North Carolina State University Admission
North Carolina State University Undergraduate Program
North Carolina State University Application

The Facts

North Carolina State University is a large, public, state school located in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina, and is home to over 18,655 undergraduate students and approximately 6,885 graduate and part-time students. The school is divided up into several smaller undergraduate colleges including schools of agriculture and life sciences, design, education and psychology, engineering, natural resources, humanities and social sciences, management, physical and mathematical sciences, and textiles. Some of the most popular majors are business, biology, computer sciences, computer engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Admission to North Carolina State University is quite competitive, and the applicant pool has been steadily increasing with each passing admissions cycle. Last year, over 13,000 students applied for admission to the school and approximately 8,000 of those students were accepted; of those, about 4,000 matriculated. The admitted students had an average combined SAT score ranging from 1100 to 1300 and an average comprehensive ACT score ranging from 23 to 29. Additionally, over 82% of those admitted were ranked in the top 25% of their high school graduating class with an average high school GPA of about 3.05.

NCSU has a rather manageable student to faculty ratio of 15:1, and most classes are quite large, particularly the introductory level classes, which are usually held in large lecture halls with upwards of 100 students. There are some smaller seminar classes in more specific major-related areas; however, they are few and far between. Students remark that their professors are on every end of the spectrum when it comes to accessibility and willingness to assist students. While some professors do everything they can to ensure that students are successful, there are many others who will barely give their students the time of day.

The Social Scene

The city of Raleigh offers students plenty of weekend entertainment options, including many student-friendly bars, clubs, shops, restaurants, museums, and theaters. The public transit system is quite efficient and affordable as well, so it is unnecessary for students to have cars, although many do. The campus itself is huge, and divided up into three smaller campuses that are linked by a free bus system. Students regularly complain that it is difficult to get around, and that they are often late to classes when the bus system is delayed.

There are a fair number of fraternities and sororities at the school; however, they aren’t really terrifically popular with students. The Greek houses do throw a large number of parties that are well-attended, but actual Greek membership has been dwindling in recent years. Drinking is definitely the most popular social activity, and despite recent administrative efforts to crack down on partying, the drinking scene is still going at full force.

The dating scene is quite vibrant, although not very diverse. Expect a fair amount of rednecks and beefy jocks...

What’s Good

“There are a huge number of majors to choose from, and you don’t feel rushed when it comes to choosing one.”

“There are plenty of dorm options available, and the off-campus housing is generally really affordable as well.”

“The sports scene here is incredible, and the school spirit is stronger than anything I’ve ever experienced before.”

What’s Bad

“The school is just way too big, and it’s really easy to just get lost in the shuffle and feel pretty anonymous.”

“The party scene can get really out of hand, and its impossible to get any quiet study time in on the weekends.”

“The campus is impossible to get around, and it seems like I’m never on time for class because they’re all so far away.”

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