1. Preparing for College Admission
Lica Hertz, Assistant Director of Admissions at UNC Charlotte

2. Types of Colleges Community Colleges
Technical courses and job training offered for students who want to learn a trade or specialization
Associate’s degrees available for students who want to earn a Bachelor’s degree after taking courses at a community college
Colleges and Universities
Most degree programs take 4 years to complete
Students earn Bachelor’s degrees, which prepare them for the work force or graduate school

3. The UNC System 16 schools in the public university system
Enrollment ranges from <1,000-35,000
Hundreds of degree programs

4. The UNC System

5. The College Application Process

6. Admission Decisions
College admissions offices are asking two questions:
Do we think you will be successful?
Do we have the space?

7. Admission Decisions
Objective Criteria

8. Objective Criteria Academic Course Selection
Core subjects: English, Math, Science, History/Social Science, Foreign Language
Successfully complete a rigorous schedule every year, including senior year
Challenge yourself in a way that will help prepare you for your major

9. Objective Criteria 2. Academic Performance
What is your weighted and unweighted grade point average (GPA)?
What is your class rank, if computed?
What are your grades in your most
challenging courses?

10. Objective Criteria
Do you fall within the academic profile of applicants who are admitted?
UNC Charlotte
Profile of Middle 50%
HS GPA: – 4.5
SAT:
ACT: – 27

11. Objective Criteria 3. Test Scores
Take the test more than once; take both
SAT and ACT, if applicable
Does your selected college super-score?
Does your selected college require the SAT II subject tests?

12. Objective Criteria 4. Volume of Applications Received
Deferred/Waiting List
Early Action vs. Early Decision

13. Admission Decisions
Subjective Criteria

14. Subjective Criteria 1. Extracurricular activities
What do you do outside of class?
Leadership, community service, volunteer activities, travel, involvement
Depth vs. Breadth

15. Subjective Criteria 2. Essay(s) Most subjective part of an application
Allows you to differentiate yourself among the masses
How well can you communicate and follow directions?

16. Subjective Criteria 3. Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation vs. letters of information
Choose someone who knows you, not someone intended to impress the reader
Give recommenders plenty of time to provide letters for you

17. Start Early! Admission Decisions Pay close attention to deadlines!
Be sure to complete your application – it’s more than just submitting an online form
Rolling decisions vs. Notification deadlines

18. Paying for College Financial Aid & Scholarships Need-based aid:
FAFSA (
CSS Profile (css.collegeboard.org/)
Need & Merit-based aid:
University scholarships
External scholarships (

19. Tips from an Insider Visit as many colleges as you can
You don’t have to have your major narrowed down yet
Find the “right fit”

20. admissions.uncc.edu
Photos courtesy of uncc.edu