UVA or UNC Chapel Hill

[UVADeanJ]

<p>

For the most part Chapel Hill and UNC are so intertwined that one defines the other. Chapel Hill is more active and vibrant than Charlottesville and the proximity to campus (across the street) makes the goods and services offered more convenient. Chapel Hill was the second city chosen (after Cambridge) by Ralph Lauren for his new Rugby concept (Charlottesville was third)

Perhaps the fact that we have a [url=<a href=“http://www.casparionline.com/deps/stores/stores.php]Caspari[/url”>http://www.casparionline.com/deps/stores/stores.php]Caspari[/url</a>] (the only other store is in Paris) means Cville is more refined?!?</p>

<p>I’m kidding with you there. </p>

<p>One of the things I love best about Charlottesville is that the shopping districts are split up. The Corner (the shopping area next to UVA) is full of stores that undergrads would like: cheap cafes, bookstores, and clothing boutiques. The best part: only one chain on the whole strip (Starbucks). Everything else is local. One of the oldest bookstores on the street has a cute sign listing all the items they offer and at the bottom of the list is “Advice Given”. So charming! </p>

<p>The Downtown Mall (a mile down the street) is more upscale, with great restaurants, antique shops, and more boutiques. Students are definitely on the mall, but it’s mostly locals.</p>

<p>Up the “main drag” a bit is where the chain stores can be found. </p>

<p>As I’ve written before (on the other “UVA vs. UNC” thread), on the personal visit, one place will feel right. We could list the merits of these towns for days. Charlottesville and Chapel Hill are wonderful. I wouldn’t try to say one is truly better than the other unless judging something very specific (like, for example, the music scene).</p>

<p>P.S. That Rugby store baffles me. All the clothing is covered in skulls and crossbones. I don’t think it’s very popular among our students…that is, I haven’t noticed anyone with the skull and crossbones logo, but I admit that I don’t pay too much attention to what they’re wearing. </p>

<p>Perhaps the high schoolers are the target clientele of this store?</p>

[eadad]

<p>Dean J</p>

<p>You left out the “so much for the preppie label at either school” which was my way of saying what you were thinking, I guess. Perhaps my sarcasm was too subtle.</p>

<p>You are so right, one place will feel right (hopefully) and then the decision should be much easier.</p>

[TourGuide446]

<p>I just about memorized the Barron’s college guides in the mid-1970’s. Difficulty of admissions were ranked Most Competitive, Highly Competitive, Very Competitive, Competitive, Less Competitive, and Non-Competitive. I’m certain UVa was Highly Competitive, and UNC-CH was just competitive. Not that admissions difficulty is the be-all and end-all of academic quality, but it does support those who say that UNC has risen significantly in the past few decades.</p>

<p>By the way, back then Cornell, Penn, and Stanford were also Highly Competitive. I can still remember how most colleges were ranked back then, so if anybody wants to know how a particular college was ranked 30 years ago, just ask.</p>