Carolina moves up admissions decision notifications for NC early applicants
Under a new timeline, North Carolina residents who meet the early action deadline of Oct. 15 will receive their admissions decisions earlier than ever before.
First-year applicants to UNC-Chapel Hill who are North Carolina residents and apply by the early action deadline for fall 2026 admission will receive their admissions decisions earlier than ever before.
Under the new timeline, North Carolina residents who submit a completed application by the early action deadline of Oct. 15 will receive their admissions decisions by Dec. 20, giving them more time to plan for their future as Tar Heels. Previously, all early action applicants, regardless of residency, received decisions in late January.
“Speeding up our decision timeline is part of our commitment to the state and people of North Carolina,” said Rachelle Feldman, vice provost of enrollment. “Many North Carolina high school seniors are excited about attending Carolina but can find the college application process stressful. By notifying our North Carolina early action applicants before the December holidays, we hope to ease the stress of decision-making and planning and give admitted students more time to explore all that Chapel Hill has to offer.”
Key changes include:
- The early-action application deadline remains Oct. 15.
- North Carolina residents who apply early action by Oct. 15 will receive decisions by Dec. 20.
- Nonresident early action applicants will receive decisions by Feb. 10, 2026.
- The regular decision deadline remains Jan. 15, with notifications by March 31, 2026.
- All admitted students will have until May 1, 2026, to make their enrollment decision.
- Transfer student timelines remain unchanged, with the application deadline Feb. 15, 2026, and notifications by April 30, 2026.
Carolina encourages students to apply by the early-action deadline not only for an earlier decision but also to be considered for academic scholarships, Honors Carolina and assured admission to select professional programs.
The University believes this change will benefit students, counselors and families across North Carolina by allowing them more time to get to know the campus, understand their opportunities and feel supported throughout the college search and decision-making process.
