Just the FAQs on Admissions
& Financial Aid
Why should I consider UNC Asheville?
UNC Asheville combines rigorous academics with practical experience from internships, service learning and study abroad/study away for a holistic educational experience. Small class size, award-winning faculty and a nationally acclaimed undergraduate research program foster student innovation and recognition. Our setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains offers the best of both worlds for an exciting urban life and outdoor adventures.
We’re looking for students with diverse backgrounds who thrive on active learning. We believe this happens best on a campus where classes are small, faculty want the best from and for their students, and where there is opportunity for personal growth.
We encourage you to explore UNC Asheville and all we have to offer—online and in person. When you visit, we hope you’ll go beyond the information sessions and student-guided tours—sit in on a class, talk with students on the Quad, visit downtown Asheville. We welcome your application and the chance to learn more about you.
Should I apply online or obtain a paper application?
To apply online, visit our Web site www.unca.edu/admissions. While we prefer that you apply online, you may also download a PDF and print a paper application from the Web site, or you may call or e-mail to request the application.
What are the application deadlines?
- Freshman Early Action and Scholarship Application Deadline: Nov. 12, 2007; Notification Date: Week of Dec. 17, 2007
- Freshman Regular Decision Deadline: Feb. 15, 2008; Notification Date: Week of March 24, 2008
- Transfer Deadline: March 24, 2008; Notification: Week of April 14, 2008
- Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2008 (freshmen), June 1, 2008 (transfers)
What makes a competitive candidate for admission?
We strive to build a talented student body. Admissions professionals carefully read each application and evaluate students on an individual basis. In addition to a candidate’s academic performance and potential (using a variety of information such as GPA, rank in class, specific course grades, SAT Reasoning Test or ACT with Writing Test scores), we also consider extracurricular involvement and achievements. Each student contributes to the diversity of the freshman class, but generally they possess the following:
- Strong B+ average in high school
- Rigorous college preparatory curriculum including Advanced Placement and Honors courses
- Ranking in top 40 percent of high school class
- Extra-curricular activities in school and the community, including athletics participation
- Honors, awards and special talents and skills
- Travel and other experiences that support academic achievement
What are the minimum course requirements for admission?
All applicants must fulfill North Carolina’s Minimum Course Requirements:
- High school diploma from a regionally accredited secondary school
- In English, four course units emphasizing grammar, composition and literature
- In Mathematics, four course units including Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry and a higher level mathematics course for which Algebra II is a prerequisite
- In Science, three course units including biological science, a physical science (such as physical science, chemistry, physics) and at least one laboratory course
- In Social Studies, two course units including one unit in U.S. History
- In Foreign Language, at least two course units in the same language
- It is recommended that a foreign language and mathematics course be taken in 12th grade
Which standardized tests should I take?
We require that freshman applicants take either the SAT Reasoning Test (which includes a writing test) or the ACT With ACT Writing Test. We don’t prefer one test over the other, but the score must be submitted directly from the testing service. (When requesting score reports, please be sure to use our correct college code: 5013 for the SAT and 3064 for the ACT.)
Is a personal interview necessary?
Although it is not required, a personal interview and campus visit help you get to know us better, and vice versa. There’s nothing like firsthand information! We strongly encourage applicants to visit and experience the campus. That way we both gain a fuller view of how well your interests, skills and abilities match UNC Asheville’s attributes.
How do I schedule a campus visit?
Simply give us a call and we will be happy to arrange your visit, which may include a student-led tour, meeting with a faculty member and/or admissions counselor, a classroom visit, or possibly a stay in a residence hall. Please call at least two weeks in advance.
Open House events are a great way to get a feel for UNC Asheville. Our Fall 2007 Open Houses are Saturdays, Sept. 29 and Nov. 10. The Spring 2008 Open House is April 5.
What materials should I include in my application?
- Completed and signed application
- High school transcript and counselor recommendation form sent directly from the school
- Official SAT Reasoning Test or ACT with ACT Writing scores, submitted directly from the testing service
- Application fee of $50
What scholarships are available?
UNC Asheville offers merit and need-based merit scholarships, including the following:
- Laurels Scholarship—Academic scholarships of varying amounts are awarded to students with and without demonstrated financial need. To be considered, students must submit their Admissions application and all supporting materials by Nov. 12, 2007.
- North Carolina Teaching Fellows Scholarship—This four-year $26,000 scholarship for North Carolina high school seniors who plan a career in teaching was established in 1986 by the General Assembly. The scholarship covers most costs for tuition, fees, books and summer enrichment programs. In exchange, Teaching Fellows must teach for four years in the state’s public schools. Application deadline: Mid October. (Check with your guidance counselor.)
- Leadership Scholarship—Designed for students who demonstrate academic and leadership potential. Application deadline: Nov. 12, 2007
Does UNC Asheville admit students without regard to financial need?
Yes. In making admissions decisions, we do not take into account our applicants’ ability to pay for their education. UNC Asheville offers merit and need-based scholarships. More than half of students receive assistance in the form of scholarships, grants, loans and work-study positions.
How many new students enroll each year?
The optimum size of the freshman class is 600.
Can freshmen have cars on campus?
No. Please visit www.unca.edu/transportation for information.
Do I have to live on campus?
All first-year students are required to live on campus. All transfer students who are under 21 and have completed less than one full academic year of post-secondary education are also required to live on campus. UNC Asheville is committed to a student’s residential experience. Data show that first-year students who live on campus earn better grades and have a more fulfilling college experience. The university encourages all UNC Asheville students to live on campus in order to get the most from college life. (A waiver from the first-year residential requirement can be requested for certain highly extenuating circumstances and are subject to approval by the Dean of Students.)
Do I qualify as a North Carolina resident?
Generally, an applicant must have established and maintained domicile (permanent residence) in North Carolina for at least 12 months before the semester begins, in order to be considered a North Carolina resident for admission and tuition purposes. Also, the purpose for being in North Carolina must be for reasons other than education. Simply owning a home or property in North Carolina will not guarantee residency. Since residency issues can be complicated, these decisions can be resolved through the Office of the Registrar. (www.unca.edu/registrar)
How can I make the application process go more smoothly?
Apply early. Submitting your application before the deadline gives everyone involved—you, your school counselor and our staff—a little more time. We have more time to notify you of missing items and consider you for merit scholarships and the Honors Program. In general, students who get an early jump on the process tend to experience fewer complications and much less stress.
Make sure your application is complete. We’ll make every effort to keep your file up-to-date, but in the end it will be your responsibility to make sure that your application is complete. Please contact us with any questions or to request an application and additional information on our degree programs.
More Information
UNC Asheville Office of Admissions
University Hall, CPO #1320
One University Heights
Asheville, NC 28804-8520
800.531.9842 or 828.251.6481
fax 828.251.6482
e-mail admissions@unca.edu