NC State is a member of the Common Application and the Coalition Application. Students may choose to apply through either application system. Undergraduate Admissions implements a notification date system for both domestic first-year and transfer applicants. International applicants are notified of their admission decision on a rolling basis once their application is complete. First-year students are strongly encouraged to apply during the fall of their senior year in high school by the Early Action deadline, November 1. 

Application Dates and Deadlines

View our dates and deadlines page for a complete list of all application deadlines.

First-year and transfer applicants for the College of Design and Fashion and Textile Design programs must submit a complete application including a portfolio and additional essay by November 1 and list it as their first choice major. Visit the admissions website to learn more about studio-based majors.

First-year applicants for the Music Technology program must submit a complete application including a portfolio and additional essay by November 1 for Early Action and January 15 for regular decision. Transfer applicants for the Music Technology program must submit a complete application including a portfolio and additional essay by November 1. Visit the Music Technology website to learn more.

All applications for the spring semester should be submitted prior to October 1. A few programs do not accept applications for spring entry. Visit the admissions website for more information about first-year fall entry only majors.

Students are notified of their decision on their wolfPAW portal. Admitted students must confirm their enrollment for fall by May 1, or within ten days of receiving their decision if they are accepted after May 1. For spring, admitted students must confirm their enrollment by December 1, or within ten days of receiving their decision if they are accepted after December 1.

The Undergraduate Admissions website provides more information on the application review process and procedure.

Visit Us

Admissions staff are available at two on-campus locations to meet with prospective students and families Monday- Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, no appointment necessary.

Joyner Visitor Center

Prospective students and families may visit the Joyner Visitor Center to meet with a member of our admissions staff. Free visitor parking is available in front of the building.

1210 Varsity Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606
NC State University – Main Campus

Campus Visits Office

Admissions staff are available at Talley Student Union to meet with prospective students and families. Visitors can check in for the in-person information session in this office. Parking is available in the Coliseum Parking Deck. Monday-Friday visitors can pay for parking via ParkMobile. Parking is free on weekends.

Talley Student Union – Room 2121 (main floor)

Phone: 919-515-2434
Email: undergrad-admissions@ncsu.edu

Admission to NC State is highly competitive. Applicants are asked to indicate their first and second choices for majors. First-year applicants not admitted into their first major choice will be reviewed for admission into their second major choice. The admissions decision is based on a holistic review of a complete application. Of primary importance is the student's high school record, including the level and difficulty of the courses taken, the overall grade point average and rank in class. The submission of SAT or ACT scores is optional. Extracurricular involvement, leadership and many other factors are also considered. Visit the admissions application review website for more information on how we review applications.

Admissions Requirements

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. Competitive applicants will typically exceed these minimum courses. The vast majority of our STEM and business majors require students to complete at least one semester of calculus during their time at NC State. When reviewing applicants for those programs, the most competitive applicants will have taken math through precalculus as a minimum in high school.  

NC State does not conduct individual interviews with applicants, however, students are always welcome to walk-in and meet with an admissions officer at NC State's Joyner Visitor Center at 1210 Varsity Dr., Raleigh, NC. Information sessions and student led campus tours are also available Monday through Friday at the Campus Visits office in Talley Student Union. Registration for the Information Session & Tour is required to attend.

What We Look For

Here are some of the items we're looking at when evaluating your first-year application to NC State:

• Your academic achievement in high school.
• Your interest in the program you're applying for.
• Your accomplishments/involvement outside of the classroom.
• SAT or ACT scores (optional). Visit the admissions website for more information about our test score policy.
• Your background and opportunities.
• Your individual story.

Visit the admissions website to view our full list of recommendations for competitive first-year applicants.

How to Apply

1. Review our deadlines: The application opens in August.
2. Complete the application through the Common App or the Coalition App; we do not have a preference. Applicants for studio-based majors or Music Technology will also need to submit a portfolio and additional essay.
3. Pay the $85 application fee, or provide an official fee waiver.
4. Self-report your test scores (optional). Visit the admissions website for a list of our school codes and more information about submitting test scores.
5. Submit your official academic transcript.
6. Check your status in your wolfPAW portal throughout the application process.

First-Year Admissions Dates and Deadlines

Decisions are released on the corresponding notification date as long as the application is complete by the deadline. 

Fall Entry Early Action:

• Deadline: November 1
• Notification Date: January 31
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: May 1, or within ten days if admitted after May 1

Fall Entry Regular Decision:

• Deadline: January 15
• Notification Date: March 31
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: May 1, or within ten days if admitted after May 1

Spring Entry:

• Deadline: October 1
• Notification Date: Rolling beginning November 15
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: December 1, or within ten days if admitted after December 1

View a list of these fall entry only majors on the admissions website.

