University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina · Founded 1789
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Test-optional
UNC is test-optional with one condition set by the UNC System: if your weighted GPA is below 2.8 on a 4.0 scale, you must submit an SAT or ACT score. At 2.8 or above, scores are your choice, and the university says a score you share is 'one fact among many' in a holistic review. Its own Common Data Set rates standardized test scores only as CONSIDERED, while rigor of coursework, the essay, recommendations, activities, character and North Carolina residency are all rated Very Important. About 28% of enrolled students sent an SAT and 41% an ACT - this is a school where the ACT is the more common test. Scores must arrive by 7 November for Early Action and 21 February for Regular Decision. The same 2.8 rule applies to transfer applicants. Source: admissions.unc.edu - First-Year Application; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Common Data Set 2025-26, C7, C8A, C8F and C9 (verified September 2026).
About
This is a public university built first for its own state: 85 percent of undergraduates are North Carolinians. Academically the weight sits in the sciences and the social sciences, with biology and psychology the two biggest majors by degrees awarded, and strong programs in media, business and health.
History
In 1789 William Richardson Davie wrote the act that established the university. The cornerstone of its first building, Old East, was laid in 1793 and students arrived in 1795; by the university's own account it was the only public university to award degrees in the 18th century. The university also counts Old East as the oldest state university building in the nation.
What stands out
- 85 percent of undergraduates are North Carolinians
- Its newest class came from 98 countries, all 50 states and 99 North Carolina counties
- Early Action only - there is no binding Early Decision round
- Test-optional for most applicants, with one exception set by the UNC System
- 96.7 percent of first-year students come back for a second year
Popular majors
Campus life
Nearly every first-year student lives on campus - 99 percent - and 42 percent of undergraduates do overall. Greek life is small: 6 percent of undergraduate men join a fraternity and 9 percent of undergraduate women join a sorority. Students and athletes are the Tar Heels.