How to Apply & Deadlines

Application Deadlines:

Admissions Requirements

The BEST Minor program welcomes UNC-Chapel Hill undergraduate students majoring in biology, chemistry, geology, physics, or mathematics who are passionate about becoming secondary education teachers. Applicants may apply to BEST after completing their first semester and up until their senior year.  

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 is required at the time of application, as mandated by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Applicants who do not meet the 2.7 GPA requirement at the time of application but anticipate meeting it before entering the School of Education are encouraged to contact the department to discuss their situation. 

Successful candidates typically demonstrate academic readiness, strong content knowledge in their major field, and a clear commitment to teaching diverse student populations. 

Applicants are encouraged to monitor their application status regularly to ensure all materials are received. 

Admissions Process

Applicants to the BEST Minor program must first submit a request to change their major within ConnectCarolina. After this request is submitted, an email from the Slate application system will be sent within 24 to 72 hours, containing a link to the online application. 

All application materials are to be submitted electronically and include: 

• Virtual application via the Slate application system 
• Personal Statement/Essay (Please reply to each prompt in 500 words or less) 
• What motivates you to pursue teaching as a potential career? 
• What qualities do you possess that you believe will allow you to be an effective teacher for a diverse population of students? 
• Describe a specific experience from your life and discuss how that experience will influence your ability to support the achievement of a diverse population of students. 
• Test requirements as detailed below. 

By applying to UNC-Chapel Hill, you consent to the university obtaining additional information if needed, including campus safety records. Admission offers are term specific. If you do not enroll, you must reapply for future terms. 

Test Requirements

The North Carolina State Board of Education requires one of the following tests to demonstrate competency at the Pre-Professional Skill level for admission to undergraduate teacher education programs: 

• Praxis I – Core Academic Skills for Educators 
  • Total Score – 468 Composite 
  • Reading/Writing – 156/162 
  • Mathematics – 150 
• SAT 
  • Total Score – 1100 Composite 
  • Reading – 550 
  • Mathematics – 550 
• ACT 
  • Total Score – 24 Composite 
  • English – 24 
  • Mathematics – 24 

Official SAT or ACT scores must be on file with UNC or submitted by the application deadline if used instead of Praxis I. Scores from any test date are accepted as reported, without adjustment. Applicants may combine scores from different tests to meet individual subject requirements; however, composite scores must come from the same test. 

Tuition & Financial Aid

Students are encouraged to explore a variety of tuition and financial aid options when considering a degree from the UNC-Chapel Hill. Support may include loans, grants, and campus employment through the UNC Office of Scholarships & Student Aid, along withSchool of Education Scholarships, Fellowships, and Awards. 

Undergraduate Tuition, Financial Aid & Scholarships »

Learn More About the Program