<p>I grew up an NC State fan. I attended NC State football, basketball, and baseball games over a period of several years. Early on in high school, I decided I wanted to become an architect. I became excited when I learned of NC State's prestigious architecture program. It was great to know that the school I grew up wanting to go to did, in fact, offer degrees in my desired major. It seemed that I knew precisely what I wanted to do.</p>
<p>That all changed very soon. I quickly developed depression and lost focus of what I wanted to do with my life. (I have begun a previous thread outlining this very situation.) My parents, knowing of my love of State and interest in architecture, pushed me to apply to NC State; but it wouldn't take. I had second thoughts of what I wanted to do in college.</p>
<p>After another year with no progress on the college front, I came to the realization that I truly wanted to major in studio art. NC State does not offer studio art as a major. UNC, on the other hand, does offer degrees in studio art and is quite prestigious in this regard. Having put virtually no effort into my high school career, I didn't feel as if I stood a good chance of being admitted to UNC as a freshman. So I have come up with another plan. I will attend Appalachian State University and work hard as a freshman. Hopefully, I can then transfer to Chapel Hill as a sophomore.</p>
<p>You may be wondering where this long story is going. Basically, I want to know this- Will someone who has lived most of his life as a devoted NC State fan be accepted by the UNC-Chapel Hill community? As a lifelong NC State fan, I had always been expected to hate UNC profoundly. But I never really did. I just didn't really care about UNC one way or the other. Now that I am thinking about my future as a college student, there's no escaping the fact that an education at UNC is second to none from any public institution. My college education is much more important than some petty rivalry. That is why I want to go to UNC-Chapel Hill; but I don't want to attend a school at which I will feel unwelcome. Would students at UNC be understanding of this and accept me for who I am? Or would three years at Chapel Hill be miserable for me?</p>
<p>No, you will not feel unwelcome. The rivalry between NC State and UNC is pretty one sided. Most UNC students do not even know that NC State is their rivalry, and this rivalry is almost always over-looked due to the intense rivalry between unc and the devils.
Also, the community is very accepting, so you will be able to preserve your believes and interest while also develop a connection with chapel hill.</p>
<p>Thank you for your reply, southernsmile. Yes, I have always noticed that Tar Heel fans seemed to be much more interested in the rivalry with Duke than that with NC State. I had a feeling that most UNC students would not be intolerant of me.</p>
<p>I started this thread because I had asked a similar question on another site of inquiry for prospective college students. The responses on that site were unanimous: I would have trouble fitting in. I was a little surprised by this. I didn’t know if they were being sarcastic or if they were actually NC State fans trolling. I came to this site to see if I would get a different answer (and sure enough, I did).</p>
<p>Also, ever since I came to the conclusion that I will not be attending NC State, my affinity for State has lost some of its luster. Conversely, my affinity for UNC-Chapel Hill grows every day now that I am seriously considering going there. I think it’s safe to say that, by the time I enter UNC, I will be a bigger Tar Heel fan than Wolfpack fan anyway. I’m sure I’ll have no problem finding my place. Thank you for allaying my fears about UNC, southernsmile.</p>
<p>If it makes you feel any better, I grew up wanting to attend UCLA because of my utmost respect for John Wooden and the mark he left on their basketball program. My parents told me that there was no way I was going to California for college. So then I turned my attention to Michigan. Once again, shot down- they saw no reason for me to shun my state school, the University of Illinois (which in 1985 was ranked MUCH higher and just about on par with Michigan). Bottom line is that I attended UIUC and am proud of my alma mater and still root for them, though their athletic program isn’t on par with many schools. Once you join a community like UNC, you will likely cherish its traditions and campus spirit. I’m sure you’ll do just fine.</p>
<p>BlueUkiyo – I’ve seen it time and again. A student grows up as an ardent fan of State or Carolina, ends up at the other school, and loves it. You will be fine. Two large research universities with smart students, lots of cultural events, and big-time sports – they’re really more alike than different.</p>
<p>One of my children’s friends is a freshman at UNC. He grew up with State graduate parents, wore State attire all his life, and was a huge State fan. Although he loved UNC from the time he visited campus, it took a few months for him to become a UNC sports fan, but he is now.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>You’ll be fine. If you walk around in State shirts every day (or any day really) you will get weird looks so don’t do that. I’ve met a few State and Duke fans, and they’re not ostracized or anything.</p>
<p>Thank you for the reassurance, jessimo093, Marsian, and PsychoDad10. (By the way, PsychoDad10, is your name a reference to Married… with Children? I love that show.) Now, I am really getting my heart set on going to UNC as a sophomore. I really hope they will be impressed with my transfer application.</p>