I am having a dilemma. I have been accepted to both UNC and NCSU for the fall semester, but I am torn. I enjoy the vibe of NCSU and raleigh a lot more than Chapel Hill and believe I would be happier there, but the name recognition of UNC is causing me to lean towards it. I am planning on pursuing a degree in political science, probably pursuing a masters in this subject (and considering transferring to an ivy after my first two years at school). I would appreciate opinions on the programs offered at these two universities and if the name recognition really means as much as it seems to, also how important it is to like the vibe of your school.
Although NC State has some great engineering programs, UNC is better known for its political science and other liberal arts programs. However, don’t let that dissuade you from going to NC State. The ‘vibe’ you get from a college is actually a very important factor. Because you are going to be spending four or more years at whatever college you choose, you want to make sure that you are most happy there. Don’t pick your college based of of name recognition; both schools are wonderful and will surely offer you a great experience in whatever major you pursue. Basically, just go where you feel the most comfortable at and transfer if you’re having second thoughts.
Go with the vibe. It’s all about the graduate degree with political science, anyway.
I think you won’t be happy at either school if you go in planning on transferring to an ivy. Why did you get a better vibe from NC State than from UNC? I can’t see a reason to go to NC State over UNC unless you plan on doing engineering, and obviously you don’t. It’s not that UNC has more name recognition, it’s that UNC is a more selective institution with a more academically accomplished student body. Sure, that leads to more name recognition, but you’re missing the point if that’s what you’re understanding as the difference between the two schools.