Admissions

The University of North Carolina at Asheville welcomes applications from those interested in post secondary education and academic enrichment. To accommodate the diverse needs of the population served by UNC Asheville, five admission classifications have been established: beginning freshmen, transfer students, visiting students, post-baccalaureate students and non-degree students. The requirements and procedures for admission to each of these classifications are explained below. These classifications and the procedures for admission appropriate to each, apply to all students, whether full time or part time, day or evening. Students whose applications to UNC Asheville contain false statements or who fail to disclose all post secondary institutions attended are subject to disciplinary action that may include dismissal from the university.

Inquiries by mail, telephone or in person are welcome at the Office of Admissions of the University of North Carolina at Asheville, CPO #1320, One University Heights, Asheville, NC 28804-8510, 828/251-6481 or 1-800/531-9842. Visit the UNC Asheville Office of Admissions at www.unca.edu/admissions. Assistance is also available via admissions@unca.edu. UNC Asheville employees and recent UNC Asheville alumni should contact the Office of Admissions regarding their eligibility for a waiver of the application fee.

Requirements and Procedures

Beginning Freshmen

Admission to UNC Asheville is competitive. Applicants are reviewed individually to evaluate how well their goals and strengths match the university’s educational mission. Factors taken into consideration include curriculum, grade point average, essay, counselor or teacher recommendations, trend in grades, class rank if provided by the high school, and SAT Reasoning Test or ACT with Writing Test scores. The majority of the admissions decision is based on the high school record. Also considered are special interests and talents, honors received, participation in clubs and athletics, volunteer and leadership activities, international studies and other experiences that support academic achievement.

Minimum Course Requirements (MCR) for the UNC system are as follows:

1. High school diploma from a regionally accredited secondary school.
2. Four units of college preparatory English.
3. Four units of mathematics, including Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and one unit that has Algebra II as a prerequisite. It is recommended that one unit be taken in the 12^th grade.
4. Three units of science, including one unit of biological science, one unit of physical science such as Chemistry or Physics, and one laboratory course.
5. Two units of social studies to include at least one unit of U.S. History.
6. Two units of the same foreign language.

Applicants who do not meet admissions requirements but who still want to attend UNC Asheville may elect to attend another regionally accredited institution of higher education and either: a) successfully complete 30 transferable semester hours or 45 transferable quarter hours—six transferable semester hours or nine transferable quarter hours must be completed in each of the following subject areas: English composition, mathematics, social sciences, natural sciences, and foreign language, or b) they may successfully complete an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science or Associate in Fine Arts. These students may then reapply as a transfer applicant and be reviewed for admissions consideration.

Applications are reviewed on a deadline-based schedule. Applicants for Fall must apply by November 15 of the preceding year to be eligible for early action. The final priority deadline for Fall applicants is February 15. Early application is encouraged. UNC Asheville merit-based scholarship applications require receipt of all admissions materials by November 15.

Each applicant for admission as a beginning freshman must submit:

1. a completed application for admission.
2. an application fee of $50. This is a non-refundable processing charge and does not apply to other university fees.
3. an official high school transcript (to be mailed directly by the school to UNC Asheville). This transcript should show all the applicant’s high school studies through the date of application and include the grade-point average (4.0 scale) and class rank. After graduation, the applicant must request a final high school transcript showing the date of graduation, final class rank and grade point average (4.0 scale).
4. official SAT Reasoning or ACT with Writing Test scores. These scores are to be sent directly from the College Entrance Examination Board or the American College Testing Program to the Office of Admissions of the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Information and applications for the tests are available from: College Entrance Examination Board, Box 592, Princeton, NJ 09540, www.collegeboard.com, telephone 609/771-7600 (code #5013 for UNC Asheville); or American College Testing Program, P.O. Box 168, Iowa City, IA 52343-0168, www.act.org, telephone 319/337-1000 (code #3064 for UNC Asheville).
5. official Advanced Placement (AP) scores (only if AP classes were taken). These scores must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions of the University of North Carolina at Asheville by the College Board. Write to: AP Exams, P. O. Box 6671, Princeton, NJ 08541-6671, telephone 609/771-7300.
6. official International Baccalaureate (IB) Transcript of Grades (if IB classes were taken) must be forwarded directly to the Office of Admissions of the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Write to: International Baccalaureate, 475 Riverside Drive, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10015, telephone 212/696-4464.
7. official transcripts for any classes taken while in high school that earned college credit. The applicant must contact the Registrar at each college and request that an official transcript be sent directly to the Office of Admissions of the University of North Carolina at Asheville.
8. a completed UNC Asheville health form, including immunization data required by North Carolina law, sent directly to UNC Asheville Health Services after official notification of acceptance. (See Student Health Services  section for details.)

Transfer Students

Transfer applications are reviewed based on high school and college records. No minimum GPA guarantees admission and a strong performance in a challenging college curriculum is preferred.

For consideration, a student must possess a minimum GPA of 2.5 on all college course work and be eligible to return to the last school attended. All students under the age of 24 must satisfy Minimum Course Requirements (see Beginning Freshman section) as set by the University of North Carolina system. A student deficient in one or more of these courses must complete 30 hours of specific course work on the college level or earn an A.A., A.S., or A.F.A. before becoming eligible for admission consideration.

