The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

I wrote earlier as a biology major. I have recieved several inquiries, so I decided to post again (forgot ID/pass). I wouldn't say Carolina is an inherently bad place, but it's definitely not the best among the alternatives for an undergraduate degree. The sheer size and vastness of it's bureaucracy alone make it a less than desirable place for an undergraduate. I would recommend this place for graduate school to those that can handle the challenge and under appreciation, "comfortably". I would not recommend studying Biology here. I'm confident enough to say the retention rate is horrible for that department. It's partially students fault, but predominately it's the professors inability to effectively convey their knowledge to the students or remind them why they're reading the textbook anyway. What's the point of preaching to the choir? Which happens to be the case in many of those science classes. I've enjoyed my tumultuous time because of the amount of personal growth and sense of self-accomplishment. I know whatever my grade is I've definitely earned it. There are very few classes if any that give you anything, you have to take it. However, do I think it was worth it? No, I think there is a point where you realize the University is a little too serious and should really just lighten up. It's great to learn, accept responsibility for oneself, and face failure; but you aren't paying someone to have them capitialize on every little weakness you may have. It's safe to say beer gets many good students through Carolina..lol

3rd Year Male -- Class 2003

Scholastic Success: A, Innovation: D+

Your perception of this school will be determined by if you are an in-state or out-of-state student. Some in-state students see this university as being the greatest thing since sliced bread, many coming from small towns with no outside views of the real world. Then you have some in-state students that either like this university of hate it. And then you have out-of-state students like myself. Although I plan to transfer to another school after this semester, I will say that Carolina is a good educational value; however, it does not fulfill the challenge that I expected. There are lots of problems between in-state students and out-of-state students. The high school educational system in the state of North Carolina is not on par with high schools from other states. All of my classes are pretty easy, as I managed to obtain a 4.0 in taking 18 hours for my first semester and this semester is a breeze. However, I know that this is not the case with some of my classmates, nearly all are from North Carolina. Also, cheating is big for some reason, it is not like the classes are difficult. As far as my social life, a lot of the people here, consider anyone that comes from any state above the NC state line to be a Yankee, which is really irritating once you begin to hear it day in and day out. Also, I hate when people refer to me as a JAP, which I find really offensive. I hear it day in and day out and it is also irritating. I don’t go around stating that they are hicks and rednecks. People here are very judgmental. In some cases, mainly during basketball season, it seems as if the university tries to push athletics over academics. Chapel Hill is your typical college town; however, the nightlife is nothing to write home about. The bars nor the clubs are your typical “southern” hole in the wall joints that blast the same radio top 40 hits each weekend. You see the same people, hear the same music, and it gets old and minorities need not to try and get in, which has opened up another can of worms. Those from some Podunk town in this state find it entertaining and think they are in a big city. Frat parties are pretty good but also sometimes boring as well. Beer pong, drugs, and hook ups are frequent on and off campus. Overall, this university prides itself on propaganda, being the flagship of this state, and legacy. This university is a good value and well liked throughout this state, but I looking for a stronger/more challenging academics, and it just does not fit me. Good Luck to all those high school seniors that are about to graduate.

1st Year Female -- Class 2010

Campus Aesthetics: B, University Resource Use/ spending: F

I just finished my first year at Carolina, and I must say, it was an experience. First things first, for all incoming high school seniors, please do not come into Carolina believing everything you have been told and all the hype surrounding the university. If you believe and buy into that hype, then you are setting yourself up for a major disappointment. Overall, most of my professors were helpful and nice; however, you will run into a few that will treat you more as a number than a person. Some of the courses are very challenging while some are a breeze. Carolina is a big school and I found that meeting people in the dorm is the best way to meet people. Also, join organizations that you’re your interest and needs. You can find and meet a lot of people that way too. You will run into many snooty and stuck-up people, but then you will find a few that are down to earth. The Pit is also a good place to mingle. Remember, this is a college campus, and from my experience, there are some people with racist ideologies on campus and people that believe that you are inferior based on your race, class, and etc…, but I managed to ignore those idiots. Social life was not what I expected. Outside of the occasional black greek party here and there, there is really nothing to do as far as being a minority student goes. Yes, there is Franklin Street, but majority of the bars and clubs are not for minorities (unless you play basketball or football) but that is a whole different story in which I don’t care to write about at this time. Let’s just say that there is some racial tension on and off campus. Basketball games are bananas from the two I attended this past season. You have to be really lucky to get into the Dome unless you buy season tickets or in the Rams Club. Basketball season at Carolina runs from August to May for students and it is really the main thing talked about 24/7. Some nerds complain that some players have an easier time in classes than regular students, but I don’t care, just as long as the Heels win, I am happy. Overall, I would give my first year a B- because there are many things in which I think could be better, especially after I visited my friends at other schools and see how much fun they are having. I am upset that two of my girls are transferring, but I plan to stick it out. Looking for a better year staring in August.

1st Year Female -- Class 2008

Campus Aesthetics: A-, Useful Schoolwork: D