<p>I'm a current student at UNC-Chapel Hill who was also admitted to the University of Chicago.</p>
<p>I loved Chicago when I visited, primarily for the intellectual atmosphere. The core was very appealing in that it resonated with some deep romantic ideal I had for college - shared texts and shared intellectual experiences, etc. At the same time, the core was also kind of scary in a "do I really know what I am getting myself into?" sense.</p>
<p>That said, I've been extremely impressed with the people I've met at UNC-Chapel Hill. There are tons of incredible people here -- and quite often, the term "incredible" extends far beyond academics in a way that I don't think exists at a place like Chicago. People engage themselves deeply in intellectual life beyond their academic work, enlivening the whole experience here.</p>
<p>Also-- fraternity life at Chapel Hill is only what you make of it. It is easy to avoid and is in no way the core of the school's social life in the way that it can be at some other colleges.</p>
<p>I was going to come in and defend UNC because of some of the negative posts early on but it seems that a lot of people have said it much better than I have.</p>
<p>My first choice was UChicago when I was transferring for the same intellectual reasons everyone else mentions, I ended up going to UNC and I honestly think that I'm way better off here than I would be in Hyde Park. I consider myself an intellectual but realize that I would probably be smothered by it if I actually went to UChicago, I like the diversity at UNC and the fact that there actually is a pretty great social/party scene that just doesn't exist at the U of C (I'm sorry, I've heard from WAY too many people and met too many of the students there to believe that there is any sort of real party scene that isn't in the library). </p>
<p>I should also mention that I took the "wrong" way to get to Hyde Park on my visit there and was probably the most scared I've ever been in an urban environment (part of this was my own ignorance it must be said but still). Chapel Hill is probably one of the safest places you could be in contrast. </p>
<p>UChicago is great and for grad school it will probably be my first choice when I apply but UNC beats it in a lot of, ways I think. It comes down to researching and deciding which one will "fit" you best. Good luck.</p>
<p>wellesley college was my first choice, and i was totally devastated when i realized it was just totally unreachable economically. to be honest, i really didn't want to come to carolina because i wanted a small liberal arts experience.</p>
<p>however, as soon as i went to orientation, i was sold on UNC. it's a perfect fit for me (and for almost everyone i know!). yes, carolina is a big school, but it seems intimate. it's a community. there won't be a day when you'll walk through the pit & not see someone you know.</p>
<p>also, everyone can find a perfect niche at UNC. some students embrace a more "intellectual" group of friends and others may join a sorority or fraternity. some people might spend all their time DJing at the campus radio station and some might swing dance every friday night. the one thing we all have in common is that we all love carolina. you'll be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn't love it here, and you'll be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn't appreciate the boundless opportunities we have at a school this size.</p>
<p>almost every major is one of the best in the nation, and there are enough student groups that you can satiate your every interest.</p>