I was recently accepted to both UNC Chapel Hill and NC State, but I’m not sure as to where I want to go.
My major is undecided at this point, and if I go to NC State I will be in the First Year College my first year to make a decision.
I’m definitely not preppy, and don’t like pretentious or snobby people, and enjoy being around fun-loving people. HAPPINESS is my number one priority in college. I’m touring both campuses for a third time during spring break, but wanted to know everyone’s position on this. Are there any programs at Chapel Hill like the first year college at NC State, that help you decide where you want to go.
In terms of solely an education standpoint, UNC is the better school. I’m not sure about the programs you asked about but most colleges make it easy to change majors if you select one you realize you don’t like. If the campus visits don’t strongly push you in one direction and you can afford UNC without debt, I’d go UNC.
First, congratulations on two great choices. For finances, if you are in state, they should be fairly similar, ( I think UNC is a bit more, but not a whole lot) however, if you qualify for financial aid, UNC is known to meet full need, while NCSU may not. If you do not qualify for need based aid, but you receive merit aid, that could make a difference.
Costs aside, UNC is the more highly ranked and academically recognized college. For students who consider this the strongest priority, UNC would be their choice. However, NCSU is academically solid, and students can do very well there. For certain majors, NCSU is the better fit, and for pre-health students ( medicine, etc, ) one can do very well at NCSU. NCSU is strong in many departments and has good sciences.
UNC and NCSU are different types of universities. UNC is a liberal arts university. One does not apply in general to a specific major. All students are admitted to the college and must complete very broad educational requirements no matter what their major is. These are extensive- science, math, arts, however, these can be met by many classes in the major. You do not have to declare a major right away. In this sense, all of UNC is like First Year College at NCSU.
NCSU is not a liberal arts university and is composed of different colleges within a university. Students can apply directly into the school of their major. FYC is a good choice for students who are not yet certain. There are still general education requirements, however, they are not as extensive as UNC. A student admitted into Engineering, Agriculture & Life Sciences, or Humanities starts right into the program. Some programs are more competitive than others. If a student changes majors, a transfer between the colleges is possible, however, engineering is difficult to transfer into.
NCSU and UNC have different “vibes”. UNC is a college town. NCSU is in the city. There are students of all backgrounds at both, however, from my perspective, UNC is more liberal.
One way to geta feel for “fit” is to spend more time at each college. You still have time to decide. See if you can follow a student around, attend classes, and even stay in the dorms if that is possible. Talk to students and see how they like it. You may feel more of a fit at one than the other.
If you have specific interests, contact students at clubs and groups that you might want to join. If you have a certain talent- art, dance, music- what clubs/classes/groups are there? If you practice a religion, see what groups there are for you to participate in.
If you want engineering you go to NCSU.
Right now I’m leaning towards Zoology.
NCSU has a specific degree in Zoology. UNC has biology but not a major in zoology. If you are interested in the biology of animals, the school of animal science at NCSU has more options than UNC, where there is one biology tract for all. Also, the proximity of the veterinary school at NCSU would have more options for specific animal oriented research than UNC has as well as opportunities for hands on experience with animals and animal science classes.
Both are excellent colleges, but your specific focus may make one a better fit than the other, regardless of rankings. One of the issues that I have observed in a state where the flagship college is a “superstar” like UNC is that other colleges- which are quite good on their own- may be somewhat overshadowed by the reputation of the flagship. However, just because someone says “wow UNC” because they have heard of it, or they know someone there, this does not mean that they know all the different options at each college and which one is best for you.
Another thing that happens is that students might think " oh I don’t want to go there because someone I know who is not a serious student goes there". There are good students ( and not serious ones as well) at all colleges. Students have excelled at both NCSU and UNC, so choose the one that has the area of focus you want and feels like the best fit for you.
NCState has amazing opportunities for anyone interested in animals. Look into their Wildlife Biology, Zoology, and their vet programs. They also have degrees in conservation. UNC really doesn’t have a focus on animals. You’d be getting a general Biology degree. Be careful to pick the right school for your needs, not just based on popularity.