Parent of Class of 2028 UNC-Chapel Hill full-ride recipient from NOVA public school here. Top stats and strong ECs, but no hooks. Given the OOS admissions numbers, we’re pretty shocked, but certainly thrilled, at the outcome. Long odds, but it can happen!!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I guess our son doesn’t have “ivy stats”. Though he is in an IB program and doing some great community service. Will put UNC CH in the category of big reach!

It doesn't sound like you get it. His GPA and SAT are too low. IB program and some community service are not making up for that. He is going to do great in college admissions but it is your role to be realistic with him. UNC isn't a "big reach", it is a no.

It’s very unlikely. No need to be nasty. Kid can apply so long as kid realizes it’s very unlikely. That’s true for lots of people for lots of schools. No reason her kid can’t take a chance. So long as she’s willing to do the app.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I guess our son doesn’t have “ivy stats”. Though he is in an IB program and doing some great community service. Will put UNC CH in the category of big reach!

It doesn't sound like you get it. His GPA and SAT are too low. IB program and some community service are not making up for that. He is going to do great in college admissions but it is your role to be realistic with him. UNC isn't a "big reach", it is a no.

Anonymous wrote:UNC Chapel Hill. Our son loves it! Is it a fool’s errand for him to apply? They said that only 18% of students are from out of state. We are in Arlington.

Unless you have F.U. money, I'd advise him to go in state for undergrad and set his sights on UNC Chapel Hill for grad school on a fellowship.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I guess our son doesn’t have “ivy stats”. Though he is in an IB program and doing some great community service. Will put UNC CH in the category of big reach!

That's smart. Give it a shot with realistic expectations that it is unlikely to happen. There were two short supplemental essays I think but they could be reused from other schools' supplemental essays so it wasn't a big lift to apply. I'm sure your son will have plenty of good options.