Any student who plans to continue his/her education beyond high school in a technical school, community college, or four-year college or university should select courses which meet the admissions requirements of that institution. The admissions requirements of colleges and universities differ widely, so it is important that the student determine admissions requirements for the school in which he/she is interested. Information for this purpose is available in the student services office, in the high school library, and from the admissions office of specific post-secondary schools.
Minimum Admissions Requirements at the Sixteen Campuses of the University of North Carolina
To enroll in any one of the 16 public universities, which make up the University of North Carolina, undergraduate students must meet the following requirements:
In English, four course units emphasizing grammar, composition, and literature;
In Mathematics, four course units including Algebra I/Integrated Math I, Algebra II/Integrated Math III, and Geometry/Integrated Math II and a higher level mathematics course for which Algebra II/Integrated Math III is a prerequisite (Not including Honors Calculus. AP Calculus or AP Statistics is recommended over Honors Calculus).
In Science, three course units including: a) at least one unit in a Life or Biological Science (for example, Biology); (b) at least one unit in a Physical Science (for example, Physical Science, Chemistry, Physics); and (c) at least one laboratory course;
And
In Social Studies, two course units including one unit in U.S. History and one unit in Civics and Economics.
Two units of Foreign Language are required. In addition, it is recommended that prospective students take one foreign language course unit and one mathematics course unit in grade 12.
Students should be aware that these are minimum admission requirements for most colleges and all public universities in the UNC System. Most data available appear to indicate that colleges are increasingly seeking the most qualified applicants, and that serious students who wish to maximize their chances for admission to the college of their choice should pursue a more rigorous program. Specifically, the course of study in grades 9-12 should include the English, Social Studies and Physical Science as noted above, but should be expanded to include 4 units in math, 4 units in science, and 3 or more units in a foreign language. See your counselor to inquire about admissions requirements for specific schools. Elective courses are taken to complete the units necessary for graduation. Discuss your plans with your parents and school officials.
Individual constituent institutions may require other courses in addition to the minimum requirements. High school students should take the SAT or ACT either in their junior year or in the fall of their senior year. Students must select schools for the scores to be forwarded directly to the admissions officer of the campus applied to by The College Board or ACT, the agencies which administer the tests. Students unable to pay the fee for the test may request through their high school counselor a waiver.
In reviewing applications, admissions counselors consider applicants’ high school courses taken and grades received, class rank or grade point average, SAT or ACT scores, extracurricular activities, and recommendations.
For transfer students, requirements for admission usually include a transcript from high school and each former college attended, eligibility to return to the institution last attended, “C” cumulative average grade on all work attempted at other colleges, and an application fee.