<p>Okay so I applied to both and I'm well aware that both schools are vastly different. But in my high school alot of my friends feel that there basically the same (i'm from tx). So what I wanted to know is what do you guys think sets UNC apart from UVA?
also in terms of my major which is bio and how easy it is to adapt from OOS
posted this in both forums to hear both sides</p>
<p>UVA is better. Go there.</p>
<p>I think UNC is more selective OOS, but UVa is a better school. I got a likely from UVa but not UNC.</p>
<p>Visit both. See what you like. Don't take the black and white advice of the previous two posters (not saying DON'T go to UVA, I'm saying don't decide on UVA purely because of the miniscule difference in academics/prestige, the difference is really miniscule enough that other factors should be considered before this difference). If your major is bio, I'd also say take a strong look at UNC, as UNC's biology programs is one of its best programs (I have no idea what UVA's biology program is like, whether it's one of their strongest or weakest, but it would not surprise me at all if UNC's biology program turned out to be ranked higher than UVA's). Don't take the USNWR rankings too seriously. I didn't automatically go to the highest ranked school that I got into and I couldn't be happier right now.</p>
<p>UVA = snobby
UNC = not snobby</p>
<p>Those are the vibes I got from both when I visited. I was so turned off by UVA I didn't even apply.</p>
<p>^^I actually got the opposite vibe lol. Which I guess is proof you should visit both :)</p>
<p>"both schools are vastly different." What? I can hardly think of two more similar schools in the country. Similar size, similar atmosphere, both in medium sized college towns, both public, even pretty similar campuses. I don't know where you're getting the idea that they're so different.</p>
<p>I think most people who would be happy at UNC would be happy at UVA and vice versa. If there is any difference it is that UVA has maybe a reputation for being a little more "snobby" (I'm not sure that's even justified though), but UVA also is probably a little more prestigious nationally.</p>
<p>I live in Chapel Hill, so I'm always on the UNC campus & it's an amazing school, beautiful campus, etc. I also just got accepted to UNC and they offered me a scholarship, so my love for the school increases each day. The only reason I'd choose UVA over UNC is because I've lived here my entire life - so it would be to see something outside of NC. But, I think UNC is the better choice - there's so much life here... there are so many different kinds of people here, whereas UVA seems a little more stuck-up. Chapel Hill is such a welcoming, friendly place and I just don't get that vibe from UVA. Plus, UNC's academics are top notch, in addition to their student life/athletics/etc... There are great research opportunities and there's always something going on. </p>
<p>So, I'd say UNC. But, they're both great!</p>
<p>UNC is more liberal.</p>
<p>Leah, Chapel Hill/Carrboro is definitely more liberal than Charlottesville, but among the student body I don't think there's much difference.</p>
<p>In terms of reputation alone, I've always gotten the vibe that UVA and UNC are on the same par academically. I would never pick UVA over UNC based off of academic reputation alone, (which isn't to say I'd never pick UVA). I never looked at UVA just because I felt like it was UNC's Virginian brother, and at that time I wasn't interested in looking at publics outside of North Carolina. I really can't remember my reasoning, since now I'm the number one fan of public schools.</p>
<p>I've heard that UVA is more conservative many times. I have never visited; I have no idea if this is true.</p>
<p>Since on paper they're EXTREMELY similar, you know what that means?! Time to visit! From my experience, once you get to the top tier of public universities, it should come down to your personal taste. I also would advice against picking a school because one department is a little better than the same at a different school, unless you are 100% certain that you'll be majoring in that. Pick a school based off of its variety of opportunities socially and academically, whether the student body seems happy or not, its cost, its climate (I'm talking real climate), and how your heart feels when you're standing on the campus. </p>
<p>Really general advice, whoops.</p>
<p>fn18, I'm from Texas too, but my dad is a UNC alumnus so I'm a lot more familiar with it than UVA. I'm in the same situation you are, but I've visited both schools and this is what I've concluded: </p>
<p>At UVA, the students seem a little snobby to me, the Greek scene is pretty prevalent, and it is known as being more conservative. I loved Charlottesville, though, and of course the campus is gorgeous. Also, if it matters to you at all, football is definitely a bigger priority than basketball.</p>
<p>At Carolina, everyone seems more laid back and friendly, the Greek scene is a little less prevalent, and the student body is a little more liberal than at UVA. I am absolutely in love with Chapel Hill, and Raleigh/Durham are close by (whereas Charlottesville is about an hour away from Richmond). Basketball is a bigger deal than football (for obvious reasons), but football games are still packed.</p>
<p>I think how well you adapt as an OOS student depends on how outgoing you are - at either school. If you put forth an effort to make new friends, you will, but if you stay in your dorm and don't become involved in clubs, you will probably be lonely. There is a different culture at each school, but if you're from Texas, it shouldn't be too much of a shock (it's a lot more similar to Texas than, say, the Northeast).</p>
<p>For me, the decision between these schools is about deciding whether student life or academics is more important. I've been invited to be an Echols Scholar at UVA, so I feel like the academic opportunities would be better there, but I don't want to end up miserable because I don't fit in with the kind of students. I know that I love the vibe of the student body, the athletics, and the location of Carolina, but I don't want to regret missing out on the preferential treatment I would receive as an Echols Scholar at UVA...</p>
<p>I hope some of that helped; I'm trying to make this decision too, but it's a little more difficult to see both sides clearly when you have a Carolina alumnus as a parent...</p>
<p>UNC is wonderful, UVA is more so....but you cannot go wrong with either one....:)</p>
<p>thanks, kelps for the breakdown that was very helpful. From all the descriptions it seems like I would like UNC better, but the only way to know for sure is to visit i guess.</p>
<p>^^Kelps, I came up with a similar conclusion when I visited both.</p>
