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

Applying to C-STEP

Discover if C-STEP is a good fit for you and learn how you can apply.

A student flips through a textbook at Kenan Science Library.

We hope you’ll apply to C-STEP if you’re a high school senior or community college student who is enrolled or planning to enroll at one of our partner schools.

Partner Community Colleges

You’ll also want to make sure that:

  • You plan to earn an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associates of Sciences (AS) degree.
  • You’ll maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2.
  • You’ll have completed no more than half of your associate degree when you apply.
  • You’re eligible to receive federal aid.

When Should I Apply?

If you’re interested in C-STEP, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. New students enroll at Carolina through C-STEP twice a year.

Submit Your ApplicationReceive Your Decision
April 1April 30
October 1October 31

What's Required to Apply?

    • If you’ve taken these tests, we’ll ask you to please self-report your SAT or ACT test results. Testing is optional for fall 2024 admission. The UNC System will determine at a future date whether testing is required for future years. We encourage you to submit scores if you can, as we use them for placement purposes at the community college you’ll be attending.

    • Essay 1: A strong C-STEP candidate is someone with demonstrated academic potential and has an income at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. The review and selection process is comprehensive and may also consider factors such as the ability to overcome obstacles, first-generation college status, life experiences, employment history, and family responsibilities. Tell us why you’re a good candidate for C-STEP.

      Essay 2: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

    • Within the application, upload unofficial transcripts from your graduating high school and all colleges or universities that you’ve attended, even if you did not complete classes.

    • Within the application, include the contact information of two people who can provide a letter of recommendation on your behalf. Once you’ve submitted this information, we’ll email your recommenders inviting them to complete a recommendation online. We require two letters of recommendation for your application.

       

Apply to C-STEP