residency personal statement unc

FAQ for Prospective Graduate Students

Application & admissions | tuition, funding & financial aid | general questions | transfer students.

As you explore graduate school options, it’s natural to have lots of questions. We created this FAQ to help provide answers to some of the more common questions we receive from prospective students as they explore the graduate programs we offer in the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (ESE). You’ll find tips and resource links below that we hope will help guide you through your process. If you have additional questions that our FAQ doesn’t answer, please contact ESE Student Services at [email protected].

APPLICATION AND ADMISSIONS

How do i apply to one of the ese graduate programs.

Please apply through The Graduate School’s website . From the list of departments, select Environmental Sciences and Engineering (under Public Health). Click the “University’s Required Application Materials” link under the Other Requirements section. Then, click “Graduate School online application,” which will bring you to: https://applynow.unc.edu/apply.

Do I need a specific Bachelor’s Degree to apply to any of the ESE Master’s programs OR to the Doctoral (PhD) program?

• For our Doctoral program, prospective students should hold an undergraduate-level degree in an appropriate science, math or engineering field, or comparable bachelor’s degree with exceptional qualifications.
• For our MS program, students should hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate science, math or engineering field.
• For our MSEE program, application to this program is open to individuals who have completed undergraduate degrees in engineering or physical/natural sciences. Successful applicants typically will have taken calculus through differential equations, inorganic chemistry, and physics with calculus. MSEE students must complete at least one course in biological sciences and one course in probability/statistics prior to enrolling or during the graduate program. Note that taking these courses during the program may extend time to graduation. Students who are interested in conducting research in addition to meeting the basic degree requirements should indicate their research interests in their personal statement. UNC undergraduate programs of study that meet the above requirements include the BSPH with Engineering for Environmental Change, Climate, and Health Minor ; the BSPH with Environmental Physics Concentration ; and the Applied Sciences and Engineering minor.

Do I have to make contact with a potential faculty mentor before submitting an application?

You are free to contact faculty members before submitting your application, but doing so is not necessary. The discussions between you and potential faculty mentors can take place after we review your application. For students interested in research degrees, we recommend that in your personal statement you indicate clearly the faculty member(s) you’d most like to work with and the research topics you’d be most interested in working on.

How do I email faculty as a prospective graduate student?

Talking to faculty as prospective graduate students can be valuable to gain information on job/assistantship positions, laboratory research, curriculum in the graduate program, and even general mentorship and advising. When reaching out to faculty, the message should be precise yet effective. Faculty are often extremely busy, so it may be unlikely that they are able to read through a very detailed message. Instead, remain brief in your message and choose a subject heading that succinctly details your intentions. The body of the message should include a brief introduction of yourself, your intentions for reaching out, and proposed steps that you would be interested in taking with the faculty member. You can find a list of faculty members and their research areas here.

What general criteria does the ESE Admissions Committee use to review applications for your graduate programs?

Our admissions committee reviews each application in its entirety, considering the following factors:

• Work and other relevant experience
• Research experience
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation

Prospective graduate students should also review  The Graduate School’s  admissions criteria, which includes information about minimum GPA and test scores.

What should I include in my personal statement?

  Include the following in your personal statement:

• Answer questions requested in the program’s personal statement prompt.
• Clearly define your career goals.
• Demonstrate that you understand what the program offers and demands.
• Provide details of any experience relevant to your program of interest.
• Highlight strengths and experiences that extend beyond your grades and test scores.

For those pursuing a research degree, identify the faculty members and topical areas you’d be most interested in working with.

If you can identify weaknesses in your application, admissions committee members likely will be able to identify them, too. Address weaknesses directly by explaining extenuating circumstances as appropriate or providing evidence that your skill levels are reflected more accurately by some other assessment. These details may be included in your statement of interest.

What makes a personal statement excellent vs average?

An excellent personal statement will describe your career goals and how pursuing a graduate degree in our department will contribute to those goals. We also want to learn how your previous experience and interests align with the faculty you propose to work with and how the skills you developed through academic, work or extracurricular activities are transferrable to what you hope to do at UNC ESE. Finally, describe, using examples from your work, lived and/or other experiences, how your joining our department would be mutually beneficial.

How do I make my application materials competitive?

In addition to your personal statement, our individualized application review process includes reviewing the applicant’s academic performance, previous research and lived experiences, and letters of recommendation. Be sure to provide examples on your resumé/CV or in your personal statement of leadership, dissemination of previous research (at conferences or publications).

Who should write my letters of recommendation?

Recommendations should come from professional or academic sources best qualified to evaluate the applicant’s potential as a graduate student. Choose letter writers who know you well and can describe your strengths and potential. Avoid soliciting letters from family friends, other students or employees you supervise. Click here to see recommendations and similar information for specific programs.

What is the average GPA, IELTS, TOEFL scores for admitted students?

The data found here represents the average GPA and standardized test scores for admitted students to UNC graduate programs. Test scores are only one piece of a completed admission application and are reviewed together with all other submitted materials. The Graduate School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill encourages applications from all interested students regardless of test scores. More information about IELTS and TOEFL score requirements can be found here . The minimum requirement for GPA can be found here .

How many students are admitted into the ESE graduate program each year?

This number varies year to year and can be dependent on faculty’s current advising load and availability of funding for additional students. In the past, an incoming cohort comprised of master’s and doctoral students consisted of around 30 students.

When will I hear that I’ve been admitted to the program?

The UNC Graduate School notifies students of their admissions decisions, and the timeline varies between each program. The ESE department notifies students on a rolling basis until the application deadline in May.

I’m interested in the Environment, Climate and Health concentration of the Master of Public Health (MPH) program. Does the MPH program have a different application process than the other ESE graduate programs?

Yes. Students need to complete two applications when applying for the MPH program . You can find more information about the different ECH concentration here .

What is SOPHAS?

SOPHAS (the Schools of Public Health Application System) is a centralized application system that allows you to apply to multiple public health institutions using one application. If you are applying to a SOPHAS program, please start the process early. Official transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and statements of purpose all go through SOPHAS.

What is the difference between the December and February application deadlines for the MPH program?

Applicants wishing to be considered for available funding opportunities should submit their SOPHAS application by December 1, 2023 and their UNC supplemental graduate school application by December 12, 2023. If applicants miss the priority funding deadline, the final application deadline for Fall 2024 is February 1, 2024 for the SOPHAS application and February 13, 2024 for the UNC supplemental graduate school application. More information here.

I am submitting my application to the MPH program (Environment, Climate and Health concentration) through SOPHAS. Why am I also expected to apply directly to UNC-Chapel Hill and pay another fee?

At UNC-Chapel Hill, applicants interested in graduate programs apply and are admitted through The  UNC Graduate School  rather than to specific departments or schools. The UNC Graduate School charges its own application fee. More information here.

If I have questions about the MPH Environment, Climate and Health (ECH) concentration, who do I talk to?       

Courtney Woods, Program Director, and Adia Ware, Assistant Director of Academic Advising. You can find their contact information here .

What are some of the key differences between each of the graduate degrees in ESE?

• MPH – For students who are interested in practice and want to solve public health problems in the community. Terminal degree intended for students with STEM exposure or strong interest in health-related areas. Prepares graduates for careers in practice or management in the field of public health with emphasis in environmental sciences and engineering.
• MS – For students with a strong background in the sciences or engineering and who are interested in advanced education or careers in research, practice or management in the field of environmental sciences and engineering. This degree also prepares students to go on to doctoral programs.
• MSEE – For students who have a strong quantitative training and who are interested in advanced education or careers in engineering. Terminal degree intended to prepare students for careers in practice, management, or research in the field of environmental sciences and engineering.
• PhD – For students who have a strong background in the sciences or engineering who are interested in careers in research or where advanced analytical skills are central. Our students go on to work in industry, government, and academia.

How long does it typically take to complete each of the ESE graduate programs?

• MS – 2 years
• Professional degree – 1 year
• Research degree – 2 years
• MPH – 2 years
• PHD – approx. 3-6 years depending on background and scope of project. Five (5) years is common.

How do I make sure that the ESE graduate program is a good fit for me?

If you do your research about the department, look at courses offered , the type of research faculty are conducting, and reach out to faculty and current graduate students, you will gain a good sense of the program and what it has to offer. Consider what you hope to get out of a graduate program, use this FAQ as a guide, and reach out to ESE Student Services with questions as you move through the process.

Which graduate degrees are research focused in ESE?

The MS , MSEE – Research Option (two -year), and PhD .

TUITION, FUNDING & FINANCIAL AID

What is the cost of attendance for gillings students.

Tuition rates are determined by the North Carolina General Assembly and may not be finalized until late summer each year. Visit the UNC Cashier’s Office website for the most recent tuition and fee information.

Do I have to do something beyond submitting my application to be considered for financial support from UNC?

No. When you submit your application you will be automatically considered for the full range of financial support, including through research assistantships and fellowships offered by ESE, Gillings, and the UNC Graduate School.

What’s the difference between funding and financial aid?