Each applicant for admission as a transfer student must submit:

1. a completed application for admission.
2. a $50 application fee. This is a non-refundable processing charge and does not apply to any other university fee.
3. an official high school transcript if under the age of 24 and has not earned an A.A., A.S., or A.F.A. degree.
4. official college transcripts from all institutions previously attended, including those attended on a correspondence, extension or distance-learning basis. The applicant must contact the Registrar at each institution attended and request that an official transcript be sent directly to the Office of Admissions of the University of North Carolina at Asheville.
5. an official copy of your high school transcript showing your grade-point average, class rank, and date of graduation directly to the Office of Admissions at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, if you have not been awarded an A.A., A.S., A.F.A., B.A. or B.S. degree at time of application;
6. a Transfer Student Supplemental Information form, to be completed by a school official at current or last attended school;
7. an essay of 250 words or less. See the online application for admission for essay topic;
8. official College Level Examination Program (CLEP) scores (only if CLEP exams were taken). To request CLEP scores write to: CLEP Transcript Service, P.O. Box 6600, Princeton, NJ 08541-6600, telephone 800/257-9558.
9. a completed UNC Asheville health form, including immunization data required by North Carolina law, sent directly to UNC Asheville’s Student Health and Counseling Services after official notification of acceptance.

Home School Applicants

Students who are home-schooled should follow the instructions for either Beginning Freshman or Transfer students, as applicable to the individual student. In addition to the requirements listed, North Carolina residents must submit a copy of the home school eligibility information issued by the North Carolina Division of Non-Public Instruction. Non-North Carolina residents must submit official documentation indicating the home school is approved to provide instruction. Official transcripts should include the notarized signature of the home school official.

Graduate Students - Master of Liberal Arts (M.L.A.)

Admission to the University of North Carolina at Asheville Master of Liberal Arts Program is based upon the applicant’s possession of a baccalaureate degree, or its equivalent, in any field, and demonstrated interest in pursuing advanced study in the liberal arts.

1. a completed MLA application form;
2. an application fee of $50. This is a non-refundable processing charge and does not apply to any other university fee;
3. official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work previously undertaken;
4. three letters of recommendation;
5. a statement of purpose for seeking a Master of Liberal Arts degree. This brief autobiographical essay should describe the applicant’s pertinent personal and professional experience and education, as well as his or her interests and goals in pursuing the MLA degree.

In addition to these requirements, members of the Graduate Council will also conduct an on-campus interview with each applicant. Candidates for admission may submit their scores from the Graduate Record Examination, or other standardized tests, but that is not required.

All applicants will be informed by the program director of their admission status as soon as possible after all of their credentials have been reviewed. The notice of admission may include mention of any academic condition under which a student is offered admission. Unless otherwise indicated, failure to meet those conditions will result in the student’s dismissal.

Visiting Students

Students from other colleges or universities may attend the university as visitors, provided they are in good academic standing (2.0 on all previous credits) at the institution they have been attending. Visiting students must complete a Visiting Student Application signed by a dean or another responsible academic officer. Visiting applications must be submitted each semester to the Office of the Registrar. Verification of immunization compliance must also be provided.

A transcript will be sent to the sponsoring institution upon written request by the student. Visiting enrollment does not constitute regular admission to the University of North Carolina at Asheville. There is a $20, one-time-only, nonrefundable application fee for the first visiting student application.

Post-Baccalaureate Students

Students who already hold baccalaureate degrees from UNC Asheville or other regionally accredited institutions and are interested in additional undergraduate study have four choices: they may take individual courses as a non-degree student; they may pursue a second degree; they may choose to complete a post-baccalaureate certificate of major; or they may enroll in the teacher licensure program where they may or may not choose to pursue a second degree (see Education section of catalog). The admission procedure is slightly different for each case. All students must provide verification of compliance with the North Carolina immunization requirement. 

Those holding baccalaureate degrees who wish to pursue a second degree, earn a certificate of major, or enroll in the teacher licensure program will be considered transfer students for admissions purposes. Students seeking a second degree or certificate of major must complete a minimum of 30 hours at UNC Asheville, to include at least two-thirds of the hours required for the major. Students with a B.A. from UNC Asheville may not earn a second B.A. from the university, but may earn a B.S. or complete requirements for a second major. Students with a B.S. from UNC Asheville may not earn a second B.S. from UNC Asheville, but may earn a B.A. or complete requirements for a second major. 

Each applicant for admission as a post-baccalaureate student must submit:

1. A completed application for admission.
2. A $50 application fee. This is a non-refundable processing charge and does not apply to any other university fee.
3. Official transcripts from all institutions previously attended, including those attended on a correspondence, extension or distance-learning basis. The applicant must contact the Registrar at each institution attended and request that an official transcript be sent directly to the Office of Admissions.
4. Official College Level Examination Program (CLEP) scores (only if CLEP exams were taken). To request CLEP scores, write to CLEP Transcript Service, P.O. Box 6600, Princeton, NJ 08541-6600, telephone 800/257-9558.
5. A completed UNCA health form, including immunization data required by North Carolina law, sent directly to UNCA Health Services after official notification of acceptance. (See Student Health Services  section for details.)

