North Carolina State University Handbook for Advising and Teaching

2-1.1 FRESHMEN

An applicant for admission should be a graduate of an accredited or otherwise recognized secondary school or have the equivalent of a high school diploma and should have strong academic preparation. A minimum number of high school courses in specific subject matter areas are required. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for specific course information. An admissions index (AI) is computed for each freshman applicant. Each NC State college/school determines the admissions index that an applicant should meet to be considered for admission into a degree program. These requirements are subject to change from academic year to year as well as within the year. Out of state candidates generally meet higher requirements than in state students. See section below on Entrance Test Scores and admissions indexes. (See also Appendix U and Appendix V).

The admissions index combines the Scholastic Aptitude Test verbal and mathematics scores or ACT scores and the grade point average on high school course work and class rank, with proper weighting based upon experience with these predictors. This index of probable achievement (which is only a mid point of a range of expected performance) is the best combination of the three items and can be useful to the adviser in estimating a student's probable academic performance in his or her freshman year. It does not, of course, include any allowance for other factors, such as quality or content of high school courses pursued.

The Admissions Office individually reviews the applications of all students. During the review, the admissions index and the quality of courses are taken into account as well as other factors such as recommendations, extra curricular activities, the NC STATE performance of previous students from the same high school, etc. As a result of the Admissions review, some students may be admitted to a program with an admissions index that differs from that which is normally required.

An admissions index cannot normally be computed for international applicants. In addition to academic credentials, an international student must submit evidence of proficiency in the English language as indicated by the Test of English as a Foreign Language (See English Language Requirement for International Students). Additional English placement tests are administered by the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures when necessary.

The admissions index is but one factor considered in admissions decisions and is not the sole basis for decisions. As the student's admissions index is a combination of many factors including the use of a regression equation which is often difficult to explain, it is recommended that this information not be routinely given out to freshmen.

The admissions index is available through status printouts in advisers' offices or the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

Any exceptions to Admissions requirements for freshmen must have the approval of the Dean of the College in which admission is sought and the faculty Admissions Committee.

2-1.2 Transfer Students
2-1.3 Admission of Lifelong Education Students
2-1.4 Entrance Test Scores and Admissions Index
2-1.5 Deadlines for Submitting Applications for Undergraduate Admission
2-1.6 New Student Orientation
2-1.7 Placement
2-1.8 International Baccalaureate Program

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