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NC State Transfer Acceptance Rate and Requirements — 2024

December 18, 2023

You long to become a member of the Wolfpack, but you don’t have the stellar grades and test scores to get admitted to NC State directly out of high school. No problem—all hope is not lost. While still a competitive process, this school extends offers to around 2,000 qualified transfer applicants each year. This blog will share the NC State transfer acceptance rate as well as other essential pieces of information like the NC State transfer deadline, the NC State application requirements, the NCSU transfer decision date, and much more.

NC State Transfer Acceptance Rate

Below we present the most current available NC State transfer acceptance rate as well as historical data.

For entry in the fall of 2023, 4,726 students applied for transfer admission, and 44.1% were successful. Ultimately, 1,518 students enrolled.

For entry in the fall of 2022, NC State received 4,444 applications and accepted 1,809 members of that group. This means that the NC State transfer acceptance rate was 40.7%.

When trying to get the complete picture of how difficult it is to transfer into a given school, it is important to look at historical data. Many schools have wild fluctuations in transfer acceptance rates from year to year. Yet this is not the case here. As you can see, NC State is pretty steadily in the 41%-51% range.

Historical transfer rates are as follows:

  NC State Transfer Application Deadline

The university offers a fall and spring transfer option. The NC State transfer deadline for spring applicants is October 1. Fall applicants have a priority deadline of February 15th. However, certain majors only take applications for fall admission and some may have earlier deadlines . For example, studio-based majors only admit for the fall semester and have a November 1 deadline. Additionally, the Agricultural Institute’s deadlines are different: June 1st for fall entry and October 1 for spring entry.

NC State Transfer Requirements

The NC State transfer application requirements are as follows:

• Common App for Transfer
• Final high school transcripts
• Official college transcripts
• SAT or ACT (required for under 24 completed credits)
• Supplemental materials, if required. For example, prospective studio-based majors must submit a portfolio as well as a design essay.

NC State Transfer Acceptance Rate (Continued)

Students who have the best chance to gain admission to NCSU have done the following:

• Are in the process of completing at least 30 credits. The average for an enrolled student at NC State is 55 credits.
• Have completed their major’s stated Recommendations for Competitive Applicants .
• Earned stellar grades in their first year at a community college or other 4-year university.

NC State Transfer GPA

According to the university, the average GPA for admitted transfers was 3.48. In addition, many majors have explicit minimums—the College of Engineering requires a 3.0 or above and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences gives preference to applicants with a minimum 3.0. In our experience, students with a 3.5 or above can make a very strong case for transfer admission at NCSU.

NCSU Transfer Essays

There is one required prompt for all transfer applicants; all others are optional.

• Required : Explain why you selected the academic program above and why you are interested in studying this program at NC State. (2000 character max)
• Optional: Discuss any other obstacles and/or hardships that you have encountered that have affected you personally or academically and how you dealt with them. (2000 character max)
• Optional : Who in your life is depending on you? What are they depending on you for? (2000 character max)
• Optional: How does continuing your education at a new institution help you achieve your future goals? (2000 character max)
• Optional: The personal essay helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want admissions readers to know about you that is not reflected elsewhere in your application? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay using the prompt to inspire and structure your response (1,250 – 3,250 characters, approx. 250 – 650 words). The prompts are the same as those for first-year applicants.

Transfer Decision Date

NCSU transfer decisions for fall applicants are made on a rolling basis beginning on April 15. For spring applicants, the notification period begins on November 15.

Final Thoughts – NC State University Transfer Acceptance Rate

In the last admissions cycle, 45% of incoming transfers hailed from North Carolina community colleges. In addition, you’ll be in good company as a transfer student—approximately 20% of the overall Wolfpack student body started at another school. If NC State is high on your list, the best step you can take to prepare is to excel academically in a rigorous curriculum.

If you are looking for information on how to apply to NCSU as a first-year student, you may find the following blog to be of interest:

• How to Get Into NC State
• NCSU Supplemental Essays

Those searching for application info on other institutions may wish to visit our Dataverse pages/blogs:

• Transfer Admissions Deadlines
• Transfer Acceptance Rates

Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, nc state transfer process: what to expect.

Hi everyone! I'm thinking about transferring to NC State and wanted to know how difficult the process is. What are they looking for in transfer students, and what kind of things should I be focusing on to improve my chances?

Hi! Transferring to NC State is a manageable process, and it's great that you're considering it! Here's a brief overview of what you should expect and focus on:

1. Academics: Maintain a strong GPA in your current institution, as this is one of the primary factors NC State will evaluate. Ensure that you have completed or are in the process of completing the necessary prerequisites for your intended major. Course rigor and performance in relevant coursework will be important, so aim for good grades, especially in classes related to your future major.

2. Apply on time: Check for deadlines and apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is reviewed. Keep track of any additional materials required, such as transcripts and letters of recommendation, and make sure they are sent by the due dates.

3. Articulate your reason for transferring: In your application essay, be clear and honest about why you want to transfer to NC State, and how this move will benefit your academic and personal growth. Show your knowledge of the university and its programs, as well as how you plan to contribute to the campus community. Avoid speaking negatively about your current institution; instead, focus on what NC State offers that will help you fulfill your goals.

4. Extracurricular activities: Continue to engage in meaningful extracurricular activities, both on and off-campus, to demonstrate your dedication beyond academics. NC State values well-rounded students, so getting involved in various initiatives will help you stand out.

5. Connect with current students or alumni: Reach out to current students or alumni who have successfully navigated the transfer process to gain insights and advice. This can help you better understand the expectations and experiences of students at NC State, and may give you an edge when crafting your application.

In summary, focus on maintaining strong academic performance, complete any necessary prerequisites for your intended major, articulate a clear reason for transferring, stay involved in extracurricular activities, and connect with current students or alumni for advice. By following these steps, you'll increase your chances of a successful transfer to NC State. Good luck!

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How to Write the North Carolina State – Raleigh Essays 2020-2021

We’ve updated this post! Read the  2021-2022 NC State essay guide .

North Carolina State University, located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, is North Carolina’s largest public university. It was founded in 1887 with the goal of making a higher education available to a larger number of students, particularly the children of farmers and mechanics. Today, this research university maintains its strong agricultural program and places an important focus on engineering, teaching, and veterinary medicine, among other subjects, as it works to prepare students for a career after graduation.

NC State is a selective university with a 43.9% acceptance rate for its 2019 freshman class. Notably, it is ranked among the top 10 public universities in the U.S. for best value and ranked #1 for ROI out of North Carolina public universities.

In addition to the Common App or Coalition Application essay , North Carolina State University requires prospective undergraduate freshmen to write two supplemental essays of about 250 words each. Honors and Scholars applicants must write an additional essay of 500 words. CollegeVine is here to provide detailed tips and examples to help you approach the NC State supplemental essays. Want to know your chances at NC State? Calculate your chances for free right now.

Want to learn what NC State will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take? Here’s what every student considering NC State needs to know.

NC State Supplemental Essay Prompts

All applicants.

Prompt 1: Discuss your reasons for pursuing the Major/Academic Programs selected above? (250 words)

Prompt 2: NC State University is committed to building a just and inclusive community, one that does not tolerate unjust or inhumane treatment, and that denounces it, clearly and loudly. Please describe what those words mean to you and how you will contribute to a more diverse and inclusive NC State environment. (250 words)

University Honors Program Applicants

One of the key components of the university honors program is a set of special courses called hon seminars. you can learn more about them here . these discussion-based seminars are designed to expose students to the ways multiple disciplines approach and solve problems. discuss why you think courses like these are an important part of an undergraduate experience and how they would enhance your development and challenge your intellectual curiosity. (500 words), university scholars program applicants, part of the mission of the university scholars program is to offer students unique academic and enrichment programs that challenge them to be culturally-connected, informed, and engaged citizens. what does this mean to you and how does it connect to what you hope to be and who you hope to become (500 words), all applicants, prompt 1, discuss your reasons for pursuing the major/academic programs selected above (250 words).

This is the classic “ Why This Major? ” essay. Reading this prompt, it would be easy to fall into a trap of simply listing extracurriculars that you have done which relate to your intended major. For example, if you want to major in engineering, you would list that you participated in Science Olympiad and other STEM activities. However, avoid the urge to do this.

While you should certainly mention if there is a particular extracurricular that drove you to love this field, do not simply list the things that you have done relating to this major or program. Instead, you want to support your decision with content that the NCSU admissions officers have not yet seen on your application.

For example, you could tell a story about a moment during Science Olympiad when you encountered a project with applications beyond the club. Perhaps you discovered a robotic device to assist others and from that moment, you realized that this was a field where you could make an impact.

Questions to consider:

When did you decide to pursue this major/program? Why?

