<p>I'm a senior in high school, and I'm trying to choose between two Universities. I've been accepted to NC State, and I'm going to find out about admission to Chapel Hill in the next few days. My major is going to be math, and I may minor in Spanish or music. My main problem is, which school should I choose?</p>
<p>It seems like NC State is well known for physics and mathematics, but I love the atmosphere at Chapel Hill, and Chapel Hill also seems to have a better overall reputation. What do you all suggest?</p>
<p>In-state mom here. DS applied to Chapel Hill but not to NC State. (He also applied to AppState (will hear 1/25), UNC Asheville (admitted), and Western Carolina (admitted). Notice a certain mountain-y theme here? :))</p>
<p>I think all that red brick at NC State would get to me. But that’s just me, and I’m not math/science-y at all. </p>
<p>My boss’s daughter went to NC State for graphic design, hated it, and transferred to ECU. But again, graphic design’s not math/science–apples and oranges!</p>
<p>Neighbor’s daughter goes to NC State in business and loves it.</p>
<p>Don’t know what to tell you. Both schools have strong reputations, and NC State is certainly strong in math/science/engineering, etc. </p>
<p>Why don’t you wait till you hear from Chapel Hill and then decide? I know schools that have accepted you already are pressuring you to pay the enrollment deposit and choose housing…but how can you make up your mind till all the returns are in? :D</p>
<p>Yes, I’ve visited both campuses. I really didn’t like NC State’s environment, it just seemed so unwelcoming. I thought that Chapel Hill’s campus was amazing, I loved the people and everything about it.</p>
<p>Well, I’d say go with your gut. If you loved Chapel Hill, then go with it. Just my two cents’ worth, but of course it is YOUR decision, and a big one, so ponder carefully. :)</p>
<p>I know NC State is well known for math and such, but Chapel Hill, from what I hear, is strong in everything.</p>
<p>Example: My DS plans to major in history. He’s especially interested in American history–and just about every place he’s applied to is strong in American history.</p>
<p>But his dad and I both specialized in medieval history. (DH did his doctorate in Byzantine history, which is medieval by definition, since the Byzantine Empire fell in 1453.) I was interested to see what the various NC public universities offered in medieval history – because, even though it’s not DS’s primary interest, I do think it should be represented in any good history curriculum. Well, several schools seemed a bit spotty in medieval history – but Chapel Hill has an entire center devoted to medieval and early modern European history. That’s in addition to its very strong offerings in American, modern European, and non-Western history. I was VERY impressed.</p>
<p>Now, I have no idea whether Chapel Hill is as well rounded in math and physics as it is in history – but I’m willing to bet it is. (Look up faculty and academic offerings to find out.) </p>
<p>Sicewa22, You seem to have already determined that UNC seems like a better fit for you. If you are instate and finances are equal, I would go with the school that feels best to you( if you end up getting into UNC as well). Is there something that is holding you back about UNC-finances, parental pressure,etc? Good luck with your decision!</p>
<p>What i’ve heard is that generally, if you’re going into something engineering/science related then the best place for that would be NC State, otherwise go to Chapel Hill
This was my experience as well, but that’s not to say that NC State isn’t appealing to other people</p>
<p>The only thing holding me back from UNC is the idea that NC State has a better math/science program. If they were equal in that area, UNC would win by far. </p>
<p>NC State is what I’ve heard to be better for math/science as well.</p>
<p>Has anyone had any experience with the math program at Chapel Hill?</p>
<p>What would be appealing about NC State? Having only visited the two schools, I don’t think there is anything all that more appealing at NC State. The academics, athletics, campus environments, reputations, prestige…all fall in favor of UNC. </p>
<p>If costs are similar, UNC is a much better option.</p>
<p>Math is a standard curriculum in any college that calls itself a college. For anything other than Engineering, UNC is a no-brainer. It has much higher academic prestige outside of the state. And more importantly, you prefer it. Win-Win.</p>
<p>Besides which, I’ve been told that NC State’s engineering reputation is slipping. Not sure that’s true…just what I’ve heard. (Rumors and anecdotes should always be taken with a huge grain of salt, of course…)</p>
<p>UNC is great for math/sciences and on par with other top research universities. It’s just not the place to go for engineering. Several of my kids friends who are interested in math/science chose UNC for the more well rounded education.</p>
<p>The latest NRC rankings of the PhD programs in math for the two schools are essentially identical, so it is probably a safe bet that you would be hard pressed to find significant differences in the quality of their bachelors’ programs.</p>
<p>Sicewa22, What were your visits to each campus like? Was it just the standard campus tour, or have you spent time in the math departments? Once you find out about your UNC acceptance, if you haven’t already, I would make an appointment to speak with a professor and an advisor in the Math dept. at each university. Those are the people you’ll be working with and they can give you a much better idea of your opportunities and the atmosphere of the actual department.</p>
<p>UNC by a landslide. At the undergrad level, for a non engineering major, its a MUCH better choice overall. It has a stronger reputation for jobs, stronger placement into graduate schools, nicer environment, and an overall better college experience (in my opinion). You’re lucky to have such an amazing school in state! I wouldn’t pass up that opportunity.</p>
<p>If you like the everything about Carolina than it is prob. the place for you but I wouldn’t let other people make up your mind for you. Contrary to popular belief, State has strong programs other than engineering. State and Carolina are very different. The campuses are very different, the type of kids who go there are different. The social scene is different.The attitude is different. The thing with the bricks is overdone. It’s really not a big deal that the sidewalks are brick instead of concrete but if that’s a thing that really bothers you, then you shouldn’t go. </p>
<p>It’s all about what fits you the best. All the kids I know at State love it but I’m sure there are some who don’t. The same can be said for Carolina. Everybody who goes there doesn’t find it to be the perfect place. I know more than a few who turned down Carolina for State (and they weren’t engineering majors). </p>
<p>So just go whichever way your heart points you. You will get a fine education at either school.</p>