UNC Chapel Hill is one of the most respected public universities in the country, and the Kenan-Flagler Business School sits right at the heart of its growing popularity. It’s a favorite among our business-focused clients who are looking for a top-tier education in a collaborative, intellectually rigorous environment without sacrificing the energy and spirit of a classic college campus. If you’re here, chances are you’ve already decided that Kenan-Flagler is the place you want to be. Now you’re looking for the smartest way to make that happen.
Here’s what you need to know: Kenan-Flagler is one of the most competitive programs at UNC. While Carolina’s overall acceptance rate hovers around 17% for out-of-state applicants, admission into the business school, especially for those applying directly as first-year students, is significantly more selective. Out-of-state acceptance is around 8% (eight!!), which means if you don’t hail from the Tarheel state, you need to do everything you can to build a strong profile.
If you’re serious about Kenan-Flagler, you’ll need a smart, focused strategy to match that ambition. This guide is here to help you build the kind of application that can stand out in one of the most competitive business applicant pools out there.
Is Kenan-Flagler your top choice? We’ve helped countless students gain admission to Kenan-Flagler and other top undergrad business schools. Our counselors are ready to provide expert, personalized guidance to help you meet your goals – reach out to us today.
Get the Grades
Getting into Kenan-Flagler isn’t just about being a strong UNC applicant; it’s about being a standout. Students who are admitted to the direct-entry business program typically fall at the top of UNC’s already competitive applicant pool. That means your academic performance needs to be exceptional.
Straight As are the baseline. The average unweighted GPA for admitted business students is around a 3.9, and those grades are coming from students who are taking the most rigorous classes available to them. AP, IB, honors – whatever your school offers, you should be challenging yourself across the board. If you’re aiming for Kenan-Flagler, strong academics aren’t optional. They’re expected.
Build a Niche
Saying you're “interested in business” isn't enough, especially if you're aiming for a direct admit spot at Kenan-Flagler. UNC is looking for students who’ve started thinking critically about what they want to explore and why. One of the best ways to sharpen that focus is to dig into the kinds of business areas Kenan-Flagler is known for – think corporate finance, consulting, entrepreneurship, or business and sustainability.
Maybe finance is where you begin. That’s a solid starting point, but it shouldn't be the end. As you explore, you might find yourself more interested in financial planning for underserved communities, or how capital markets can support long-term social impact. That evolution, from a general interest to a clear and intentional direction, is what makes a strong application stand out. You’re not just listing a major. You’re showing that you’ve already started down a path.
So how do you actually make that visible in your application? Let’s break it down.
Courses and Reading
If you want to define your business interests with clarity and depth, you have to start learning beyond the classroom. We recommend exploring free or low-cost online courses through platforms like Coursera, edX, or Open Yale Courses. These can introduce you to everything from core business principles to more focused topics, like financial modeling, operations strategy, or ethical leadership.
Reading widely is just as valuable. Whether it’s memoirs by respected business leaders, in-depth looks at economic policy, or books on innovation and organizational behavior, a thoughtful reading list can help you shape your perspective. And don’t underestimate the importance of staying current. Following business news through Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, or industry-specific podcasts gives you insight into real-world challenges and opportunities.
School Extracurriculars
If your school offers business clubs, get involved! And don’t just be a member, take on a leadership role when you can. Whether it’s DECA, FBLA, an investment club, or a group focused on entrepreneurship, these activities are a great way to start building experience. If your school doesn’t have anything that fits your interests, that’s an opportunity. Start something of your own, whether it’s a consulting club, a nonprofit accelerator, or a group focused on business and sustainability.
Your extracurriculars don’t have to be strictly business-related to be relevant. Kenan-Flagler values well-rounded students who know how to lead, solve problems, and think critically. Maybe you’re interviewing local small business owners for the school newspaper, running the logistics for a large service project, or managing fundraising for a student organization. These experiences all show initiative and strategic thinking – and they help admissions officers understand how your interests align with Kenan-Flagler’s values. The key is to make sure everything you do ties into a larger story about who you are and where you're headed.
Out of School Extracurriculars
We encourage all of our students to work – during the summer, on weekends, or whenever it fits into their schedule. For future business majors, having a job is one of the best ways to show that you’re dependable, motivated, and willing to take on real-world responsibility. Whether you’re stocking shelves, managing the front desk at a gym, or working as a camp counselor, the role itself matters less than the fact that you’re showing up and learning how businesses operate from the inside.
You should also consider applying to summer programs that focus on business, leadership, or economics. There are many highly regarded options around the country (and even abroad!) that allow you to explore core business concepts, see what a college campus feels like, collaborate with peers, and build confidence before college.
And if you’re able to secure an internship, that’s great – as long as it aligns with your broader goals. If your application highlights an interest in corporate finance or consulting, but your experience is in retail or unrelated admin work, it might muddy the narrative. Strong applicants to Kenan-Flagler tell a consistent story through their experiences. Your resume should reflect where you're headed, not just what was available.
Start a Company
Saying you're interested in "entrepreneurship" is a bit like saying you're interested in "drive." It's a great quality – but not a clear plan. On its own, it doesn’t tell admissions officers much about what you’ve done or what you’re hoping to study. And while the media loves to spotlight the college-dropout-turned-billionaire founder, that’s not the story schools like Kenan-Flagler are looking to invest in.
If building businesses is something you're genuinely passionate about, that’s a great starting point, but now it’s time to get specific. Focus on learning practical skills like marketing, finance, or operations. Better yet, put those skills into practice. Maybe you organized a community-based service, launched a small business, or turned a hobby into a source of income. That kind of real-world initiative carries weight!
Kenan-Flagler wants to see students who are builders – not just in theory, but in action. You don’t need to label yourself an entrepreneur. Just show that you know how to take an idea and make it happen.
Apply Early
UNC Chapel Hill offers Early Action, and if Kenan-Flagler is on your radar, applying early is a smart move. While EA at UNC doesn’t guarantee a much higher acceptance rate, it does give your application an early read – which can help, especially for competitive programs like Kenan-Flagler’s direct admit track. Plus, applying early shows that you’ve done your research and are serious about the university.
A strong Kenan-Flagler applicant isn’t just a good student. They’ve taken on academic rigor, earned top grades, and already started demonstrating leadership and initiative outside the classroom. If this is your goal, the time to build your application is now. The earlier you get focused, the more compelling your story will be by senior year.
If you’re aiming for Kenan-Flagler and want to put your best foot forward, we’re here to help you make it happen. Don’t wait to start building your path, reach out today.
Need help strategizing for Kenan-Flagler? Contact us now.