1.  How does UNCW view SATs and ACTs?                                                                                     Fifty percent of the students admitted to UNCW had SAT scores between 1110 and 1240.  Twenty-five percent had SATs below 1110, and twenty-five percent had SAT's above 1240.  UNCW also accepts the ACT (with the writing portion).  Consideration is given to all students who apply regardless of SAT/ACT scores since standardized testing is only one factor used in arriving at an admission decision.  We use a student's highest SAT math and critical reading score from all test dates and create the highest total score to advantage a student. In that way, the lowest score will have no effect.                                                                  

2.  My high school does not rank or weight grades.  Will that affect my chances for admission?                                                                                                                                                   It is the job of admission officers to know your school.  Each member of the admission committee is responsible for a specific geographic region and knows what courses are available.  We ask each high school to send its profile outlining the grading scale, etc.  We understand that many schools do not rank their students and we do not require rank to make a decision.  Also, we review many GPA scales from hundreds of high schools.  Last year, the average GPA of students admitted to UNCW was 3.76.  This average includes all GPAs from admitted students, weighted and unweighted.   

3. Will you consider my AP/IB courses?
Your high school preparation is the most important factor in our decision. We expect you have covered the five major areas (English, math, science, history/social studies, and foreign language). We then check the level of difficulty of the courses you chose to take (honors, AP, IB, etc). Lastly, and importantly, we look at the grades you received.  AP & IB Credit Equivalencies

4. My school does not offer APs. Will I be at a disadvantage in this process?
The admission committee will make an evaluation based on the high school a student attends. We hope you have taken some of the most competitive courses available at your high school.

5. Do you require recommendations?
UNCW requires one recommendation from a guidance counselor or a core academic teacher (English, math, science, history, foreign language). If there are any circumstances you think need further explanation, you may include another letter.

6. If I am not from North Carolina, must I meet the University of North Carolina’s system minimum state requirements as well?
All applicants to an institution in the University of North Carolina system must meet the minimum course requirements. Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions. State law does not allow us to admit students who do not meet the minimum requirements.

7. I really want to attend UNCW; is there something I can do?
You might consider transferring to UNCW. Please visit our transfer admissions webpage to find out more.

8. I meet the NC's minimum course requirements. Will you automatically admit me to UNCW?
Meeting minimum course requirements does not automatically gain you admission to UNCW. Students most competitive for admission will exceed these minimum standards. In addition to the minimum requirements, the admission committee will consider:
a. The difficulty of the coursework you have taken;
b. Your grades, GPA, and/or class rank;
c. Your standardized test scores (SAT, ACT). Most students admitted to UNCW have SAT scores between 1110 and 1240; 25% had test scores below 1110, and 25% had test scores above 1240.  The average ACT composite is 24 (with the writing portion).
d. Your extracurricular, school or community activities, talents, interests, work experience or life experiences AND personal essay.

9. I have done very well in my classes in 11th grade and 12th grades; however, I did not do as well in 9th and 10th grade. Will those two years ruin my chances for admission?
The admission committee will review your entire high school career, but will focus on 11th and 12th grades. In this case, improving grades is a good sign. However, grades that are declining through 11th grade could hurt your chances of admission. It always assists the admission committee if you include a brief explanation for any poor grades.

10. Is my involvement as important as my academic work?
Your involvement cannot outweigh your academic work. UNCW does not evaluate the number of activities you are involved in but is more concerned with the level of commitment you have demonstrated for those in which you are involved.

11. What kind of activities does the UNCW admission committee prefer?
Choose activities that you will enjoy and stay committed to. The admission committee members have various interests of their own. Do not join activities based on what you think the University or the committee wants. Remember we are trying to enroll a well-rounded class, not necessarily a class of students who all have similar interests.

12. I would like the admission committee to see some of my artwork; should I send that too?
Admission officers are not trained to assess supplementary application materials such as artwork, music, videos, etc.  However, we appreciate the fact that you would bring special talents to the UNCW community and will factor this into our decision. We cannot return anything you send us.

13. I heard my essays must “jump off the page.” How do I do that? What should I write?
Answer the question asked. This is an opportunity to learn more about you. What we want to see is a well-written essay that gives us some insight into you. Proof your essay and be sure the essay gives us a “feel” for who you are. Avoid the “I am”, “I do” essays. We will have that information from your application.

14. May I submit a good essay I wrote for another school?
We strongly prefer that you respond to the essay question posed by UNCW rather than sending an essay you have prepared for another institution.

15. Should I type my essay?
It is helpful to the admission committee if you type it. Handwriting is sometimes difficult to read.  It will not count against you if it is not typed, but please print it very neatly. We cannot evaluate any essay we cannot read.

16. I have already been accepted to another school(s) but won’t hear from UNCW until January/April. I need to let the other school(s) know if I am attending or not so I won’t lose my spot. I need my decision from UNCW now!
UNCW has a competitive admissions process, and we evaluate all our applicants during specific review periods. We realize you want to finalize your plans, BUT you have until May 1 before you have to make a decision. The university that admitted you is obligated to hold your place until May 1 (unless you were admitted under a binding early decision plan). If a university or college is pressuring you or insisting on a commitment before May 1, please notify your guidance counselor. They will know how to handle the situation.

17. What are the admission deadline dates?
The deadlines dates are November 1 and February 1. If you apply by November 1, the admission office will mail out notifications on or about January 20. If you apply by February 1, you will hear from admissions on or about April 1.

18. How much is the application fee?
The application fee is $60.