<p>For those of us who are new around here, its helps to know from the current students why they love their school - whether its a big name school or lesser known…</p>
<p>I know there are plenty of threads out there and there is tons of information on this board - but it has taken me days and weeks of reading and yet I have so much more left to read and so little time on my hands!</p>
<p>I am a parent of a junior - have to go soon for college visits and even then won’t be able to visit many places. But this is not only for me.</p>
<p>Please state your major and any other info you deem important to the readers.</p>
<p>Why did I love the University of Pennsylvania?</p>
<p>-I loved the One University policy, in which any undergraduate can take classes not just in Penn’s 4 undergraduate schools, but in most of the 12 graduate schools as well.</p>
<p>-I loved the student body’s diversity in academic interests, from business to biology to buddhism. Some people are preprofessional, some are not, but I’m glad I befriended both.</p>
<p>-I loved the location in the city of Philadelphia, one of America’s largest, oldest and most historically significant cities. The campus was but a 30 minute walk from Center City (or a 5 minute drive/subway). And yet unlike so many other urban schools, Penn not only had a real greeny campus but a vibrant campus community that isn’t overpowered by the city. I thought of Philadelphia (and Boston) as “goldilocks” towns for college years. NYC is “too big” and takes away from campus. College towns like Princeton are “too small” and boring. Philly and Boston are “juuuust right,” not too big and not too small</p>
<p>-I loved the age, traditions, and prestige of the school</p>
<p>-I loved how my school’s name opened the doors to get 3 of my summer internships as well as my current job.</p>
<p>-I loved being in a major research university and still knowing all the faculty in my departments on a first-name basis.</p>
<p>This makes me regret not choosing upenn actually! I’m quite happy with my actual choice but penn was a verrrrrry close second. I miss Philadelphia a lot. It’s a fabulous city and full of childhood memories and great food and entertainment. Superpippo, stop sounding so hateful.</p>
<p>Why do I love the University of Texas at Austin?</p>
<p>I love attending a top public university. The size allows it to offer virtually any subject you can think of. For my foreign language requirement, I could select from more than 20 languages. We have highly ranked departments in nearly every subject area. If you change your mind about what you would like to major in, chances are your new selection will also be highly ranked.</p>
<p>I love the diversity. With so many students, every group you can think of is represented. People think that because so many are state residents that the student body isn’t diverse. That is definitely not true. </p>
<p>I love having a division one sports program at my university. Not only having one, but having a top notch one. We have strong programs in every sport. It is fun watching your school’s team on TV and rooting for them to win national titles.</p>
<p>I love the strong alumni base and the connections it provides. Texas is a huge state for job growth and UT rules in TX.</p>
<p>I love Austin. It is large enough to offer pretty much whatever you want to do. It is small enough to be a comfortable place to live, easy enough to get around, and a good quality of life. The weather can suck though during the summer months. It does let me play tennis outdoors year round, which is wonderful.</p>
<p>Prestige. UNC is regarded as one of the top 5 public universities in the United States, and was also the first public university to open its doors to students.</p>
<p>Athletics. UNC’s athletic tradition is largely unparalleled. Our men’s basketball team has been a perennial national powerhouse, with 5 national titles to its name (one more than our neighbor down the road, Dook). The football team has been mediocre at times but is getting better; Coach Davis took the 'Heels to a bowl game last year and signed one of the nation’s best recruiting classes in the offseason. As far as other sports, UNC consistently has top-ranked baseball, soccer, and lacrosse programs.</p>
<p>Campus. UNC’s campus is beautiful, and nothing beats walking through the quad in the spring when the dogwood trees are in full bloom.</p>
<p>Franklin Street. There is always something to do on Franklin Street, and on certain occasions (national championships, beating Dook, Halloween) Franklin streets is packed with tens of thousands of people celebrating like crazy. It is definitely something to experience at least once in your life.</p>
<p>Location. UNC is located in a perfect college town, but benefits from having two major cities (Raleigh and Durham) located within a 25 minute drive from campus. The beach is only 2 hours to the east, and the mountains are 2 hours to the west.</p>
<p>People. Students at Carolina are very friendly, and the girls are VERY hot (shallow, I know, but it is a benefit!)</p>
<p>Social Opportunities. From frat parties to Franklin Street madness to political events, there is always something going on on campus.</p>
<p>^ You haven’t spent much time in Miami or DC, have you? Maybe then we can talk about ghetto neighborhoods.</p>
<p>This is coming from someone whose mom went to Penn and was mugged once and robbed three times (that was deemed very lucky back then). Maybe the area has improved some…?</p>
<p>I spent more time in Miami than any other city. You just learn where not to go. South Beach, Coral Gables, the Grove, etc are wonderful. That’s why it’s litterally invaded by Europeans.</p>
<p>Not to mention the wearing tshirt in January and babes factor vs walking in the snow in Philadelphia among the fat. :-)</p>