Apply Online

Choose to apply through one of our two applications – we do not have a preference which application you choose.

Pay the Fee

A non-refundable application fee of $85 is required. If you think you may qualify for a fee waiver, view fee waiver eligibility requirements and learn how to submit documentation.

Select a Major

On the application, you’ll be asked to select up to two majors based on your interests. We encourage you to select two different majors because if we determine you’re not competitive for your first-choice major, you’ll be reviewed for your second-choice major.

Students interested in a studio-based major (Architecture, Art + Design, Fashion and Textile Design, Graphic & Experience Design, Industrial Design) must apply by November 1 in addition to submitting a 10-piece portfolio and design essay.

Self-Report Your Test Scores

As a part of the UNC System, NC State will be test optional for applicants with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or above. A 2.8 weighted GPA is equivalent to a B- average. 

Applicants with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or above will not be required to submit standardized test scores as part of a complete application.

On the admission application, you will be required to indicate whether or not you plan to submit SAT or ACT scores for consideration in the admission review process. Applicants with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or above will not be disadvantaged if you indicate you do not want scores to be considered in your application review. Learn more about test score consideration in the review process.

• If you choose to submit your test scores, you should self-report them on your application. We encourage you to submit all scores, and we will consider your highest sub-score from each section across your test dates to create a super-score.
• We can not guarantee scores received after the application materials deadline will be used in our review. See which test dates we accept for our application deadlines.
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing scores are not required.
• After you have applied, any additional test scores can be added on your wolfPAW account. We will not accept standardized test scores listed on your high school transcript.
• If you choose to enroll at NC State and opted for test scores to be considered during your application review, official SAT (code: 5496) or ACT (code: 3164) test scores will be required prior to enrollment.

Complete the Essay Prompts

You’ll choose an essay prompt from the list provided by Common Appor Coalition App so you can share your story with us in 650 words or less. We also have some additional short answer questions to help us get to know you better. These responses will be included in your application.

Required Short Answer Questions

• Explain why you selected the academic program(s) above and why you are interested in studying these at NC State.

University Honors Program

If you are interested in being considered for NC State’s University Honors Program, there is an additional question required with a response of no more than 600 words available on the admissions application or on your wolfPAW account after you apply. Learn more about admissions criteria for these programs.

Submit Your Transcript

To complete your application, you must send an official high school transcript to our office. Your high school counselor can submit your transcript through Common App, Coalition App, slate.org or another secure sending service such as Naviance or Parchment. Students studying at participating public high schools in North Carolina can request official transcripts be sent to our office using CFNC.

Academic Achievement

We are looking for strong grades and competitive courses, such as honors, AP, IB or dual enrollment, beginning your first year of high school. Strong grades in college-level courses will strengthen your academic record, and you may also receive course credit for them at NC State. We’ll consider your courses in-progress as well, so finish out strong. 

To be competitive for admission, first-year applicants should at least meet the minimum course requirements (MCR) established by the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina System.

Interest in Major

At NC State, we admit students directly into the program they apply to. For that reason, our review process is dependent upon your major and interest in the major. Let us know which academic program or two you are interested in and why. We look for related courses and activities you have been involved in throughout high school. 

You can select up to two majors on the application depending on your interests. Check out our University Catalog to explore major opportunities.

SAT or ACT Scores

We are test optional for applicants with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or above (that’s equivalent to a B- average). Applicants with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or above will not be required to submit standardized test scores as part of a complete application. Learn more about test score consideration.

Accomplishments and Involvement

College isn’t all about academics (although, it is a big part). We are interested in what you invest your time in outside the classroom, whether that may be the arts, sports, volunteering or working.

As you prepare to apply, get involved in your community, at your school or with a local business. If you have the opportunity to participate in activities that relate to your major of interest, we encourage you to take advantage of those.

*It may take up to 24 hours after you submit your application for you to receive wolfPAW log in credentials. Here, you can check for missing items and stay up-to-date on the status of your application.

Please note: If you apply in August before we begin processing applications, you will not receive your wolfPAW log in credentials until we begin processing applications. It may take 4-5 weeks after August 1 to begin processing applications.

Check Your Email

We encourage you to check your email often, as we may email you about additional items needed to complete your application. Using your school-assigned email address? Sometimes our emails may be blocked by the server, so we recommend using a non-school email to receive our communications.

Submit the FAFSA

You don’t need to wait for an official admission decision to submit your FAFSA, and we encourage students to apply as soon as possible.

• FAFSA open date: October 1
• Priority filing date for NC State: March 1
• NC State school code: 002972

View Your Decision

You will be notified of your admission decision on your wolfPAW account. If you completed your application on time and submitted all required materials by the deadline, you will receive a decision on the notification date corresponding to the application deadline for the semester you applied for.

Types of Decisions

• Admit – Some students we are able to admit right away. Head to our admitted student page to learn about next steps for joining the Wolfpack family, a view the New Student Checklist.
• Defer – When we review applications, we find some applicants who may benefit from the opportunity to provide improved fall grades before receiving a final decision in March.
• Waitlist – We are unable to admit all qualified students into our class. Some applicants are placed on the waitlist who we believe would be successful at NC State if space is available.
• Deny – Unfortunately, some students will not be considered competitive for first-year admission. We encourage denied applicants to consider applying to NC State in the future as a transfer applicant.