<p>We will be in the Durham/Chapel Hill area at the end of the month and want to squeeze in a college visit. Our son is planning to major in computer science and is also interested in entrepreneurial programs. He is hoping for undergraduate research and/or internship opportunities as well.</p>
<p>I'm wondering if it would be better to visit UNC or NCSU. We may only have time to visit one school during this trip.</p>
<p>Also, is it possible to visit the Research Triangle Park?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>NCSU is generally seen as a better comp sci program. If you are out of state from NC, I believe the admit rate is a better chance for NCSU than UNC. I can’t help you regarding Research Triangle Park…unless you have a specific destination in mind, I’m not sure what you’d “visit”. Your time is better spent at the schools.</p>
<p>Agree on the RTP front… Nothing to visit, per se, since everything is so spread out! UNC has a more impressive campus than NCSU (i.e. I would rather walk around UNC any day of the week b/c of Franklin St., etc) but looks aren’t everything to think about on a college visit! ; -)</p>
<p>I heard UNC’s computer science(not engineering)'s rank is higher than NCSU, but take this with a grain of salt as I got it from some website</p>
<p>My brother just graduated with a Computer Science degree from UNC, and he absolutely adored the program. And, quite frankly, if your son is also interested in business, I’d definitely go with Chapel Hill. Their business school is one of the best in the country.</p>
<p>Also, undergraduate research is a big part of UNC, so I imagine that wouldn’t be a problem.</p>
<p>I can’t speak to State’s programs but can (somewhat) to UNC. </p>
<p>My son’s indicated major on his application was CS @ UNC and CS Engineering at NCSU (which your son should do as well) as both have great programs. I don’t know how either school’s CS undergraduate departments/programs are ranked but I have seen UNC’s CS Graduate program as the only one in NC in the top 10. Engineering is a different animal and not available at UNC.</p>
<p>My S was accepted to both but chose UNC since he desires the pure CS route over engineering route. Plus, UNC has a “Masters in 5” years CS program available. In addition, my S wants to minor in business, and is very interested in the “Kenan-Flagler Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at Kenan-Flagler Business School”. But I’ve heard that competition is tough and it’s hard to get accepted into the B school since it is so highly desired/valued/ranked.</p>
<p>From what I understand, UNC allow students to take one class per semester for credit at Duke or State (and I assume the agreement is reciprocal). The Chapel Hill city bus system is free and does make trips to the other schools for students.</p>
<p>At the UNC website, their is an entire section dedicated to ‘Undergraduate Research’ and I’ve heard that many top recruiters are on campus each spring seeking summer interns. [Office</a> for Undergraduate Research at UNC-Chapel Hill](<a href=“http://www.unc.edu/depts/our/index.html]Office”>http://www.unc.edu/depts/our/index.html)</p>
<p>Apply “early action” as I’ve heard that a higher percentage is accepted from those groups. So applications/essays need to be started over the summer after his junior HS year since his senior year will be so very busy. Mine didn’t and it caused major chaos. Plus, you want them to enjoy their last year!</p>
<p>As for which to visit, I guess it depends on his more desired major plus both campuses have a different vibe. If I remember correctly, NCSU is one of the largest campuses in the state (and has the largest student population) while in comparison, UNC is tightly packed and more walkable for a quick visit.</p>
<p>As for RTP, I agree that it is miles and miles in every direction with large companies tucked into wooded areas. It’s a large geographical area; not a real ‘park’.</p>
<p>In response to the campus discussion - UNC’s campus is actually pretty sprawling, so be prepared to wear comfortable shoes. It definitely has the feel of a college campus and is gorgeous to boot. State’s campus has always seemed less “walkable” and more crammed to me because of all the brick buildings and cement…</p>
<p>Thanks for the helpful responses! We have planned a visit to UNC where DS will sit in on a class and take the official tour. If time allows we will try to do an informal visit at NCSU while in the area. Family is anxious to get back home quickly so I don’t know how much extra time I can coax out of them.</p>
<p>DS will be applying OOS and I had no idea that UNC was such a tough school for those applicants. Still good to visit. 
Right now DS is ranked 5th in his class (just finished 10th grade) and was accepted into a residential math/science high school for 11th & 12th grades, so maybe he will be a competitive applicant when the time comes. He may have close to 100 college credits by then (he’s completed Calc II and III this year), but is prepared to toss them away and start fresh at hopefully a better school. </p>
<p>He is VERY interested in combining business with CS, so UNC seems worth a look. He was invited to participate in a summer entrepreneur camp (local) where he is developing a computer application and learning to market it. I don’t know if this is the type of thing that looks positive on college applications but he is learning quite a bit, having a great time and becoming more focused on his educational and career goals. The experience has definitely focused his interest in both business and computers.</p>
<p>Thanks again!</p>
<p>I’m not a Comp Sci major, but I have taken one class in the department. We have wonderful professors who are well-known in the field. Dr. Brooks is supposed to be a huge researcher, and is very kind. I would definitely recommend visiting and would encourage you to contact the department directly as they may be willing to answer any questions you have. Go and visit the buildings, Sitterson Hall and the Brooks building, both very nice.</p>