, students need strong academic credentials and well-rounded applications.
UNC Chapel Hill follows a holistic admissions approach, taking into account such factors as SAT Exam and ACT scores, GPA, extracurricular activities, leadership positions, and personal accomplishments. While UNC-Chapel Hill has a test-optional policy, students who submit SAT scores (1360–1520) or ACT Exam scores (30–34) may strengthen their applications. A GPA of 3.7 or higher is also crucial for a competitive application.
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1️⃣ The First Public University in the U.S.! 🎓 UNC-Chapel Hill was the first public university to open and graduate students in the United States!
2️⃣ The Tar Heel Nickname Has a History! 🦶 The term "Tar Heel" dates back to North Carolina’s history in the naval industry, where workers got tar on their heels from working with pine tar.
3️⃣ Michael Jordan Started Here! 🏀 Basketball legend Michael Jordan played for UNC before becoming an NBA superstar.
4️⃣ A Secret Society Exists! 🤫 The Order of the Gimghoul, a secret society on campus, has been around for over 100 years.
5️⃣ Old Well Tradition! 💦 Students drink from the Old Well on the first day of classes for good luck in their studies.
🚀 Also, Get to Know How to Send SAT Scores to Colleges?
Element |
Details |
College Name |
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
College Location |
Chapel Hill, North Carolina |
University Short Form |
UNC-Chapel Hill |
Acceptance Rate |
19% |
Early Decision Due |
Not offered (UNC-Chapel Hill offers Early Action) |
Early Action Due |
October 15 |
Regular Application Due |
January 15 |
FAFSA Deadline |
March 1 |
SAT Scores |
1360–1520* |
ACT Scores |
30–34* |
📌 Know the SAT Test Dates and Deadlines: Check SAT Exam Calendar!
UNC-Chapel Hill seeks students with excellent academics, leadership potential, and a desire to grow. SAT/ACT scores are not required, but high scores will help your application. In addition to academics, UNC appreciates community service, extracurricular activities, and leadership. To be noticed, emphasize your accomplishments, interests, and contributions—not your grades!
Requirement |
Details |
Application Platforms |
Common Application, Coalition Application |
SAT Score (Middle 50%) |
1360–1520* |
ACT Score (Middle 50%) |
30–34* |
GPA Requirement |
Typically 3.7 or higher |
Application Requirements |
1–2 Letters of Recommendation, Personal Statement/Essay, Extracurricular Activities |
Application Fee |
$85 |
📌 Also Read – What’s The Highest Possible SAT Score?
If you’ve got a high SAT or ACT score and a strong GPA, you’re off to a great start for UNC-Chapel Hill! But getting in isn’t just about the numbers—UNC looks at the whole picture. They want students who take on leadership roles, get involved in extracurriculars, and show real passion for their interests. A strong personal statement and solid recommendation letters can also make a big difference in helping your application stand out!
UNC-Chapel Hill takes a test-optional approach, but submitting a strong SAT score can help your chances. Most admitted students score between 1360 and 1520 on the SAT, so aiming for the higher end of this range can make your application more competitive.
If you're aiming for UNC-Chapel Hill, having a strong SAT score can definitely boost your chances! The average SAT score for UNC-Chapel Hill is 1430, with most admitted students scoring between 1360 and 1520. Here’s a breakdown of the SAT score ranges for admitted students:s:
Section |
Average |
25th Percentile |
75th Percentile |
Math |
720 |
680 |
770 |
Reading + Writing |
710 |
680 |
750 |
Composite |
1430 |
1360 |
1520 |
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Percentile |
SAT Score |
25th |
1360 |
75th |
1520 |
Students applying to highly competitive programs such as business, engineering, and sciences should aim for good SAT scores closer to 1520 to strengthen their application. If your SAT score is below 1360, you can compensate with a strong GPA, extracurriculars, and personal essays.
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Although UNC-Chapel Hill is test-optional, sending excellent SAT scores may complement your application, particularly to highly competitive programs. Certain colleges at the university place more significance on SAT scores as part of the admissions process, especially in fields that have heavy analytical or quantitative requirements. If you're applying to any of these schools, a high SAT score can help set you apart:
📌 Read about the SAT Eligibility!