Funding refers to money awarded by the department/concentration. Funding is typically merit based. Financial Aid refers to money awarded based on FAFSA determination. Students who wish to apply for financial aid will need to complete the FAFSA . Usually, financial aid through the FASA programs is considered a loan and needs to be repaid.

What type of funding is available?

Funding may come in the form of scholarships, Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA), Teaching Assistantships (TA), and/or other awards from ESE. Funding varies based on the degree a student is pursuing. The following are types of funding offers students may receive as a graduate student in ESE:

• Non-Service Awards : No work requirement; considered Financial Aid, but unlike the Financial Aid from FAFSA does not have to be repaid. This includes Federal Training Grant fellowships (See more details below).
• Graduate Student Research Assistantships (GRA) for research responsibilities, often related to your thesis/dissertation work.
• Teaching Assistants (TA) for teaching support for one or two semesters during Academic year (no summer support).

NOTE : Both TA and GRA positions are paid monthly as a paycheck at the end of the month to your checking account (stipend). If the stipend for either a TA or GRA position meets the minimum stipend amount for each semester, tuition & fee, and health insurance ( GSHIP ) is covered for the months worked, if summer months are not worked, no GSHIP can be awarded, and student must enroll in Student Blue .

• Faculty assigns work and approves hours every two weeks – this could be research or administrative work.
• Paid every two weeks and only for hours entered in the TIMS system, based on hourly wages.
• Does not qualify for tuition and fees, or health insurance ( GSHIP ).
• Max number of hours per week (not over 40 hours per week, all jobs combined within UNC).
• Amount paid is set by the training grant based on pay schedule published by NIH (amounts are firm and not negotiable).
• Student qualifies for tuition and fees, and health insurance ( GSHIP ) while assigned to training grant.
• Students are required to be enrolled full-time. Additional work for pay is permitted for up to 10 hours per week, but such work should enhance rather than detract from your development as a researcher.
• Students cannot apply directly. They must be nominated by their department or concentration area during the schoolwide awards cycle which begins in December . Recipients are notified in March via e-mail. Admitted students are asked to accept or decline funding offers no later than the enrollment deposit deadline.
• Schoolwide School Based Tuition (SBT) Public Health Scholarships : Awards funded out of SBT, which are used to recruit and retain students and support educational costs. Only available to MPH and MSEE students. Award amounts and criteria vary. Awards may have a work requirement and cannot be used for student travel. Students cannot apply directly.

For more information about funding opportunities, we encourage students to use the following links:

• Visit Student Job Postings to view available opportunities.
• Visit UNC-CH Financial Aid Outside Scholarships
• Graduate School Funding
• Graduate School Scholarships/Fellowships (e.g., Royster, Dissertation Awards, Weiss, Summer Research Fellowships Programs). Awarded and managed by The Graduate School. May have restrictions or specific stipulations.
• https://gradschool.unc.edu/academics/awards
• Loans and Financial Aid

Should I ask the faculty member who I want to work with if they could fund me and how many of their current students are funded?

Yes. We encourage students to contact faculty directly to begin a conversation about the availability of funding. Students can reach out to faculty before submitting their application.

Is it appropriate to talk with current graduate students, ESE Student Services, or ENVRSO about my funding questions?

Yes, we encourage students to have these conversations. If you’re not sure where to start, contact [email protected] . You can learn more about ENVRSO, our department student organization here .

When will I be notified of funding?

When incoming students apply to Gillings they are automatically considered for the merit-based funding that we have. The ESE Admissions Committee along with department faculty review applicants on a rolling basis and make admissions and funding decisions. ​The awarding process for newly admitted students begins in December , and award recipients are typically notified by mid-March .

ESE’s graduate admissions application is open until May, and students who apply closer to or by this deadline will be considered for any available funding. Students are strongly encouraged to apply by the December Graduate School Fellowships deadline, which is December 12, 2023.

Is there funding available for international students?

Teaching assistantships (TA) and graduate research assistantships (GRA), our most common forms of funding, are available to international students. Unfortunately, other forms of funding are often limited for international students. There are no Gillings schoolwide awards for which you can apply for directly at this time. However, prospective students are considered for departmental funding during the admissions process.

• The Gillings Awards and Funding website has been updated with additional resources that are available. Including a student jobsite which advertises assistantship opportunities, and there are links to private scholarship opportunities external to UNC. If you have not already, we would encourage you to visit the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid’s website for international students .
• Please also note that international students with work authorization are permitted to work as student employees on-campus at UNC. There are several steps that all international students must follow before being hired or working as a student employee. International students seeking or accepting employment are responsible for ensuring that employment is considered “on-campus.”
• Visit the International Student Scholar Services (ISSS) for more information.

How do I apply for financial aid?

Once students are admitted, they can begin applying for assistantships across campus. Since the School of Public Health is relatively small, it is wise for admitted students to apply for any assistantships at UNC that are of interest. We include a number of funding opportunities in our ESE Weekly Student Newsletter, which incoming students are added to after they have accepted their offer of admission. Other places to look for jobs include UNC Wellness , Research, Innovation and Global Solutions and the UNC Writing Center .

Here is a link to the UNC Gillings Financial Aid webpage: https://sph.unc.edu/students/financial-aid/

How do I obtain in-state residency?

The UNC Registrar’s Office and NC Residency Determination Service (RDS) would be best able to advise you on how to receive North Carolina Residency for tuition purposes. Please also review the Graduate School’s residency information . You will qualify for in-state tuition once you are classified as a resident by RDS.

Because the ESE department has limited Tuition Remission (out-of-state tuition) dollars, we strongly recommend all out-of-state, non-international students apply for residency (in-state status) after residing in North Carolina for 365 days. International students do not qualify for resident status regardless of years in program. If you are an international student with a funding commitment from the department, you will have remission covered for the length of the funding commitment.

How do I qualify for tuition remission and other benefits?

Visit the Graduate School’s website for more information on the eligibility requirements for tuition and fee coverage. “Tuition remission” is the difference between the tuition for NC residents and the tuition for out-of-state students (i.e., non-resident and international students).  Please also reference “How do I obtain in-state residency?” above. More information about residency can be found in our Student Handbooks .

Are dissertation awards available?

We do not have department specific or schoolwide dissertation awards (e.g. fellowships or other awards that provide funding for students to focus primarily on their dissertation) that students can apply for directly. The Graduate School does provide dissertation focused fellowships, which you can learn more about here .

What are the typical award amounts?

Award amounts vary each year based on available department funding, funds received from donors, and other factors. Many students combine funding from a variety of sources including the ESE department, Gillings, UNC Graduate School, UNC Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, assistantships, employer contributions, etc. to fund their education. Please also see the UNC Graduate School FAQ for more information about stipends .

Is summer aid available?

Summer aid is available through the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid. If your FAFSA is completed by mid-May , you will automatically be considered for summer aid . The summer is considered a part of the prior academic year, so you will need to complete an earlier FAFSA to be considered. Visit the university’s financial aid website for more information.

Are application fee waivers available?

Application fee waivers and information about the requirements are available through UNC’s Graduate School here .

I am a military affiliated student, where can I find information on VA Benefit Payments?

Click here for more information on the process for VA Benefit Payments. If you still have questions after reviewing the information, contact the GI Bill Services Official in the Office of the University Registrar.

I did not complete my FAFSA before the priority deadline. Will I still be considered for aid?

Yes, you will still be considered for aid while the FAFSA is open.

I submitted my admissions application after December, will I still be considered for funding?

You must apply before mid-December to be considered for certain Graduate School merit awards ; however, it is still possible to receive other schoolwide and departmental awards or departmental assistantships that are available at the time you submit your application.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Is the gillings school of global public health accredited.

The Gillings School of Global Public Health is accredited by the  Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) , an independent, private, nonprofit corporation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

If I have additional questions, who should I contact?

• This student affairs link provides a list of contacts for different programs in Gillings.
• This link provides a list of upcoming dates for open houses, webinars, and similar informational events where you can find more information.
• If you have additional general questions, you can contact the ESE Student Services team at [email protected] .
• If you have questions specific to the MPH, please contact [email protected] .
• For any technical issues with the online application, please email  [email protected] .

What kinds of emergency resources are available for students once they matriculate?

Students have access to lots of resources once they become a UNC graduate student. Below is a short list of some of the most important ones to know about.

• The Carolina Cupboard – Gillings
• Gillings Funding and Financial Aid
• Office of Scholarships and Student Aid
• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
• Dean of Students Office

Can I apply to more than one graduate program in the same cycle?

Yes. However, please note that per The Graduate School , a non-refundable $95.00 application fee is required for each program to which you apply. Application fee waivers and information about the requirements are available through UNC’s Graduate School here .

What’s it like to be a graduate student at Gilling’s and to live in the Chapel Hill area?

Current ESE graduate students are open to speaking to prospective students about their experiences in the ESE program and what it’s like to live in the area. Please contact [email protected] to be connected with a student who can help answer your questions. Current graduate students also participate in our Admitted Graduate Student Day to share their experiences with new admits. This event takes place each Spring semester.

What student lead organizations can I join in ESE, Gillings, UNC ?

There are lots of ways to get involved here at UNC Chapel Hill. Below are just a few of the many opportunities to consider.

