freshman - Application Fine Print
Once you've decided NC State University is the right place for you, it's time apply. Here's how to get started:
- Note all important deadlines.
- Complete an online application through WolfPAW, your personal admissions website.
- Review your application to make sure it's complete. It should include:
- Complete admission application
- Non-refundable application fee ($70 for both domestic and international undergraduate applications, payable through your WolfPAW account).
- Current high school transcript, including grades 9-11, senior year courses in progress, overall grade point average and class rank. We may request first semester senior year grades before making a decision. The transcript must come directly from the high school or be enclosed in a sealed envelope with your application.
- Personal Statement (recommended)
- Official SAT or ACT Plus Writing scores, which must be sent directly from the testing agencies (SAT code #5496, ACT code #3164).
- Submit completed application.
- Wait for a decision. Students who submit an application by November 1 are considered Early Action applicants and will be notified of their admission status by January 31. The decision may be to admit, deny, or defer the application for Final Review. Our Early Action program is non-binding; if you are admitted under Early Action, you may accept or decline the offer, and in either case you are not required to reply until May 1. If the application is deferred for Final Review, we will send a letter requesting that you send first semester senior year grades.
Keep the testing deadlines in mind: in order to apply for freshman admission, your scores must be reported to us electronically by the first week of November for Early Action (to be considered for merit-based campus scholarships) or by the first week of February for regular admission decisions.
Most applicants take the SAT or ACT more than once, in which case we use the best score for each section. Students are strongly encouraged to submit test scores from their senior year. Applications will not be processed without recent official scores. Please note that NC State requires scores for the writing section of the SAT or ACT. The writing section of the test is included with the SAT, but if you are taking the ACT you must make sure to register for the "ACT Plus Writing."
Students who submit complete applications by February 1 will be considered for Final Review and notified of their admission status in late March. All applicants have until May 1 to send their enrollment deposit.
helpful tips
why apply online?
Completing an online application does more than save trees. With the help of WolfPAW, you can:
- Start your application, save your work, then go back to review and make changes before submitting the final document.
- Obtain information about campus visits, open houses and tours.
- Receive e-mail reminders about important dates and deadlines.
- Follow the status of your application.
requesting a major
As a freshman applicant, you'll choose a first and second preference for a major&amdash;or you can remain undeclared in the college of your choice. Selecting NC State's First Year College is a good choice if you haven't decided; you'll be able to explore your options before declaring a major your sophomore year.
benefits for early birds
Each year, NC State receives a flood of applications right before the final deadline. Since applications are processed in the order in which they are received, applying early means you'll likely hear a response much sooner if there's something missing from your application.
what if You're Denied?
Freshman applicants who were denied on their first application for admission should complete 30 hours of transferable credits at another school before reapplying as a transfer student.