Your chances of getting into University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at UNCSA is 31.8%. Its admission rate is the 7th lowest in North Carolina and the 120th lowest the nation.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into UNCSA and can you get accepted?
UNCSA is a highly competitive school to get into. You have a moderate chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 362 out of the 1,139 who applied were admitted.
University of North Carolina School of the Arts typically accepts and attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.75. Of those applicants who were admitted, 58% enrolled. This indicates that the school is a top choice for many students who apply.
Can you get into UNCSA?
32% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.
Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to University of North Carolina School of the Arts you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 3.75 or better
- Earn A- grades in high school
- Score 1230 on the SAT
- Score 26 on the ACT
UNCSA GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into University of North Carolina School of the Arts?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into UNCSA are to have around a 3.75 high school GPA. You are required to have exceptionally good grades and you should be graduating near the top of your class.
Even with a competitive GPA, admission to UNCSA will be challenging as the school denies more applicants than it admits.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at UNCSA is 3.75 on the 4.0 scale. 41% of students who get in have perfect 4.0 GPA's in high school. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn A- letter grades and regularly score around 90-92 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #6 in North Carolina for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since UNCSA is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.8 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
UNCSA SAT Scores
Testing Requirements
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to University of North Carolina School of the Arts. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 13% of students submitted SAT scores and 12% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 590 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 525 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 1115 |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 690 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 660 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 1350 |
| Average SAT Score | 1230
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to University of North Carolina School of the Arts?
Average Score & Range
The average SAT score at UNCSA is 1230 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1115-1350. Students who get into University of North Carolina School of the Arts score in the top 100 percent of all SAT test takers.. UNCSA ranks #8 in the state of North Carolina for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 1230 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. UNCSA regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1115 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1115, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 1000, but scores this low are outside the normal range.
Score Submission Requirements
University of North Carolina School of the Arts is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
View other colleges which accept students in the 1230 SAT score range.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by SAT Score
The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1232, you have around a 32% chance of being admitted. A 1350 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 47% chance of getting in.
UNCSA ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 22 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 20 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 22 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 30 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 28 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 30 |
| Average ACT Score | 26
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for students to get into UNCSA?
Score Range
The average ACT score for admitted students to UNCSA is 26, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 22 and 30. The school ranks #7 in North Carolina for highest average ACT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 26. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 22 and score in the score in the top 37 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 18.
12 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
Score Submission Requirements
You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as University of North Carolina School of the Arts is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by ACT Score
Here are your predicted chances of getting into UNCSA for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 26 score has around 32% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 47% with a 30 ACT score.
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 730 | 407 | 1,139 |
| Accepted | 226 | 136 | 362 |
| Acceptance Rate | 31% | 33% | 32% |
| Enrolled | 120 | 90 | 210 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 53% | 66% | 58% |
Fall 2025 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Days left to Apply
Applicants have 81 days left until the Fall 2025 term applications are due on Mar 15, 2025.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to University of North Carolina School of the Arts is $95.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to University of North Carolina School of the Arts and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) |
| High School GPA | Required to be considered for admission |
| High School Class Rank | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Recommendations | Required to be considered for admission |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Required to be considered for admission |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Admission Requirements Summary
Because UNCSA is highly competitive, you have a moderate chance of acceptance depending on your GPA and test scores. If you earn at least a 3.75 GPA, you will have a fair shot at getting in. Additionally, you should score a 1230 on the SAT or 26 on the ACT to be competitive. If you can score a 1350 SAT you will be a very strong applicant.
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to University of North Carolina School of the Arts often consider these colleges
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=199184 IPEDS survey data for University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
Last updated February 24, 2024