• Minority Student Caucus ,
• Student Government Association
• International Students and Scholars Services

TRANSFER STUDENTS

I’m interested in transferring from another institution to one of your graduate programs. is that feasible and if so, how.

All prospective graduate students, including those with previous college credits in related degree programs, must complete an application as a new student. The Director of Graduate Studies in consultation with faculty will determine if the ESE department will accept credits earned at another institution. Such decisions typically are based on a review of course syllabi.

Master’s students (UNC students and non UNC students) may transfer up to 30 percent of the credits required for a degree. Credit transfers must be approved by the UNC program in which you are enrolled and by the UNC Graduate School. Transfer credits are approved by the ESE Director of Graduate Studies.

Contact ESE Student Services

Jennifer Joyce Moore ESE Academic Coordinator [email protected]

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The mission of the NC OSHERC at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill is to prepare occupational safety and health professionals to promote and protect worker health.

The Institute for Environmental Health Solutions (IEHS) is aimed at protecting those who are particularly vulnerable to diseases caused by environmental factors, putting solutions directly into the hands of individuals and communities of North Carolina and beyond.

We focus on understanding the links between financial losses and drought, hurricanes and other extreme environmental events.

The UNC Superfund Research Program (UNC SRP) develops new solutions for reducing exposure to inorganic arsenic and prevent arsenic-induced diabetes through mechanistic and translational research.

The Biomarker Mass Spectrometry Facility (BMSF) provides critical analytical support to UNC researchers for qualitative and quantitative assessment of environmental contaminants and biomarkers using mass spectrometry.

ENVRSO is the student organization for the department, responsible for representing students at faculty meetings, providing outreach opportunities and, very importantly, trying to help make ESE a home for you in the Triangle.

The Center for Public Engagement with Science has a wide variety of resources, including activities, fact sheets, lesson plans and webinars.

The Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences (EMES) at UNC-CH advances understanding of the earth and ocean processes that govern our planet, shape diverse ecosystems, sustain life and drive environmental change.

Our mission is to provide a cutting edge research and mentoring environment to train students and postdoctoral fellows in environmental health and toxicology.

The UNC Center for Environmental Health and Susceptibility (CEHS) facilitates collaborations by funding university infrastructure to support scientific equipment, facilities, and other resources that can be shared among environmental health researchers.

The Center for Galapagos Studies coordinates UNC’s Galapagos-related research, teaching, and outreach activities in Chapel Hill with the joint UNC/USFQ Galapagos Science Center located on San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos Archipelago.

The BeAM Design Innovation Hub is a unique resource for design and fabrication assistance. Our mission is to facilitate and complement research of all types by providing services in a wide range of disciplines.

4 Gillings community members honored with 2024 awards for mentorship, teaching, research and service

Information for:.

• Make a gift
• ConnectCarolina
• Information for:
• Prospective students
• Current students
• Faculty and staff
• Alumni and friends

North Carolina Residency

• North Carolina Residency workshops

Requirements and Background

Definitions.

• North Carolina State Residency Classification Manual
• Who Should Apply
• Online Residency Application

Residency Application Dates

Special provisions.

• Statutory Grace Periods

Decision Notification

Appeal process.

• Contact information

In order to be considered for in-state residency status for tuition purposes any student admitted to and enrolled in a graduate degree program administered by The Graduate School with nonresident status is required to request a residency reconsideration via the Residency Determination Service in order to be considered for in-state tuition benefits.

Once granted in-state status for tuition purposes, this status will remain in effect unless the student fails to enroll for two consecutive terms (fall/spring only). Should the student’s residency status change to nonresident, they will need to request reconsideration in order to be considered for in-state tuition benefits.

North Carolina Residency Workshops

Each semester representatives from The Graduate School facilitate information sessions on North Carolina residency for tuition purposes and answer questions about the application and review process.

The North Carolina State Constitution, Section 9 states, “The General Assembly shall provide that the benefits of The University of North Carolina and other public institutions of higher education, as far as practicable, be extended to the people of the State free of expense.”

This is the constitutional basis for conducting residency classifications for tuition purposes. The State of North Carolina created and maintains its public institutions primarily for the benefit of the residents of North Carolina. Under the North Carolina State Constitution, the State’s policy is to provide the educational benefits of its institutions of higher education at as low a cost as is practicable to those students who qualify as “people of the State.” In order to accomplish this, nonresidents are charged a higher tuition rate than State residents.

The North Carolina General Assembly enacted a detailed law for determining who qualifies for lower in-state tuition. North Carolina General Statute Section 116-143.1 provides specific guidelines and standards that should be used to determine whether someone qualifies as a resident for tuition purposes, so as to receive the lower in-state tuition rate. Subsections of this statute also provide the applicable standards for special rules and exceptions. The review of all North Carolina residency applications for tuition purposes is guided by the laws outlined in the above-mentioned General Statute.

To assist in the preparation of your application for in-state status for tuition purposes, we have summarized several key points and definitions below.

Under North Carolina General Statute § 116-143.1, to qualify for in-state tuition an applicant (legal resident) must demonstrate a preponderance of evidence that:

• he/she established and maintained a domicile in North Carolina at least twelve months before the first day of classes, and
• with the intent to make North Carolina a permanent home indefinitely , and
• he/she was not in North Carolina solely to attend college.
• Financial independency/Employment
• Voter registration and activity
• Sources of financial support
• Car registration
• Driver's license
• State identification card
• Property ownership
• State income tax returns
• Time in and out of state
• Ties to community

Residency Classification Manual

Application process, who should apply:.

Any student with nonresident residency status who wishes to be considered for in-state residency status for tuition purposes.

It is very important to:

• Complete the Residency Determination Service interview with accurate information.
• If additional documentation is required, respond to requests for additional information within the time frame indicated by the Residency Determination Service.

Online Residency Application:

Students who wish to be considered for in-state tuition benefits will need to complete the Residency Determination Service (RDS) interview process (for initial requests, reconsideration requests, and appeals). Please visit your ConnectCarolina StudentCenter and click the NC Residency Reconsideration or Appeal link under the Personal Information tab. Once you complete the RDS process you must enter your Residency Certification Number (RCN) in your StudentCenter.

To access RDS directly, please visit ncresidency.org . Beginning September 5, 2018, all requests for in-state residency determinations must be submitted online via the RDS process.

Anyone found to purposely present false/misleading information will be subject to the conditions of the University Honor Code.

For a residency determination to be applied to the current term, a student must complete a request for a reconsideration on or before 45 days after the first day of the term. Students must notify campus of any changes in residency status via their ConnectCarolina StudentCenter in order for changes to be reflected.

Upcoming residency application dates are listed below. To meet deadlines, an RDS reconsideration request must be made on or before the date listed for each term for the determination to apply for that term. Please see the Office of the University Registrar for more information.

• Spring 2024 - February 24
• Summer I/Maymester 2024 – May 20
• Summer II 2024 – June 29
• Fall 2024 – October 3

The Office of the University Registrar will evaluate and track students’ eligibility for specific exceptions to the residency guidelines. Many of the exceptions require a supplemental application, which can be found on the Office of the University Registrar’s website . For questions regarding these exceptions, students and staff may email [email protected] , or call 919-962-3954.

Statutory Grace Periods: As documented in the NC Residency Manual

If a student has been properly classified as a resident for tuition purposes at an institution of higher education in North Carolina, a change in their state of residence does not result in an immediate or automatic loss of entitlement to the in-state tuition rate. Students in this situation are allowed a “grace period” during which the in-state rate will still be applicable even though the student is no longer a legal resident of North Carolina. The grace period can apply under certain circumstances both to currently enrolled students as well as to students who are no longer enrolled or who have graduated.

Grace Period for Currently Enrolled Students: To qualify for the grace period if the student is currently enrolled, the student must satisfy the following conditions:

• First, the student must have been properly classified as a resident for tuition purposes on the basis of a valid finding that the student in fact was domiciled in (a legal resident of) North Carolina and had been for the required 12-month period prior to classification.
• Second, at the time of change of legal residence to a state other than North Carolina, the individual must have been enrolled in an institution of higher education in North Carolina.

“Enrolled” shall include both persons who are actually attending the institution during an academic term as well as those whose consecutive attendance of academic terms has been interrupted only by institutional vacation or summer recess periods. A person whose change in legal residence occurred during a period while not enrolled is not entitled to this benefit.

The grace period extends for 12 months from the date of the change in legal residence, plus any portion of a semester or academic term remaining at the time the change in legal residence occurred. No change in applicable tuition rates resulting from the expiration of the basic 12-month grace period will be effective during a semester, quarter, or other academic term in which the student is enrolled; the change in tuition rates are effective at the beginning of the following semester, quarter, or other academic term. Once perfected, the grace period is applicable for the entire period at any institution of higher education in the State.

Grace Period for Non-Enrolled Students: To qualify for the grace period if the student is no longer enrolled, the student must satisfy the following conditions:

• First, the student must have been properly classified as a resident for tuition purposes at the time the student ceased to be enrolled at or graduated from an institution of higher education in this state.
• Second, if the student subsequently abandons their domicile in North Carolina and then reestablishes domicile in this state within 12 months of abandonment, the student may re-enroll at an institution of higher education in this state as a resident for tuition purposes without having to satisfy the 12-month durational requirement so long as the student continuously maintains their reestablished domicile in North Carolina at least through beginning of the academic term for which in-state tuition status is sought.

