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Increase your chances of admission to NC State and CALS.
Applying to college can be overwhelming.
That's why we've provided information to guide you through the application process for NC State University and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Chances of Being Admitted
Applying to CALS
340+ Scholarships
There's more than $1 million in scholarships available to CALS undergraduate and AGI students each year.
What are my chances of being admitted?
What do all of our students have in common?
They graduate with a degree from CALS, regardless of where they started.
Start Your Path to CALS
That's the number one question we get.
NC State uses a holistic admissions process and considers more than an applicant's test score and GPA. We understand that leadership experience in organizations such as 4-H and FFA, an agricultural background, science-related opportunities, or participation in pre-college or summer programs are strong indicators of student success.
But your academic performance is important, too. In 2020, NC State (and CALS) had a nearly 44% acceptance rate.
While many students begin their college career at CALS as a traditional freshman, many others transfer from another institution. What do all of our students have in common? They graduate with a degree from CALS at NC State, regardless of where they started. We want you here, and we can help find the right path for you.
Consider high-demand degree programs.
Animal science is the most popular major in CALS, followed by biochemistry. Many other majors generally receive less than 200 applications. While many animal science applicants expressed an interest in becoming veterinarians, our College of Veterinary Medicine admits only 100 students per year.
That's extremely competitive, so consider other options.
The USDA forecasts demand for college graduates in agriculture and food industries to be 57,900 a year, but U.S. agricultural colleges are only producing 35,400 graduates a year. There is tremendous demand for CALS graduates, especially in the following program areas:
Agricultural Business Management and Economics
Animal Science and Production
Poultry Science and Production
Crop Science and Production
Horticultural Science and Production
Food Science and Production
Soil Science and Land Use
CALS Grads in
There are 22,500 more U.S. Ag jobs than grads every year.
What can I do to prepare?
Your high school GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, personal interests, and essays are all considered in the admissions process. A strong high school academic record and a well-rounded outside life can improve your chances of acceptance.
Note: Due to testing interruptions caused by COVID-19, NC State will be test-optional for 2021 spring and fall first-year applicants. You will not be disadvantaged if you indicate you do not want scores to be considered in your application review. You must indicate whether you plan to submit SAT or ACT scores for admissions consideration.
Visit the NC State Admissions website for admissions guidelines and requirements.
Tips for preparing for college
Start Preparing Early
Your entire high school academic record is important. Develop good study habits early in high school, and it will pay dividends for years to come.
The average weighted high school GPA for students admitted to CALS is 4.2. Consider honors, AP, IB, or dual-enrollment courses where available.
Take Standardized Tests Multiple Times
In today's competitive admissions environment, every point counts, and many students perform better when they take a test more than once.
Note: Due to COVID-19, NC State will be test-optional for 2021 spring and fall first-year applicants.
Consider Standardized Test Prep
ACT Supplemental Preparation in Rural Education (ASPIRE) is a low-cost initiative offered by CALS to rural students in many North Carolina counties.
Howling with CALS Visitation Program
We invite high school juniors and seniors, and transfer students to visit us virtually this fall to learn about our degree programs, perks of CALS, participate in virtual class observations and connect with faculty, staff and current students.
Attend a Summer Program
We offer many pre-college programs for prospective students interested in research, exploring careers, and experiencing life at NC State.
We Want You Here
There is more than one path to CALS, and we want to help you find yours.
Find Your Path To CALS
We strongly encourage all applicants to apply for freshman admission by November 1 for priority consideration of all CALS Scholarships. Visit the NC State Admissions website for additional guidance and requirements.
Apply to 4-Year Degree Programs
Apply to AGI 2-Year Degree Programs
Transferring to CALS
Required Admissions Materials
NC State Admissions