Studio-Based Majors

The following programs are considered studio-based majors and are fall entry only:

• Architecture
• Art + Design
• Fashion & Textile Design
• Graphic & Experience Design
• Industrial Design

Application Deadline: November 1

Portfolio and Essay Due: November 1

Music Technology

Music Technology is not a studio-based major, but does require the submission of an additional portfolio and essay with the application. 

Application Deadline: November 1 for Early Action and January 15 for regular decision

Portfolio and Essay Due: November 1 for Early Action and January 15 for regular decision

Agricultural Institute

NC State’s 2-year Agricultural Institute (AGI) accepts first-year and transfer applicants.

Fall Entry:

• Deadline: June 1
• Decision Date: Rolling

Spring Entry:

• Deadline: October 1
• Decision Date: Rolling

Credit Opportunities

Students can jump-start their college careers by acquiring pre-enrollment credits by one or more of the following means:

• by passing a proficiency examination administered by a teaching department at NC State;
• by meeting a specific minimum score on certain Advance Placement Program (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations, and/or A and AS Level Equivalencies; and/or
• by attaining a minimum score on certain College Level Examination Program (CLEP) subject tests.
• by transferring eligible college coursework completed at another accredited college or university, using NC State’s transfer credit database to confirm how courses may apply toward your degree.

Visit the admissions website to learn about the recognized test curriculum, accepted test scores and credit awarded.

Visit Us 

Where To Find Us

Admissions staff are available at two on-campus locations to meet with prospective students and families Monday- Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, no appointment necessary.

Joyner Visitor Center

Prospective students and families may visit the Joyner Visitor Center to meet with a member of our admissions staff. Free visitor parking is available in front of the building.

1210 Varsity Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606
NC State University – Main Campus

Campus Visits Office

Admissions staff are available at Talley Student Union to meet with prospective students and families. Visitors can check in for the in-person information session in this office. Parking is available in the Coliseum Parking Deck. Monday-Friday visitors can pay for parking via ParkMobile. Parking is free on weekends.

Talley Student Union – Room 2121 (main floor)

Phone: 919-515-2434
Email: undergrad-admissions@ncsu.edu

The path to NC State is not always direct. About 20 percent of our students start their college career at another college or university. All transfer applicants should have at least 24 transferable college credit hours completed, including specific coursework and a competitive GPA based on the major you are applying for. Meeting these recommendations does not guarantee admission but sets you up to be considered a competitive applicant in the review process. Visit the transfer student resources website to view our recommendations for competitive applicants.

What We Look For

Here are some of the items we're looking at when evaluating your transfer application to NC State:

• Your college coursework and GPA.
• Your high school coursework and test scores if you have less than 24 transferable college semester credit hours completed.
• Your interest in the program you're applying for.
• Your accomplishments/involvement outside of the classroom.
• Your background and opportunities.
• Your individual story.

Visit our Transfer Admissions website for more information and recommendations for competitive transfer applicants. Students are always welcome to walk-in and meet with an admissions officer at NC State's Joyner Visitor Center. Information sessions and student led campus tours are also available at the Campus Visits office in Talley Student Union. Registration is required to attend the Information Session & Tour.

The Transfer Planner is an interactive tool that shows how your previous coursework transfers to NC State and fulfills degree requirements to help ensure your time and effort contribute toward degree completion. You can start using the Transfer Planner as early as your first day at your community college or as soon as you begin earning college credit. Please note: The Transfer Planner is most useful for coursework taken at community colleges and four-year institutions in North Carolina. 

How to Apply

1. Review our deadlines: The application opens in August. Be sure to pay attention to additional requirements and timelines for studio-based majors, Music Technology and the Agricultural Institute.
2. Plan your path, and review our recommendations for competitive applicants.
3. Complete the application through the Common App or the NC State Transfer App; we do not have a preference. Applicants for studio-based majors and Music Technology will also need to submit a portfolio.
4. Pay the application fee or provide an official fee waiver.
5. Submit your official academic transcript(s) from each institution you have attended.
6. Check your status in your wolfPAW portal throughout the application process.

Transfer Admissions Dates and Deadlines

Transfer applicants only have one deadline for spring and fall. Once you review our recommendations for competitive applicants and have made a plan, go ahead and submit your application. We will consider courses currently in progress as long as they are successfully completed prior to you enrolling. Students who submit and complete their application on time can expect to receive a decision in mid-April for fall entry, and mid-November for spring entry.