It is important to note that a student may benefit from this particular grace period only once. There is no such limitation on the grace period available to students who experience a change in residence status while still enrolled at an institution of high education in this state.

Upon completing the initial RDS interview process, RDS communicates your residency status immediately. This determination is contingent upon you submitting any required documentation and passing validation of the information you provide.

• If you are required to provide additional documentation and do not submit this documentation before the 25-day deadline, your residency status changes from resident to non-resident.
• RDS validates information you provide with federal and state agencies. Should the information you provide not validate, your residency status changes from resident to non-resident.

In addition to your residency determination status, RDS provides you a Residency Certification Number (RCN) and a summary of the information you enter. You must enter your RCN number in your ConnectCarolina StudentCenter (if you have an onyen) in order for your residency status to be updated.

For reconsideration and appeal requests, RDS staff must review the request in full before providing a residency status. RDS can review your request only after you provide all your required documents. If your required documents are not submitted before the 25-day deadline, your request is canceled and your residency status remains non-resident.

You may request an Appeal if you believe that the RDS process has failed to accurately consider important information regarding your residency claim. There are two types of appeal:

• RDS Appeal - the RDS Appeal is for students who believe their active residency determination is incorrect - either from an initial consideration or a reconsideration. Students have the ability to request the RDS Appeal online, submit additional information and documentation to support their claim, and meet face-to-face (or via technology) to review their appeal.
• SEAA Appeal - the SEAA Appeal is the final administrative step in the residency process. The appeal is conducted by a statewide committee comprised of representatives from the North Carolina Community College System, North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, State Education Assistance Authority, and The University of North Carolina System. No additional documentation or information is permitted by RDS or the student in this appeal.

Both the RDS Appeal and SEAA Appeal require submitting a notification to appeal within 10 calendar days of the determination the student is appealing. Requests for appeal after 10 calendar days are not permitted. Go to the Residency Guidelines section of the website to learn more about Appeals.

Contact Information

For additional information, contact:

The Graduate School Telephone: (919) 962-7772 Email: [email protected]

University Registrar's website

We have extended the  enrollment deadline to May 15, 2024 . View the announcement .

Our mission: serving the state of North Carolina.

As a public university, Carolina reserves more places in our entering classes for students from North Carolina, and tuition rates are also lower for North Carolinians.

If you believe that you qualify as a North Carolina resident, you’ll submit a residency application to Residency Determination Services. RDS is a government agency that serves the entire state.

This residency application process is separate from your application for admission, and you may complete your residency application with RDS before you apply to the University. Explore Frequently Asked Questions about the residency process.

Apply for Residency

Give to the School

PharmD Prospective Students

As one school of pharmacy with two campuses – Chapel Hill and Asheville – students will complete the PharmD program on one of these campus locations. Our model is a 1+3 model where all incoming students are admitted to the Chapel Hill campus and, over the first semester, learn more about both campuses and their distinct offerings. Students will visit the Asheville Campus early in their PY1 year to take classes, engage with students and faculty, visit innovative practice sites, and explore the City of Asheville.

Sudents are asked to indicate their campus preference for their PY2 year and beyond based on their career goals and other preferences. Please note that there are only 30 slots available on the Asheville campus.

For more information about the Asheville campus, please visit The Asheville Experience website .

Pharm.D. Application Process

1. apply online through pharmcas.

The first step in the application process is to complete and submit an online application to  PharmCAS . Your PharmCAS application must be submitted by either the priority deadline of October 2, 2023  or the final deadline of February 1, 2024, for the following fall term. Submit your application as soon as possible to ensure earlier review by the Admissions Committee.

You must submit your PharmCAS application and it must be verified before you can receive the supplemental information form.

The PharmCAS application includes the following:

• PharmCAS application fee
• Biographical data
• Post-secondary institutions attended
• Academic course history
• Work experience
• Extracurricular activities
• A personal statement
• Official transcripts from all accredited U.S. institutions attended
• Two letters of recommendation
• PCAT optional

We recommend that you thoroughly review the PharmCAS “Before You Apply” information and have unofficial copies of all postsecondary transcripts available before you begin this process.

Once the PharmCAS application is completed and verified, the data will be forwarded to the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy.

2. Submit supplemental information form

Once your PharmCAS application has been submitted and verified, you’ll receive a link to complete supplemental information that is specific to UNC. This form is free and should only take a few minutes to review and submit. This information is required of all applicants to the University.

For those who are applying by the priority deadline, the supplemental information should be submitted by October 16, 2023 . For those who are applying by the final deadline, the supplemental information should be submitted by February 15, 2024 .

Submit your information as soon as possible to ensure an earlier review by the Admissions Committee.

*Please note that you will not receive the link to complete the supplemental information form until your PharmCAS application has been verified. Keep in mind that it may take several weeks to verify your PharmCAS application. You will want to plan ahead so you are able to submit both your PharmCAS application and the supplemental information form by the deadline.

Residency Information

You will be asked to complete residency questions to determine your in-state or out-of-state residency status for tuition purposes. If you are claiming North Carolina residency, you will need to provide dates for domiciliary acts such as voting, registering to vote, serving jury duty, obtaining a North Carolina driver’s license, or filing an individual NC tax return.

3. Interview with the School

Once you have submitted your PharmCAS application and supplemental information, the Admissions Committee will review your materials and invite selected applicants to interview for our program. Interviews will be scheduled September through March. Not all applicants will be invited to interview. Please note that the interview is equally as important in the admission process as other factors.

We use the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI). The MMI is a series of interview stations consisting of timed (eight-minute) interview scenarios. The MMI will not test prior pharmacy knowledge, but will assess characteristics and attributes the Admissions Committee feel are important for success as a pharmacist.

It is important to review and understand the following policies:

• Transportation Policy
• Criminal History Check Policy
• Technical Standards (Nonacademic Progression Policy)
• Health Insurance Requirements
• Hepatitis B   Vaccination Requirements

4. Check the status of your application

PharmCAS Application Status: If you wish to see if your application is complete and PharmCAS has forwarded your file to UNC, you can  log in to your PharmCAS application and check the status menu option.

Admissions FAQs

General information.

What is a Pharm.D.?

The doctor of pharmacy , or Pharm.D., is the professional degree for pharmacists similar to the M.D. for physicians or D.D.S. for dentists. Earning a Pharm.D. and successfully passing a licensure exam make you eligible to practice as a pharmacist.

What is the difference between a Pharm.D. and a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences?

The Pharm.D. program is for those who want to be practicing pharmacists (though many of our Ph.D. graduates go on to work in academia, industry, and government).

How long does it take to complete the Pharm.D. program?

Four years. Prerequisite coursework can be completed in two to three years.

Is there an accelerated or bridge program for people with a related degree?

Do you offer a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy or pharmaceutical sciences?

The School does not offer a standalone bachelor’s degree program.

What is the grade point average of admitted students?

The minimum cumulative GPA we will consider is a 2.5.

How many students apply to the Pharm.D. program? How many are accepted?

We aim to enroll 150 students into the program for each entering class.

Does the School offer printed applications or a paper-based application process?

No. All applications must be submitted online through PharmCAS and the School’s supplemental information form.

May I make an appointment to speak with someone from the admissions office?

Yes! You can schedule an appointment with our director of Pharm.D. recruitment here .

What factors are considered in a student’s admission to the Pharm.D. program?

Decisions are not based on a single number.

The School considers all written information you submit as part of your application.

Each applicant is considered as a whole, including factors such as:

• Academic performance
• Community service
• Leadership experiences
• Work experiences/shadowing
• Personal statement.

Do I have to have worked in a pharmacy to be accepted to the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy?

No. Applicants who have substantial pharmacy or healthcare experience typically fare better during the interview sessions because they know more about the profession. If you do not have any pharmacy experience, consider volunteering, shadowing a pharmacist, or speaking extensively with a variety of health care providers before your interview session.

Do you have a regional campus?

We have one regional campus in Asheville .

The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy offers one Pharm.D. program, and students have the option of completing the program on the Chapel Hill or Asheville campus.

Can you complete the program online or part-time?

No. All students must complete the program in person as full-time students.

Do you offer a non-traditional or accelerated program for practicing pharmacists?

No. We only offer the traditional 4-year program.

Can I transfer into the Pharm.D. program from another pharmacy school?

No. All students must apply as entry-level applicants and complete all 4 years of the program.

Do you offer an early assurance program?

Yes. We offer an early assurance program through a partnership with UNC’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Excel@Carolina .

Prerequisite Courses

Will you accept pass/fail grades for courses taken in Spring 2020 and Fall 2020 due to the pandemic?

While we prefer letter grades, we will accept pass or credit grades for courses taken during the Spring 2020 and Fall 2020 semesters from institutions that put special grading accommodations in place. You can find an example of a special grading accommodation policy here.

Does it matter at what school I take my prerequisite coursework ?

