Skip to main content

Appalachian Today

News and events at Appalachian State University
  • Subscribe
  • For the media
  • Contact
  • Events
  • Webcams
  • Podcasts
  • In the News
  • Research & Arts
  • Awards
  • Experts
  • All News
  • Topics
  • Accolades
  • Alumni
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Athletics
  • Awards and Honors
  • Community Engagement
  • Diversity
  • Events
  • Faculty and Staff
  • Gifts and Grants
  • Global
  • Health and Wellness
  • Publications
  • Research and Creative Works
  • Safety
  • Scholarships
  • Students
  • Sustainability
☰ Menu
  • Events
  • Webcams
  • Podcasts
  • In the News
  • Research & Arts
  • Awards
  • Experts
  • All News
  • Topics
  • Subscribe
  • For the media
  • Contact

Appalachian guarantees admission to qualifying high school seniors in 11 NC GEAR UP school districts

“While this program is intended to offer a more flexible and seamless pathway for first-year admission to Appalachian State University, it is important that students consider all of their options to best meet their college and career goals.”

Cindy Barr, associate vice chancellor for enrollment management

By Elisabeth Wall
Posted Oct. 17, 2019 at 3:46 p.m.

BOONE, N.C. — Current seniors in 11 Western North Carolina high school districts who meet specific academic requirements and submit an application by Friday, Nov. 1, are guaranteed admission to Appalachian State University through a newly announced program called GEAR UP Guarantee.

Appalachian’s GEAR UP Guarantee is a collaboration between the university and the region’s 11 Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) school districts to provide a seamless pathway for high school students to enroll at Appalachian.

The 11 GEAR UP school districts are Ashe, Alleghany, Burke, Clay, Graham, Madison, Rutherford, Swain, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties.

Admission is guaranteed for seniors in GEAR UP school districts who meet these three criteria:

  • Apply for admission to Appalachian by Nov. 1 to be considered for all scholarships and early admission.
  • Have a minimum weighted GPA of 3.50 and meet specific academic prerequisites as required by the University of North Carolina System.
  • Successfully complete a criminal background check and conduct review.

“While this program is intended to offer a more flexible and seamless pathway for first-year admission to Appalachian State University, it is important that students consider all of their options to best meet their college and career goals.”

Cindy Barr, associate vice chancellor for enrollment management

Appalachian’s associate vice chancellor for enrollment management, Cindy Barr, said she hopes the program gives these GEAR UP students the confidence to apply to Appalachian. “We would love to have these students and we hope they feel wanted and recruited,” she said.

Appalachian has collaborated with these 11 districts since 2015, serving over 15,000 middle and high school students through GEAR UP. Because the program is now serving its first cohort of seniors, Appalachian launched GEAR UP Guarantee. The program covers all GEAR UP high school students through 2023.

To be considered for all available scholarships, students must apply for admission by Nov. 1 and submit an application for signature scholarships and selective academic programs by Friday, Nov. 15. GEAR UP Guarantee applicants must submit supporting materials for admission and scholarship consideration by Nov. 15. Appalachian provides resources for students to assist in completing the admissions process.

“While this program is intended to offer a more flexible and seamless pathway for first-year admission to Appalachian State University, it is important that students consider all of their options to best meet their college and career goals,” Barr said. “Students are encouraged to discuss their individual college goals and pathways with a school counselor or college adviser.”

Students who meet the GEAR UP Guarantee requirements can anticipate an admission decision within two to six weeks after completing the admission application.

Apply now
Apply now

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

About College Access Partnerships

College Access Partnerships (CAP) is housed in the Reich College of Education at Appalachian State University and comprises programs in college access and educator professional learning, including Appalachian GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), Upward Bound, Appalachian College Advising Corps, Empowering Teacher Learning, Young Eisner Scholars (YES), GREAT STEM and On Ramp Appalachia. These programs aim to prepare students throughout Western North Carolina to engage in postsecondary learning that provides opportunities for careers in their home region and beyond. For more information, visit gocollege.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

“While this program is intended to offer a more flexible and seamless pathway for first-year admission to Appalachian State University, it is important that students consider all of their options to best meet their college and career goals.”

Cindy Barr, associate vice chancellor for enrollment management

Apply now
Apply now

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

Share

Topics

  • Community Engagement
  • Students

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

Archives

Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian State University Podcasts
  • Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian

Share

Topics

  • Community Engagement
  • Students

Other Recent Posts

  • Student research and creative projects spotlighted at App State’s annual showcase
    Student research and creative projects spotlighted at App State’s annual showcase
  • Will Sears appointed vice chancellor of university advancement at App State
    Will Sears appointed vice chancellor of university advancement at App State
  • N.C. Governor Josh Stein to address graduates at App State commencement
    N.C. Governor Josh Stein to address graduates at App State commencement
  • App State honors 29 students, faculty and staff with 2025 Awards of Distinction
    App State honors 29 students, faculty and staff with 2025 Awards of Distinction
  • App State to offer AI concentration in master’s programs [faculty featured]
    App State to offer AI concentration in master’s programs [faculty featured]
    WFDD
  • Campus emergency siren test to be conducted May 7
    Campus emergency siren test to be conducted May 7
  • App State students help restore national wildlife refuge as part of Alternative Service Experience
    App State students help restore national wildlife refuge as part of Alternative Service Experience
  • Dr. Neva J. Specht appointed App State executive vice chancellor and provost
    Dr. Neva J. Specht appointed App State executive vice chancellor and provost
  • $2 million grant funds scholarships, supports STEM education for over 50 App State students
    $2 million grant funds scholarships, supports STEM education for over 50 App State students
  • App State named Military Friendly School for 16th consecutive year, ranked a top 10 institution for 2025–26
    App State named Military Friendly School for 16th consecutive year, ranked a top 10 institution for 2025–26
  • Explore the future of business with new AI master’s degree tracks at App State
    Explore the future of business with new AI master’s degree tracks at App State
  • 12th annual iBackAPP Day of Giving draws over 3,100 App State supporters worldwide
    12th annual iBackAPP Day of Giving draws over 3,100 App State supporters worldwide

Archives

Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian State University Podcasts
  • Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian
  • Events
  • Videos
  • Galleries
  • In the News
  • Research & Arts
  • Awards
  • Experts
  • All News
  • Topics
  • Subscribe
  • For the media
  • COVID updates
  • Contact

App State

Copyright 2025 Appalachian State University. All rights reserved.

University Communications
ASU Box 32153
Boone, NC 28608
828-262-6156
[email protected]

Abouts

Disclaimer | EO Policy | Accessibility | Website manager: montaldipa (beltmr) .. | Website Feedback

Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram LinkedIn Snapchat