As we sit down to read each application, we really don’t have an “ideal” student in mind. Rather, we like being surprised by each individual applicant’s interests and talents. But some common themes still tend to emerge among our favorites: They’re smart. Motivated. Service-oriented. Curious. Creative. Courageous. The kind of people who will not only flourish in but actively enhance our community while they’re here. Which greatly increases the likelihood that they (you, potentially) will go on to enhance the world after graduation.

That’s why we read every application so carefully and discuss them here at such length before extending an offer. It’s not easy selecting the next group of students to join the university with more Rhodes Scholars than any other public research school in the nation for the past 25 years, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Notice to prospective students: UNC-Chapel Hill is committed to assisting all members of the University community in providing for their own safety and security. Click here for a copy of the University’s annual security and fire safety report. For a printed copy, you may either visit the Department of Public Safety (285 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599) or you may call 919-962-3951. The report contains information regarding campus security and personal safety on topics such as crime prevention, fire safety, and more. Also, information compiled under the U.S. Department of Education’s Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act is available upon request from the Business Office of the UNC Department of Athletics at P.O. Box 2126,Chapel Hill, NC 27515.