Prerequisites can be taken at any accredited university or college in the United States or Canada. We do consider the rigor of the institution where the courses are completed, along with the number of courses taken at the same time. Check the Prerequisites section of this page to make sure you are taking the correct courses.

Does it matter what size academic load I carry during my pre-pharmacy coursework?

We recommend that applicants carry a full academic load (15 or 16 credit hours) per semester and suggest taking a minimum of three science courses each term. This gives you a chance to preview what is in store for you in pharmacy school, which is a full course load that cannot be taken part-time. At the same time, this gives us a better opportunity to evaluate your chances of success in pharmacy school.

If I have credit from a foreign college or university, how can I have this coursework evaluated?

Have your foreign coursework evaluated by World Education Service . PharmCAS only accepts foreign evaluations from World Education Services. Please request a course-by-course transcript evaluation through the PharmCAS application.

What if I have a D or F in a math or science prerequisite course?

We only accept grades of C minus or better in prerequisite courses.

Must I complete all required prerequisite courses before I apply?

No. However, you must complete all requirements by May of the year you will be enrolling in the Pharm.D. program.

If I take courses after submitting my application, how will the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy know?

Update your PharmCAS application during the Academic Update period. The information will then be shared with us. Additionally, if you are admitted, you will be asked to submit a prerequisite completion plan.

If I already have a baccalaureate degree, do I need to fulfill the general education prerequisites?

No. Be sure to complete the math and science prerequisites with a grade of C minus or better.

Does UNC accept my AP, IB, or CLEP scores for prerequisites?

In some cases. Check Test Credit to see what scores UNC-Chapel Hill accepts.

My school does not have anatomy and physiology together in a one semester course. Instead, they are divided into a two semester anatomy and physiology course sequence or between areas of the body. Which courses should I take?

Take both courses. The course content should cover all areas/systems of the body.

Will a vertebrate anatomy course meet the human anatomy and physiology requirement?

No. You must take human anatomy and physiology with lab to meet the requirement.

I have already completed physiology with lab. Will that satisfy the anatomy and physiology requirement?

No. You must take a human anatomy and physiology course with lab OR, if you have already taken a physiology course with lab, you may take an anatomy course to fulfill the anatomy and physiology prerequisite. If you have taken an anatomy course with lab, you may take a physiology course to fulfill the anatomy and physiology prerequisite.   Check the UNC transfer course equivalencies website for information on specific courses.

Can I take a calculus course other than an equivalent of Math 231 or 241 in order to fulfill the calculus prerequisite?

No. We can only accept a course that is equivalent to Math 231 or 241.

Do courses other than the equivalents to Statistics 151 or 155 fulfill the statistics prerequisite?

Any pure statistics class may be used, including statistics for the behavioral sciences. You cannot use a course other than a statistics course even if it has a strong statistics component.

My institution does not offer lab sections for some of the lower-level science courses. What should I do?

Lab sections are required for courses with a lab on our prerequisite list. You may want to consider taking lab sections at a community or technical college.

Should the physics prerequisite be algebra-based or calculus-based?

We prefer calculus-based. If you have already taken an algebra-based sequence, or if that is the sequence required for your major, you don’t need to retake the sequence as calculus-based.

Can I complete my prerequisite classes online?

Yes. The institution must be regionally accredited. Please seek prior approval from our admissions team .

Which biochemistry course (Chemistry 430) should I take?

The biochemistry course should be an introduction to fundamental principles of biochemistry. Emphasized topics should include the structures and functions of major classes of biological macromolecules (proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and lipids), the chemical nature of essential cellular processes (metabolism, bioenergetics, and biochemical genetics), the primary catabolic pathways of carbohydrates (glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and the Krebs cycle), and enzyme catalysis and basic kinetics. This should be an upper-level biochemistry course with organic chemistry I or II as the prerequisite.

PCAT/Admissions Testing

• PCAT Website

Is the Pharmacy College Admission Test required for admission to the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy PharmD program?

The PCAT is optional for the 2023-24 application cycle.

When should I take the PCAT?

We recommend taking the PCAT in the summer or fall of the year you apply.

How long are my PCAT scores good?

We prefer scores no older than three years and will not consider scores older than five.

How many times may I take the PCAT?

You can take the PCAT up to five times.

How should I prepare for the PCAT?

You can download a practice test and study guide as well as an information booklet from the PCAT website .

Commercial preparatory books are also available through most university bookstores.

Health Requirements

• University Required Immunizations

What are the health requirements for Pharm.D. students?

You can find our health requirements listed above under the Health Requirements tab.

Why must Pharm.D. students have the extra vaccinations?

Pharmacy students are healthcare workers and must be immunized to protect them from communicable diseases. No students will be allowed to begin classes in the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy unless they provide verification that they meet the program’s vaccination and immunity requirements.

Do I have to have a college degree to apply to the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy?

No. You may enter our program after successfully completing two years of college after high school and completing all of the general education and math and science prerequisite courses.

If you have a bachelor’s degree, you are not required to complete the general education prerequisites. You are only required to successfully complete the math and science prerequisite courses.

Do most applicants have a degree?

Yes, approximately 80-90 percent of students who enrolled over the past few years held a four-year degree at the point of enrollment.

When do I apply to the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy?

The first step, the PharmCAS application, is typically available in mid-July. PharmCAS requires four-to-six weeks to verify an application before it is forwarded to individual schools of pharmacy.

What is the difference between the priority deadline and the final deadline?

The priority deadline is non-binding and is best suited for candidates for whom UNC is their first choice. Applicants who submit both their PharmCAS application and the supplemental information form by the priority deadline will receive priority consideration for an interview invitation. Those who apply by the priority deadline may also receive their admissions decision earlier in the application cycle.

The final deadline is the last date applicants can submit an application for consideration during the 2023-2024 application cycle.

Regardless of which deadline you choose, we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible. We have a rolling admissions process and will start reviewing applications as soon as the cycle opens.

How will I know that my application has been received and is complete?

• PharmCAS application: Log in to your PharmCAS application and check the Status menu option.
• Supplemental information: You will receive a confirmation email after submitting your supplemental information.

Do I have to apply to UNC’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions as well as the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy? No. All applicants first submit an application through PharmCAS and then supplemental information through the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy.

When will I be notified of acceptance?

After your application is complete and you have been interviewed, the Admissions Committee will make its decision. All offers are conditional based on the completion of your remaining prerequisite courses with grades of C minus or better. You must also provide the required health documentation. Applicants are usually notified of their admissions decision no later than April.

If admitted, can I defer my admission?

Deferment is considered on a case-by-case basis and only in rare circumstances such as a sudden change in health or a significant personal/life issue. Official documentation may be required as part of the deferment process. Petitions for deferment should be made to the Director of Admissions in writing via email.

Is there a maximum number of times I can apply to the Pharm.D. program?

Students can apply a maximum of 3 times.

Admissions Interviews

Yes. Interviews are scheduled from September through February. Those who submit their application earlier will increase their chance of being invited for an interview earlier in the admission process.

What form will the interview take?

Each candidate will participate in a multiple mini interview (MMI) session.

The MMI is a series of seven interview stations consisting of timed (eight-minute) interview scenarios. The MMI does not test pharmacy knowledge but will assess characteristics and attributes the Admissions Committee feel are important for success as a pharmacist.

How should I dress for the interview?

Professional attire is recommended.

Letters of Recommendation

How many recommendation letters are required?

We require two letters of recommendation and will not accept more than four. The School will only accept letters submitted through PharmCAS.

Who would be the best person to ask for a recommendation?

The best person to write a recommendation for you is someone who knows you very well and can comment on the characteristics that will make you a good pharmacist.

• Academic professors, research lab supervisors, and employers (especially those related to pharmacy) are excellent sources for recommendations.
• We do not accept recommendations from high school teachers or administrators, family members, friends, or students currently in the Pharm.D. program.

If I submit more than the maximum number of letters of recommendation for my Pharm.D. application, will all of them be reviewed?

No. The maximum number of recommendations PharmCAS will accept is four. While we only require two recommendations, we will review up to four if submitted.

Financial Aid

• Office of Scholarships and Student Aid

Is financial aid available?

Yes, through both the School and UNC-Chapel Hill.

What financial aid is available through UNC-Chapel Hill?

View the Financial Aid Information document for details. You can also visit the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid website for more information and links to financial aid resources.

What financial assistance can the School provide?

We understand that pharmacy school is an investment and work to make our program affordable for students. We offer $200,000 in scholarships specifically for first-year students. Applicants are considered for these awards just by applying to our program. Students are then eligible for nearly $1 million in competitive awards for their second, third, and fourth years in the program.

How do I apply for federal financial aid or aid from the University?

All students apply for financial aid through the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid . The priority deadline is March 1 of each year and you may apply for financial aid prior to receiving your admission decision. Information can be found at  www.fafsa.ed.gov .

Can international students qualify for financial aid?

Students who hold a United States Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551 or a green card, as it is also known) can be considered for need-based federal and institutional funds.

All other international students are required by law to certify at the time of admission that they can pay for their education.

When is the deadline to apply for financial aid?

