The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

I didn't really want to transfer to UNC, mainly because of its size, and I haven't been very happy here...I'm just trying to get that piece of paper at this point. The classes have been a pleasant surprise in terms of difficulty (particularly my English classes)--I expected to breeze through with no effort, since I originally went to Davidson, which is supposedly a much more academically rigorous school. Class size in my major has also been great--I haven't had more than 26 or 27 people in an English class. On the other hand, I am also pre-med, and my required science classes have been nightmarish--the stereotypical 200-person lecture hall, with very, very little opportunity for professorial help or even contact. So I guess it all depends on your department, and the level of your classes (introductory/general versus upper-level).

The students here haven't impressed me; I guess that's the major difference between here and Davidson. It's not that they're dumb, exactly--but they are definitely "typical" college kids: full of loud, adamant opinions with little factual backup (especially political opinions) (the liberals are the worst, and I AM a liberal); very Abercrombie and Fitch (with all that implies); strong sense of entitlement; into lots of drinking and being irritatingly rowdy (and I am not a teetotaller or anti-partying--I just don't like to impose myself on other people). Some of my judgements may come from the fact that I took a few years off to work, and at 24, am just older enough to be annoyed by ordinary college behavior. I think I would have felt the same at 18, though, honestly.It takes a lot of effort to be more than just a warm body here, in both the academic and social arenas, so if you're shy or need a lot of attention or guidance, go to UNCA or someplace instead (just as strong academically, IMO, but about a tenth of the size).

3rd Year Female -- Class 2005

Perceived Campus Safety: A, Education Quality: D-

This school is way, way, way overrated. Don't come here unless you're 100% sure of what you want to do, because this is a very bad place to try to "find yourself." You will have to fight like crazy to get even the slightest amount of personal attention -- advising is a total joke, or non-existent; most professors won't bother to learn your name because they simply don't care; and good luck finding a TA who speaks passable English. I deeply wish I hadn't gone to UNC -- don't buy all the hype, this school is not as good as the giant propaganda machine would have you believe!

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

UNC is way overrated. I've been to three NC schools over the years. Finally transferred in to UNC to get "educated" from a great university. I should have remained at my former school. UNC has nothing on other NC schools. I'm sorry, but like any other college, there are pathetic research-oriented profs who care nothing about their studetns because they simply don't have time. This leaves an empty experience when no feedback or objective criticism is given regularly. You get a paper or test back with scribbled remarks and if you can't read the foreign language remarks they will not have time to explain. I took some classes in my field at ECU and it was TEN TIMES BETTER than this so-called Public Ivy League school. Whoa! If I'd only known...but it's too late to turn back again. Consider other schools first, not just the name UNC, by visiting the dept. you're interested in and auditing a class or two if you can. And...talk to a variety of people...not just PrincetonReview.com or US News.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2000

Surrounding City: A-, Faculty Accessibility: D