jack

mkm: Your younger son travels from Winston Salem to Burlington on the weekends, because there's so much more going on at Elon than at Wake Forest? Now that's a revelation. I also find it really hard to believe that "more was going on" at Elon's campus than at UNC's for your older son. I'm really having trouble wrapping my mind around that, too.

Also, the fact that your son did not "go Greek," but went to the parties anyway-- suggests that a lot of the social life did revolve around the Greek scene. I do think that a big advantage (to my mind) of UNC is that only 15% of undergraduates join a frat or sorority, so if one wants to do that, it's great; if not, you won't feel left out as there is plenty more to do. The social life simply doesn't revolve around those parties as they often do at much smaller schools.

mkm56

Jack, I'm not sure if you meant the "more going on at Elon than at Wake" tongue in cheek or if you really are surprised? I think what my older son found was that being a smaller, more tightly knit campus he often knew what was going on at Elon whereas his gf was not as in touch with as many people at Chapel Hill.

I agree that UNC having only 15% Greek is a big plus (in my book at least), in fact that is why my younger son is leaving Wake due to the overwhelming Greek social life there. Since I haven't had a son (yet) at Chapel Hill, I can't compare UNC to Elon as far as the Greek influence, but Elon's Greek social life does not seem nearly as exclusive as Wake's.

I don't want anyone to misinterpret--I think UNC is a great school and son #2 will be there in the fall and is looking forward to a school in a college town, a school with many majors/minors since he is still somewhat undecided, and a school that offers lots of opportunities for research in various fields.

cartera45

When we visited Elon,we managed to get there without ever seeing Burlington - or any other town larger than a postage stamp. We were driving through farms one minute and were on campus the next. That doesn't bother me since I grew up on a large farm in the middle of nowhere. I don't get the impression that the kids are hoofin' it into Burlington for a social scene. The campus reminded me of something out of the movie "The Truman Show." It looks like a postcard and I would love to see it with snow covering everything. At first it bothered me that it was so perfect, but I sat for a while on a bench, and it was so peaceful, I wanted to get out my Biology 101 book and do some homework. Day late and a dollar short. I had my dog with me and a kid stopped to ask about him and then asked what brought me there. I told him my daughter was considering it for music and he just started gushing about how wonderful the place is - how he's on a first name basis with his teachers and how he just loves, loves it. He ran off calling, "have a good visit. I hope your daughter does the right thing and, oh, your dog is cool." For myself, I'd still pick Chapel Hill or even Boone - love Boone - but Elon has come a long, long way.

msreadalot

Last night at 11:20, between packing for her trip and reading all your sage advice, DD signed the enrollmemt form for Chapel Hill. I need to write her counselor a thank you note. She helped DD think about what she really wanted and encouraged her to play the "pretend you're going to school X -- now pretend you're going to school Y" game. She said some of the same things I had said, but advice sounds different coming from a non-parent. I want to thank all of you for taking the time to give DD the benefit of your wisdom and experience. I think we both felt a twinge at giving up Elon's beautiful campus and cushy Honors program, but in the end she couldn't turn down her own personal golden ticket to the Southern Part of Heaven. Some body cue the the choir......"Hark the sound of Tarheel voices, ringing clear and true....."

cartera45

MS - good to hear it all worked out. I don't think you can go wrong choosing Chapel Hill. But you really should stop jumping up and down and screaming - I can hear it from here. It's particularly great that she made the decision herself.

jack

msreadalot: Congratulations! That's terrific news. I know as a proud UNC alum, you must be especially happy! Go Heels!

eadad

msreadalot

Glad to hear that the decision has finally been made...time for a collective SIGH of relief....Based on our experience at UNC I'm sure that she will be very happy with her decision....and you will love visiting "blue heaven"...and more likely than not, like us will look for reasons to visit...LOL !!

The one negative is that they all fall in love with the place and don't want to come home....just kidding...sort of.

Congratulations and best wishes to you all. If you or she has any particular questions regarding move-in, shopping for school things etc you are more than welcome to PM me.

mkm56

Congrats! It always feels soooo good to have the decision made. I'm sure she will have a great experience.

jack

eadad: 2nd paragraph ^ -- you know you're not kidding.

ldmom06

Congratulations msreadalot and misreadalot's D!! I concur with eadad about Chapel Hill...except DH and I found ourselves looking at Chapel Hill real estate when we were there. WE didn't want to leave either...lol!

The fun part now begins...please let us know if we can help with anything.

khizzle3

As the person who started this thread, I want to thank everyone for their help.

I have decided on UNC-Chapel Hill!!!

Go Tar Heels!!!

annn

As of 1 hour ago, I am (officially) going to UNC!!

jack

khizzle3
annn

A big congratulations to you both! I just know you'll do well and thrive over in Blue Heaven!

grantb

congrats to you all, but i know i wouldn't be able to deal with http://www.collegehumor.com/picture:1760322

jack

grantb: Very funny. Now, do we actually know for sure that this was taken at Chapel Hill? Hmmm . . . I haven't actually seen guys with hair that short and anyone wearing madras in, well, decades. I do admire the popped collars, though. Hope you're enjoying your time at Elon.