Think back to the things that first got you interested in the program you intend to pursue. For example, if math has been a passion of yours for a long time, then you could make a joke about your first memory being of doing a math problem. Or perhaps you always considered yourself a math person until you challenged yourself in a humanities class and discovered your passion for the subject.

What are the broader applications of this program?

Another factor that admissions officers will be looking for is your ability to exhibit how a degree from their school in this major would help you achieve your goals and make the world a better place. Try citing your career goals and how your major will help you achieve them. The admissions officers want to see your passion; they do not want to accept someone who is pre-med just because it is financially lucrative or because their parents want them to be a doctor.

How does your major connect with some of your other interests?

Admissions officers appreciate students who realize that their major has connections and relations to other subjects and activities. Referencing both shows you to be multidisciplinary and can highlight your personality by helping to show off interests other than your major. Be careful to not get carried away talking just about extracurriculars, however; make sure it relates back to your major.

An example of this: Philosophy, much like the jazz music I play on my piano, is all up to interpretation and how you see things. You can give any pianist the same chords and never get the same song. Similarly, after proposing a question to a group of philosophers, you will get myriad and innovative responses.

Why this major/program at NCSU and not another school?

The most important thing for this part of your response is doing research! If you incorporate NCSU into your essay, then you should avoid hackneyed statements like: “NCSU will help me pursue my dreams of becoming a civil engineer because they have a really good engineering program.” NC State puts a heavy focus on research and will appreciate someone who is ready to positively contribute to their community and is genuinely interested in the subject.

For research, you can look at the work that professors of your major are doing. You could also look at some of the clubs on campus and what kinds of projects they are working on or events they hold ─ admissions officers want to be able to picture you as an NC State student contributing to the community, so tell them what specific resources you would take advantage of on campus. For example, the civil engineering student interested in building safer bridges could write about how they want to join the NC State chapter of the American Concrete Institute in order to make concrete models of hybrid sliding-rocking columns.

It’s okay to be undecided.

One of the wonderful things about college is that it is a time to explore your interests and try new things! With this in mind, if you are not sure of your potential major, then provide examples of things that you want to try out at NC State. You could discuss how you may want to be an engineer but have worked with little kids as a camp counselor and would like to try teaching. For this, the same rules apply as above; do not list, but rather, be specific and tell a story about your background or how you would fit in at NCSU as you try new things and gain value from a multidisciplinary education! Here’s more tips on how to write the “Why This Major” essay if you’re undecided .

An example of what not to do:

I have a passion for learning about different cultures. I have studied French for six years and participated in an exchange trip after my freshman year for two weeks, allowing me to live with a family in Oyonnax, France. This experience, along with continued political discussions in the midst of the French and American elections, has inspired my interest in global affairs. I love communications, diplomacy, and politics. I want to go into international public service with a focus on human rights and be a voice for those who lack one.

One of the main reasons this “Why global affairs?” essay is not as strong is due to its “listiness” quality. Many of the items included in this essay are ones that the admissions office will already have read from the activities list on the Common Application; so, including them here wastes space that could be used to say something new.

How could it be improved? Telling a story and showing why you want to study this major is a good place to start. Focus on what was mentioned in the last sentence: “be[ing] a voice for those who lack one.” Have you had experience with this? Why is this important? Why have you enjoyed it in the past? The focus could also be placed on the part about the French and American elections: What was interesting about these discussions? How were the elections similar and different? Give specific details to strengthen your response. Here is an example:

“Macron a gagné,” my host mom said with a relieved sigh. It was 2017, and I was studying abroad as a homestay student in Oyonnax, France. The murmur of BFM TV became muted as I tuned into my own thoughts ─ I had just lived through my first French election, and it was a fascinating experience!

Since that day, I have been interested in the differences between French and American elections, and most of all, democratic power transitions. Elections to me are a universal human right ─ the peaceful transition of the torch of Lady Liberty, the keys to the kingdom, is a historical marvel. I want to keep democracy alive; by combining what I learned in Oyonnax and in Durham as a poll worker about political accountability, I aspire to start an election monitoring NGO specializing in my mother’s home country of Mali. Majoring in Political Science at NC State, with its unique Honors Program and faculty advisors who conduct comparative elections research, is the best stepping stone I could take to make my goal a reality…

All Applicants, Prompt 2

Nc state university is committed to building a just and inclusive community, one that does not tolerate unjust or inhumane treatment, and that denounces it, clearly and loudly. please describe what those words mean to you and how you will contribute to a more diverse and inclusive nc state environment. (250 words).

To start this essay, think about the concepts they want you to define: a just and inclusive community, denouncing inhuman treatment. Explain what they mean to you with a story, and connect the two concepts ─ to have a just and inclusive community, we must denounce inhuman treatment. You could begin the essay with first lines similar to the following:

The rain was pouring on us, the wind was gushing. I could barely keep my soaked eyes open, but I could still see the beauty of the moment. Thousands of people of every color and walk of life were marching together to support Black Lives Matter. The Raleigh Convention Center faded behind us as we moved closer to the state capitol ─ closer to progress. That was the day when I truly learned what a just and inclusive community looks like. 

A just and inclusive community is one where one person’s struggles and oppression, no matter how different they are from our own, are treated as everyone’s struggles and oppression. This community does not come about, but is created by denouncing inhuman treatment. The arc of the universe bends towards justice, but not without help.

I aspire to bend the arc of NC State’s community towards inclusiveness by…

The next step is to explain how you will contribute to diversity. Here are some tips for if you decide to discuss, at least in part, how you could contribute to the diverse student populus at NC State:

Pick an overarching idea you want to get across.

Doing this will allow you to focus on something that the admissions officers have not yet seen in your application, as well as allow you to provide supporting examples. This is also beneficial because who you are is made up of more than just one experience; therefore, by picking a theme, you can show things in your life that have helped you to become who you are.

For example, you can focus on how in whatever you do, you work to help and be a voice for others. From that, you pick two experiences that would support this ability to empathize with others: your work with a child with autism and being the co-founder of a reading program at the SPCA.

Questions to consider when deciding what makes you different from others.

Use these questions as a basis for figuring out what makes you unique. You can use one as your overarching idea or simply tell a story based off of one of these questions about something important in your life. Also note that you do not have to say, “I am diverse because…”

Your essay will be stronger if you focus on telling a story about the kind of person you are:

• How did the location you grew up in influence your identity?
• Does your family emphasize the importance of religion or culture?
• Did you grow up in an area with a lot of diversity?
• What are some of the things that get you fired up? What are you passionate about?
• Is there something that you could bring to NCSU that they don’t already have? (Example: You are a master at solving Rubik’s Cubes and would love to bring this quality to share with others at NC State.)

Benefiting From Diversity

The admissions officers will gather a lot about how you can contribute to diversity at NCSU. They also want to know how you will benefit from being around so many unique people. Note: It is okay to mention both what you will bring and how you will benefit but, as there is a limited amount of words for this essay, you could also focus on one.

• Have you lived in a diverse area before? If not, is there something that you think can be gained from diversity? Be specific! Avoid saying that you want to just “learn new things from new people,” but rather explain why this could be helpful to your education or growth as a person. For example, you could talk about how being around students who come from different cultures will help you realize how different people and beliefs intertwine. You could talk about how you are interested in learning about Middle Eastern Studies but haven’t ever met anyone from the Middle East. If you have, what did you gain from the interaction? What else would you gain from NC State? Talk about some of the benefits of diversity and how you expect, or do not expect, something similar at NC State.
• How would diversity help you understand the world around you or help prepare you for a job in the future? NCSU places a high priority on preparing you for a career after graduation. For example: You could talk about how with globalization, the world is getting smaller. It is now more important than ever to learn about other cultures. You could even mention how, along with this, you want to study abroad and experience even more diversity across the globe.

The University Honors Program provides a transformative learning experience that empowers students to critically engage meaningful problems in the world. Students in the University Honors Program are capable and motivated students who embrace interdisciplinary coursework and participate in disciplinary based research, scholarship, and creative activities.

The goal of HON seminars is to give honors students an interdisciplinary education based on research and discussion. You will want to start the essay by telling the story of the moment when you realized why such an education is important for the world we live in today. For example, the introduction could be:

We didn’t win the bottle rocket competition in AP Physics by chance. There was something our team had that resulted in the creation of the Velox rocket, a four foot, multi-chambered missile made from Sprite bottles. Our team had José, who laid the blueprints for our rocket with attention to detail. Muhammadu kept the team united and focused with his management skills, while Alexis crunched the numbers to optimize our aerodynamics. I added a Space X-style paint job to the body and fins and wrote our project report. I believe that our rocket soared into the sky on launch day not because each of us was a genius, but because we combined our diverse perspectives and skills with open communication and a passion for research. As our rocket landed on a nearby house, I saw the power of interdisciplinary teamwork.