Fall Entry:

• Transfer Deadline: February 15
• Notification Date: Rolling beginning April 15
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: May 1, or within ten days of acceptance if admitted after May 1

Spring Entry:

• Transfer Deadline: October 1
• Notification Date: Rolling beginning November 15
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: December 1, or within ten days of acceptance if admitted after December 1

Some programs do not accept applications for spring entry. View a list of these fall entry only majors on the admissions website.

Studio-Based Majors

The following programs are considered studio-based majors and are fall entry only:

• Architecture
• Art + Design
• Fashion & Textile Design
• Graphic & Experience Design
• Industrial Design

Application Deadline: November 1

Portfolio and Essay Due: November 1

Music Technology

Music Technology is not a studio-based major, but does require the submission of an additional portfolio and essay with the application. 

Transfer Application Deadline: November 1

Transfer Portfolio and Essay Due: November 1

Agricultural Institute

NC State’s 2-year Agricultural Institute (AGI) accepts first-year and transfer applicants.

Fall Entry:

• Deadline: June 1
• Decision Date: Rolling

Spring Entry:

• Deadline: October 1
• Decision Date: Rolling

Transfer Credit

Search our transfer course equivalency database to get an initial idea of which course credits from other institutions transfer to NC State. An official course evaluation is provided to students once they are admitted.

Wolfpack Connect

Wolfpack Connect offers guaranteed admission to students who complete an Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS) degree at a North Carolina Community College. This program provides a clear roadmap to earning a bachelor’s degree at NC State, reducing uncertainty and encouraging degree completion.

Wolfpack Connect is for students who:

• Are enrolled or plan to enroll at a North Carolina Community College.
• Have 30 transferable college credits or less completed or in progress at the time they begin formal participation in the Wolfpack Connect program. Students should have at least one year left of coursework (30 or more college credits) to complete at their community college when they start the program.
• Are interested in pursuing one of the eligible NC State degree programs in the Wolfpack Connect program.

Visit Us 

Where To Find Us

Admissions staff are available at two on-campus locations to meet with prospective students and families Monday- Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, no appointment necessary.

Joyner Visitor Center

Prospective students and families may visit the Joyner Visitor Center to meet with a member of our admissions staff. Free visitor parking is available in front of the building.

1210 Varsity Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606
NC State University – Main Campus

Campus Visits Office

Admissions staff are available at Talley Student Union to meet with prospective students and families. Visitors can check in for the in-person information session in this office. Parking is available in the Coliseum Parking Deck. Monday-Friday visitors can pay for parking via ParkMobile. Parking is free on weekends.

Talley Student Union – Room 2121 (main floor)

Phone: 919-515-2434
Email: undergrad-admissions@ncsu.edu

Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, we are proud to be home to the largest student body in North Carolina hosting students from 120 different countries.

The Office of International Services is the main resource for international students regarding immigration regulations, university policies, employment and travel. They provide assistance to you and your family as you prepare to arrive on campus and to smooth the transition to studying in the U.S.

What We Look For

Here are some of the items we're looking at when evaluating your application to NC State:

• Your academic achievement.
• Your financial ability: If you require an F-1 or J-1 student visa to study in the U.S., you must prove your ability to cover the estimated school expenses by completing the Certificate of Financial Responsibility.
• Your level of English language skills. View our first-year applicant website for English proficiency details for first-year applicants. View our transfer applicant website for English proficiency details for transfer applicants.
• Your interest in the program you are applying for.
• Your accomplishments/involvement outside the classroom.
• Your background and opportunities.
• Your individual story.

Visit our International Admissions website for more information on application considerations.

How to Apply

1. Review our deadlines: The application opens in August. Be sure to pay attention to additional requirements and timelines for studio-based majors, Music Technology and the Agricultural Institute.
2. Complete the application through the Common App or the Coalition App; we do not have a preference. Applicants for studio-based majors and Music Technology will also need to submit a portfolio and additional essay.
3. Pay the application fee ($100 for international applicants).
4. Submit your academic credentials. Required credentials differ depending on whether you are a first-year applicant or a transfer applicant.
5. Show proof of English proficiency. View our first-year applicant website for English proficiency details for first-year applicants. View our transfer applicant website for English proficiency details for transfer applicants.
6. Check your status in your wolfPAW portal throughout the application process.

International Admissions Dates and Deadlines

International decisions for students outside of the United States are released on a rolling basis as long as the application is complete by the deadline.

