First-Year Admissions

Students who have taken and performed well in advanced courses, particularly in math, chemistry, and physics, are best prepared for the academic rigor of the College and are more competitive in the admissions process. Also considered are standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) as well as extracurricular activities and leadership experiences. The typical first-year student admitted to the College has an unweighted grade point average ranging from 3.8 – 4.0. Many engineering first-year students were in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class. For the most recent year in which test scores were required for admissions (2019), the middle 50 percent of incoming first-years had SAT scores in the 1340-1450 range and ACT scores in the 30-33 range.

For complete information on the admissions process, including deadlines and other requirements, see NC State’s Undergraduate Admissions. Be sure to read about application deadlines and notification dates.

Engineering First Year Program

As of Fall 2012, all first-year students are admitted to the Engineering First Year Program (EFY). Students who know which engineering major they plan to pursue may indicate it on the admissions application as their intended major; their advisor will be a faculty member from that department during the first year. Students who are undecided on an intended major will be admitted as “undecided” to the Engineering First Year Program; their first-year advisor will be in the College’s Academic Affairs office. Please note that indication of an intended major on the admissions application has no effect whatsoever on admissions decisions. Students must successfully complete English composition, calculus, chemistry, physics and introductory engineering and computer courses before joining an academic department. EFY students also begin their General Education Program (GEP) electives (PDF).