Interdisciplinary teamwork not only produces bottle rockets, but real rockets. It is crucial for the undergraduate experience today because…

To explain how HON seminars are important to you specifically, think about your goals. What skills and personal values do you want to develop during undergrad, and what are you intellectually curious about? Look into the details of the HON seminars and choose a specific seminar that would help you go beyond your general education and reach your unique goals. 

You can begin this part of the essay with a connecting phrase such as “Interdisciplinary teamwork would be crucial for my own undergraduate experience.” Explain how your skills and personal values could benefit from an interdisciplinary environment and learning by doing. For example, if you wanted to develop your leadership skills during undergrad, you could talk about how an HON seminar would allow you to intellectually lead through discussion-based classes and research conducted with a socratic philosophy. 

Mention a topic that you would be excited to explore in your chosen HON seminar. Highlight why you have intellectual curiosity about this topic, and what questions you have about it. Show your passion here by probing deep. If you are interested in astrophysics, talk about how you would like your idea of starting an asteroid mining business to be intellectually challenged during the Science, American Style HON seminar. 

Conclude by tying your own intellectual curiosity back to the NC State community. Explain how you are ready to meet others who love asking questions, enjoy working with people who have completely different backgrounds and perspectives, and value mind-on learning.

A good start to this essay would be to show, rather than tell, what being a culturally-connected, informed, and engaged citizen means to you. The one thing you do not want to do with this essay is define the terms in the format of a list, e.g. “being culturally-connected means x, being informed means y, and being engaged means z.” Instead, describe moments in your life when you lived out these citizenship values firsthand.

One example could involve being an event planning volunteer at the International Festival of Raleigh. Here you would paint a picture of cultural connectedness using words, like this:

And so, the festival was coming to an end. As I gazed at the country flags on the ceiling of the Raleigh Convention Center, I saw a human story in every one. The flag of Belarus took me back to the first time I tried blini at the food stand, and the flag of Timor Leste reminded me of asking Cidália how the tais cloth at her booth was made. Reflecting on these experiences, I felt culturally-connected─I could attach cultures not to academic ideas or stereotypes, but to complex and authentic human stories.

Continue this model to explain what being an informed and engaged citizen means. To define “informed,” ask yourself what subjects should ideally be considered the most important for students to learn during their K-12 education before entering “the real world.” To define “engaged,” ask yourself what activities are essential to keeping society functioning or making it run better. 

Next, connect yourself to the picture with a few sentences such as the following:

I aspire to be an engaged citizen by working to solve my community’s shortage of rare earth minerals ─ now by taking apart old phones, and in the future by mining asteroids. Most of all, I aspire to live life as a leader who gives everyone a seat at the table. 

Then explain why you have these goals. Avoid making this part a “Why This Major” essay, and focus your attention on linking your choices to being a culturally-connected, informed, and engaged citizen.

While writing this part, take a look at the University Scholars Program (USP) website . Pull one recent news story, engagement activity, or Scholars Forum topic from the website that interests you and goes along with your goals. Weave this into your explanation of what and who you want to be. Conclude with the message that you hope to emulate the engaged citizenship displayed by the USP activity or graduate you choose as a hopeful USP graduate yourself. Here is an example:

I know that the University Scholars Program is the right program for me because its Scholars Forum speakers gaze at the stars like I do. I am thrilled to see that Christina Hammock was a USP alumna and that the program helped launch her success at NASA. She undoubtedly benefited from the USP’s encouragement of bold intellectual curiosity through its interdisciplinary, research-based education. Just NC State’s electrical engineering and physics programs were able to give Christina the opportunities to research science instrument development, they could afford me hands-on opportunities to build a prototype asteroid mining excavator. I hope to be an engaged citizen by creating the most environmentally friendly solution possible to the rare earth mineral shortage, and most of all, an accomplished USP physics and electrical engineering graduate like Christina. 

Good luck on your North Carolina State University application!

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Off-Campus Transfer

It’s never too late to become a part of the Designlife here at NC State. College students, both domestic and international, who are looking for a premier institution to study design in the context of a larger university in the heart of the Research Triangle need look no further than the NC State College of Design!

Studio-Based Majors: Fall Admissions ONLY

Architecture (beda), art + design, graphic & experience, important dates.

• August 1st: Application opens for transfer applicants looking to apply to NC State University.
• Mid-October: Students are encouraged to submit Common Application in order to gain access to the NCSU wolfPAW system which is the platform used for the submission of their portfolio by the November 1st deadline.
• *November 1*: 10-piece Portfolio and Design Essay due for Studio-Based Majors in wolfPAW. In order to submit the required portfolio and design essay, the Common Application should have been submitted before November 1. 

*Not all departments conduct interviews, you will be notified if your participation is required.

• Mid-January: Departmental interviews by invitation only.
• Mid-February: Final Decisions will be released by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
• April : College of Design will reach out to Transfer students for academic advising resources.

Admissions Process

Steps to complete application:.

• *Important! Submit your application by mid-October to ensure you have time to complete and submit your 10-piece portfolio and design essay by the November 1 deadline. Incomplete portfolios or portfolios received after November 1 may not be reviewed for admission . Check your wolfPAW portals checklist frequently to view any missing application materials.
• After your application has been processed, you should receive an email from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to gain access to wolfPAW.
• Use wolfPAW to upload your 10-piece portfolio and design essay.
• You must upload 10 SEPARATE design pieces for your portfolio and 1 document for your essay into wolfPAW.
• Design Essay Prompt – Your essay question is available below and in your wolfPAW account. Please submit your essay as a .doc or .pdf file in wolfPAW.

Transfer Guides

The College of Design has created transfer guides to help prospective transfer students with course and program information as they pursue an education at a NC Community College.

Studio majors such as; Environmental Design in Architecture, Art + Design, Graphic and Experience Design, and Industrial Design have 8 semesters of studio AFTER transfer which typically takes 4 years of enrollment at NC State, regardless of the number of transfer credits or completion of an associate’s degree. It is strongly recommended that you contact the Undergraduate Student Service Coordinator at [email protected] to go over your transfer plans. Click on the major below to view the suggested transfer pathway.

Studio Majors: Architecture | Art + Design | Graphic & Experience Design | Industrial Design

Non-Studio Major: Design Studies  

NCSU Credit Opportunities

• IB Credit  
• Courses taken at other institutions

Design Essay Prompt – Fall 2025 Admissions

Architecture Prompt

Discuss one project in your portfolio that best reflects your current understanding of design. Consider how the materials and/or media contribute to the meaning and function of the piece. 250 – 300 word count.

Art + Design Prompt

Reflect on your interest in Media Arts, Design and Technology. Select one project in your portfolio that best demonstrates your understanding of Animation, Gaming & Interaction Design, or Fibers & Soft Construction. Discuss how this project demonstrates your understanding of the design process, and how it’s connected to your potential career in design. 250 – 300 word count

Graphic & Experience Design Prompt

Discuss one project in your portfolio and describe your process in creating it, explaining your decision-making and any inspiration you drew from it. 250-300 word count.

Industrial Design Prompt

Discuss one project in your portfolio that best reflects your current understanding of design. Consider how it might be received or used by somebody other than yourself. 250-300 word count.

Portfolio Guidelines

What is a Portfolio?

The digital portfolio consists of works you have designed from a wide range of experiences and mediums. These can be designs you have created from high school, community college, workshops, commission, or learning new skills on your own time. Design pieces do not need to be major-specific; any medium is accepted. You must submit 10 SEPARATE design pieces into the wolfPAW portal.

Portfolio Recommendations

Recommendations for the portfolio vary per major, please review the Admissions Booklet for Freshmen and Transfer Students . Common mediums may included the following;

• Drawing, Sketching, Painting, Pastels, Charcoal, Screen Printing, etc.
• Sculpture, Ceramics, Furniture, Woodwork Making, Metals, Fibers etc.
• Photography, Animation, Video Game Clips, Videography, Graphic Design, etc.

Students are encouraged to showcase their creativity and passion for design through various mediums.

*The College of Design DOES NOT provide assistance with portfolio development!*

Digital Portfolio File Sizes and Types:

We support media files as large as 5GB, larger files will take longer to upload from your Internet connection and may stall if you are on a wireless connection or one that cannot sustain a connection for the necessary period of time. 

