Who are today’s Tar Heels?

They are bright, vibrant and curious. Carolina is committed to recruiting and enrolling students whose intellect and talent along with their varied backgrounds and perspectives contribute to the learning environment for everyone at UNC. The University actively seeks the strongest and most diverse students and encourages them to apply and enroll at Carolina.

Entering first–year students continue to break new records for ethnic and geographic diversity.

• More than 30 percent of the Fall 2010 entering class comprises students of color. This includes 56 American Indian students, 164 Hispanic students, 445 Asian students, and 410 African-American students.
• Over the last ten years, the percentage of African-American students in the entering class at Carolina has consistently ranked within the top three among all top-50 universities, public and private. We have had the highest percentage in six of those ten years—more than any other school.
• Applications from international students (first-year and transfer) have more than doubled in the last five years (from 695 in 2005 to 1,475 in 2010) and enrollment of first-year international students has doubled over the last two years and is now two percent of the entering first-year class.
• While 80 percent of the Fall 2010 entering class come from within our state, these North Carolinians themselves come from all over the country and the world. This year’s entering North Carolinians were born in 46 different states and the District of Columbia and 69 different countries.

Our students also continue to set new academic standards. The average combined critical reading and math scores of students who took the SAT is 1304. For the last five years, the percent of students within the top ten percent of their class has averaged 78 percent and the percent of valedictorians has averaged 7 percent.

From geography to academic interest, each student contributes in his or her own unique way to the overall diversity on our campus. An increasing number of students—18 percent of the Fall 2010 entering class—are first-generation college students. This year’s class also includes 558 Carolina Covenant Scholars. The Carolina Covenant enables qualified students from low socio-economic backgrounds to attend Carolina and graduate debt-free.

A word from our Tar Heels:

“My community is filled with people who are all very different from each other, but who are very confident in their identities. My first year, I dove into every activity possible and had a chance to meet amazing people. Working in a clinic in Carrboro, I met people who were changing the community with their passion for health equality. Acting in a play second semester, I met amazingly talented actors, singers, dancers and poets. This year, I have met many people who are as politically passionate as I am. Thankfully, there is always someone here who understands my point of view.”

Lauren Winston, ’13
Public Policy
Richmond, Va.

By the numbers: More about the Fall 2010 Entering Class

Enrolling first-year students hail from 98 counties, 42 states and the District of Columbia and 27 other countries. They applied to an average of five schools and were admitted to an average of four.

• Number applied: 23,277
• Number admitted: 7,506; 32 percent of those who applied
• Number enrolled: 3,990; 53 percent of those admitted
• 18 percent first-generation college
• 2 percent international
• 94 N.C. counties, 41 states, 24 countries
• Men/women 40/60—for the 30th consecutive year

Extracurricular Activities

• 94.3 percent has volunteered in their communities
• 54.5 percent has traveled outside the United States
• 17.0 percent has achieved fluency in another language
• 48.1 percent was president of a class or club
• 27.2 percent conducted research outside the classroom

Academic interests
The most popular intended majors of the enrolling class are biology, business administration, journalism, political science, chemistry, psychology and pharmacy.

On becoming a Tar Heel

Carolina wants smart, motivated and good-hearted students who will enhance our community and the world while at Carolina and afterwards. There is no magic formula, instead, UNC looks for real people with a variety of qualities—from intellect, curiosity, creativity, leadership, kindness and courage, to diversity of background and experience. Every student represents all-around excellence across academics, the arts, athletics, leadership, service, citizenship and character.

For Future Tar Heels: Experience Carolina before you set foot on campus.

• Apply online for a smoother application experience. Create a personal UNC Homepage at www.admissions.unc.edu and complete the online application. Your homepage is secure and provides immediate confirmation that your application has been received.
• Keep your email address current. We’ll communicate with you largely through email, so it’s important we have an up-to-date email address.
• Get your test results in. We require either the SAT with writing or the ACT with writing. Have the test results sent directly from the testing service. Be sure to take the exam by November for the first deadline and by December for the second deadline.
• Don’t slack on the essays. Your essays are one of the best ways for us to get to know you as a person. Let your personality shine through.
• Apply for financial aid. Carolina meets 100% of your demonstrated financial need. To apply, fill out the FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov) and CCS/PROFILE (www.collegeboard.com) by March 1.
• Give your teacher plenty of time to write a thoughtful recommendation. Choose a teacher who knows you well and, more importantly, can elaborate on your specific contributions to the classroom or extra-curricular activities.
• Call us. Admissions counselors are available to answer any questions you have about Carolina or your application. Call (919) 966-3621 or e-mail unchelp@admissions.unc.edu.

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