University of North Carolina (UNC), known for its strong academics and engaged community, sets high expectations for its students. Let’s explore how those expectations translate to SAT scores and requirements at UNC. Don’t forget check out our other posts that discuss UNC’s ACT stats and requirements!
What is the average SAT score at UNC?
As expected, UNC SAT scores are competitive. The average score at UNC is around 1460 out of 1600. The 25th percentile for SAT scores at UNC is 1350, and the 75th percentile is 1530. This means that 25% of UNC students scored below 1350, and 25% scored above 1530. Meanwhile, the remaining 50% of students scored between 1350 and 1530. This range reflects the high standards of the institution but also shows that there’s no single score that guarantees admission.
What is the average SAT English score at UNC?
The SAT consists of two sections: the English (reading and writing) section and the math section, each scored out of 800, making the total possible score 1600.
UNC’s average SAT English score is 720. Meanwhile, their admitted students hit a 25th percentile score of 670 and an 75th percentile score of 750. Therefore, an SAT English score lower than 670 would place you in the lowest 25% of scorers, while a score higher than 750 would place you in the highest 25% of UNC’s SAT English scores. Although these are impressive scores, there is no one score that will guarantee admission. At the same time, UNC maintains no minimum SAT English score for admission into the fall 2025 class.
What is the average SAT Math score at UNC?
The average SAT Math score at UNC is 740, slightly higher than the English section score. The 25th percentile of scores falls at 680, and the 75th percentile sits at 780. Although these scores are slightly higher than those of the English section, there is a range of acceptable scores applicants can have.
From these statistics, we can see that the lower 25% of students admitted to UNC achieved SAT scores of 740 and below. At the same time, the upper quarter of SAT Math scores at UNC are nearly perfect, reaching 780 and above. However, most scores fall below this mark, so there is no strict expectation to reach a perfect score.
What are UNC’s SAT 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 or recommend the essay section of the SAT.
What percentage of UNC applicants submit the SAT?
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. Further, 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 SAT?
Yes, UNC does superscore the SAT. If you self-report test scores from multiple testing dates, UNC will consider your highest score for each section across all test dates. This policy can benefit students who have taken the SAT multiple times and want to showcase their best scores. You may also use Score Choice to select individual scores or test dates. For more details, check out UNC’s testing FAQs webpage.
What’s a good SAT score for UNC?
UNC does not have specific SAT score requirements or cutoffs and emphasizes that they do not admit solely “by the numbers.” Most admitted UNC students have high standardized testing scores. Given the statistics mentioned above, a score around 1460 or higher would put you in a good position. The upper 25% of UNC students scored 1530 or higher, likely with some perfect scores among them. A “good” SAT score for UNC is quite high, and anything within the following ranges should make you competitive:
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 1350 | 1460 | 1530 |
| English | 670 | 720 | 750 |
| Math | 680 | 740 | 780 |
Can I get into UNC with a low SAT score?
Submitting a low SAT score to UNC presents challenges but doesn’t determine the outcome of your application. “Low” is relative: below-average scores for UNC are still quite high compared to the national averages. For instance, the lowest quartile SAT score at UNC is 1350, while the average SAT score is a 1050. With this in mind, aiming for at least the lower quartile would be in an applicant’s best interest.
However, if an applicant demonstrates strong academic and extracurricular achievement in other areas, the admissions committee may judge their application more favorably. For example, a student with a below-average score who shows leadership and initiative through community service or other projects may be judged more favorably than an applicant with a higher score who lacks these attributes.
When should I take the SAT for UNC?
For students planning to submit applications during their senior year, the best time to take the SAT 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 SAT code?
UNC’s SAT code for submitting official test scores is 5816.
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 SAT is a personal one based on the individual student’s strengths, priorities, and goals. If you are considering taking the ACT instead, check out our article about UNC ACT scores!