Returning Students

Any University of North Carolina at Asheville student who interrupts his or her educational program by not registering for one or more regular terms of course work must reapply to the university. Returning students who attended another institution after leaving UNC Asheville, or students who are changing their status must reapply through the Admissions Office. A $50 application fee will be required in those cases where the student has enrolled elsewhere since being enrolled at UNC Asheville.

All other returning students should complete the Application for Readmission, available through the Office of the Registrar. All returning students must comply with immunization requirements.

Teacher Licensure

Applicants holding baccalaureate degrees who wish to pursue teacher licensure will be considered transfer students for admissions purposes. (Those who wish to take college courses to renew their licensure may be admitted to the university as non-degree students.) Applicants must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade-point average from the school where they earned their baccalaureate degree in order to be considered for the teacher licensure program.

Each applicant for admission as a teacher licensure student must submit:

1. a completed application for admission.
2. a $50 application fee. This is a non-refundable processing charge and does not apply to any other university fee.
3. official transcripts from all institutions previously attended, including those attended on a correspondence, extension or distance-learning basis. The applicant must contact the Registrar at each institution attended and request an official transcript be sent directly to the Office of Admissions, University of North Carolina at Asheville, CPO #1320, One University Heights, Asheville, NC 28804-8510.
4. official College Level Examination Program (CLEP) scores (only if CLEP exams were taken). To request CLEP scores write to: CLEP Transcript Service, P.O. Box 6600, Princeton, NJ 08541-6600, telephone 800/257-9558.
5. a completed UNCA health form, including immunization data required by North Carolina law, sent directly to UNCA Health Services after official notification of acceptance. (See Student Health Services  section for details.)

Non-Degree Students

Applicants who wish to take college courses but have no clear intention of obtaining a degree may be admitted to the university as non-degree students. Non-degree applicants under the age of 24 who have not earned a Bachelors degree or an A.A., A.S., or A.F.A. degree, must contact their high school to request that an official transcript be mailed to the Office of the Registrar of the University of North Carolina at Asheville as part of the application process. All students must provide verification of compliance with the North Carolina immunization requirement. Students who have been denied admission for reasons of academic deficiency, or previously enrolled students who have been dismissed, may not then be enrolled as non-degree students. Admission as a non-degree student does not constitute regular admission to the university. Any non-degree student in good standing (2.5 grade-point average) who has accumulated 24 semester hours of credit must submit a degree application and any additional credentials required to be eligible to take additional courses. Students who wish to continue as non-degree students beyond 24 hours may apply for exemption to the Assistant Provost for Academic Administration. Rules on academic eligibility apply to non-degree students. A $20 non-refundable application fee is required.

Conditional Readmission Policy

Degree-seeking students who left UNC Asheville in poor academic standing (grade point average below 2.0) may apply for readmission to the university under the Conditional Readmission Policy. This program gives students who might otherwise be unable to complete their baccalaureate degree for academic reasons the opportunity to prove themselves. To be considered for this policy, a student must not have attended UNC Asheville for a minimum of three years, and must show evidence that the reasons for the initial failure at UNC Asheville are no longer present. The Enrollment Services Committee will review all applicants.

A student approved under the policy is readmitted on a probationary basis, and must then complete 24 semester hours. Academic performance is reviewed by the Enrollment Services Committee at the completion of the 24 semester hours. If the standards established by the Committee have been met, the student is fully readmitted to UNC Asheville.

Academic work attempted prior to acceptance under the Conditional Readmission Policy is reviewed at this point, and only the credit hours (not grades) associated with courses in which the student earned a grade of C or better are applied to the degree program. Neither the hours, nor the grades for courses in which a student earned a C–, D, F or U are applied toward graduation. Required courses in which a student earned a grade below a C must be repeated.

A student’s academic transcript contains all attempted courses and grades earned at UNC Asheville; however, when a student is readmitted under the Conditional Readmission Policy, the grades in courses completed prior to the semester in which the student initially applied for readmission under the policy are not factored into the overall grade-point average. The transcript reflects the student’s admission to the program.

Students who are readmitted to UNC Asheville under this policy are not eligible for universitywide honors and cannot utilize the C–, D, F and U grade replacement policy. Once accepted into the Conditional Readmission program, students may not request to be removed from the program. Students may apply for Conditional Readmission one time.

Notice of Admission

Applications for admissions will be reviewed on a deadline-based schedule. Students will be notified of the admissions decision by mail. Please see the Office of Admissions website at www.unca.edu/admissions for deadlines and notification dates.

Deferral of Admission

Students wishing to defer their admission to the university for one semester should notify the Office of Admissions to inform the institution of this decision. Students who wish to defer for a term longer than one semester are required to submit an Application Update along with an additional application fee.

Housing Application

Submitting an application for admission does not reserve a room in a campus residence hall. A separate application for housing must be submitted along with an advance tuition deposit and residence hall room deposit to the Office of Admissions immediately following notice of admission to the university. Additional information may be found in the Student Life section of this catalog.