SAT and ACT Scores For University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is among the most selective universities in the United States. In the latest admission cycle (for the Class of 2028), UNC Chapel Hill received roughly 57,000 applications and offered admission to only about 9,690 students—an acceptance rate near 17%. That means just around 17 in 100 applicants earn a spot, underscoring UNC Chapel Hill's exceptionally high standards and intense competition year after year.

UNC Chapel Hill's Early Action plan is non-binding. It admits a significant portion of each class (around half of enrolled students often come through EA). Applying Early Action signals that UNC Chapel Hill is your top choice and usually boosts admission chances. However, because EA is non-binding, students can still consider other offers if admitted.

Testing policy has evolved. UNC Chapel Hill was test-optional in recent years, but for the 2025–26 admissions cycle (for fall 2026 entry), UNC Chapel Hill will require SAT or ACT scores again (with hardship exceptions). In other words, applicants next year must submit test results. Even before this change, nearly all successful applicants who reported scores were at the very top of the national scale, reflecting UNC Chapel Hill's rigorous academic profile.

SAT Scores

  Recommended Score: 1500

When families are curious about UNC Chapel Hill SAT or UNC Chapel Hill average SAT scores, they find that admitted students' middle-50% composite SAT range is roughly 1350–1530. This elite band mirrors UNC Chapel Hill's high academic expectations and means admitted students typically score near the top of the national distribution.

For section detail: the SAT Reading and Writing component (formerly called Evidence-Based Reading & Writing) for UNC Chapel Hill's admitted students falls around 670–750 for the middle 50%. These scores reflect the critical reading, writing, and analytical skills UNC Chapel Hill expects across all majors.

On the Math portion, UNC Chapel Hill's middle-50% range is about 680–780. This upper-tier performance signals comfort with advanced algebra, data analysis, and precalculus—skills that UNC Chapel Hill seeks in both STEM and quantitatively rigorous social science applicants.

If you're wondering about a UNC Chapel Hill average SAT, aim for the mid-1500s. UNC Chapel Hill evaluates applications holistically, so scores below 1350 don't automatically disqualify you. But in such a competitive pool, you'll need compensating strengths (like outstanding coursework, unique talents, or leadership impact) to remain viable.

Policy note: UNC Chapel Hill superscores the SAT. They consider your highest Reading and Writing and Math section scores from all test dates. In practice, this means a weak section can be improved with a retake, boosting how your UNC Chapel Hill SAT scores are evaluated.

ACT Scores

  Recommended Score: 34

Looking at UNC Chapel Hill's ACT range, the middle 50% of composite scores is about 30–34. This implies most admitted students are scoring at or near the top percentile nationally. In other words, UNC Chapel Hill ACT results cluster in the mid-30s, reflecting the school's competitive applicant pool.

By section, admitted students tend to excel in English (ACT Reading and Writing). The middle 50% for ACT English is approximately 30–35, meaning the average admitted student often scores a 30 or above on this section. These scores demonstrate the strong critical reading and communication skills UNC Chapel Hill expects.

ACT Math scores at UNC Chapel Hill are similarly high: the middle 50% falls around 27–33. While there's a bit more spread than English, competitive applicants still show very strong quantitative fluency. Many engineering or economics hopefuls, for example, hit scores in the mid-30s on ACT Math.

UNC Chapel Hill superscores the ACT just as it does the SAT, taking the highest section scores across multiple test dates. The optional writing section is not required, but applicants may submit it if it strengthens their profile. Using superscoring, you can focus on improving any weaker sections in additional attempts.

If you're estimating a UNC Chapel Hill average ACT, plan around 34. Given UNC Chapel Hill's low admit rate, even moving from a 30 to 34 can enhance your profile. Pair high test scores with rigorous coursework, standout essays, and meaningful extracurriculars to maximize your chances.

Admission Numbers

Overall Rating: Very Competitive

Here are the applicant and admissions numbers per year for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill:

Here's the reality: UNC Chapel Hill's admit rate is only about 17%, with roughly 57,000 applications for about 9,690 spots (around 4,200 students actually enroll). That's why understanding the UNC Chapel Hill average SAT and UNC Chapel Hill average ACT benchmarks matters—they align with the profile of those admitted. If your scores fall near or above UNC Chapel Hill's 75th percentile (around a 1530 SAT or 34 ACT), you're in stronger territory.

That said, UNC Chapel Hill emphasizes holistic review. Admissions officers weigh coursework rigor, grades, essays, recommendations, and personal qualities. In a pool full of near-perfect transcripts, however, top-tier SAT/ACT scores help confirm to UNC Chapel Hill that you're ready for the academic rigor. In short, scores aren't everything, but they remain a key part of the competitive signal.

Strategy snapshot: If UNC Chapel Hill is your clear first choice, applying Early Action could improve your odds by signaling commitment. Take advantage of superscoring by retaking tests to shore up any weak section. Also balance test prep with maintaining strong senior-year classes and crafting compelling essays. Meet UNC Chapel Hill's testing bar (target near the top of the UNC Chapel Hill SAT and ACT ranges) and then win the admissions read with the rest of your profile.