University of North Carolina School of the Arts campus

UNCSA Admission Requirements

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Winston Salem, NC
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#3 Best Public Universities in North Carolina

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UNCSA Admission Overview

UNCSA admission requirements are highly competitive, with one of the lowest admission rates in North Carolina. Last year UNCSA admitted 30% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.75 GPA (A-) and SAT 1140-1370 / ACT 22-29. UNCSA is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

UNCSA is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT or ACT.

Source: IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

UNCSA Acceptance Rate

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance rate

30%

Admission Standards

Difficult

Applicant Competition

High

Very Low

Low

Average

High

Very High

Extreme

Acceptance Rate

The UNCSA acceptance rate is 30%. Last year, only 431 of 1,438 applicants were admitted. That is the 6th lowest acceptance rate in North Carolina and the 110th lowest in 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, admitting fewer than half of applicants. You have a moderate chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.

University of North Carolina School of the Arts typically attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.75. Of those admitted, 55% enrolled. That suggests UNCSA is a top choice for many students who are offered a place.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

UNCSA GPA

GPA of enrolled freshmen

Avg. High School GPA

3.75

Typical High School Grades

A-

Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.75

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0

Average GPA

Enrolled freshmen at UNCSA typically have around a 3.75 GPA (A-) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have exceptionally good grades. UNCSA is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.

41% of enrolled freshmen had a 4.0. The school ranks #6 in North Carolina for highest average GPA.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.8 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.

High school GPA ranges for enrolled University of North Carolina School of the Arts freshmen
High School GPA	Freshmen Within Range	Competitiveness
4.0	41.18%	Good
3.75 to 3.99	25.49%	Avg
3.50 to 3.74	13.73%	Reach
3.25 to 3.49	7.84%	Reach
3.00 to 3.24	7.84%	Reach
2.50 to 2.99	3.92%	Low
2.00 to 2.49	0%	Low
1.00 to 1.99	0%	Low
less than 1.00	0%	Low

What do these figures mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

UNCSA SAT Scores

SAT scores of enrolled freshmen

SAT Range

1140-1370

Freshmen who sent SAT

11%

25th Percentile Scores

Reading 600
Math 540
Composite 1140

75th Percentile Scores

Reading 720
Math 650
Composite 1370

Average SAT

Enrolled testers at UNCSA typically score around a 1260 SAT (middle 50% 1140–1370) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 83rd percentile nationally. UNCSA ranks #8 in the state of North Carolina for highest average SAT composite score.

SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 1140 to 1370

800 1000 1200 1400 1600

SAT policy

UNCSA is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.

View other colleges which accept students in the 1260 SAT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.

SAT ranges vs last year's enrolled testers at University of North Carolina School of the Arts
SAT Score (1600 scale)	Competitiveness	Admission Chances
1370+	Above 75th	>45%
1260 to 1370	Avg +	31%-45%
1140 to 1260	Avg -	18%-31%
Below 1140	Below mid-50	<18%

What do these figures mean?

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

UNCSA ACT Scores

ACT scores among enrolled freshmen

ACT Range

22-29

Freshmen reporting ACT

12%

25th Percentile Scores

English 23
Math 22
Composite 22

75th Percentile Scores

English 31
Math 26
Composite 29

Average ACT

Incoming testers at UNCSA typically have around a 25 ACT (mid-50 22–29) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 78th percentile of ACT takers nationwide. UNCSA places #11 among colleges in North Carolina for highest average ACT composite.

ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 22 to 29

1 9 18 27 36

ACT policy

You may apply to UNCSA without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.

See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 25.0 ACT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.

ACT bands compared with last year's enrolled testers at University of North Carolina School of the Arts
ACT Score (36 scale)	Competitiveness	Admission Chances
29+	Above 75th	>47%
25 to 29	Avg +	30%-47%
22 to 25	Avg -	20%-30%
Below 22	Below mid-50	<20%

How to read these figures

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Estimate How You Compare

See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.

Open the UNCSA chances calculator

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.

University of North Carolina School of the Arts admission statistics
	Women	Men	Total
Applied	928	507	1,438
Accepted	274	156	431
Acceptance Rate	30%	31%	30%
Enrolled	143	95	239
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield)	52%	61%	55%

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

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?

University of North Carolina School of the Arts application requirements
Requirement	Used for Admission
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

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Fall 2027 Application Deadline

Applications Due

Mar 15, 2027

Days left to Apply

196

Applicants have 196 days left until the Fall 2027 term applications are due on Mar 15, 2027.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to University of North Carolina School of the Arts is $95.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Credits Accepted

High school credits accepted at University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Credit Type	Accepted
AP Credit	Yes
Dual Credit	Yes
Credit for Life Experiences	No

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Admission summary

UNCSA is test-optional for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 30% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.75 GPA (about an A- average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (1140-1370); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025