UNC Chapel Hill Admissions 2024-2025
UNC Chapel Hill recently released their Common Data Set for 2024-2025, offering valuable insights into what it takes to be admitted to this highly selective public institution. Let's examine the data to understand who gets into UNC Chapel Hill and what factors matter most in their admissions process.
UNC Chapel Hill Admissions 2024-2025: Who Gets In and What Matters
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill recently released their Common Data Set for 2024-2025, offering valuable insights into what it takes to be admitted to this prestigious public institution. Let's examine the data to understand who gets into UNC Chapel Hill and what factors matter most in their admissions process.
UNC Chapel Hill's Remarkable Selectivity
UNC's admissions statistics reveal an increasingly competitive landscape:
Total applicants: 66,535
Admitted students: 10,209
Enrolled students: 4,632
Acceptance rate: Approximately 15.3%
With fewer than 1 in 6 applicants receiving an offer, UNC Chapel Hill has become one of the most selective public universities in the country. The sheer volume of applications demonstrates the university's tremendous appeal to students nationwide and internationally.
It's worth noting the significant differences in selectivity for in-state versus out-of-state applicants:
In-state applicants: 16,553, with 6,289 admitted (38% acceptance rate)
Out-of-state applicants: 42,085, with 3,413 admitted (8.1% acceptance rate)
International applicants: 7,897, with 507 admitted (6.4% acceptance rate)
As a flagship state university, UNC clearly prioritizes North Carolina residents in its admissions process, though competition remains fierce for all applicants.
Academic Profile of Admitted Students
The academic credentials of UNC's Class of 2029 are impressive:
Test Scores
SAT Composite (middle 50%): 1400-1530
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 690-750
SAT Math: 700-780
ACT Composite: 28-34
ACT English: 30-35
ACT Math: 27-33
It's worth noting that 41% of enrolled students submitted SAT scores and 28% submitted ACT scores, indicating that UNC's test-optional policy has been embraced by a significant portion of applicants. For the 2024-2025 cycle, the UNC System extended the test-optional policy, though students with a weighted GPA below 2.8 were required to submit scores.
GPA Distribution
The data shows an academically accomplished class:
93% had a perfect 4.0 GPA
5% had GPAs between 3.75 and 3.99
2% had GPAs between 3.50 and 3.74
0% had GPAs below 3.50
These statistics demonstrate that virtually all UNC admits have excellent high school academic performance, with an average high school GPA of 4.49.
Class Rank
UNC Chapel Hill admits are overwhelmingly at the top of their class:
77% were in the top tenth of their class
97% were in the top quarter
100% were in the top half
Interesting Demographic Information
UNC's first-year class shows considerable diversity:
White: 52.8%
Asian: 18.5%
Hispanic/Latino: 8.8%
Black or African American: 5.3%
Two or more races: 4.7%
International students: 5.9%
Race/ethnicity unknown: 3.7%
Additionally, only about 16.6% of first-year students come from out of state, highlighting UNC's primary mission to serve North Carolina residents. Nearly all first-year students (99%) live in college-owned housing, creating a strong community environment.
What Matters Most in UNC Chapel Hill Admissions
UNC's Common Data Set provides valuable information about what factors weigh most heavily in their admissions decisions:
"Very Important" Factors
Rigor of secondary school record
Academic GPA
"Important" Factors
Application essay
Recommendations
Standardized test scores
Character/personal qualities
First generation status
"Considered" Factors
Extracurricular activities
Talent/ability
Geographical residence
State residency
Volunteer work
Work experience
Level of applicant's interest
"Not Considered" Factors
Class rank
Interview
Alumni/ae relation
Religious affiliation/commitment
What These Ratings Mean for Applicants
UNC Chapel Hill's ratings reveal their holistic but academically-focused approach to admissions:
Academics are paramount: The rigor of your curriculum and GPA are the only factors rated as "very important" - you need to challenge yourself with the most demanding courses available to you and perform excellently.
Essays and recommendations matter significantly: Both are rated as "important," suggesting that UNC values the qualitative aspects of your application alongside your numbers.
Character and personal qualities are significant: Listed as "important," this underscores UNC's interest in who you are beyond your academic achievements.
Test scores remain important: Despite the test-optional policy, for those who submit scores, standardized tests are considered an "important" factor in admissions decisions.
First-generation status is important: This indicates UNC's commitment to increasing access for students who would be the first in their families to attend college.
Extracurricular distinction is considered: "Talent/ability" and "extracurricular activities" being rated as "considered" suggests that UNC values significant achievement or contribution in your activities, though not as highly as academic factors.
Interestingly, class rank is not considered: Despite UNC's enrolled students being predominantly from the top of their class, the university states they don't consider class rank in admissions decisions.
Notable Observations
Several other details from the Common Data Set stand out:
Exceptional retention rate: 96.6% of first-year students return for their sophomore year, indicating extremely high student satisfaction.
Impressive graduation rates: 91.2% six-year graduation rate for the 2018 cohort, demonstrating strong student success.
Student-to-faculty ratio: 15:1, offering students good access to faculty.
Housing: 99% of first-year students live in college-owned housing, creating a strong community environment for new students.
Early Action program: UNC offers a non-binding Early Action program with an October 15 deadline and January 31 notification date.
Financial aid commitment: The university meets the full demonstrated need of resident students and provides some aid to out-of-state students. The Carolina Covenant program provides no-loans financial aid for qualifying low-income students.
What This Means for Future Applicants
For students aspiring to UNC Chapel Hill, these numbers highlight the importance of:
Academic excellence: Taking the most challenging courses available and excelling in them is absolutely critical.
Strong writing: Crafting essays that reveal your authentic voice and perspective is important for standing out among nearly 67,000 applicants.
Meaningful engagement: Developing genuine interests and making contributions in areas that matter to you, as extracurricular quality is considered.
Strong recommendations: Building relationships with teachers who can speak to your intellectual curiosity and classroom contributions.
Test scores (if submitting): While optional, strong test scores remain an important factor for those who choose to submit them.
Remember that while these statistics provide insight into UNC's admissions process, they don't tell the full story of what makes a successful applicant. UNC Chapel Hill seeks students who will contribute to their community in diverse and meaningful ways, not just those with perfect numbers.
Need help applying to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle? If so, contact an admissions expert at Cosmic College Consulting today!
