UNC System-- Charlotte vs. Wilmington

Hi there,

This is more a question about safety school than anything else, I’ve applied to UNC-CH and NCSU as well as a few other schools. However, my safety school was UNCC, but now I’m hearing more and more good things about UNCW. Would anyone like to weigh in? I’m thinking about a major in the vein of biology, planning on going pre-med so how either would look on med school applications are a concern as well.

I’ve heard UNCC is:

  • unsafe (surroundings are crime-ridden)
  • commuter school
  • good only for finance or engineering
    but
  • large population
  • up-and-coming
  • plenty of $$$ so programs are well supported

But I’ve also heard UNCW is:

  • a party school
  • not very academically rigorous or well received, even compared to Charlotte
  • solid biology programs but centered around marine biology whereas I’m wanting something like microbiology or human physiology
    but
  • beautiful campus
  • Wilmington is a great place to be apparently
  • very happy, very attractive student body
  • very “stereotypical” college experience (in a good way, fun memories and the like)
  • and, of course, the beach is right there!

I’m leaning toward W over C now as a safety (I’ve been accepted to Charlotte but am debating applying to Wilmington) but have heard contradicting information on Wilmington being a totally bad school, both Wilmington and Charlotte being decried as “s**tholes”, etc. Any weighing in on it’d be greatly appreciated.

Why not apply to both & then visit both schools on a Friday to see for yourself ?

P.S. Although I have never been on campus, I have read about Wilmington’s party culture.

Late to the party, but at UNCW it really depends on your subject area. Marine biology area is the star, but the other bio-areas are strong as well- Wilmington is a regional medical hub.

Imo, Wilmington is a nicer place to live and a better student experience. Ditto Asheville. In fact, unless you are doing Engineering or Finance I would skip Charlotte altogether!