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Purpose, Place, Perspective — Find yours at App State

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University offers incredible preparation for life and career success. In Boone, Hickory or online, you'll find your passions, conduct research alongside world-class faculty and join a community of learners, creative thinkers and effective communicators.

Explore majors, review admission requirements and deadlines, meet your admission counselor, sign up for a visit and take the next step to become a Mountaineer. Learn more about our community and connect with resources to support you along your journey.

Admissions Requirements

We want to learn about who you are, what you are passionate about and what you can contribute to the Appalachian Community.

All students are reviewed holistically, and submitting all recommended materials will help distinguish you as an applicant.

Academic Profile

Can you get in to App State? Below are the GPA/test score ranges of the middle 50 percent of first-year admits. 25 percent of admitted students fall either below or above these levels:
Weighted GPA: 3.82-4.34
SAT (new – evidence-based reading and writing and math): 1100-1270
ACT (composite): 22-28
The cumulative GPA range of the middle 50% of admitted transfer students: 2.82-3.58

Minimum Requirements

All state institutions in North Carolina have minimum course requirements and admission requirements as established by the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina System.

Test Waiver Policy

For first-year students applying for a 2022, 2023 and 2024 term, official test scores (ACT/SAT) will be not required for admission. Students will have the option to select on the application whether or not they will be submitting test scores for review.

Transfer Credit

Whether you attend an early college, are dual enrolled or are planning to transfer, use the NC Community College Transfer Guides and the Transfer Equivalency Course Search to determine how your completed courses will transfer.

Start exploring what it’s like to be a Mountaineer

Figuring out how best to prepare for college is an important part of the process. Don't worry if you have no idea where to start — we're here to help! Use this checklist to stay on track throughout your college search.

College Planning Checklist

Research schools online and start making a list of college options. Figure out what is important to you. Size, location, majors?
Set up an email account to help keep you organized throughout your college search.
Connect with the admissions counselor to ask questions and learn more about the college.
Challenge yourself academically with a plan to take honors, AP and IB courses.
Get involved in your community. Use this as a way to start discovering your passions and building your resume.

Create a brag file so you don't forget all of your accomplishments! Start keeping notes that will come in handy for your college application.
Take the SAT and/or ACT more than once. Nearly all App State applicants take these tests multiple times.
Research majors that can lead you to your dream job!
Talk with your support team about scholarships and financial aid.
Visit, again and again! Become a student for a day, attend an open house, speak with an admission counselor and see what campus life is really like.

To best serve students in our region, App State has extended the deadline to Nov. 15 for first-year students to apply for admission and guaranteed scholarship consideration, with all supplemental materials due by Nov. 30. We’ve also waived the application fee through Nov. 15 for students impacted by the recent hurricanes in the Southeast.

First-year students can use “MOUNTAIN STRONG” in the Common App when prompted for an App State fee waiver code. Transfer students in affected counties or institutions will have their fee automatically waived.