Admission Review
First-Year Admission is Competitive
- The intent of the review is to offer admission to applicants whose credentials indicate a strong likelihood for success in the selected academic program, but it is not possible to accommodate all applicants who meet minimum criteria.
- There are a limited number of spaces in the first-year student class.
- The admissions standards depend on the number of applications received and the academic achievements of the applicants.
- As a result, the standards applied when reviewing applicants’ profiles may change year to year and often change throughout the application cycle.
- Applying early in the fall of your senior year is encouraged as admission typically becomes more competitive later in the application cycle.
Academic Profile of Admitted Students
| PROFILE OF ADMITTED FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS (FALL 2022) | MIDDLE 50% RANGE |
|---|---|
| High School Grade Point Average | 3.8-4.4 wtd 3.4-3.9 unwtd |
| SAT | 1120-1340 |
| ACT | 21-28 |
Required High School Courses
- English: Four units (college preparatory)
- Math: Four units including Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry and a fourth year of math beyond Algebra 2*
- Social Studies: Two units, one of which must be U.S. History
- Science: Three units (a physical science, biological science and a laboratory course)
- Two (2) additional academic courses from English, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages, or computer sciences
Note: These courses should be selected in alignment with a student’s academic and career objectives. Completion of two sequential world language courses is recommended.)
* N.C. public high school students must take a specific fourth math to meet the math requirement. N.C. students taking transferable math courses at a N.C. community college must take one of the approved NCCC math courses.
Admissions Review Considers:
Demonstrated Academic Performance
- Academic courses in grades 9–11. Applicants must have the required high school courses listed above. Most admitted applicants exceed the minimum courses required and have completed some advanced courses if available in their school.
- Overall grade point average and performance in core academic courses.
- Senior year course selection. We encourage students to take additional math, science and foreign language courses in the senior year to stretch themselves beyond the minimum requirements.
- Dual enrollment courses. Students who complete college courses while in high school may benefit from submitting their college transcripts. Unofficial copies are acceptable for the admission review and may be submitted to Undergraduate Admissions by email.
Response to the Essay
- All students will answer a question on the application about their specific interest in Charlotte. This is a great place to share more about your personal interest in the University and in any areas of study you wish to pursue.
- In addition, applicants are required to respond to one of the essay prompts included in the Common App for first-year students. Students applying via the Future 49er Application or the CFNC Application will also be required to submit a response to one of the essay prompts.
- Review this page for additional information about the essay.
- If you are applying through the Future 49er Portal or CFNC, please upload your essay in your Future 49er Portal.
SAT or ACT Scores – Optional through Fall 2024
- Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, submission of test scores is optional for applicants through Fall 2024. Students who have test scores may choose to submit them if they wish to have them considered in the review. Students who submit scores may self report on the application and should review important information about self-reported scores here.
- Students who have not yet been able to test are not encouraged to risk their health and safety for the sake of having a test score. Test scores will not be a primary reason for our admission decision and will only be considered as supplemental information.
Competitive Majors
- Some majors are competitive for admission and require an above-average academic profile, including Business, Nursing, Computer Science, and Engineering.
- Applicants who are not competitive for admission to a more selective major may still be offered admission to the University as an undeclared student.
First-Year Students with College Credit
- Nearly 45% of the first-year class enter with some college credit. Many are awarded credit for AP and IB performance while others had completed college coursework while in high school.
- For students enrolled in N.C. community colleges while in high school, we follow the transfer credit policies as defined in the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement. For other college courses, we evaluate the coursework and award credit based on how it aligns with Charlotte courses.
- Even if you enter with college credit, you are considered a first-year applicant if you have not taken any college courses since graduating high school. Your class standing (e.g., first-year, second-year, etc.) will be determined based on the amount of transfer credit awarded.
- If offered admission, students should send official AP or IB scores and college transcripts prior to their orientation so that transfer credits may be evaluated before advising and registration.
Students Over the Age of 24:
If you attempted or earned college credit after high school graduation:
- Apply using the online transfer application.
- Submit an official high school transcript.
- Submit an official transcript from all colleges attended.
If you did NOT attempt or earn college credit after high school graduation:
- Apply using the online first-year application.
- Submit an official high school transcript.
- You are not required to submit an essay or a standardized test score (SAT or ACT).
- You are also not required to meet the fourth unit of math requirement indicated above.