The University of North Carolina (UNC) is known for its academic rigor and engaged campus community. Standardized testing, including the ACT, plays a significant role in the college application process. This article breaks down the requirements and expectations for UNC ACT scores. For more information, be sure to check out our article on UNC’s SAT expectations!
What is the average ACT score at UNC?
UNC’s average composite ACT score is a strong 32 out of the maximum possible 36 points. Unsurprisingly, this is significantly higher than the national average of approximately 21. The 25th percentile score sits at 30, and the 75th percentile is a composite score of 34.
This means that the lowest 25% of scorers achieved a 30 or below, and the highest 25% of scorers achieved a 34 or above. These numbers demonstrate the high standards UNC holds for its students, but also indicate that there is no single result applicants must score for admission.
What is the average ACT English Score at UNC?
The ACT composite score is the average of the scores a student achieves on each of the four test sections: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The average ACT English score at UNC is an impressive 33. Meanwhile, the 25th percentile sits at 29 and the 75th percentile reaches a near-perfect 35.
From these statistics, we can see that 50% of students accepted to UNC scored a 33 or below, and the remaining 50% scored a 33 or above. Overall, UNC students perform very well on the English section of the ACT, with many achieving high scores.
What is the average ACT Math Score at UNC?
The average ACT Math score at UNC is a 30. Meanwhile, the 25th percentile sits at 27 and the 75th percentile reaches a 33. Therefore, an ACT Math score of 30 would place you around the middle 50% of scorers at UNC.
Further, a quarter of admitted students submitting ACT scores achieved a 27 or below, while another quarter achieved a 33 or above. While these scores are slightly lower than the English section scores, they are still much higher than the national averages. Nevertheless, there is no cut-off score for students applying in the fall of 2024.
What are UNC’s ACT requirements?
For the 2024-2025 academic year, students applying to UNC are not required to submit a test score. For the 2025-2026 academic year, students with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or above (on a 4.0 scale) can choose to go test-optional. However, students with a GPA below 2.8 must submit an ACT and/or SAT score. For the 2026-2027 academic year and beyond, similar requirements apply: students with a GPA of 2.8 or above need not submit a test score, while those below this GPA must submit an ACT score of 17 or higher or an SAT score of 930 or higher.
Note that these are minimum testing requirements for the years indicated. The average student submitting standardized test scores to UNC and achieving admission score well above these minimums. In addition, note that these standards may change before the years indicated.
UNC considers test scores as part of their evaluation because they believe they’re helpful when understood appropriately and viewed as part of a larger picture. First-year applicants can self-report their SAT and/or ACT scores with their application. However, admitted students who choose to enroll must request that the testing service send their official scores to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
The University does not require the Writing section of the ACT.
What percentage of UNC applicants submit the ACT?
Among students admitted to UNC, approximately 26% submitted SAT scores, 32% submitted ACT scores. The remaining 42% omitted standardized test scores from their application. The SAT is less popular among UNC applicants compared to other schools. Still, submitting a strong score can still benefit an applicant. Additionally, although these statistics indicate that more admitted students submitted ACT scores than SAT scores, the University still does not have a preference for one test or the other.
Should I go test-optional?
At UNC, testing is one factor among many. Your scores or lack thereof is never their sole reason for making admission decisions. Therefore, submitting a strong SAT or ACT score can help an applicant’s chances, but choosing not to submit scores will not hurt their chances.
Students should consider their scores in the context of UNC’s averages: if your scores fall within or above the 25th to 75th percentile ranges, they are likely worth submitting. Note that in future years your testing requirement is contingent on your GPA. This evidences how much UNC values a holistic understanding of each individual applicant. If you do not believe that test scores will demonstrate your capabilities and strengths, then you need not submit them.
Does UNC superscore the ACT?
Yes, UNC superscores the ACT. This means they consider your highest score for each section among all your testing dates. If you self-report scores from multiple dates, UNC will create a composite superscore from the highest section scores. For more details, check out UNC’s testing FAQs webpage.
What’s a good ACT score for UNC?
UNC does not have set ACT score requirements or cutoffs for students applying in the fall of 2024. Aiming for a composite score within or above the middle 50% range (30-34) is ideal. But your score won’t necessarily make or break your application. UNC considers the entire application, including essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations, alongside test scores.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 30 | 32 | 34 |
| English | 29 | 33 | 35 |
| Math | 27 | 30 | 33 |
Can I get into UNC with a low ACT?
Getting into UNC with a low ACT score is possible, especially with their test-optional policy for all students applying in the fall of 2024. Strong academic performance, extracurricular achievements, and compelling essays can balance out a lower ACT score. In future application years, if an applicant’s GPA does not meet the minimum requirement, a composite ACT score of 19 can still secure admission eligibility.
Regardless, note that a “low” ACT score for UNC is still considered quite high when compared against the national averages. Moreover, admissions officers evaluate more than just standardized test scores. Whether or not you submit test scores, you will still need to focus on other aspects of your application.
When should I take the ACT for UNC?
For students planning to submit applications during their senior year, the best time to take the ACT for UNC is generally during the preceding junior spring semester. That way, students have time to retake the exam in the summer and/or fall if needed.
Students applying Early Action must submit their scores by December 1, while Regular Decision applicants must submit scores by February 15. Transfer students have until March 15 to submit their scores.
What is UNC’s ACT code?
UNC’s ACT code for submitting official test scores is 3162.
While UNC does not require standardized test scores for all applicants, those who choose to submit them and subsequently gain admission often have high scores. Ultimately, the decision whether or not to take and submit the ACT is a personal one based on the individual student’s strengths, priorities, and goals. If you are considering taking the SAT instead, check out our article about UNC SAT scores!
