UNC in the recession

eadad
Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:15:43 +0000

You are also comparing apples with oranges…the two schools are very different in almost every way. Urban vs small college town, very competitive (not in a good way) environment vs highly cooperative environment, very little diversion from academics outside of parties or hanging out in St Louis vs vibrant collegiate atmosphere with big time sports across the board… UNC fields 28 division one sports teams, more than any other school in the country…for both men and women…students regularly get out to support many of them, not just football and basketball.

Wash U is a very good school, it’s also VERY expensive and from my several visits there gives off a very different vibe than UNC…competition in some areas (premed and sciences) can be uber competitive bordering on cut throat…I am NOT saying it is cut throat but comes close and is very different than what you would experience at UNC.

Without trying to offend anyone I think you’ll find the student bodies to be almost polar opposites…both are composed of very smart kids and simply due to the difference in entering class size there will be equal amounts at both schools. At UNC you’ll also have some kids who, while above average, aren’t at the same level as the top performers. However, across the board I think you’ll find the “typical” UNC student to be more well rounded, a bit more athletic/outdoorsy (more likely than not due to weather differences) and less “nerdy” than the 'typical" Wash U student. I told you I might offend someone …and I’m certainly not saying that UNC doesn’t have its share of “nerds” either but many of them tend to be very fun loving as well…maybe just a bit more balanced in their activities and interests…UNC is known as a place that people work hard and play hard which is not a bad thing in the end.

My son turned down Yale and Wash U (among others) to attend UNC and like many others who did the same never once regretted his decision.

Lastly, if there is a substantive financial difference, save your money and go to UNC…grad and professional schools are very expensive and offer far less merit/scholarship monies…graduating from undergrad with as little debt as possible is a very good thing these days.

Forget everything else…where do you think you will be happiest? What happens every day AFTER classes end can be a big determining factor in how happy you are, which will also impact your academic success. This is really important and many people lose sight of it while getting caught up in average test scores and GPAs.