The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

When I reflect on my UNC experience I kind of romanticize the place. I went through the ups and downs. Utilmately, I appreciate the experience and opportunity to go there. I am a under-represented minority whom didn't have good educational opportunities prior to attending college. So going to a place like UNC was a tall order. I had a lot of failures, but eventually I had a lot of victories as well. It can really take an emotional toll on you if you aren't strong. You have to remain optimistic and believe in yourself. I'm going to professional school now. If someone told me this while I was struggling through pre-med courses, then I would have called them a liar. Since, I was almost kicked out for poor grades. I wasn't partying or playing around. I just didn't get it. It can happen if you're aren't prepared for UNC. You have to be extremely realistic about your goals. The programs there are not best for everyone. If you're a person that comes from a poor educational background or typical disadvantaged minority, then I think you should consider how prepared you are for UNC. The decision is up to each individual. However, I strongly believe that going to a HBCU or smaller liberal arts school is best for those that need a more gradual transition to college academics. It's hard to resist the Carolina charm. So here is my advice. If you attend don't over extend yourself. Take small class loads in the beginning. Don't load up on major courses or 4 credit hour courses just because there's a suggested pattern. Take "weed out" courses somewhere else if necessary to keep your grades up. Practice good time management and study skills. Listen through the grapevine about professors. Sometimes it's good info, sometimes it's just a lazy student complaining. Join a club and meet people to help alleviate the rigor of school. Lastly, never give up. UNC is easy for some, but for others it's quite a battle that is gratifying once it's over.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

I transfered into Chapel Hill from a smaller school in the NC university system and it was quite a shock. The most important thing about UNC is that it's a really big school and you start out as just a number.

There are plenty of chances to define yourself and change from a number to a name (within your section of the university) but it is all up to you. Your professors will not reach out to you- you have to make all the effort to breakaway from the crowd.

The "rivalry" between in-state and out-of-state is a bit overdramatic. North Carolinians are proud of UNC, and for good reason. It's a challenging school with difficult subjects and professors that are extremely qualified (even if they are sometimes too into themselves). Being accepted as an NC resident is like a badge of honor for people from NC- we all know the cache it holds and honor it for that reason.Social life revolves around groups/clubs: sports (club sports are really popular too; you don't have to be on a varsity team), greek life, drama, work, music, etc. Find your hobby and then find your friends...

2nd Year Female -- Class 2003

Education Quality: A, Individual Value: D+

Be prepared to feel like a number. Faculty in my department don't seem to enjoy interacting with students but most of them are decent teachers.

3rd Year Male -- Class 2006

Extracurricular Activities: A, Education Quality: F