We support the following file formats:

• Video: .3g2, .3gp, .avi, .m2v, .m4v, .mkv, .mov, .mpeg, .mp4, .mxf, .webm, .wmv
• Audio: .aac, .m4a, .mka, .mp3, .oga, .ogg, .wav
• Slide: .bmp, .gif, .jpg, .png, .tif, .tiff
• Document: .doc, .docx, .odg, .odp, .odt, .pdf, .ppt, .pptx, .rtf, .wpd

( Portfolio Guidelines PDF )

Interview – By Invitation Only

Mandatory interviews may be conducted in order for the departmental faculty and/or their representatives to learn more about the student’s interest in the applied major. Invitations and details will be provided to the invited applicants in late December.

Admissions Review Process and Procedures

Each application undergoes a holistic review by departmental representatives and the university’s Undergraduate Admissions office . The reviews take into consideration all of the items listed above, with an emphasis departmentally on academic record, portfolio of creative work, and essays. Applicants may be asked to interview with departmental representatives as part of the review process. Departmental admissions recommendations are forwarded to the university’s Undergraduate Admissions office, who then make final decisions.

What if I don’t have experience in art or design from high school or my prior institution?

Portfolio pieces are not required to be created in a classroom. They simply need to be created by you. We encourage students to learn new skills on their own time, summer camps, commissions, community college, workshops, etc. Portfolio pieces do not need to be major-specific; any medium is accepted.

I took art or design classes at my prior instituion, will it apply to the studio-major curriculum?

We encourage students to utilize the NC State Transfer Database tool for determination. Please connect with the Undergraduate Student Service Coordinator in regards to this process, [email protected] .

I have transfer credits from a prior institution. As a transfer student can I finish a studio major in less than 4 years?

If you are a transfer student and looking to pursue a studio-based major (Architecture (BEDA), Art + Design, Graphic & Experience Design or Industrial Design) you should still plan 4-years to complete the program. There are eight 6-credit studio courses that have to be taken in order within the Fall and Spring semesters.

Can I view an example of a portfolio? Or can my portfolio be reviewed before admissions?

We in the College of Design do not provide examples of portfolios nor provide reviews prior to the admissions cycle.

If I am admitted into my chosen studio-major but I later change my mind and want to be considered for a different studio-major. Is this change automatically accepted?

No, each studio based major application is reviewed by faculty within that specific department and has a limited number of seats. If you are interested in changing your studio based major, another review of your application will need to be conducted during the following fall semester. Please connect with the Undergraduate Student Service Coordinator in regards to this process, [email protected] .

Can I pursue a minor or double major while in a studio-based major?

Yes, while the design studio curriculum can be rigorous, we do encourage students to explore other curiosities that they have.

Can I take part in extracurricular activities or programs while in a studio-based major?

Yes, we have plenty of students that are involved in club sports, student groups, honors societies, learning villages, and more.

I want to learn more about student life within the College of Design, who can I connect with?

Check out our Design Ambassadors webpage as these are current design students with a wide range of experience and background.

Tours and Virtual Info Sessions

Want to learn more about the College of Design? Sign up for an in-person tour or virtual information session. You can also connect with a Design Ambassador as they are current design students.

Non-Studio Based Major – Fall and Spring Admission

No portfolio required

• Application Deadline  – February 15
• Decision Notification – Rolling beginning April 15

Spring Entry

• Application Deadline  – October 1
• Decision Notification – Rolling beginning November 15
• Apply via the Common Application by the Undergraduate Admissions deadlines .
• No portfolio required or design essay.
• After you apply, you will receive access to your wolfPAW account , which is your applicant portal. Check your wolfPAW account frequently to view any missing application materials, check your application status and upload materials.

Bachelor of Architecture (5th Year)

Deadline: January 31

This is a one-year professional degree program and is not available for recent high school graduates nor for college transfers (please see the BEDA program requirements if you are applying from high school or transferring into architecture).

Applications to this program from graduates of other comparable four-year pre-professional programs in architecture are welcome. Admission requirements include prerequisite courses that must be included in the applicant’s undergraduate program. A transcript review will identify any prerequisite deficiencies. If accepted to the program, the applicant will be advised regarding how to comply with the prerequisite requirements.

Got Questions?

Assistant Dean of Student and Academic Services

Undergraduate Student Services Coordinator

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Transfer Students

The path to NC State is not always direct. If you've already graduated from high school and begun your college education at another institution, you have the option to apply as a transfer applicant.

Undergraduate Transfer Students

Applying to NC State as an transfer Online and Distance Education student, which means you  started your college-level work at another university or community college , is the same as applying to be an on-campus transfer student. The NC State Office of Undergraduate Admissions considers a  range of accomplishments  and qualifications, including:

• Coursework  the applicant has completed
• Strong  cumulative GPA  for all transferable college work previously attempted
• 30 or more semester hours (or 45 or more quarter hours) of  transferable credits . Total required credits can be more depending on the specifics of the program in which you are interested. (Qualifying  AP scores  can be used to meet transfer admission coursework requirements.)
• Eligibility  to return to each institution previously attended
• UNC-system Minimum Course Requirements,  21 years of age and under  or have fewer than 24 transferable hours at the time of the application
• Attempted coursework through NC State University’s  Non-Degree Studies (NDS) program  must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher in order to be considered for admission

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website to find out how to apply as a transfer applicant.

NC State Supplemental Essay Examples

North Carolina State University is a highly-ranked public research university in Raleigh, North Carolina . Holding the #72 spot on the U.S. News Best National Universities list, NC State is known nationwide. Accordingly, NC State admissions is competitive, meaning applicants must craft strong NC State supplemental essays for a chance of acceptance. Reading effective NC State supplemental essay examples can help you learn how to craft your own.

NC State essay examples, like any well-written sample college essay, each work for their own reasons. This guide will delve into three NC State supplemental essay examples, starting with a why this major essay example. Then, we’ll analyze an obstacle essay. Finally, we’ll closely read a cultural diversity essay. By breaking down NC State supplemental essay examples, we’ll help you prepare to write your own NC State supplemental essays.

How many essays does NC State require?

Before approaching any NC State supplemental essay examples, you should know how many you’ll have to write. To put it simply, there are three required essays and one optional essay. If you know how to get into NC State, you know that all your essays should be as strong as possible. But what exactly are the NC State supplemental essays?

Applicants can complete the NC State application on either the Common Application or Scoir (also known as the Coalition Application). The NC State personal statement is the essay required by these application platforms. As it’s so common, there is no shortage of sample college essay resources for this NC State personal statement. In this guide, however, we will only review NC State supplemental essay examples for the NC State-specific prompts.

It’s important to note that while the NC State admissions page only lists one required prompt, there are indeed three. You can confirm which NC State supplemental essay examples are required on the Common App website . We’ll further explore the essay prompts for the NC State application soon.

Applicants may also indicate their interest in the prestigious NC State University Honors Program. There are additional required NC State supplemental essays for applicants to the UHP.

NC State University Honors Program

The NC State University Honors Program challenges highly motivated students with unique opportunities, including Honors seminars and the Honors Forum. Additionally, Honors students can engage in special research, creative, and academic pursuits both on- and off-campus. The application process is correspondingly challenging, requiring more NC State supplemental essays.

There are two additional NC State supplemental essays you must write for the UHP . We don’t have NC State supplemental essay examples for these two, but the prompts are similar to those of other Honors programs nationwide.

Here are the UHP essay prompts:

1. one of the key components of the university honors program is a special set of courses called honors (hon) seminars. you can learn more about them here. these discussion-based seminars are designed to expose students to the ways multiple disciplines approach and solve problems. review the courses we have offered in recent years and write a 250-350 word essay in which you explain why one particular course will be of interest, furthering your academic, professional, and personal goals while engaging you and your peers., 2. another key component of the university honors program is the honors forum. the honors forum is designed to help students become active, informed, and engaged citizens. it delivers debates and discussions about contemporary social, political, and scientific issues; lectures from people with compelling stories to tell; and performances from a diverse collection of artists. you can learn more about it here. as a uhp student, imagine you are tasked with helping select speakers and topics for the honors forum. in an essay of 250-350 words, tell us what speaker, creative figure, or topic would you promote how did you make your choice how does your choice educate, challenge, and inspire others.

In general, these essays should be particularly strong, featuring introspection on your experiences and your future. You should emphasize academic curiosity, particular offerings of the program , and, if possible, concrete aspirations. Make sure to highlight your thirst for knowledge and willingness to engage with the world and people around you. Check out our guides for Boston , Brown , Purdue , and Clemson Universities for some advice on similar essays.

NC State Supplemental Essay Prompts

As stated above, our three NC State supplemental essay examples will cover the three NC State supplemental essay prompts. All NC State supplemental essays have a 250-word limit. The prompts are:

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

2. nc state university is committed to building a just and inclusive community, one that does not tolerate unjust or inhumane treatment, and that denounces it, clearly and loudly. please describe what those words mean to you and how you will contribute to a more diverse and inclusive nc state environment., 3. discuss any other obstacles and/or hardships that you have encountered that have affected you personally or academically and how you dealt with them..

