<p>Hi everyone, I'm new to the forums. I was waitlisted for UMich so I decided to sort out my backup plan first. I'm currently deciding between UW and NC State. I've done a lot of research on both schools as well as the atmosphere of the city, and I have concluded that both are very decent schools. However, I can't decide on which, and thus seek advice from you all.</p>
<p>Here's some basic information:
Term: Fall 2011
Major: Biochemistry
Type: International Applicant
Country: Taiwan
Weighted GPA: 3.99
SAT: 2030</p>
<p>I come from the small country of Taiwan located in Asia. I'm generally considered moderate in my political views but I tend to lean conservative. My family is middle-upper class so tuition is generally not a problem. I applied for the biochemistry major for all of my colleges with the intent to one day enroll in pharmacy school.</p>
<p>From what I've read, UW is located in Seattle, which is known for its liberal atmosphere. The university appears to be more prestigious and thus may help me when I apply for grad/professional school. The weather there is very nice, and although I don't like the constant rain, I do like the humidity. There's also coffee everywhere and that's even more awesomeness for me. However, to graduate with a degree in Biochemistry, I would need at least 180 credits compared to the normal 120 credits that university students typically graduate with. Thus, I am a little worried about coping with academic stress. I've also heard that the housing is not as good, due to over-enrollment and thus the college stuffs 3 students into a 2 student room.</p>
<p>NC State is fairly strong in the science and engineering department. The university is located in Raleigh which although is a city, is pretty suburban compared to Seattle. I'm more of a suburban person than an urban person so I'm fine with that. I've also heard that NC is typically conservative so that suits my personality as well. But what I fear is that since it's a southern state, there may be racism, although I personally think that's just a stereotype. The weather is pretty hot and humid, but I have no problem with that. However, recently NC just got hit by a tornado, and as I've never seen a tornado in my life it sounds pretty scary dealing with them. For academics, you graduate with the standard 120 credits, unlike UW's 180, so I think that's pretty manageable.</p>
<p>Please correct me if I made any mistakes in any of the above statements.</p>
<p>UW is on a quarter system, not sure about NC State, they may be semester, so you can’t compare the unit requirements directly. 180 quarter credits at UW works out to 15 units per quarter, which is only 3 or 4 courses a quarter.</p>
<p>Quarter students (as cellopop said) have a different credits count, so everyone is supposed to graduate with at least 180 credits (15 credits a quarter, aka 15 hours of class a week). Maybe 120 credits graduation is normal for semester schools, but 180 credits is very doable here at UW.</p>
<p>We have a strong sciences and engineering programs (including biochem major) that is very competitive. I’m not a biochem major, but I have some friends who are, and they really, really enjoy it. </p>
<p>As for political views, don’t worry about it. I consider myself very conservative and don’t have any issues here with others trying to ‘force’ me to be liberal or anything.</p>
<p>There are quite a few Taiwanese students on campus here if you want a more ‘personal’ answer -just look up “Taiwanese Student Association” or “TOSA/Taiwanese Overseas Student Association” on Facebook (If you have one, I know it’s not blocked in Taiwan and renren isn’t the ‘only’ way to go :P) and talk to one of the officers. I actually did that last year.</p>
<p>Thanks guys for the info. I just looked up the biology department today for UW, and apparently there is no Human Anatomy and Physiology course? Maybe I am not searching hard enough. But if there isn’t, then that really will hurt my chances at grad school.</p>
<p>NC is a great school too. if you tend to be conservative, then UW might not be the “place”. you should take into your considerations that Seattle is a Very liberal city as well UW. </p>
<p>again, academically, both schools are great. ideologically, they are the opposite. make your own research and learn more about it. this way, you can make a better decision. always look for a place where you can fit not only academically, but socially, politically etc…</p>
<p>Thank you all for the input. I have done more research on both schools, but I still can’t decide. A few questions though: Is it it safe in UW? From what I’ve looked up on the web, there seems to be a growing homeless population right around the corners, and since Seattle is a city, students may have to deal with city-crime when they are out the campus.
Also, will conservative students have a tough time in UW?</p>
<p>NC State does not have Korean language courses in their foreign language department, and that is one major turn off for me as I really want to learn Korean.</p>
<p>I’m still having a really tough time picking between the two. They seem like great schools yet they each have their own flaws. I know college is all about what you can get out of it, and I feel like I’m a little too picky. But this decision is going to affect the next 4 years of my life so I want to be sure I make the right one.</p>
<p>hsiehts, if you are troubled by people talking about civil rights, environment, global warming, fair trade etc., then you should go to NC State. You do find a few people at UW who will tell you that you will burn in hell if you don’t kneel down and confess … if that comforts you. You’ll find a lot more of those at NC State.</p>
<p>Chances are that Conservative in Taiwan or not the same principles as american Conservatism. Onto some more serious when choosing your college is the location. Your surrounded by the Mt Rainer which is beautiful, Olympics awesome national parks, and Cascade Range great for skiing. Plenty of opportunity for water sports and being from That LIl ole country island you probably like seafood, And Seattle is located right on the Puget sound. You get all four seasons here, Cold winters with snow and anyone will from here who has experience a Seattle summer day will agree there’s nothing like it, the Best. Theres also a very strong Asian Community in the Seattle region and realistically Compared to Ann arbor and or Detroit there is far greater employment and economically stronger. Seattle is a unique city with a lot of culture. Personally right to the point I would consider U-Dub over U Michigan, I’ve traveled across Asia myself -Vietnam, Thailand Korea Etc- So I understand a little bit where your coming from, starting off in the rustbelt or “Midwest” for your first 4 years well there’s exciting options. And Finally UW is Prestiges academically especially Internationally. oh yeah about the housing, trust me you’ll be fine theres not a problem</p>