Hi, I'm trying to narrow down my college list and North Carolina State is high up there. However, I'm worried about my chances because I'm sorta unclear on the whole acceptance rate situation. How competitive is it really?
North Carolina State University, also known as NC State, has seen trends of increasing competitiveness over the past few years. As of 2024, the school has an acceptance rate of approximately 40%, meaning that about 40 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.
However, the bare acceptance rate doesn't provide a complete picture of the admission process. The university looks at a combination of factors including GPA, standardized test scores (if submitted), course load rigor, and extracurricular activities. In general, the average GPA of admitted students is around a 3.9 (weighted) for most programs, and most students who choose to submit standardized test scores have an SAT score between 1280 and 1430.
Remember, while these numbers give you a sense of the average admitted student, NC State reviews each application holistically and there are students who have been admitted with stats lower than these averages. It's also worth focusing on aspects of your application you can control such as your personal statement and involvement in extracurricular activities.
Having said all of that, it is also highly recommended to have a balanced college list. This means that you not only have reach schools (where your academic profile falls below the average admitted student's profile), but also target schools (where your academic profile matches the average admitted student) and safety schools (where your academic profile exceeds the average).
Let me know if you have more questions, and good luck with your college search!
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