Of course, the wording of the prompts can change between admissions cycles. As a result, NC State supplemental essay examples that worked may look different from year to year. In fact, two of our NC State supplemental essay examples address slightly different versions of the current prompts. However, the best approach for NC State essay examples is still the same.

NC State Supplemental Essay Prompts Breakdown

Let’s briefly discuss the best way to approach each prompt. Keep these tips in mind as you read our NC State supplemental essay examples and our specific commentary on each one. How can you implement these in your own essays?

Why this major essay

The first prompt is a fairly standard why this major essay example combined with a why school essay example. When applying to NC State, first-year applicants are required to choose a first- and second-choice major . There are scores of NC State majors but no undecided option. So, even if you aren’t entirely sure, do your best to choose a major you’re interested in.

NC State essay examples that answer this prompt well are clear about their interest in a specific field of study. Equally important is specificity regarding the school. You’ve probably heard this advice a thousand times: talk about programs, professors, or courses you like. It’s cliché, but it’s true. Doing your research on a school never hurts, and the best NC State essay examples leverage that research.

Cultural diversity essay

The next prompt is essentially a cultural diversity essay, asking about your contribution to a diverse community. NC State essay examples answering this will have an extra point to consider: denouncing injustice. There are infinite ways to approach this one, as everyone brings something unique to campus. But it’s important to address the prompt’s question of what a “just and inclusive community” means to you.

Obstacle essay

Lastly, there is the optional obstacle essay. At first, “any other obstacles” may make it seem like this is a space to detail extenuating circumstances. Indeed, writing about personal hardships is absolutely acceptable, especially if you’re explaining a dip or gap in your academic history. On the other hand, if you have a more general academic or personal challenge, write it. Knowing how to get into NC State means knowing how to deepen your personal narrative . These 250 words can do just that. In other words, don’t think of this as just an optional essay.

Finally, before we look at some NC State supplemental essay examples, remember that they’re broadly useful. Even if you’re not completing an NC State application, these NC State supplemental essay examples answer common essay prompts. In other words, the NC State supplemental essay examples and advice we give may prove helpful with other college essays.

NC State Essay Example #1 – Why Major/Why School?

The first of our NC State supplemental essay examples answers the following prompt:

Discuss your reasons for pursuing the Major/Academic Program selected above.

You’ll notice it’s a reworded version of the first prompt. Here is the sample college essay:

NC State Essay Example #1

As an innovator and creative thinker with a love of math and science, I am interested in pursuing a career in engineering. I will contribute my natural curiosity to the NC State learning community while developing critical thinking skills and collaborating with my peers. 

Why this NC State essay worked

First of all, you’re may be thinking, “Is that it?” Remember that prompts can change from year to year. When this essay was submitted, this prompt had a 50-word limit. However, even short NC State essay examples have something to teach us—especially for other short-answer essays. In essays this short, every word counts.

When writing NC State supplemental essay examples, it can be challenging to stay concise. With a prompt this short, you have no choice. Short NC State supplemental essays have no room for the anecdotes and dialogue found in an NC State personal statement. This writer states clearly what kind of student they are, their areas of interest, and aspirations for college and beyond. Although stylistically different from a narrative why this major essay example, it still checks all the boxes of an effective sample college essay.

In fact, it’s not a far leap to adapt NC State essay examples like this for the current prompt. The author could write about a time they demonstrated the qualities laid out so neatly in this essay. If you’re getting lost in the weeds drafting an essay, take a step back. Can you write what you want to say in 50 words? Give it a try—you may find that you just need to clarify your vision.

NC State Supplemental Essay Example #2 – Obstacle Essay

The second of our NC State supplemental essay examples is about obstacles. Specifically, it answers this prompt:

Discuss any obstacles and/or hardships you have encountered and how you dealt with them.

This is nearly identical to the current third prompt, except that the current version specifies that obstacles can be personal or academic. Let’s read the essay, which also had a different—longer—word limit when it was submitted:

NC State Essay Example #2

A familiar sense of dread washed over me as I contemplated suffering through yet another group project. My AP Language class was essentially a yearlong exercise in collaboration. The groups always consisted of a leader personality and a few follower types, and I had come to expect directing projects assuming all responsibility. This time, I would have to lead my team in creating a video and website, while resisting the temptation to do the project myself. I struggled to make myself vulnerable by releasing control. 

I was always placed with two students who consistently saved their work until the night before it was due. My mind went on autopilot, organizing my time to complete the entire project myself. I tirelessly researched facts and wrote a script for our video, individually bearing the load of an assignment designed for three people. As the deadline approached, my stress level and workload increased. I realized something had to change. I embraced the different learning styles and work ethics of my group. Typically, I would choose to collaborate with students I know well, but it can prove deadly for creativity. While working on the website, I assigned each person a specific task so that everyone was invested in the outcome. Leading this diverse team by delegating produced better results. In the past, my classmates had depended on me, but this time, I insisted on equal contributions. Our website was much better as a culmination of everyone’s ideas instead of a reflection of only my own. Through this and future projects, I learned to thrive on collaborating for a common purpose. 

I have translated my delegation skills directly into my life. When I paint houses with Habitat for Humanity, I have seen how effective collaboration helps others who are less fortunate. Even though it can be challenging to entrust the outcome to others, each person in our group has a different skill set to aid in the completion of the house. Whether working at school or in the community, I have learned that delegating the work is essential to successful collaboration.

Why this NC Supplemental Essay worked

Effective NC State supplemental essays for this prompt will be both retrospective and introspective. That is to say, they reflect not only on the obstacle, but how you navigated it with your tools and knowledge. What did you learn about yourself in the process? Did overcoming this obstacle change you?

This author is frank about their control issues and how this character flaw was hindering their group work. Clearly, they have thought a lot about their approach to group projects, as well as their struggles with leadership. Additionally, they acknowledged their history of working with the same people and why that is often unproductive. Acknowledging personal flaws and growing with them is welcome in NC State supplemental essays.

Good NC State essay examples like this one are also full of specific details. Here, the writer delineates their process of realizing the problem, then delegating tasks. The reader can see into the writer’s thought process, following their shift in perspective. Details help to root NC State essays examples in reality and keep the reader engaged.

Finally, the writer draws connections between this experience and other areas of their life. This is a great strategy for showing that you can apply lessons to different situations and recognize those links. Good NC State supplemental essay examples are able to illustrate the relationships among various skills, experiences, and activities. Moreover, great NC State State essay examples can show those through time: how could this challenging experience inform your future?

NC State Essay Example #3 – Diverse Community Essay

The last of our NC State supplemental essay examples addresses the following prompt:

NC State is a community that is strong because of the diversity of our perspectives and experiences. Please describe how you could contribute to or benefit from campus diversity. 

This prompt looks the most different from its current version, though it’s still very similar. The current prompt includes NC State’s vision for an inclusive community and asks for a response. With that said, let’s read the last of our NC State essay examples.

NC State Essay Example #3

Diversity is the culmination of experiences and backgrounds within a community. 

Through my diversity of opinion, I have contributed to my high school classroom as well as [NAME OF SCHOOL REDACTED]. In my AP Literature class, I look beyond the literal meaning of a poem and into the deeper meaning, often suggesting a contrasting interpretation. I play the Devil’s advocate in an AP Government debate to explore the many facets of an issue. In my AP Spanish class, I apply my grammatical knowledge to our class discussion of the differences between the Mexican and American education systems. While attending [NAME OF SCHOOL REDACTED] for instrumental music, I had a unique perspective as a French horn player in a large orchestra. I will continue to seek out opportunities to provide various perspectives in a classroom setting, respect differences of opinion, and promote intellectual curiosity. 

Why this essay worked

By opening with their definition of diversity, the writer provides a frame for understanding the rest of their essay. This can be helpful for prompts that could have multiple different interpretations depending on the individual. Even more, it can help you set the theme for your essay.

This writer centers the intellectual diversity they bring to the table, from poetry analysis to debate. By providing several discrete examples, they evoke both the multitude of things they do and the various perspectives they hold. They show the reader that they consider topics from all angles and try to find new points of view.

Aside from the wealth of examples, the writer strikes a balance between showing and telling. Another piece of advice college applicants never stop hearing, showing-not-telling is important. However, it’s also critical to arrive at your point. What are these examples and anecdotes for? This writer closes by looking to the future and how their intellectual curiosity will underpin their approach to college.

Are NC State Supplemental Essays important?

As you cannot submit your application without NC State supplemental essays, yes, they’re important. But more than just fulfilling a requirement, NC State supplemental essays show NC State admissions officers who you are. In addition to the NC State personal statement, NC State supplemental essays demonstrate your personal and intellectual character. 

