The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

I would never recommend this school to anyone of color. It is a scam. They lack in diversity and the faculty can be very racist, especially toward African American students. Furthermore, the university protected white supremacist group members who cared guns during the protest without informing students about the potential for violence. They don't want to look out for African American students. The financial aid office is absolutely terrible, as well. I have been misinformed everytime I go in there and I always get a different answer when I reach out through email than in person. In addition to getting different answers, I have struggled to get financial aid each year. The more scholarships I receive, the more money they take away from your financial aid package. They always brag during tours and orientation about providing financial assistance, but unless you are a Morehead-Cain scholar or a Covenant Scholar, you will always have to take out a loan. My parents are public school educators and I can't go one year without taking out loans, even though teacher pay in North Carolina is 46th in the nation. They even had the nerve to take away my work study every year because I always try to get one scholarship. Work study is where students get those wonderful research positions though that medical schools love. It is very hard to find research positions for non-work study students. This is ridiculous. Scholarships given to students are hard to find here and you have to really dig through websites to find they-almost like they hid them. They seem like they don't want kids to graduate debt free. I'm really disappointed. Also, Phillip's Hall and so many other buildings need a major face lift. There was water constantly leaking from the stairs and it looked like the building where going to collapse. They are in major need of some renovations because the bathrooms are old, the water didn't even work in some restrooms for an entire semester, and the elevators don't even stop all the way at the floor for a few seconds. Be careful when you are walking through North campus. The only pretty buildings are Genome Science Building, the Student Store, the Student Union, Carol Hall, and Lenior Dining on North Campus. Lastly,the Chemistry department is TERRIBLE. If you are premed, your GPA may be destroyed here by taking Chem classes. Chemistry 102 has one of the highest fail rates and why? Professors in the Chem department don't know how to teach, except for Bliem and Freeman. Tiani is absolutely horrible. Also, if you want a recommendation from a Chem professor, plan to get real cozy with them. They are selective in who they recommend, even if you attend review sessions and go to office hours. Don't believe anything you hear from them on yours or at orientation. It is all a lie if you are a student of color. I wish I had honestly went to another school where I could flourish and be supported. They lack a lot of things and invest their money in sports, when it should be going to their students. African American students are just treated as numbers that they can brag about. This institution is screwed up.

2nd Year Female -- Class 1921

Useful Schoolwork: A+, Education Quality: F

If you want an amazing college experience and an even better education, go to UNC. There are no bones about it...UNC is a tough school. Assuming you can get in, you'll have to work hard once you're there. But you'll come out with one of the best educations you can get, especially at such an affordable price.

Like any large school, most of your freshman year classes will probably be lecture classes with 200+ people. If you make the effort though, you can talk to any of your professors during office hours. I've been at UNC for three years, and never had a teacher who hasn't had office hours at least twice a week. Teachers are very accessible, and most really do care about their students.You'll get an amazing education at UNC. If you get in, you should go for it...it'll be the best years of your life-and the most challenging.

3rd Year Female -- Class 2004

Education Quality: A+, Innovation: B

After UNC undergrad, and going to UGA grad, I will say your experience will be what you make of it. Coming to UGA I was comparing everything back to UNC and it made me miserable. I was carrying an elitist attitude on top of not doing what I wanted to do.

You pretty much have to create your own satisfaction, if you're not enjoying what you are doing, you will not enjoy what is around you either.

I've said it before, if you want attention, you better seek it out. Join clubs to meet people. There is not animosity among in-state and out-of-state. According to responses on here it seemed that most of the out-of-state students looked down upon the education of in-state students. I had an out-of-state student ask me what I made on a paper in English class after he told me he made a B+, and when I said A, he said that was what he made too, and said a B+ because he didn't want me to feel bad.

Athletics is a huge part of the UNC identity but you don't have to be a fan to take in what the school offers. Go check out a play put on by the drama department, join dance marathon, watch an acapella group.

It is true that most out-of-state students would most likely out perform the in-state students. The out-of-state students that come to UNC are designated the cream of the crop and UNC is very selective as to who they accept in that regard.

There are definitely cliques. I am a minority who happened to socialize mostly with the majority. If you want to have a good life after graduation, start making your connections now. This is one thing that I regret I did not do. Life isn't just about the degree. As one of my professors said, "It's not what you know, or who you know. It's who knows you!" This is true no matter what school you go to. It also helps if you don't spend all of your undergrad just enjoying the moment but also planning out the future and having a direction.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000