UNC Chapel Hill or William and Mary?

phonyreal98
Thu, 08 Apr 2010 23:15:02 +0000

I’m planning to major in Chemistry as of now. I am definitely considering picking up a second major/minor in another science area, once I explore a little more. I’m looking to go to grad school afterward, once I figure out what I like to do. I’d like to be involved in research, and have as much contact with professors as possible.



Within the UNC chemistry department, there will be opportunities to do all of this. I can’t speak for William and Mary, but UNC’s chemistry department is very well known and highly respected. For instance, I am currently in Analytical Chemistry at UNC and one of the major topics in Analytical Chemistry is separations (on which I have an exam on Monday!). The professor teaching this class is one of the pioneers for modern techniques in separations (for example, I looked in the references section of my textbook and there were so many citations of his publications and papers). One of the techniques that my professor invented (capillary electrophoresis) played a huge role in the human genome sequencing project several years ago. Another professor here has invented a non-carcinogenic method of dry cleaning. I’m starting to ramble…but the point is that UNC’s chemistry department is highly respected and professors within the chem department (in my experience) have been quite open to undergrads (ie very accessible, willing to give undergrads positions in their labs, etc).

Plus, UNC is cheaper…