Stanford vs UNC Chapel Hill [NC resident, political science, economics, prelaw]

I will say, that for someone coming from the Southeast it is important to actually visit Stanford and see what they would think of it as a place to spend 4 years of one’s life. Stanford is a whole vibe, which is very California in my opinion. Though it was decades ago, my wife was admitted as an undergrad, visited from the east coast and essentially was like “what in the country club world is this?” and decided to go elsewhere. I know things have changed since then. But, Stanford still has a monied west coast feel in my opinion despite the diversification of its population.

Don’t get me wrong here, Stanford is amazing. But, it is also a particular feel that one should make sure they are excited about if they have an excellent alternative choice like UNC in their home state.

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No doubt a national and global profile which is especially influential in the SE. https://alumni.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Where-We-Live-Maps-2022-v2-PRESS.pdf

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Based on your post, I would say that the vibe at UNC is different than the vibe at Stanford. This is something for the OP to consider.

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In my opinion, yes. Perhaps ironically, we are now what many would consider monied California people (certainly young us would have if we met the people we are now, some others would not consider us in that category) and our daughter visited both Stanford and UNC. Neither was right for her in large part due to size. But, she did not blink at the Stanford vibe whereas the UNC vibe is more of an issue for her.

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I could see how an individual might prefer one vibe over another.

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There is an argument for going close to where you’re from - it’s familiar. There’s also an argument for using college as a way to experience a different part of the country for 4 years.

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I hope OP comes back k to respond to some questions and thoughts.

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This professor, who taught at Stanford, found its students to be “very smart,” but not, as a generality, especially intellectually oriented:

Meet the New Faculty: Jason Cieply, Russian Studies - News - Hamilton College https://share.google/vsSuNtkW5witixPQP

Nonetheless, either of these schools would be excellent if you might like to combine your academic interests under a single program (such an approach may not preclude the pursuit a second major):

As a method for deciding between these two schools, perhaps consider which you would prefer with costs aside. If you do prefer Stanford, then consider the value of the cost differential. However, as an opinion, since your parents are willing to support you, attending your top-choice school may represent a good long term investment for you.

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