First-Year Fall Entry Early Action:

• Deadline: November 1
• Notification Date: International applicants must apply by the deadline and will have their admissions decisions released on a rolling basis once your application is complete.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: May 1, or within ten days if admitted after May 1

First-Year Fall Entry Regular Decision:

• Deadline: January 15
• Notification Date: International applicants must apply by the deadline and will have their admissions decisions released on a rolling basis once your application is complete.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: May 1, or within ten days if admitted after May 1

Transfer Fall Entry:

• Deadline: February 15
• Notification Date: International applicants must apply by the deadline and will have their admissions decisions released on a rolling basis once your application is complete.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: May 1, or within ten days if admitted after May 1

First-Year and Transfer Spring Entry:

• Deadline: October 1
• Notification Date: Rolling beginning November 15
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: December 1, or within ten days if admitted after December 1

Some programs do not accept applications for spring entry. View a list of these first-year fall entry only majors on the admissions website. View a list of these transfer fall entry only majors on the transfer resources website.

Studio-Based Majors

The following programs are considered studio-based majors and are fall entry only:

• Architecture
• Art + Design
• Fashion & Textile Design
• Graphic & Experience Design
• Industrial Design

Application Deadline: November 1

Portfolio and Essay Due: November 1

Music Technology

Music Technology is not a studio-based major, but does require the submission of an additional portfolio and essay with the application. 

First-Year Application Deadline: November 1 for Early Action and January 15 for regular decision

First-Year Portfolio and Essay Due: November 1 for Early Action and January 15 for regular decision

Transfer Application Deadline: November 1

Transfer Portfolio and Essay Due: November 1

Agricultural Institute

NC State’s 2-year Agricultural Institute (AGI) accepts first-year and transfer applicants.

Fall Entry:

• Deadline: June 1
• Decision Date: Rolling

Spring Entry:

• Deadline: October 1
• Decision Date: Rolling

Use of Agents or Educational Agencies

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions at NC State does not partner with incentive-based agents or educational agencies to represent us or to administer any part of the application process.

We recognize that in many countries agents or consultants are retained by students and their families to assist in applying to universities in the United States. It is not necessary to engage an agent in order to have a strong chance of admission to undergraduate degree programs at NC State. Undergraduate admission decisions are not based on the recommendations of agents.

We expect an application to be the work of the applicant and that all information on the application is complete, accurate and truthful. We may reject application materials, cancel an admissions offer or dismiss a student from attendance, if it is determined that application materials have been falsified.

It is critical that applicants use their own email address, phone number, and mailing address on their application to ensure that all communication from us is delivered in an accurate and timely manner. Missing any important communication from us may delay applicants’ application process and admission decisions.

Financial and Immigration Information

All international applicants seeking an F-1 or J-1 student visa must upload the digital Certificate of Financial Responsibility (CFR)  and supporting financial/bank documents as part of the admission process. The purpose of these materials are to certify financial ability for the student throughout his/her program of study - this is a federal requirement that must be met before the Office of Undergraduate Admissions can issue any visa certificates.

In addition, applicants deemed admissible who are already in the U.S. must also upload the digital Visa Clearance Form (VCF).  This includes international applicants who are in a nonimmigrant visa category other than F-1 or J-1 (ex: H-4, L-2, E-2, Pending Permanent resident etc.). These applicants are not required to complete a CFR, unless they plan to change to F-1 or J-1 student status (if eligible).

If the information provided by the applicant is incomplete or not acceptable (e.g. missing sponsor and bank official signatures, insufficient bank statements, etc.), the applicant will be notified that his/her documents were not approved and why.  Notification is done via email.  The applicant will then have an opportunity to correct the problem(s) and resubmit the  materials. Applicants can check the status of their applications through their wolfPAW portal.

Once the applicant is considered admitted (fully or conditionally) to the University and has confirmed enrollment by paying the advanced enrollment deposit, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions emails the appropriate Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 for an F-1 visa or Form DS-2019 for a J-1 visa) to the student within 10 business days. Fully admitted international students will also receive information and guidance from the Office of International Services (OIS) via email prior to their arrival to NC State.  Conditionally admitted international students will receive information from the Intensive English Program (IEP) prior to their arrival as well.

New F-1 and J-1 international students must check-in with the Office of International Services upon arrival to campus and attend the New International Student Orientation, which is scheduled a few days before the semester begins.

New international students who are accepted to NC State have the opportunity to participate in a Summer Start program during the month of July before fall classes begin. For more information about Summer Start, visit the Summer Start website. 

Contact Us 

Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Jeong Powell
Director, International Admissions and Recruitment
Phone: 919-515-2434
Email: jcpowell@ncsu.edu