When reviewing a freshman application, the admissions
committee will look carefully at your
academic achievements, your test scores, and
your personal qualities. We are looking to
enroll a group of new students who will be academically excited in the classroom,
and who will bring their talents and interests to our campus community. While
the process is competitive (we receive more applications than we have room
for in our freshman class), we pride ourselves on trying to know you, both
inside and outside the classroom.
NOTE: If you want UNCW to sponsor you on an F-1 student visa, please refer to the international section of the Web site.
Minimum Course Requirements:
All students considered for admission as a freshman, must meet minimum course requirements as established by the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina system. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to UNCW.
Four course units in English
• emphasizing grammar, composition, and literature
Two course units in foreign language
• two units of the same foreign language (American Sign Language does apply)
Four course units of mathematics,
• the fourth math must be one for which algebra II is a prerequisite
Three course units in science, including
• at least one unit in a life or biological science (for example, biology)
• at least one unit in physical science (for example, earth science,
chemistry, physics), and
• one of these courses must include a lab
Two course units in social science
• one unit must be U.S. History
To be most competitive for admission to UNCW, we strongly recommend
you take courses beyond the minimum course requirements.
Other requirements include:
• graduation from
an accredited high school or GED (Please submit a request for consideration of your GED as part of the application process.)
• submission of the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) or the ACT including the writing section.
In addition to these requirements, the admission committee will consider:
- The difficulty of coursework you have taken (advanced, college prep, honors, advanced placement, international baccalaureate, etc)
- Your grades, grade point average, and/or class rank
- Most students admitted to UNCW had SATs between 1120 -1240 (math & critical reading) and/or an ACT composite of 25 (with writing)
- Extracurricular activities, community activities, talents, interests, hobbies, work experience, and/or life experiences
- The required essay
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Application Procedures:
To ensure an evaluation of your application without unnecessary delays, make sure you have submitted the following with your application!
- An official transcript directly from all high schools you have attended to the Office of Admission. (Home schooled students must include detailed course descriptions and a thorough explanation of the standards used to evaluate their academic progress. Their transcript must be notarized.)
- Mid-year grades when they become available
- Non refundable application fee.
- SAT and/or ACT test scores (including writing portion) directly from the College Entrance Examination Board or ACT to the UNCW Admissions Office. The SAT number code for UNCW is 5907, the ACT number code is 3174.
- Complete the required essay question.
- Recommendation from a guidance counselor or core academic teacher.
- If you are a permanent resident, you MUST provide a copy of your Green Card.
- If you are dual-enrolled in college classes while in high school, submit your official college transcripts in addition to your high school transcripts directly to UNCW.
NOTE: If you want UNCW to sponsor you on an F-1 student visa, please refer to the international section of the Web site.
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Other Programs:
Selected first-year students may be invited by the Admission Committee to consider entrance to UNC Wilmington through an additional program. NOTE: Students cannot apply for these programs; they are chosen by the admission committee.
- First-year Spring Admit Program, entrance in January.
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Deadline and Notification Dates:
| Application Postmark Date | Notification Date | Enrollment Deposit Date |
|---|---|---|
| November 1 - Early Action (non binding) |
On or about January 20 | May 1 |
| February 1 - Regular Decision |
On or about April 1 | May 1 |
Official admission decisions are only communicated in letter form via US Mail.
UNC Wilmington does not accept freshman applications for the spring semester.
Note: The online application will only allow you to apply for the fall term. If you would like to apply for summer session please send us a written statement that includes your full name and birth date.
- Academic Profile
- Apply
- AP & IB Credit Equivalencies
- Disability Disclosure Information
- Fact Sheet (pdf)
- Forms
- Meet the Staff / Travel Schedule
- Sophomore Brochure
- Withdraw Application
In order to print an Application
for Admission you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click the icon below to download Adobe Reader.
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UNCW Office of Admissions
601 South College Road | Wilmington, NC 28403-5904
phone 910 962-3243 | fax 910 962-3038
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