Even if you know all about how to get into NC State, an acceptance letter is never guaranteed. As one of the top schools in North Carolina , NC State is in high demand, especially among North Carolina residents. In light of that, highly polished and intentional essays are a must.

Another confounding factor is test-optional admissions . NC State has gone test-optional through fall 2024 in response to the challenges of testing during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the most recent admissions cycle, 53% of students applied without submitting test scores. In such cases, the rest of an NC State application is weighed more heavily. Especially for students applying without test scores, strong NC State essays can make or break your NC State admissions chances.

If you’re banking on financial aid and scholarships, applying early with well-crafted NC State supplemental essays is the best strategy. Early deadlines usually yield higher acceptances and more financial aid, no matter what school. The NC State Early Action deadline is November 1st , so make sure you start writing early to get ahead.

Getting Started on your NC State Essays

By now, you’ve read some NC State supplemental essay examples and are ready to start writing your own. Right? Or maybe you’re not sure what to write about. Choosing a topic is the first step to writing college essays. Reflection and brainstorming exercises can help you think of potential topics. Start your college admissions process early to give yourself plenty of time to think, draft, and edit.

For example, you might try a free write. Pick a prompt, set a ten-minute timer, and write anything that comes to mind. These could be isolated words or whole sentences spanning a wide range of possible topics. After the timer goes off, you may have the seeds for a few drafts.

You could also try making a mind map. Choose a prompt and a topic, like an extracurricular activity or experience, then make a web of ideas around it. This can be helpful if you already know your subject but aren’t sure about what exactly you want to say.

If you’re having trouble with the first prompt, try reading another why school essay example or two. Think about what you know about NC State, why you like it, and why it’s on your college list. There should be reasons beyond high rankings , like programs, location, or campus culture. Try to link those to your academic interests in your NC State supplemental essays.

However you approach your essays, make sure to edit your drafts with the help of others. Revise your NC State personal statement thoroughly , since you’ll likely send it to multiple colleges. Even before closely proofreading your essays, you should edit them for clarity—do they address the prompt? Also, you should ask a trusted peer or adult for feedback to further refine your essays.

More CollegeAdvisor Resources to Support You

CollegeAdvisor.com has no shortage of resources for you to use in your college admissions journey. If you’re still researching colleges, take a look at our college finder series. This series covers the college search , college list , and comparing colleges . If you’ve narrowed your scope to North Carolina, we have a list of the best colleges and universities in the state .

In addition to these NC State supplemental essay examples, we have sample college essay articles for dozens of colleges. Whether NC State is your dream school or you’re applying to other great universities, our essay guides can help you.

In particular, we have a whole guide to the “ why this school ” essay, featuring longer essay examples and detailed analysis. For help with the cultural diversity essay prompt, check out our webinar on highlighting your own diverse perspective. Finally, we have more general guides to writing outstanding supplemental essays, as well as a wide array of essay examples .

As for the NC State personal statement, we have a ton of panels and advice straight from Admissions Officers. We even have a webinar entirely on personal statement revision . And if you’re starting early (smart!), we have tips on using the summer to draft your personal statement.

NC State Supplemental Essay Examples – Final Thoughts

We looked at three different NC State supplemental essay examples and why they worked. Good NC State supplemental essays address the prompt directly and concisely. While narrative NC State supplemental essay examples are common, we saw that you don’t always need an anecdote. Rather, you should focus on clearly conveying the qualities that will help you succeed at and contribute to NC State.

NC State University is one of the best universities in North Carolina, and among the top universities nationwide. As a renowned research university, NC State offers a top-tier education for those who can impress NC State admissions. A successful NC State application needs polished NC State supplemental essays. Reading NC State essay examples is a good place to start.

As part of our mission to demystify college admissions, all of our articles and webinars are free to use. We also have an extensive network of Admissions Experts who can provide personalized, one-on-one support on your schedule. Whether you’re wrapping up sophomore year or about to become a senior, we’ll work with you on your admissions strategy.

This essay examples guide was written by senior advisor, Gina Goosby . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Transfer-Profile

North carolina state university.

• Public 4 year
• 1:15 Faculty to Student Ratio
• 20% Transfer Student Ratio

Financial Information

• Scholarships and Financial Aid: The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (OSFA), located in 2016 Harris Hall on NC State's campus, assists students and parents in applying for and securing financial assistance when family resources are insufficient to meet educational expenses. The Student Services Center walk-in center is located in 2000A Harris Hall (2831 Thurman Drive). All visitors looking to visit OSFA should first check in there.

Information for Transfer In Students

• Accepts Transfers: We recommend you have a minimum of 30 transferable college semester credit hours completed (or 45 quarter hours) before you apply to NC State.
• Transfer Applications Received: 4,441
• Transfer Applications Accepted: 1,813
• Percentage Accepted: 40.8%
• Transfer Applicants Enrolled: 1,310
• View Agreements: https://admissions.ncsu.edu/apply/transfer/

Application Deadlines for Transfer

Transfer Application Requirements

• Minimum GPA: In order to be considered for transfer admission your cumulative GPA for all college work previously attempted must meet or exceed the recommendations listed for your desired major. The recommended GPA to remain competitive varies by college or program.
• Official Transcripts: Official transcripts from all previously attended postsecondary institutions are required for admission consideration. If you do not have a minimum of 30 college semester credit hours, a final official high school transcript should also be submitted.
• SAT Scores: Standardized test scores are not required for admission consideration.
• Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation are not required for admission consideration.
• Essay: One essay is required for admission consideration. There are several optional writing prompts students may choose to answer on the application.
• Application Fee: There is an $85 non-refundable application fee for students applying domestically. There is a $100 non-refundable application fee for international applications.
• Interview: An interview is not required for admission consideration.
• Apply Here: https://admissions.ncsu.edu/apply/

Transfer Credit Policy

• Minimum Grade: College level work must be completed with a 'C' or better grade at a regionally accredited institution to be considered for admissions/ transfer credit.
• Credits (Min/Max): Students must complete one academic year of coursework at NC State to earn their degree from NC State.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Applying for the park scholarships program.

• How do I apply?

Are official ACT or SAT scores required?

Is there a minimum gpa that students must have in order to apply, what are the park scholarships application essay prompts what tips do you have for writing essays, what information will you use from my nc state/commonapp, who should write my letters of recommendation, what tips do you have for preparing my application, are there additional resources available to help me with my application, do i need an endorsement or nomination to apply, if i no longer wish to be considered for the park scholarships program, what must i do, selection process, how are park scholars selected, is financial need taken into consideration, when are park scholars selected when will i know about my status, can the park scholarship be deferred, what are park scholarships interviews like.

• May I reschedule my interview if I have a conflict?

The Park Scholarships Program

What is the park scholarships program, what is the park foundation.

• What are the conditions for renewal of the Park Scholarship?

Am I able to receive scholarships in addition to the Park Scholarship?

Can park scholars receive additional funding for activities, does being a park scholar take a lot of time, what are park faculty scholars, what are learning labs, where do park scholars go after they graduate, how do i apply for the park scholarships program.

• Submit a complete Park Scholarships application by Nov. 1.
• Submit an application for admission to NC State by Nov. 1.

ACT or SAT scores are not required for your Park Scholarships Application. If you submit your test scores to NC State and ask that they be considered for admission, we will consider them in our process.

A minimum unweighted GPA of 3.8 is required to apply for the Park Scholarships program. A successful Park Scholar applicant is also a competitive applicant to NC State University.

The Park Scholarships application essay prompts change annually. The two essay prompts for the 2024-2025 selection cycle (the Class of 2029) are listed below. Each essay response is limited to 600 words and applicants will answer both prompts.

Your essays should delve beneath the surface and reveal insights about your candidacy based on our four  selection criteria : scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Essays that go beyond merely describing an experience, person, or project help our Selection Committee learn more about you.

Instructions from the application:

The Park Scholarships  selection criteria  are scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

Park Scholars are intellectually curious students who excel academically and seek learning experiences beyond the classroom. They dedicate themselves to making a positive difference for others. Park Scholars listen well, lead by example, take risks and champion original ideas. They demonstrate the highest levels of integrity, honesty and conscientiousness.

Strong applicants describe their experience and potential in the four criteria in these two essays. As you write your responses, we welcome you to include any settings that have been part of your high school experience – school, community, work, family, etc.

2024-2025 Essay Prompts

• Tell us about an event, realization or project where your curiosity insipred you to take action. What initially sparked your interest, how did you pursue further understanding and what specific actions did you take as a result? (This essay prompt is also part of the application for NC State’s University Honors Program . You are welcome to reuse or adapt this essay for that application.)
• Park Scholars make a positive difference for others. What meaningful civic contributions have you made? Why did you engage in this service? What was the impact of your actions? 

