The University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) is a public research university located in Wilmington, North Carolina. Founded in 1947, UNCW offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs to its students.

UNC Wilmington Acceptance Rate
For the fall 2023 semester, UNCW received 16,942 applications and admitted 11,367 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of 67.2%. This represents a slight increase from the previous year’s acceptance rate of 66.5%.
UNCW’s acceptance rate varies depending on the applicant pool and the specific program to which they are applying. For example, the Watson College of Engineering has a lower acceptance rate than the College of Arts and Sciences.
Factors Affecting Acceptance
The following factors are considered in the admissions process at UNCW:
- High school GPA
- SAT or ACT scores
- Class rank
- Extracurricular activities
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- First-generation status
- Underrepresented minority status
While all of these factors are important, UNCW does not have a strict cutoff for any of them. The admissions committee considers each application holistically and makes a decision based on the student’s overall profile.
How to Improve Your Chances of Admission
There are a few things you can do to improve your chances of admission to UNCW:
- Maintain a strong academic record. This means getting good grades in your high school classes, especially in math, science, and English.
- Take challenging courses. UNCW likes to see students who challenge themselves academically. Taking honors, AP, or IB courses will show the admissions committee that you are prepared for the rigors of college.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities. UNCW values students who are well-rounded and involved in their communities. Participating in clubs, sports, or other activities will show the admissions committee that you are a well-rounded individual.
- Write a strong personal statement. The personal statement is your chance to tell the admissions committee who you are and why you want to attend UNCW. Take your time writing your personal statement and make sure it is well-written and error-free.
- Get good letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other adults who know you well can help the admissions committee get a better sense of your character and your potential as a student.
Deadlines and Application Process
The application deadline for the fall semester is February 15th. The application deadline for the spring semester is November 1st.
To apply to UNCW, you can either submit the Common Application or the UNCW Application. The Common Application is accepted by over 900 colleges and universities, so if you are applying to multiple schools, this may be a good option for you.
Once you have submitted your application, you will need to create a MyUNCW account. This account will allow you to track the status of your application and view your financial aid information.
Conclusion
The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a great option for students who are looking for a quality education at an affordable price. The acceptance rate is competitive, but there are a number of things you can do to improve your chances of admission. If you are interested in attending UNCW, be sure to submit your application early and put your best foot forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average GPA of admitted students at UNCW?
The average GPA of admitted students at UNCW is 3.7.
What is the average SAT score of admitted students at UNCW?
The average SAT score of admitted students at UNCW is 1250.
What is the average ACT score of admitted students at UNCW?
The average ACT score of admitted students at UNCW is 27.
How many students are enrolled at UNCW?
UNCW has an enrollment of over 17,000 students.
