I recently got admitted into both of these terrific universities. It is very ironic that I am going between these two… I have no idea who I am rooting for tomorrow during the Final Four game lol. I am applying to Renée Crown Honors for Syracuse (they said they will mail out a letter in a couple of weeks to those who get automatic admittance into the program but I want to hand in an application in case I am not selected first hand).
If I do get accepted into the program, Syracuse seems like the best option for me. However, I am a North Carolina student who just got admitted into Carolina. I feel the pressure to attend it even though it doesn’t quite feel like home.
Some information about me:
- I lived in New York for nine years and spent the other nine years living in North Carolina. I am familiar with both states (including the weather).
- During my college experience I was looking for a college that would be equipped with diversity. Being a Haitian-American female growing up in the suburbs of North Carolina, I was looking for colleges out of state that would meet these needs.
- I am on the pre-med track but am choosing to major in Sociology (while fulfilling my pre-requisites). I understand that Carolina is known for it’s biology department but I truly believe that anyone could fulfill their med-school pre-requisites at any institution. I don’t know how the academic environment for pre-med students is at Carolina. I am trying to avoid that kind of “cut-throat” competitive nature. I know that Syracuse is more laid back when it comes to pre-med students and the Honors College offers even more personalized guidance and attention to those who need it.
- I did not like Chapel Hill campus but I love Syracuse’s campus.
Now, cost is not an issue. Syracuse granted me a Deans scholarship and that covered the remainder of the cost that my financial aid did not cover. UNC gave me an estimate tonight and the package included generous university grants and work study so I would not have to pay a single dime out of pocket.
I am not too caught up with the rankings. I just want to go to an undergraduate institution that will help me keep up a competitive GPA and offer me plenty of opportunities to beef up my resume. I genuinely believe I will be happy at Syracuse, especially under the Honors College, but am I missing something with Carolina? Any minority students who attend want to chime in about their experience at both schools? Judging by the people in my school who are already planning to attend Carolina, I do not want this to be like high school all over again. Not complaining in any way though. I understand this is the best problem I could have at this stage of my high school career. Thanks in advance! 