What is the NSAC?

The American Advertising Federation's National Student Advertising Competition is the premier college advertising competition. Each year, more than 2,000 college students get real-world experience by creating a strategic advertising/marketing/media campaign for a corporate client. Students develop an extensive plan and then pitch their work to advertising professionals at the district, semi-final and national levels. Previous clients have included Coca-Cola, Nissan, State Farm, JC Penney, Glidden, Mary Kay, Pizza Hut, Snapple, Ocean Spray, Adobe, Tinder, Meta, Indeed, Tide, AT&T, and more.

Who is this year's client?

The National Football League

How successful have UNC's teams been in the past?

Since 2014, the UNC team has won the district competition and advanced to the national level three times, coming in 6th in 2014, 5th in 2015, and 3rd in 2025. 

We compete in one of the toughest districts in the nation. In the past 10 years, the winner of our district has advanced through the semi-finals to compete in the national finals 9 times, and they placed each time:

• 1st Place - 4 times

• 2nd Place - 2 times

• 3rd Place - 3 times

Is it also a MEJO course?

Yes, MEJO 690 is the course (3 credits). If selected for the team, you must be enrolled in the course to participate.

Why should I apply?

Here are 4 reasons:

1. You'll add great work to your portfolio.

2. You'll stand out in the job market. Attendees on networking trips report that at every agency they go to, they consistently hear this advice: Do NSAC! Many recruiters have stated that when an NSAC alum’s resume comes across their desk, they automatically are set for an interview. And, many former students report that their participation in NSAC was the number 1 topic in their interviews.

3. You'll experience the closest thing to working at a real agency. Some former students even report that NSAC was more "real world" than their internships.

4. You'll develop a close bond with the other members of the team. NSAC participants tend to become friends for life.

What do previous participants say about the experience? 

"This is by far the most realistic work experience you can get from a single class at UNC. Also, it's literally a big group project that everyone wants to work on and we kind of become a little family by the end!!!"

"You will not work with a more group of talented people, and everyone is so supportive and a pleasure to work with. Do not doubt yourself that you are not good enough or your abilities. This is a major opportunity that is 100% worth it. And the relationships you will make with your teammates ... plus going through the experience trusting the process, watching it all come together at the end is kinda of magical in a way."

"This will be the best academic experience of your life. It's tough and time-consuming, but you learn so much and it's so rewarding. When you look back at your time at UNC, you will think of NSAC."

"This is the type of real-world experience that is hard to find in many classes. If you are joining merely for the resume boost, while it is a plus, do not only join for that. This is a project you not only have to work hard for, but you also have to become invested in."

Are there any course prerequisites?

Technically, no. The course is limited in enrollment and the application pool is very competitive. Completed courses and internships weigh heavily in the selection.

Do I have to be an advertising major to apply?

No, you just need a strong interest in advertising and strategic communications. While most participants are advertising majors, the best teams usually include some members from other areas such as Public Relations, Graphic Design, Journalism. We have also had excellent team members from outside the Hussman School (Psychology, Art, Business, etc.).

Do I have to be a senior to apply?

No. While MEJO 690 is a capstone course, we have had talented juniors on the team several times in the past. If you are selected for the team as a junior, you could apply again as a senior. It doesn't happen that often, but we have had several people compete in 2 different years.

When does the course meet?

Class meetings are scheduled 12:20 - 1:35 p.m. on Mondays & Wednesdays during the spring semester. You can expect to have multiple additional weekly meetings with subgroups on the team plus individual work assignments.

I've heard that this competition takes a lot of time. True?

Yes, this is a very intense competition, and you should be prepared to spend a significant amount of time working on it. Also, note that even though the class doesn't start until the spring 2026 semester, the team will begin working on the project during the fall 2025 semester.

Are there any costs associated with the competition?

All competitors must pay national dues ($60) for the American Advertising Federation, which sponsors the competition. There may also be incidental expenditures throughout the competition.

When/where is the competition?

The deadline for submitting the competition deliverables will be March 26, 2026. The district competition will be held in Charlotte (mid April). If you win at district, the semi-final competition will be held virtually April 30 - May 1. If you make the top 8 in the semi-finals, the national finals will be held during the American Advertising Federation's national conference (ADMERICA) May 29, 2026, in Austin, TX.

How do I apply?

The application form is available here. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 5:00 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2025.

What if I have additional questions?

Contact Joe Bob Hester at joe.bob.hester@unc.edu