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 2024)MIDDLE 50% RANGE
High School Grade Point Average3.8-4.4 wtd
3.4-3.9 unwtd
SAT1120-1340
ACT21-28

Required High School Courses

Minimum Course Requirements for First-Year Students

  1. English: Four units (college preparatory)
  2. Math: Four units including Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry and a fourth year of math beyond Algebra 2
  3. Social Studies: Two units, one of which must be U.S. History
  4. Science: Three units (a physical science, biological science and a laboratory course)
  5. 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 encouraged.

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 core courses in their senior year to stretch themselves beyond the minimum requirements.

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.
    • Students applying via the Future 49er Application will also be required to submit a response to one of the essay prompts, in the Future 49er Portal.
  • Review this page for additional information about the essay.

SAT or ACT Scores

  • *Fall 2025 Applicants: Test optional for students with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or higher at the end of Junior Year.
    • If you are not required to submit test scores as part of the application process, you may choose to still submit them if they wish to have them considered in the review. Students who submit scores may self report on the application.

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 63% of the first-year class enter with some college credit. Many are awarded credit for AP and IB performance while others had completed dual enrollment 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.
  • If you enter with college credit, you are still considered a first-year applicant if you have not taken any college courses since graduating high school. Your class standing (e.g., freshman, sophomore, 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 when available, and as early as possible, 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:

If you did NOT attempt or earn college credit after high school graduation: