Tips for Applying to ECU
Steps to Apply:
1. Create a Navigator account at navigator.ecu.edu. This account will allow you to check on the status of your application.
You can also sign up for a campus tour and other events through your Navigator account.
2. Apply through one of the following:
• Your ECU Navigator account
• CFNC
• Common Application
Each has a $75 nonrefundable application fee.
3. Send official high school transcript. Official transcripts can be sent via CFNC (preferred for NC students for faster processing), or you can mail sealed official transcripts to:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Mailstop 517
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC 27858
Freshmen applying for the Spring 2021 or Fall 2021 terms will not be required to submit standardized (ACT or SAT) test scores to be reviewed for admission. Standardized test scores will also not be required for qualification to apply for general first-year merit scholarships or the Honors College.
4. Monitor your application status. Through your Navigator account, you will be able to track your application. We update Navigator when we receive each part of your application.
Helpful Information:
• Interested in ECU scholarships? The deadline to apply for most university scholarships is January 15, and you must be admitted in order to apply for scholarships. We recommend completing your ECU application no later than December 15 to ensure you are admitted in time to apply for scholarships.
• Use the same email for your Navigator account and the Common Application, and make sure it is not a school email address from high school.
• Verify your residency: If you wish to claim in-state residency for tuition purposes, complete the Residency Determination Service (RDS) process at www.NCresidency.org. If you have already completed the process and obtained your Residency Certification Number (RCN), you can enter it when filling out your application. If you do not already have your RCN, you may submit your application and return later to your Navigator account and enter your RCN.
Frequently Asked Questions about the application process:
Q: What GPA/scores do I need to get into ECU?
A: We use a holistic evaluation to review applications, so many things are taken into consideration. However, here are the 2019 scores and GPAs of the middle 50% of applicants we admitted:
• ACT: 19 – 24
• SAT: 1070 – 1190
• Unweighted GPA: 3.10 – 3.41
Keep in mind that this year admission is test optional and the above numbers represent the middle 50%, so 25% of admitted students were below this range and 25% of admitted students were above this range.
Q: Does ECU require an essay?
A: Yes, the required essay allows you to demonstrate your writing abilities and share something that sets you apart. The essay should be no more than 650 words using the prompt provided; there is a 250-word minimum.
Q: Does ECU require you to input all high school courses into the Common Application?
A: ECU does not require high school courses be entered in the Common Application, though we do require an official copy of the high school transcript be submitted.
Q: Does ECU offer application fee waivers?
A: ECU accepts fee waivers provided by the SAT, ACT, and NACAC.
Q: Can a decision be reconsidered if new scores are sent in the same academic year?
A: ECU has a rolling admissions review process, which allows applicants to submit new scores and/or an updated high school transcript for the same academic year up until the application closes. For freshman applications that date is April 1.
Q: I applied last week; what is my application status?
A: To check on the status of your application or monitor the receipt of transcripts or test scores, please go to your Navigator portal at navigator.ecu.edu. Receipt of transcripts/test scores are updated daily. Once your checklist shows we’ve received all required items, you will receive an admittance decision within approximately six weeks. Your status is posted to your Navigator portal, followed by a letter sent via postal mail.
Don’t hesitate to contact us at 252-328-6640 or admissions@ecu.edu with any questions. Apply now to join Pirate Nation!