From your NC State admission application we will also review your:

• Activities and honors
• Personal essay
• NC State’s short-answer essays
• NC State’s  optional  short answer essays
• We do NOT have access to general recommendations submitted to the NC State application.

The best recommendation letters are from people who know you well and can provide specific examples of how you meet the  selection criteria . At least one of your recommenders should be someone who is familiar with your academics. This could be a high school teacher, community college instructor/faculty member, counselor/advisor, or principal.

The Selection Committee will only see the recommendation letters submitted as part of your Park Scholarships application. They will not see recommendation letters submitted as part of your application for admission to NC State. You may use the same recommenders if at least one meets the criteria above. Remember to select recommenders familiar with your accomplishments and potential in scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

Recommendations are due by 11:59pm, November 1. If recommendations are not submitted by the Nov. 1 deadline your application will not be eligible for consideration in our process.

Applications offer our first picture of Park Scholarships candidates. To paraphrase Park Scholar Sam Dotson ’24: “The Park Scholarships Selection Committee wants to get to know each candidate as a person, so dig deep into who you are and present your most authentic self to the Selection Committee.” Answer the essay prompts the way you want to answer them, not with words you think someone else wants to hear. Stay true to yourself and focus on the four pillars of the Park Scholarships program: scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

Park Under-Resourced Assistance (PURA) is a student-run initiative to help under-resourced candidates through each phase of the selection process. Under-resourced students are defined to include applicants who are first-generation, are from low-income backgrounds, attend overpopulated schools, are from rural areas or who are from other socio-economically disadvantaged areas. PURA essay submission instructions and resources will be available in October. Learn more about PURA .

No! Prior to fall 2022, counselor and self-endorsements were a part of the Park Scholarships application process. To reduce burdens on prospective students and counselors, the Park Scholarships program has discontinued the endorsement process. Prospective students may access the application as soon as it is available and are encouraged to start it as early as possible.

Should you opt not to continue in the Park Scholarships selection process at any point, please email  [email protected]  with your request to withdraw from consideration.

At every stage of the process, the Selection Committee evaluates all candidates on the following  criteria : scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Applications are reviewed by Regional Selection Committee members and from those applicants, Semifinalists are selected each year to participate in Semifinal Interviews. After those interviews, Finalists are selected and invited to participate in Final Selection Activities. For more detail, visit the Selection Process page .

The Park Scholarship is a merit-based award and financial need is not a selection criterion. Park Scholarships candidates should also apply for need-based aid if they think they may be eligible. For more information, visit Student Services’  Financial Aid website .

All applicants will be notified at each stage via email, but they can also check their status in their  wolfPAW portal . See the “Important Dates”  sidebar  for specific notification dates.

Yes; in fact, we encourage students to defer their university studies for one year to travel or work abroad or to engage in some other “gap year” activity. Incoming students may request a deferral in writing.

Our interviews usually last 20-30 minutes and are conducted by a panel of 2-4 alumni and faculty  Selection Committee  members. Students should expect questions related to the selection criteria and their applications. Candidates do not need to study for interviews but should review their applications beforehand. Interviews also provide candidates an opportunity to ask questions about the Park Scholarships program and NC State.

Semifinal Interviews are held via Zoom. Finalist Interviews are held in-person during our Final Selection Activities weekend.

May I reschedule my Semifinalist or Finalist interviews if I have a conflict?

We regret that we cannot reschedule interviews. Hundreds of alumni, faculty and Park Scholar volunteers are involved with Semifinalist and Finalist interviews; thus, we are unable to arrange alternate dates. See the “Important Dates”  sidebar  for the current year’s interview dates.

The Park Scholarships program brings exceptional students to NC State, based on outstanding accomplishments and potential in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. The program develops and supports Park Scholars in these areas, preparing them for lifelong contributions to the campus, state, nation, and world. The scholarship is a four-year award that covers tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, travel, and personal expenses. An academic enrichment program complements the financial award.

The Park Scholarships program was established to honor the legacy of the late Roy H. Park ’31, a distinguished alumnus of NC State and founder of Park Communications. The charitable  Park Foundation  helped launch the Park Scholarships program through a series of grants and a  $50 million gift to start an endowment  for the program. Today, students, alumni, families, faculty, and friends have joined the effort to fully endow the Park Scholarships program. Find out how you can  invest in exceptional students  dedicated to scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

What are the conditions for renewal of the Park Scholarships?

The Park Scholarship is renewable for a total of eight semesters at NC State. Scholars must meet high standards in academic performance, character, conduct, and participation in program and service activities while completing at least 12 credit hours per semester.

Per  university policy , Park Scholars are eligible for additional merit scholarships from North Carolina State University provided they do not receive funds that exceed the  Cost of Attendance  as defined by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, unless the awarding department stipulates otherwise.

If you have received scholarship money from outside the university, it is up to that funding source whether or not you are eligible for its scholarship. If you are still eligible, and the total of the outside scholarship(s) and the Park Scholarship is higher than your Cost of Attendance in a semester, NC State will adjust the Park Scholarship to reflect other funds received so that the total amount of funds a student receives is not more than the Cost of Attendance.

With respect to need-based financial aid, we highly encourage Park Scholars to complete the  Free Application for Federal Student Aid  (FAFSA) annually so they may receive the need-based aid for which they are eligible. Park Scholars who have applied for and receive Federal Pell grants, grants from the state of North Carolina, or university grants to meet their demonstrated need will have the Park Scholarship reduced appropriately to keep the student within the Cost of Attendance. For additional questions, please call the  Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid  at 919-515-2421.

Yes. Park Scholars may apply for  Park Enrichment Grants  to support professional and personal enrichment experiences in the U.S. and abroad. Scholars have the opportunity to apply for travel grants awarded by the  Park Alumni Society  in order to cover airfare for fall and spring study abroad experiences.

Park Scholars are also eligible to apply for the supplemental funding resources available to all students at NC State, including:

• Grants for entrepreneurial ventures through  NC State Entrepreneurship  
• Grants for internship and research opportunities through  NC State’s University Fellowships Office
• Grants for research through  NC State’s Office of Undergraduate Research  
• Grants for sustainability projects through  NC State’s Sustainability Fund
• Study abroad awards through  NC State’s Study Abroad Office

Park Scholars spend time on service and program activities. A student should expect to spend about the same time on Park Scholarships activities as might be spent on a three credit-hour university course.

Park Faculty Scholars are two NC State professors who meet regularly with each class of Park Scholars and assist them in organizing their enrichment activities. For a list of the current Park Faculty Scholars, visit the  Staff and Faculty  section of this site.

Park Scholars participate in two  Learning Labs  – trips for scholars to learn about challenges facing leaders at the state, national, and global levels. The first trip is to a region of North Carolina during spring of the first year. Learning Lab II takes place in Washington, D.C., during fall break of the sophomore year.

Park Scholars attend prestigious graduate and professional programs at institutions including Cambridge, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, MIT, Oxford, and Stanford. They work for Fortune 100 companies, launch their own businesses, and engage in public service through programs like Teach For America and the Peace Corps. See the  Park Alumni  page for more details.

If you have a question that is not answered on the Park Scholarships website, you can contact the Park Scholarships office by email at [email protected] or by phone at 919-515-3794.

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Goodnight Scholarships

The Goodnight Scholarships office prepares North Carolina's top STEM talent to become transformational leaders at NC State University, in North Carolina and in the world.

The Goodnight Scholarships office is home to two scholarship programs, the Goodnight Scholars Program and the Goodnight Transfer Scholars Program. The Goodnight Scholars Program was founded in 2008, and the Goodnight Transfer Scholars Program was founded in 2017, both with generous support from NC State alumni Jim Goodnight ‘65 and Ann Goodnight ‘68. In addition to full-tuition scholarships, both offer comprehensive student development programs designed to develop scholars into leaders within the STEM and STEM-education fields. 

96% Graduation Rate Since 2012

$23k/year in scholarship amount, 350 current goodnight scholars, applying to goodnight scholarships.

Applying as a First-Year

Learn more about the timeline and process for prospective students interested in applying to the program as graduating high school seniors.

Learn More 

Applying as a Transfer

Learn more about the timeline and process for prospective students interested in applying to the program by transferring from a community college.

¡Estamos emocionados de presentarles a Freddie Aguilar Lanzas, clase de 2028! ¡Unanse con nosotros para conocer su transición a NC State y sus esperanzas para este año!

Here at NC State, Hana Robinson (T`26) does research on ticks and mosquitos using field work and laboratory methods. Tune in to this research reel to learn more about her work!

