<p>The May first deadline is approaching and I'm really having difficulty deciding between unc and nu. I have visited both schools and I really enjoyed both. Opportunity to research, small discussion-based classes, and intellectual inquiry define my wants in in the academic environment of my undergraduate education. I am from southern california, orange county, ironically. At unc I was accepted into the honors program, first year fellows at the johnston center for undergraduate excellence and undergrad research scholars. Those programs definitely seem to emulate the academic environment I'm looking for. Weather is a factor, but would not be a major deterrent. I'm looking to get a varied education(premed/computer engineering/business/design). Any thoughts?</p>
<p>what does your financial aid package look like? That should help you narrow it down just a slight bit. :)</p>
<p>The financial aid is similar at both universities.</p>
<p>Ok, so from a UNC standpoint, the small discussion based classes is what the Honors Program can offer. And the speaker schedule for the fellows things sounds pretty good. Honestly, I hadn’t heard of that program until recently. </p>
<p>As far as research goes, you can start doing research as a first year, although I don’t recommend doing that. There are too many opportunities to take advantage of being in college, and being limited by 15+ hours a week in a research position can hinder other opportunities. I have yet to start doing research of any sort, but I plan to start my Junior year, and I don’t think it will really hurt me (just my opinion, to each their own). Although I don’t know how much that applies to you as a research scholar.</p>
<p>As far as varied education goes, I think it goes without saying that UNC encourages that sort of thing, with its liberal arts curriculum. Not too sure how intense some of your interests are, but you definitely don’t have to do biology or chem to do pre-med, a plus in my opinion.</p>
<p>My knowledge about Northwestern is almost nonexistent, but I think UNC can offer you everything that you are looking for.</p>