Financial aid applications are available beginning in October and you do not have to wait to be admitted to apply. The priority deadline is March 1.

I’m from out-of-state. Will I be able to establish in-state residency to help lower the cost of tuition and fees?

We encourage all of our out-of-state students to consider applying for residency after their first year in North Carolina. You can find information about the residency process here and here . Typically, over 85 percent of those who apply for North Carolina residency are successful. All residency decisions are made by the North Carolina Residency Determination Service .

Do you have any resources that can help me with financial planning and budgeting?

View the Budgeting Worksheet for assistance. Additionally, the UNC Cashier’s Office and the UNC Office of Scholarships and Student Aid provide budgeting resources on their websites.

Miscellaneous and Contact Information

• Carolina Computing Initiative

Will I complete my pharmacy practice experiences in the Chapel Hill area?

All students will be placed in one of the Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) across the state for their professional experiences, also known as experiential education. Though you will have some input in this process, most students must leave the Chapel Hill area for the entire last year of study.

Where will I complete my pharmacy practice experiences?

Based on preceptor and site availability, Pharm.D. students can be placed across the state of North Carolina for pharmacy practice experiences – both early immersion and advanced practice experiences. AHEC housing may be an option for students who are placed away from their home campus for pharmacy practice experiences.

Is a laptop computer required in the Pharm.D. program?

Yes. You can find hardware and software specifications here .

How do I establish North Carolina residency for tuition purposes?

The UNC Registrar’s Office offers information on establishing residency.

Are drug tests and background checks required upon admission?

All students are required to complete a background check using Certiphi, which is the PharmCAS vendor.

How do I contact the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy regarding questions about admission into the Pharm.D. program?

• E-mail [email protected] .

Pharm.D. Tuition and Fees

2023-2024 UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy Pharm.D. Estimated Tuition and Fees

N.C. Residents

Non-N.C. Residents

^Rates may increase by as much as five to ten percent per academic year. * Rates are based on Summer 2023 **Totals do not include $200 clerkship fee

In order to qualify as a resident for tuition purposes, a person must have established legal residence ( or domicile ) in North Carolina and maintained that legal residence for at least twelve months prior to their classification as a resident for tuition purposes. Each student is classified as an in-state or out-of-state resident upon admission. Non-resident students do have the opportunity to pursue North Carolina residency for tuition purposes. Non-residents interested in pursuing this option should carefully review the information provided by the North Carolina Residency Determination Service (RDS) . The School’s Registrar can answer individual questions regarding the residency for tuition purposes process.

Funding Opportunities

Federal Financial Aid

You may complete the FAFSA application as soon as it becomes available for the year you wish to enter. You are not required to have an admission decision before completing this application. The priority deadline is March 1 of the year you wish to enroll.

UNC-Chapel Hill Financial Aid

Visit the website of the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid for more information.

UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy Scholarships

First-year pharmacy students are considered for $200,000 in scholarships just by applying to the program. We offer nearly $1 million in competitive scholarships, awards, and grants each year after the first year.

Veterans Benefits

We encourage you to visit the Carolina Veterans Resource Center for information about funding options available to military-connected students.

Other Funding Sources

• UNC Graduate Funding Information Center
• ScienceCareersFunding : funding information geared specifically for graduate and undergraduate students, affiliated with Science ‘s  Next Wave .
• NSF Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grant offers research funds for conducting dissertation research.

Ready to take the next step?

APPLY NOW CONTACT US DOWNLOAD OUR PHARMD GUIDE

Personal Statement

Writing a personal statement.

Most health-related professional schools require applicants to submit one personal essay, also called your personal statement. This essay is your chance to introduce yourself to admissions committees and discuss what will make you a unique and engaging part of your chosen health profession.

The Basics of Writing a Personal Statement

• You should be clear and concise in your writing. Admissions committees are looking for a coherent essay with no spelling or grammatical errors.
• The length of your essay may vary depending on each school’s requirements. If you are submitting your applications through AMCAS, there is a 5,300 character limit, approximately 500 words.
• Use active voice instead of passive voice, for example, say “I learned” rather than “I was taught”.
• Write an essay that is personal and describes who you are as a person. Although you might want to discuss an engaging interaction or experience with another person, make sure your essay is primarily about you.
• Ask others to read over your essay and provide feedback.
• Expect to make several revisions of your essay.
• Avoid using slang words and colloquialisms.

We cannot stress this enough. A great way to proofread your own writing is to read it backwards: start reading at the very last word of your essay and read until you reach the beginning.

Although your essay should be structured and coherent, for example, correct grammar and spelling, it doesn’t have to be as formal as other academic writing. If writing isn’t your strongest skill, remember that you don’t have to be a great creative writer to write a great personal statement; and remember that your application doesn’t rest solely on your writing abilities. Your personal statement is just one piece of your application. Think of it as a supporting document that will help admissions committees see your true strength and potential.

If you would like help writing your personal essay, you can schedule an appointment with The Writing Center .

Additional Resources from The Writing Center:

Online Writing Resources

Tips for Writers of Application Essays, Personal Statements, Grants, and Cover Letters

Handout on Application Essays

Residency Application Forms

The Forms below will assist in the Residency appeals process for UNC-Chapel Hill.

Application for Eligibility for Military Tuition Benefits

Please visit:   Application for Eligibility for Military Tuition Benefits

Application for the Veteran’s Choice Act

Please visit:   Application for the Veteran’s Choice Act

Residence Status Supplemental Form for Members of the NC National Guard

Please visit:   Residence Status Supplemental Form for Members of the NC National Guard

Application for Tuition Waiver for Family of Deceased Injured Emergency Workers

Please visit:   Application for Tuition Waiver for Family of Deceased Injured Emergency Workers (PDF)

Residence Status Supplemental Form for UNC System Employees and Their Families

Please visit:   Residence Status Supplemental Form for UNC System Employees and Their Families

Residence Status Supplemental Form for the Marital Provision

If married, you are not required to divulge your status or information about your spouse. However, please be informed that information about your spouse may strengthen your residency application.

Click to access the  Residence Status Supplemental Form for the Marital Provision (PDF).

Residence Status Supplemental Form for Non-U.S. Citizens

Please visit:   Residence Status Supplemental Form for Non-U.S. Citizens (PDF)

• Law Library

JD and Dual Degree Applicants

How should i prepare.

No specific curriculum, major or courses are required for admission to Carolina Law. A broad educational background is encouraged. To apply, you must:

• Have a bachelor’s degree from a fully accredited college or university by the date of anticipated enrollment.
• Have taken the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) within the last five years.
• Register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) . Registration includes law school report preparation, letter of recommendation and transcript processing, and access to applications for all law schools accredited by the American Bar Association.

Application Materials

Application materials are accepted through the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) beginning October 1. All materials must be received by the school by May 1.

Your application will be considered once our Office of Admissions has received the following:

• Application form . Complete the entire LSAC application online. Submitting the application electronically means you have agreed to all the agreements in the directions and on the last page of the application. Submitting it electronically serves as the signature on the honor system page.
• Application fee. Your nonrefundable application fee of $75 must be submitted by credit card through LSAC.
• Scores from every Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) taken before or after submission of the application and reported through the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) at the LSAC. We accept test scores up to five years old. If you have multiple test scores, we base our admissions decision on the highest score. We accept the February LSAT, but we encourage you to take one of the earlier exams so that your application is completed in a timely fashion. If you have a pending LSAT test date or unreported score, your file will be held as incomplete and will be ineligible for review.
• Transcripts of grades from all colleges, universities, graduate and professional schools attended.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation. A third letter of recommendation is optional. Recommendation writers should use your full name.
• Personal statement. This is your opportunity to share why you want to join the legal profession, and why you are interested in Carolina Law. Please refer to the application for specific information regarding the personal statement requirement and the topics to be addressed.The personal statement should be double-spaced and in no less than 10-point type. The maximum number of pages for answering each required topic is three (3) pages and two (2) pages for the optional topic. Each topic should be addressed in its own word document.

The legal profession plays a vital role in the pursuit of justice and in sustaining the institutions of society, including governments, private corporations and organizations, nonprofit organizations, families, and individuals. Please write a statement discussing why you want to become a member of the legal profession and why you think you are prepared for the ethical, professional, and time demands of the profession. 

What is your reason for choosing the University of North Carolina School of Law? How does the institution meet your educational and/or your professional goals? Please include how your academic background, personal qualities, and life experiences inform your pursuit of a legal education at Carolina Law and how you will contribute to the breadth of perspectives in the law classroom and broader law school community. 

The School of Law is committed to a full evaluation of your credentials. Please set forth any circumstances you believe may have negatively affected your cumulative undergraduate grade-point average, your performance on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and/or your participation in service or extracurricular activities. 

• Resume. The resume may be up to three pages.
• Supplemental application. Once all required application and CAS report materials are processed, you will receive an email inviting you to complete your supplemental application. Your residency for tuition purposes determination is based upon responses gathered in your supplemental application. Once your supplemental application is processed, your law school application is complete and eligible for review.
• LSAC Evaluation Service (optional). We review up to two evaluations if you have them, however, we do not accept them in lieu of the letters of recommendation.

