Application Review

Academic Profile of Admitted Students

PROFILE OF ADMITTED FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS (FALL 2026)	MIDDLE 50% RANGE
High School Grade Point Average	3.8-4.4 wtd 3.4-3.9 unwtd
SAT	1120-1340
ACT	21-28

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
- Completion of two sequential world language courses is encouraged.

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 courses in grades 9–11.
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.

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.
Review this page for additional information about the essay.

*Fall 2027 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 by self-reporting scores on your application.

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 competitive major, but are competitive for University admission may be admitted as an undeclared student.

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.
For more information, view Earning College Credit in High School.