Does anyone know how hard it is to get into UNC Chapel Hill as an out-of-state student? I heard it's pretty competitive but I can't find the exact acceptance rate. I'm a bit anxious as I really want to apply and need to plan my safety schools.
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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill maintains a significantly lower acceptance rate for out-of-state students compared to in-state applicants. For recent admissions cycles, UNC Chapel Hill's out-of-state acceptance rate typically hovers around 13-15%, making it highly selective for non-North Carolina residents. This contrasts sharply with the in-state acceptance rate, which usually ranges between 40-45%.
The heightened selectivity for out-of-state applicants stems from a state mandate requiring UNC Chapel Hill to maintain an undergraduate population that is at least 82% North Carolina residents. This policy naturally creates intense competition among non-resident applicants, as spaces are extremely limited. The university typically receives over 30,000 out-of-state applications for roughly 3,000 spots each year.
To be competitive as an out-of-state applicant, you should aim for academic credentials well above UNC's average. Successful out-of-state applicants typically have weighted GPAs above 4.0, SAT scores above 1400, or ACT scores above 32. Strong extracurricular activities, compelling essays, and demonstrated interest in UNC's specific programs can help distinguish your application from other competitive candidates.
Given the selective nature of out-of-state admission at UNC Chapel Hill, it's wise to include several safety schools in your college application strategy. Consider applying to your state's public universities and other institutions where your academic profile places you comfortably above the average admitted student statistics. This approach will help ensure you have multiple options when admission decisions are released.
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