Application Deadlines:
BEST is not currently accepting applications.
To apply to BEST, you must first request a major change within ConnectCarolina.
Once you have submitted the request to change your major in ConnectCarolina, you will receive an email from the Slate application system that includes a link to the online application. Please note that it may take 24-72 hours to receive the application email.
All application materials are submitted electronically. No hard-copy materials are accepted. By submitting an application to the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Education, consent is granted to university staff to obtain any additional or missing information as needed, including Campus Safety Information.
Admissions Requirements
- Declared Math or Science major
- A minimum grade point average of 2.7 at the time you apply to the School of Education. The 2.7 GPA entrance requirement is mandated by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and is not negotiable.
If you do not have a 2.7 GPA at the time of your application but there is a strong possibility that you may have a 2.7 GPA before you would enter the School of Education please contact Dr. Cheryl Bolick at cbolick@email.unc.edu to discuss your specific situation and the likelihood that you will or will not be able to enter the School of Education.
- Personal Statement/Essay
Essay Prompts (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
The North Carolina State Board of Education has identified three tests that can serve as admissions tests for undergraduate teacher education programs to provide evidence of competency with Pre-Professional Skill level.
Be sure to designate UNC-CH (code 5816) as a score recipient on registration form.
Praxis I — Core Academic Skills for Educators
- Total Score – 468 Composite
- Reading/Writing – 156/162
- Mathematics – 150
SAT
- Total Score – 1100 Combined Score
- Reading 550
- Math 550
ACT
- Total Score – 24 Composite Score
- English 24
- Math 24
Applicants planning to use SAT or ACT scores instead of Praxis I must have official scores on file with the university or have official score reports submitted to UNC from ETS. Official scores MUST be received by the application deadline.
Can I use my SAT or ACT scores no matter how old they are?
YES, but the score is used as it is printed – no re-centering is applied.
Can students use combinations of scores from different tests to make the equivalent of passing PRAXIS I scores?
YES, for example, a student may use the 550+ portion of the math SAT and the Reading and Writing tests from PRAXIS I and be eligible for admission to teacher education programs. (Please note students CANNOT use different tests to meet composite test score requirements)
Can students who have taken and failed PRAXIS I now use their scores from SAT or ACT?
YES, if the tests meet the criteria there is no penalty held against previous test takers who have not passed.