Yes! UNC-Chapel Hill superscores the SAT, which means they consider your highest section scores across multiple test attempts. This gives you the opportunity to showcase your best possible composite score by submitting your strongest Math and Reading & Writing section scores from different test dates.
📌 Find out How Long is the SAT?
If you're applying to UNC-Chapel Hill, a strong ACT score between 30 and 34 will make you competitive. There’s no strict cutoff, but scoring closer to 34 will improve your chances. However, UNC looks beyond test scores, so a great GPA and extracurriculars are just as important!
If you're aiming for UNC-Chapel Hill, having a strong ACT score can give your application an edge. The average ACT score for UNC-Chapel Hill is 32, with most admitted students scoring between 30 and 34. Here’s a breakdown of ACT scores for admitted students:
ACT Percentile |
ACT Score Range |
25th Percentile |
30 |
50th Percentile (Median) |
32 |
75th Percentile |
34 |
📌 Attempt Free ACT Practice Test Here to Increase Your Scores!
Yes! UNC-Chapel Hill superscores the ACT, meaning they consider your highest section scores across multiple test attempts. This allows you to submit your best possible composite score.
🚀 Checkout ACT to SAT Conversion Tool By Testbook!
Your GPA plays a huge role in UNC-Chapel Hill admissions. Most admitted students have a GPA between 3.7 and 4.0, showcasing strong academic performance.
When it comes to getting into UNC-Chapel Hill, your GPA is a major factor in the admissions process. The UNC-Chapel Hill average GPA for admitted students is 3.90, meaning most students have mostly A’s on their transcripts. To be a strong applicant, you’ll want to aim for at least a 3.7 or higher, with competitive applicants typically having a 4.0+ GPA. Here’s a breakdown of GPAs for admitted students:
GPA Percentile |
GPA Range |
25th Percentile |
3.7 |
50th Percentile (Median) |
3.90 |
75th Percentile |
4.0+ |
While UNC-Chapel Hill does not have a strict minimum GPA, most admitted students fall within the 3.7–4.0 range. Applicants with lower GPAs should have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays to improve their chances.
🚀Find out the Upcoming ACT Test Dates and Deadlines.
UNC-Chapel Hill is a highly selective university with an acceptance rate of just 19%. This means that out of every 100 applicants, only 19 get admitted.
UNC Chapel Hill Acceptance Rate |
Total Applicants |
Admitted |
Enrolled |
19% (Highly Selective) |
57,902 |
10,852 |
4,699 |
Since UNC-Chapel Hill is very competitive, students need a strong academic record and well-rounded application to increase their chances of admission.
🚀Get to Know the Recent Changes done in the SAT Exam!
UNC-Chapel Hill offers various scholarships to support both in-state and out-of-state students. Some scholarships are merit-based, while others are awarded based on financial need.
Many scholarships are automatically awarded based on academic performance, while others require a separate application.
🚀Also, Get Familiar with Should You Guess on SAT & ACT? before appearing for SAT and ACT exams.
UNC Chapel Hill is an upper-level college with a focus on scholarship, leadership, and extracurricular. Acceptance of just 19% means the high GPA (3.7 -- 4.0) and SAT (1360–1520) or ACT (30–34) score applicants are extraordinary. UNC's holistic admissions policy makes sure that well-rounded applicants with high personal accomplishments have a very good chance of admission!🎓
Many prestigious colleges and universities in the U.S. require SAT scores as part of their admissions process. Below is a list of some of the top colleges and universities that use SAT scores for their admissions.
Category |
Colleges/Universities |
Ivy League Schools |
|
Public Research Universities |
University of California System (some campuses) |
National Universities |
|
Liberal Arts Colleges |
|
College Name |
ACT Score |
SAT Score |
15–19* |
820–980* |
|
16–21* |
890–1080* |
|
17–20* |
860–1053* |
|
15–21* |
Not available* |
|
16–20* |
860–1062* |
University |
ACT Score |
SAT Score |
21–27* |
940–1200* |
|
16–25* |
910–1150* |
|
18–26* |
910–1150* |
|
18–24* |
910–1120* |
|
19–26* |
950–1150* |
|
21–28* |
950–1180* |
|
16–27* |
925–1140* |
|
17–24* |
930–1175* |
|
19–25* |
950–1130* |
|
20–27* |
900–1150* |
|
20–26* |
1010–1200* |
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