<p>I can’t speak to State’s programs but can (somewhat) to UNC. </p>
<p>My son’s indicated major on his application was CS @ UNC and CS Engineering at NCSU (which your son should do as well) as both have great programs. I don’t know how either school’s CS undergraduate departments/programs are ranked but I have seen UNC’s CS Graduate program as the only one in NC in the top 10. Engineering is a different animal and not available at UNC.</p>
<p>My S was accepted to both but chose UNC since he desires the pure CS route over engineering route. Plus, UNC has a “Masters in 5” years CS program available. In addition, my S wants to minor in business, and is very interested in the “Kenan-Flagler Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at Kenan-Flagler Business School”. But I’ve heard that competition is tough and it’s hard to get accepted into the B school since it is so highly desired/valued/ranked.</p>
<p>From what I understand, UNC allow students to take one class per semester for credit at Duke or State (and I assume the agreement is reciprocal). The Chapel Hill city bus system is free and does make trips to the other schools for students.</p>
<p>At the UNC website, their is an entire section dedicated to ‘Undergraduate Research’ and I’ve heard that many top recruiters are on campus each spring seeking summer interns. [Office</a> for Undergraduate Research at UNC-Chapel Hill](<a href=“http://www.unc.edu/depts/our/index.html]Office”>http://www.unc.edu/depts/our/index.html)</p>
<p>Apply “early action” as I’ve heard that a higher percentage is accepted from those groups. So applications/essays need to be started over the summer after his junior HS year since his senior year will be so very busy. Mine didn’t and it caused major chaos. Plus, you want them to enjoy their last year!</p>
<p>As for which to visit, I guess it depends on his more desired major plus both campuses have a different vibe. If I remember correctly, NCSU is one of the largest campuses in the state (and has the largest student population) while in comparison, UNC is tightly packed and more walkable for a quick visit.</p>
<p>As for RTP, I agree that it is miles and miles in every direction with large companies tucked into wooded areas. It’s a large geographical area; not a real ‘park’.</p>