@casey97mom My sister goes to Carolina, and I can tell you that the environment is a lot different compared to other schools I have visited, which makes it very desirable
@casey97mom I would highly doubt the 500 OOS EA acceptance figure. It appears that UNC accepts more than 3000 OOS students each year (EA + RD). They can accept so many OOS because most of them don’t end up choosing UNC. Yes, OOS acceptance is much more competitive than in-state, but not impossible.
@casey97mom From what I’ve gathered during my time stalking college confidential, UNC does not maintain a bitterly competitive atmosphere, thus fostering collaboration and a more welcoming environment. Also, UNC is by no means lesser in academia than any of those schools you mentioned. Certain schools like Kenan-Flagler are ranked amongst the highest in the nation. Also, the sports are phenomenal. And I agree with what’s posted above…a lot of OOS kids go elsewhere.
So tomorrow’s not looking like the day 
next week i guess 
I feel like im going through the five stages of grief while waiting for decisions haha
I am so incredibly nervous and anxious… hoping the decisions come out sooner rather than later because this whole “by the end of january” thing is just killing me; that could be tomorrow or next Saturday!!!
- thank you for your feedback regarding the academic environment at UNC - UNC is well known to be one of the best schools in the country - way too much stress is put on students today - you want to go to a school where you can enjoy your college experience, grow and learn in a supportive environment -
I would agree with the environment perspective noted above. I was accepted and visited several of the universities mentioned and chose UNC because the friendly welcoming student body, great sports, beautiful campus, mild climate and strong academics. I certainly would not characterize UNC as being cut throat or overly competitive. However, dependent upon your major, the work load can be quite stressful. Our STEM majors are quite challenging. The first time you find out the class average for one of your chem exams was in the low 60s… it is quite an eye opener! Especially for students used to being at the head of the class.
@NewYawk Exactly the reason why I took college Chemistry this year! I was not going to go through that type of thing lol
exactly - NewYawk from what I am hearing - you made a great decision going to UNC. - as a student is is not fun being in a cut throat or overly competitive environment - Cornell puts a net under it its bridge - and they do nothing to change the environment - but place a net to catch the jumpers??? Something is wrong if they need a net. NewYawk - I am wondering are you from OOS?? - if yes did you ever feel out of place at UNC?? was also wondering if you go into UNC with AP Chemistry and AP Biology from high school - does this make the entry chem / bio classes easier to manage??
Wow do they really only accept 500 OOS students? That seems really low… If that’s true my chances are looking slim 
@NewYawk is there a “divide” between instate/OOS students? I have a friend that goes there and he said that there is a visible divide between people from North Carolina and those that aren’t. Does that really exist?
@casey97mom i’ll tell you why we’re pursuing it (as an OOS). D is seeking a college that’s a good fit for her but also affordable. She was lucky enough to get into uchicago EA…but I’ve been told by the admissions office that her stats aren’t strong enough for merit aid…and we won’t qualify for meaningful financial aid. Cost at Chicago is $64,000 annual. UNC is $49,500. We’re also going down the path with other schools (northeastern stepped up with a very good 4-year merit award) but UNC hits her needs on many cylinders.
@ineversleep my guess (only a guess) is that the divide might be between the stats…53% of all NC applicants get in…only 18% of OOS…so it’s natural to believe that the stats must be stellar for those 18%. And my next guess is that the honors program at UNC is likely disportionately skewed towards OOS students.
@ineversleep I have never been able to tell a difference between OOS and IS students when I visit my sister, but it’s good to note that a lot of the students are from North Carolina. All of my sister’s really close friends are from North Carolina. With that being said, though, I don’t believe that there is a visible divide. Sure, accents may sound different, but I’d think that’s just it
southernhope - students who get into UNC from OOS EA tend to have several other choices - including schools like Uchicago - the choices make the decision very difficult - they are all top choice schools - and the lesser ones provide large merit awards
Is there any chance decisions could come out tomorrow? It looks unlikely based on what has preceded the big day in recent years. No email or blog post about how to view decisions, for example.
Yes, I’m OOS and no I’ve NEVER felt out of place. Quite the opposite. UNC students are incredibly friendly. I’ve heard that concern several times on this forum, but, it is really unfounded in my experience. Admittedly I’m pretty outgoing, so that perhaps helps. There is so much school spirit here, people definitely see you as a fellow Tar Heel first. Where you grew up rarely comes up. There are certainly higher percentages of OOS in certain organizations as noted above.
Regarding APs, yes it is definitely helpful. I actually scored high enough on the AP Chem exam and therefore placed out of Chem 101 & lab and Chem 102 & lab and when right into Analytical. It was definitely a challenge. The biggest change is that UNC tests you on your ability to synthesize multiple concepts and apply them to a situation rather than rote memorization. That tends to be a big change for most HS students.
BTW, Cornell and UNC strength of subject matter in sciences is very similar. One of my textbooks last year was jointly written by a Cornell professor and my professor. I absolutely did not like Ithaca when I visited there. It didn’t have the same fit for me that UNC had. That was even with several of my HS friends planning to attend.
@mdnate I still have hope. I’m not sure if I should still have hope, but considering the fact they are “down for maintenance”, wouldn’t it just make sense to go ahead and get the whole decisions thing over with?
@mdnate Who knows. I think I’m actually going insane waiting on decisions to come out. I just want to have something solid instead of a blank future.