<p>UVA is probably ever-so-slightly more renowned academically, but the differences are minor so you really shouldn't base your decision off of that. I personally thought the campus at UVA was the most beautiful I'd ever seen (over the 30 or so I've visited throughout my life), and if you love history, there's no greater place than Charlottesville and UVA (founded by Jefferson, who still maintains a great presence on campus and in the "honor code," a truly unique aspect of the university). Football and basketball are supported strongly, and UVA's close proximity to DC makes it an opportunistic location for internships in that area. The autumns there are gorgeous, and whenever I remember the look on campus in the fall, I wonder for a brief moment if I should have gone there instead. Hoping they admit me again for grad school!</p>
<p>UNC is another incredible school, different, but in many ways, similar to UVA. It is a great school academically, though I'd say UVA has the edge more in the social sciences/humanities, while UNC is a pretty renowned bio/pre-med school. Both are solid in the other areas as well though. The students seemed pretty laid-back, and the campus is really nice (though I'd give the edge to UVA in both campus beauty and college-town). There seemed to be less "old money," and students seemed more open to different perspectives. That's not to say you wouldn't find this at UVA though. From what I've heard, it's really a pretty welcoming environment there, too. Like all colleges, your experience really will be what you make of it.</p>
<p>UNC seemed more "southern" to me, in that the surrounding areas are all farm land; they don't call it Tobacco Road for a nothing! It's more rural than UVA, and being from CA, I wondered at times if it would be a bit too much of a culture-shock. The people were very friendly though, and if you're Christian, there was certainly no absence of churches!</p>
<p>You've been admitted to two fine universities. Some prefer UVA, some prefer UNC; almost all are happy with their decisions and go on to lead great lives, with much reverence and loyalty toward their respective alma maters. I chose to attend UCLA over UVA because I received a merit scholarship/honors program, and with it, many perks. But I know I would have been really happy had I decided to head to C-Ville. I was waitlisted at UNC and removed my name, since I'd already been admitted to schools "higher" on my list, but I hope to apply there again for grad school, and maintain high respect for the students, faculty and tradition that makes Carolina great.</p>
<p>You can't go wrong. Go with your gut and don't regret it. Best of luck!</p>
<p>Here are a few clips to give you a very brief overview of the schools; you should of visit too, but they kinda show the campus/missions of the universities:</p>
<p>YouTube</a> - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
[YouTube</a> - ESPN College Basketball Commercial - Dining Hall<a href="haha%20love%20this%20one">/url</a></p>
<p>[url=<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWJ0698Pjp0%5DYouTube">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWJ0698Pjp0]YouTube</a> - U.Va. TV Spot with Students](<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlAc3Ob9Ah4&feature=related%5DYouTube">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlAc3Ob9Ah4&feature=related)
YouTube</a> - U.Va. TV Spot with Tiki Barber
YouTube</a> - U.Va. TV Spot with Faculty
YouTube</a> - Year in Photos 2008</p>
<p>Where do you folks get the idea that UVA is renowned academically?? It has very few really highly ranked departments. UNC has far more. UVa has tried to improve the rankings of some of its key departments with little success. They spent $20 Million to lure one prof and he ended up not coming. Read the following study that compares many UVa depts to UNC and then tell me UVa is all that great in the faculty strength area.</p>
<p>i think the main difference is that chapel hill doesn't suck, and its not in the middle of nowhere. i loved UVA as a school, but charlottesville just seemed kinda depressing and not exactly an ideal college town like chapel hill.</p>
<p>barrons</p>
<p>Some of the people who are touting UVA's academics haven't attended either school and are relying, I am guessing, on USNWR data which as we all know is seriously flawed, or other anecdotal information.</p>
<p>Good to see you on the UNC threads.</p>
<p>I seriously considered UNC for both grad school many years ago and lately for retirement location. Ended up near C'Ville due to lower costs and congestion but have been to CH several times in the last few years. A great college environment although I like C'Ville too.
Since I never actually attended UNC I tend not to get on this forum very often.</p>
<p>
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Where do you folks get the idea that UVA is renowned academically??
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<p>Umm because it is.</p>
<p>
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Some of the people who are touting UVA's academics haven't attended either school and are relying, I am guessing, on USNWR data which as we all know is seriously flawed, or other anecdotal information.
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<p>I had lunch with a former Democratic Presidential nominee the other day. I asked him where he would teach if he wasn't teaching at his current school. His reply: "I've always loved the people and atmosphere at the University of Virginia. Not to mention that it's one of the best schools in the country. I would consider it an honor and an accomplishment to teach there." I was kinda shocked bc I thought he'd say Harvard or something. But as someone who obviously has significant experience with education in America, both as a politician and current professor, and who is around several highly educated people on a daily basis, I'd say he's a pretty decent authority on the topic.</p>
<p>And eadad, for the record I don't think he's getting that from USNWR, however many "poor" rankings you want to throw out there...UVA is a great school. Perhaps you should spend some time there before accusing others of unjustly "touting" their academics. In my opinion that comment isn't a UNC vs UVA issue, it's a respect issue. Questioning the academic reputation of one of the best universities in the country (especially one that claims Bobby Kennedy, Tina Fey and Walter Reed as alums) is really just a slap in the face to everyone who worked hard to gain admission there, and everyone who is currently attending. </p>
<p>Any school who boasts these types of alumni lists are worthy of praise, not disrespect. </p>
<p><a href="http://publicaffairs.virginia.edu/notablealumni/%5B/url%5D">http://publicaffairs.virginia.edu/notablealumni/</a>
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_University_of_North_Carolina_at_Chapel_Hill_alumni%5B/url%5D">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_University_of_North_Carolina_at_Chapel_Hill_alumni</a></p>