August 2024 Recap: From first-year retreat to the annual All Goodnight Meeting - Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!

Lounge Drip‼️ All Goodnight Meeting Edition

Fiona Evans (C`26) is doing research on rhinoviruses at NC State. Tune in to this research reel to learn more about her research and contributions to the scientific community!

UnYapped Potential Episode 2: Laurel Harp, Nutrition Beach Chair

From morning hustle to classroom vibes—follow Mario Rosas’s journey on the first day of class!

Episode 1: UnYapped Potential. We are excited to feature Class of 2027`s very own, Coley Welch (a spreadable jam)!

The Goodnight Scholarships office is ecstatic to welcome the Class of 2028 and Transfer Class of 2027! We’re overjoyed to have you with us and can`t wait to support your incredible journey ahead!

Med school looks GREAT on you. Best of luck to our alums Selma (‘22) and Ben (‘23) on their first year at ECU’s Brody School of Medicine 💜🏴‍☠️

Views from NC State’s Summer Symposium! We are so proud of all of your hard work. Continue doing the research that will propel us forward.

Current Scholars 🫱🏼‍🫲🏽 Goodnight Alum 🫱🏻‍🫲🏾 🇬🇧 Shoutout to @ncstatealumni and @ncstate.global for hosting this international networking event ! From left to right: Amber ‘26 Zoe ‘26 Jacob ‘27 Aiden ‘22 Brynna ‘26

The 2024-2025 trip line up just dropped! We are excited to continue our excursions to locations that are staples in our program, and look forward to venturing to new destinations this school year!

This week, the entire pro staff attended the Undergraduate Scholars Program Administrators Association conference. Gaige and Joselyn (also USPAA board members) shared our approach to scholar programming, and Sierra and Anthony presented on our Fall Break RISE trip. We were excited to highlight these parts of the program with conference attendees, and look forward to bringing the best practices of other scholarship programs to NC State!

Join us in welcoming the newest members of our Goodnight family. Congratulations to the Class of 2028 and Transfer Class of 2027, recipients of the Goodnight Scholarship! To learn more, visit the link in our bio.

On this episode of Have a Goodnight, Anthony sat down with Alexa Hadley (`27) and Bryce Scott (T`25) and talked about their travels to Alaska for an alternative service break trip, chicken sandwiches, balls of gas, community values, substitute teaching, and the importance of expanding your cultural understandings of the world around you. The Have a Goodnight podcast is available wherever you get your podcast. Link in bio!

As we continue to celebrate our graduates, check out their bios and pictures from our graduation celebration by clicking the link in our bio. Congratulations to the class of 2024!

Graduation SZN 🐺🎓🎈

Graduation regalia lounge drip 💧 🐺🎓

Eunyss Froa (Class of 2027) dives into her artistic hobbies, her passion for efficiency and puzzle-solving which led to Industrial Engineering, and how she was able to stay connected with her Filipino culture at NCSU.

FEATURED STORIES

Goodnight Scholarships Continues to Grow

The Goodnight Scholarships office is excited to announce that our community is expanding! Starting Fall 2025, the Goodnight Scholarships office will double its freshman class enrollment from 50 to 100 first-year students per year, and grow its new transfer class enrollment from 50 to 60 students per year.

Read More 

Goodnight Scholars Program Announces the Class of 2028 and Transfer Class of 2027

The Goodnight Scholarships Office at NC State is proud to announce the 100 new students joining the Goodnight Scholars Program in our traditional and transfer cohorts.

Goodnight Scholarships Scholar Spotlight: Isabela Rivera

My dream career is in the sports medicine field. As I gain more experience, I hope to narrow down the specific speciality I want to pursue. My interest in sports medicine began when I took an introductory sports medicine class in high school.

NEW! Find where to watch all of your favorite sports!

With veteran McCall out, NC State turns to freshman QB Bailey

• Graduate of the University of Florida. Follow on X

NC State will start true freshman quarterback CJ Bailey against Clemson on Saturday, coach Dave Doeren announced.

Veteran transfer Grayson McCall was knocked out last week against Louisiana Tech with an undisclosed injury. Doeren said Monday during his weekly news conference that McCall is "day-to-day" and did not want to get into specifics on the injury.

"We're going to take our time, and when he's ready, he'll be ready," Doeren said. "CJ is ready to play."

Bailey came in for McCall against Louisiana Tech and led the Wolfpack to a comeback victory, going 13-of-20 for 156 yards and an interception, with one rushing touchdown.

"I was really proud of the way that the team rallied around CJ," Doeren said. "At halftime, when he knew it was his time to play, he was ready for the moment."

The challenge gets more difficult this week at Clemson, where NC State has not won since 2002.

"They've got a great defensive line, and they do a lot of blitzing, so we've got to give them all the looks -- not just him, the O-line and the protections with the backs," Doeren said. "Obviously, crowd noise is going to be a part of what we're doing every day, and making sure our cadence functions in the noise that we're going to be dealing with. Then just schematically, doing the things that he's best at, and then letting him play ball. That's the one thing about him. He's a football player. That kid understands the game. He's a winner, and he's excited. I'm excited for him."

As for McCall, Doeren said Grayson's injury is not season-ending.

"Every injury is different," Doeren said. "You just be there for them, you're supportive, you get them the care they need and when they're ready to play, they're ready to play. You just have to let the doctors tell you what the timeline looks like, and in his case, we've gotten good news. It's just, how long does it take?"

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Never miss a deadline - mark your calendar with the dates below to apply on time.

Application Deadlines

With both spring and fall admission, you can apply when you are ready.

Interested in starting classes in Summer Session I or Summer Session II? Apply for fall admission , and if you are admitted, email us at [email protected] to request your application be updated to summer entry. We will then consider you for a Summer Session II entry which begins at the end of June.

Applying for a studio-based major or the Agricultural Institute?

Make sure to review their application deadlines and notification dates – they differ from our other programs.

know the deadlines

Spring entry, studio-based majors, agricultural institute.

First-Year Applicants

Our best advice is to apply early. We don’t necessarily give priority to early action applicants in the review process, but first-year early action applicants receive priority consideration for scholarships and financial aid as well as our Honors Program. Decisions are released on the corresponding notification date as long as your application is complete by the deadline.

Early Action

Application deadline – november 1.

• Notification Date – January 30

Regular Decision

• Application Deadline  – January 15
• Notification Date – March 30

Enrollment Confirmation Deadline

• May 15 or within 10 days if you are accepted after May 15

International applicants must apply by the deadline and will have their admissions decisions released on a rolling basis once their application is complete.

Transfer Applicants

Transfer applicants only have one decision plan option for spring and fall – Regular Decision. Once you review our recommendations for competitive applicants and have made a plan, go ahead and submit your application. We will consider courses in progress as long as they are successfully completed prior to you enrolling.

• Application Deadline  – February 15
• Decision Notification – Rolling beginning April 15

Students who submit and complete their application on time can expect to receive a decision in mid-April.

First-year and transfer applicants interested in applying for the spring semester should apply by the deadline below.

• Application Deadline  – October 1
• Decision Notification – Rolling beginning November 15

Students who submit and complete their application on time can expect to receive a decision in mid-November.

• December 1 or within 10 days if you are accepted after December 1

A few majors do not accept applications for spring entry:

• Applied Math
• College of Design studio-based majors
• Exploratory Studies
• First-year applications to the College of Engineering*
• Fashion and Textile Design
• Mathematics

Music Technology

*Spring applications are open only to transfer students.

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

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

Both first-year and transfer students applying for one of the majors above must apply by November 1 to be considered.

Portfolio and Additional Essay Due – November 1

To complete an application for a studio-based major, there are supplemental requirements in addition to the first-year or transfer admissions application. You are required to submit a 10-piece portfolio and additional essay through your wolfPAW account (Fashion and Textile Design applicants will submit a portfolio through SlideRoom) by November 1 to complete your application.

We encourage you to submit your application by mid-October in order to gain access to your wolfPAW account by the November 1 deadline.

Although music technology is not a studio-based program, it requires submission of a portfolio and additional essay . First-year applicants to music technology can apply Early Action or Regular Decision. Learn more about the music technology program here .

additional information

College of design.

Architecture, Art + Design, Graphic & Experience Design and Industrial Design 

Wilson College of Textiles

Fashion and Textile Design 

Create Your Application

NC State’s two-year Agricultural Institute (AGI) accepts first-year and transfer applicants hoping to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in one of six academic areas. Decisions are posted on your wolfPAW account on a rolling basis, once your application is completed and reviewed.

• Application Deadline – June 1
• Application Deadline – October 1

Apply to AGI

Submit an application to begin pursuing a career in agriculture. 

AGI Admissions Requirements

View what’s needed to complete your application.