Dual Degree Applicants

Students interested in combining a second degree with their J.D. must complete and submit separate applications to both UNC School of Law and the respective graduate program granting the second degree. The application process and acceptance decisions are separate for each school and admission to one program does not guarantee admission to the other.

• UNC Chapel Hill

Appointments & Referrals

Aligned with the UNC School of Medicine, our Department and Residency Program are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that enhances our learning environment, innovative research, and the quality of care available to all. We are committed to combating systemic racism, health disparities, and social injustice.  We believe that a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion leads to new ways of thinking, behaving and caring. We embrace the Association of American Medical Colleges’ (AAMC) definition of diversity, including the recognition that diversity is not limited to gender, race and ethnicity, but must also include age, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious commitment, physical ability and other varied backgrounds and life experiences.

The community served over the course of the four years of residency training will include the local, regional, and national communities of patients referred to the University of North Carolina Department of OBGYN. The mission of the OBGYN Residency Program directly aligns with the mission of the sponsoring institution, UNC Healthcare, which is to serve the citizens of the state of North Carolina and those who present to us for care from beyond our state’s borders.

Why Choose UNC?

Residency Objectives

• Our goal is to create a clinically rigorous and supportive environment where every resident will thrive on their journey to independent practice.
• We will train you to become a leader in your chosen area of passion, as a general obstetrician & gynecologist or as a subspecialist.
• You will learn from a diverse patient population and a broad group of both generalists and subspecialists who will help you learn evidence-based and patient-centered care.
• You will work with effective teams – faculty, fellows, co-residents, nurses, midwives and social workers- who practice collaborative medicine.
• Our goal is for you to be a compassionate, engaged physician who pursues excellence and equity when working one-on-one with patients, as part of a team, and for your broader community.

Application Timeline

• Application deadline of 10/1/2023
• *limited to the number of interview spots
• minimum of 48 hours to respond to interview offers
• Interviews will occur no earlier than 10/31/2023
• November 4, 2023
• November 18, 2023
• December 2, 2023
• Notify applicants of final status (e.g. waitlist, rejection) by 12/2/2023

Clinical Curriculum

UNC Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology_Resident Clinical Curriculum

Resident Research

Research is a key component of the resident experience, providing learners with an opportunity to learn first-hand how to answer important questions through scientific inquiry. Residents participate in mentored research projects in their area of interest, whether clinical research, basic science, public health, or global health. Residents present works-in-progress sessions during the PGY2 year as they are developing their projects and then present their final results at our Res ident Research Day at the end of the PGY3 year. Many residents use dedicated elective time during the PGY3 year to work on their research. Multiple d epartmental resources exist to support resident research, including a vast array of engaged mentors, other institutional centers to support specific needs (survey development, policy analysis, etc.), competitive research funding and an endowment to support travel to present at conferences. For many residents, even those not considering a research career, the relationships formed, and lessons learned during completion of the research project become a core part of their residency experience.  

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The Graduate School

Guide to graduate admissions, graduate admissions guide, application process, general requirements, how to apply.

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Admissions Decision

Deferral of admission.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications are first submitted to the Graduate School. Once the Graduate School has processed your application, it will be reviewed by a Graduate School Admissions Specialist and forwarded to the Graduate Program Director in the appropriate department or program.

Departments and programs then review the application and make recommendations for admission to the Dean of the Graduate School. Because departments and programs determine their own processes and timelines for reviewing completed applications, the Graduate School cannot provide a general time frame to expect between submission of the application and a final decision.

CHANGING YOUR APPLICATION

Once the application is submitted, you cannot alter or change the application online except for the recommendations page. Changes related to contact information, application term, program, degree, or concentration must be submitted by completing the  Request to Change Information on a Submitted Application Form  which is available within your application status portal.

Verification of changes will be sent to you by email. Once an admissions decision has been made, changes to the application are not allowed.

A COMPLETED APPLICATION

The Graduate School considers an application complete when test scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and the payment of the application fee are linked to the application. An Admissions Specialist will review applications with care and notify applicants when additional information is needed.

Completed applications are forwarded to the department or program for review. Processing an application can take several days even in optimal circumstances and may take slightly longer during peak periods. The Graduate School makes every effort to process applications in a timely manner. By utilizing the full functionality of the online application, you can facilitate this process. Waiting for outstanding transcripts can extend processing times.

• Applicants must submit a completed online application
• $65 nonrefundable application processing fee (Note: the application fee is  not required  for full-time UNCG employees (excludes student employees), McNair Scholars, or UNCG students currently enrolled in a graduate degree program applying for a certificate.
• Applicants who are unable to demonstrate English proficiency may apply for conditional admission and earn their proficiency through  Interlink International Institutes .
• Community standards/Campus Safety questionnaire. The UNC system requires all applicants to answer questions regarding community standards.
• Completion of a bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree (if required by the program) from a U.S. college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association or completion of a bachelor’s and a graduate degree (if required by the program) that is equivalent to a U.S. degree from an international college or university recognized and approved by the Ministry of Education or Commission responsible for higher education in the country where the degree is earned.
• For U.S. degree(s), one transcript from all colleges and universities where a bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree (if required by the program) was earned.
• Exception – A credential evaluation is not required for the international undergraduate degree program if the applicant earned or is in the process of earning an advanced degree from an accredited U.S. institution.
• For U.S. degree, one transcript from all colleges and universities where a bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree (if required by the program) is in process.
• For international degree, a course-by-course evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES®) service, showing proof of in process status of U.S. equivalency of a bachelor’s and/or a graduate degree (if required by the program), credit hours, expected graduation date, and current GPA (see  Graduate International Admissions ).

The purpose of the credential evaluation report is to authenticate your academic credentials and ensure course credit and U.S. grade equivalency are completed accurately.  This also eliminates the need to obtain official, translated transcripts from your school(s) being sent to UNCG.

Program Supplemental Materials

The supplemental documents and test score requirements can be found on the  Programs  page.

• Most programs require three letters of recommendation  from former professors, employers, or persons well acquainted with the applicant’s academic potential. If you need additional guidance,  see this helpful article .
• Official results of GRE scores or other examinations as required by the program to which one applies. Scores are valid for five years from the time originally taken.
• Any additional materials required by the program or department such as audition, interview, portfolio, resume, writing sample, personal statement, etc

All credentials must be in English and received by the Graduate School by the posted deadline.

For mailing purposes, please use the following address:

UNC Greensboro The Graduate School Attn: Graduate Admissions 270 Mossman Building 1202 Spring Garden Street Greensboro, NC 27412 USA [email protected]

Credentials or supporting materials submitted for admission to the Graduate School become the property of the University and are not returned. No copies will be provided to third parties outside the University except when compelled by legal authority. Copies will, however, be provided to appropriate offices at the University in the interest of academic matters or financial awards relative to the applicant. Applications and supporting documents are retained according to the retention policies of the state of North Carolina.

ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS

Your continued enrollment at UNC Greensboro is contingent upon your completion of the following items:

• One,  final official  transcript from all colleges and universities where a bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree (if required by the program) was earned in the U.S. This transcript must be issued by the registrar’s office showing the degree awarded, earned credit hours, GPA and no courses in process and must be received before being allowed to register for your second semester.
• For international degree(s), an  official  course-by-course evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES®) service, showing proof of earned U.S. equivalency bachelor’s degree and/or a graduate degree (if required by the program), credit hours, and GPA.  This evaluation must include degree  awarded  (verified) equivalency with no courses in process and must be received before being allowed to register for your second semester.

STEP ONE: CREATE AN ACCOUNT

• Begin your application
• Select the  Create Account  link and provide the requested information.

The email address you provide for your profile will be used as the primary mode of communication from the Graduate School.

The web-based application allows you to save your progress and return to enter information at a later time. Please log out after each session. Only the recommendations section can be updated once an application is submitted.

STEP TWO: PROVIDE APPLICATION INFORMATION

• Personal Background
• Degree Program
• Credential Evaluation required for non-U.S. transcripts
• Additional Information (e.g. emergency contacts, residency, birth country, etc.
• Test Scores (if applicable)
• Recommendations
• Supplemental Documents

STEP THREE: SUBMIT APPLICATION AND APPLICATION FEE Once the application is submitted, pay the application fee by credit card. At that time, an email message will be sent notifying the applicant of the receipt of payment.

STEP FOUR: RECEIVE VERIFICATION Following submission, you will receive an email verifying receipt of the application and an introductory email from an Admissions Specialist. These and all future correspondence will be sent to the email address provided in your application.

STEP FIVE: CHECK APPLICATION STATUS To check the status of your submitted application, please log back into your account. As the application materials are received, the ‘Application Checklist’ section on your account will be updated. Please note: once you have submitted your application, edits can only be made to the recommendations page. Click “Recommendations Page” at the bottom of the page to make your edits.

In an effort to maintain a safe learning community, we must ask campus safety questions of all applicants. For the purposes of these questions, “crime” or “criminal charge” refers to any crime other than a traffic related misdemeanor or an infraction. You must, however, include any alcohol or drug related offenses whether or not they are traffic related incidents. Answering “yes” to any of the campus safety questions may not necessarily preclude your being admitted.  However, failing to answer these questions, or failing to respond completely, accurately, and truthfully, may be grounds to deny or withdraw your admission or to dismiss you after enrollment.

If you answer “yes” to any of the questions, you will be required to provide an explanation that gives the approximate date of each incident, explains the circumstances, and reflects on what you learned from the experience. The university reserves the right to require an additional statement form an appropriate official corroborating your account, either before acting on your application or before permitting you to enroll. Your failure to provide such a statement upon request may be grounds to deny or withdraw your admission or to dismiss you after enrollment.

You are required to notify the university immediately and in writing of any new or pending criminal charge, any disposition or a criminal charge, or any school, college, or university disciplinary action against you, or any type of military discharge other than an honorable discharge or any non-routine absence from school, that occurs at any time after you submit this application and prior to enrollment.  Your failure to do so may be grounds to deny or withdraw your admission or to dismiss you after enrollment.

Admission into a UNCG graduate degree or certificate program is a process shared by the Graduate School and the graduate program. To be considered for graduate admission, applicants must meet the requirements of the Graduate School and of the graduate program.

Faculty in the graduate programs recommend students for admission to the Graduate School after they have assessed each prospective graduate student’s potential. Programs have significant discretion in determining admission standards and class size based on factors such as availability of academic mentors, financial support, laboratory space, and student distribution within interest areas.

Neither an academic record exceeding minimum requirements, nor satisfactory scores on standardized tests, nor professional expertise alone will assure an applicant’s admission in this competitive environment. Rather, the overall record must indicate the strong likelihood that a prospective student will complete graduate study successfully.

Each application to the Graduate School will result in one admission decision. Offers of admission are not official until approved by the Dean of the Graduate School. Official admission decisions are communicated to applicants by email from the Dean of the Graduate School. Prospective students can view the status of the admission application online at the application portal. Click “Manage Your Account” and then “View All Forms.” If the admitted applicant does not register for the term specified in the admission letter, the admission may be subject to cancellation.

Graduate admission to a degree or certificate program may be deferred for a maximum of one year from the initial term of admission. The student is responsible for contacting the department to determine if admission for subsequent terms is allowed.

To request a deferral of admission, admitted students must submit a completed Deferral of Admission Form, found within the  online application , to the admitting department’s Graduate Program Director no later than the first day of classes of the term of initial admission. The deferral request must be for a specific entry term. The entry term must also be for a term the program has listed as an offered admit term.

After considering the request, the department will forward the form to the Graduate School, who will notify the student of the decision. Merit-based financial aid, i.e. teaching/research assistantships, scholarships, and fellowships will not be deferred; the student must compete again for the awards.

Students who have not enrolled and have not requested a deferral of admission will be required to reapply.

Military-affiliated students should contact the Graduate School for individual assistance with extended deferrals.

• Applicants must submit a completed online application  
• $65 nonrefundable application processing fee (Note: the application fee is not required for full-time UNCG employees (excludes student employees), McNair Scholars, or UNCG students currently enrolled in a graduate degree program applying for a certificate.
• Applicants who are unable to demonstrate English proficiency may apply for conditional admission and earn their proficiency through Interlink International Institutes .
• Community standards/Campus Safety questionnaire. The UNC system requires all applicants to answer questions regarding community standards .
• Completion of a bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree (if required by the program) from a U.S. college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association or completion of a bachelor’s and a graduate degree (if required by the program) that is equivalent to a U.S. degree from an international college or university recognized and approved by the Ministry of Education or Commission responsible for higher education in the country where the degree is earned.
• Exception – A credential evaluation is not required for the international undergraduate degree program if the applicant earned or is in the process of earning an advanced degree from an accredited U.S. institution. 
• For U.S. degree, one transcript from all colleges and universities where a bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree (if required by the program) is in process. 
• For international degree, a course-by-course evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES®) service, showing proof of in process status of U.S. equivalency of a bachelor’s and/or a graduate degree (if required by the program), credit hours, expected graduation date, and current GPA ( see Graduate International Admissions ).

The supplemental documents and test score requirements can be found on the Programs page.

• Most programs require three letters of recommendation from former professors, employers, or persons well acquainted with the applicant’s academic potential. If you need additional guidance, see this helpful article .

Your continued enrollment at UNC Greensboro is contingent upon your completion of the following items: 

• One, final official transcript from all colleges and universities where a bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree (if required by the program) was earned in the U.S. This transcript must be issued by the registrar’s office showing the degree awarded, earned credit hours, GPA and no courses in process and must be received before being allowed to register for your second semester.   
• For international degree(s), an official course-by-course evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES®) service, showing proof of earned U.S. equivalency bachelor’s degree and/or a graduate degree (if required by the program), credit hours, and GPA.  This evaluation must include degree awarded (verified) equivalency with no courses in process and must be received before being allowed to register for your second semester.

To request a deferral of admission, admitted students must submit a completed Deferral of Admission Form, found within the online application , to the admitting department’s Graduate Program Director no later than the first day of classes of the term of initial admission. The deferral request must be for a specific entry term. The entry term must also be for a term the program has listed as an offered admit term.

Faculty in the graduate programs recommend students for admission to the Graduate School after they have assessed each prospective graduate student’s potential. Programs have significant discretion in determining admission standards and class size based on factors such as availability of academic mentors, financial support, laboratory space, and student distribution within interest areas. 

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Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists

The UNC Adams School of Dentistry offers a 29-month Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists (ASPID) as an entry for graduates of foreign dental schools, except Canadian graduates, who seek to receive additional training and practice dentistry in the United States.

ASPID students enroll in a six-month intensive track of didactic, preclinical and laboratory courses. This prepares them to integrate into the third-year predoctoral DDS class during the fall semester of that same year.

Admissions Information

Application Deadline: CAAPID – May 24, 2024 Supplemental Application – May 28, 2024

Applicants should use the ADEA CAAPID to apply to the program.

• The following materials should be submitted with the CAAPID application:
• The following items should be submitted to the Slate program as part of the supplemental application. You will receive an email once your CAPPID application is complete:

Application Fee

After submitting the ADEA CAAPID application and ADEA on-line fee, submit a $150 non-refundable application fee directly to the Adams School of Dentistry . Do not submit payment until after you have submitted your CAAPID application.

Interview Invitation and Bench Test

Successful applicants selected for interview will need to pay a  bench test fee of $300 .  Information regarding payment of the bench test fee will be included in the invitation to Chapel Hill for an interview.

Applicants with strong academic credentials and a demonstrated commitment to the profession will be considered for a skill evaluation (bench test) and personal interview. Formal letters of non-acceptance will not be sent to applicants not selected for an interview.

Applicants selected for a personal interview and bench test will be invited to visit the Adams School of Dentistry. The interview day consists of an overview of the ASPID program, personal interview with faculty members of the ASPID admission’s committee and a bench test using manikins in the preclinical laboratory. Individuals who are not able to attend the designated interview date will not be eligible for acceptance.

Acceptance Notifications

Acceptance notifications will be sent at the completion of the selection process. For the candidates offered admissions to the program, a non-refundable deposit of $5,000 will be expected within 14 days of acceptance.

Tuition, Stipend Support and Benefits

Please note, living expenses are not included.

Click here to see tuition and fees for the ASPID program.

Estimated living expenses  (not included in tuition and fees) .

Books, Room, Board and Personal Expenses: $21,000

Background Check

Entering students will be required to complete a criminal  background check .

Offers of admission are not considered final and enrollment is not permitted until completion of the criminal background check with results deemed favorable by the Adams School of Dentistry.

The information obtained will remain confidential unless the findings result in an institutional action by the Adams School of Dentistry.

Certification of Finances and Visa

Entering students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents will be required to obtain an F-1 student visa to study at the Adams School of Dentistry and to complete a Certification of Finances through the ISSS office .

Late Applications

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. The Office of Admission at the Adams School of Dentistry cannot be held liable for any delays caused by the U.S. Postal Service or other mail delivery systems. All application materials and documents become the property of the Adams School of Dentistry and will not be returned to the applicant . Any applications materials received after the admissions cycle will be discarded.

Other questions?

Please refer to this document of frequently asked questions. If your question is not answered there, reach out to the ASPID Program Manager, Ashley Blake via email .

Questions? Contact us via email!

ASPID Program UNC Adams School of Dentistry 385 S. Columbia St., Chapel Hill, NC 27599 First Dental Building CB#7450 Chapel Hill, NC

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• Application Requirements

Statement of Purpose

Why do you want a graduate education.

Applicants should compose and upload a Statement of Purpose in the online application, outlining their goals for pursuing graduate education.  Specifically, applicants should describe their reasons for applying to the proposed program of study, their preparation for this field of study as well as any research experience in the discipline, future career plans, and any other aspects of a person’s background and interests which may aid the admissions committee and Graduate  Program Director in evaluating your motivation for graduate study.

Note some programs have specific instructions and guidelines related to information applicants should include in the statement of purpose, so it is important to follow the guidelines as recommended by the program to which you are applying for admission.