StudentsReview :: The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill - Extra Detail about the Comment
-or-
Search for Schools by Region
 

or within distance of city

Similar Schools
Duke University -- Durham, NC
University of Virginia -- Charlottesville, VA
Harvard University -- Cambridge, MA


  Who's got the Best?

Perceptual Rankings:
You Make 'Em.
We Post 'Em.
You Vote 'Em Up.
You Vote 'Em Down.
Aww yeah.


The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

How this student rated the school
Educational QualityB Faculty AccessibilityA-
Useful SchoolworkB Excess CompetitionB+
Academic SuccessB+ Creativity/ InnovationB
Individual ValueB- University Resource UseB+
Campus Aesthetics/ BeautyA FriendlinessA
Campus MaintenanceA- Social LifeA-
Surrounding CityA- Extra CurricularsB+
SafetyA
Describes the student body as:
Friendly, Arrogant, Approachable

Describes the faculty as:
Friendly, Helpful, Unhelpful, Self Absorbed

Male
SAT1470
Quite Bright
Lowest Rating
Individual Value
B-
Highest Rating
Campus Aesthetics/ Beauty
A
He rated most things higher than other students did.
Date: Jun 17 2014
Major: History/Histories (art history/etc.) (This Major's Salary over time)
Preface: I'm an out-of-state student from the Northeast who attended UNC-Chapel Hill for two years. This fall, I'm transferring to an Ivy League University to study history. I'll break my experience down into categories, then leave you with a few general observations.

Academics: Overall, I give my academic experience at UNC a "B" grade. With the exception of a few duds, the teaching quality was generally excellent and I had some outstanding mentors. However, I often found myself unimpressed with student participation and the quality of class discussions. Although large lectures present challenges at every school, even small seminars and honors courses frequently failed to facilitate participation. Many students were very involved outside the classroom, which may have detracted from the university's academic focus.

Sports/Student Body: I'll give this one a "B-/B." The student body is generally active, energetic, and pleasant. Like many southern schools, Div. I sports were extremely popular, especially basketball and football. Sports fostered incredible school spirit and represented major opportunities for high-quality recreation. However, they also siphoned millions of dollars away from academic programs and represented a step away from sheer academia. As a casual fan at best, I sometimes felt out of place and alienated by the sports craze.

Nightlife: An easy "A-/A."There were ample opportunities for parties and other small social gatherings. Greek parties are the most active and often do not admit male non-members, and first years may sometimes have a little trouble finding open events. By sophomore year, however, social connections made it extremely easy. For non-partiers,the downtown has quality restaurants, shopping, and a discount movie theater. Study sessions on Saturday night were not "frowned upon."

Conclusions:

1. UNC is a great school for bright, in-state students. As a well-traveled student from New England, I quickly realized that there was "more out there." With tuition on the rise, the niche of high-achieving, yet non-full-scholarship OSS students seems to be getting smaller.

2. The sports craze is pervasive, influencing everything from the student body to university policy. For sports fans, it's heaven. Personally, I found it alienating and, at times, disturbing. The widely-publicized athletic scandals speak for themselves.

3. UNC is at a crossroads between "highly prestigious public university" and "non-elite, athletic powerhouse." Unfortunately, it seems to be moving towards the latter. In essence, this is why I left. Please consider my advice!

     
Responses
questionWhat made you decide to move to an Ivy?
responseNon-elite athletic powerhouse? You are kidding right? The scandal is unfortunate, but there is no doubt they will rise from it. Obviously no state school will be a fit for you, New Englander, since all state schools are very sports heavy!

You either like it, or you don't. I am sorry, but the smell of arrogance is in the air. I am an In State admit, probably much more traveled than you are (research the travelling habits of the average middle class Nigerian), but don't see the need for that to be a badge of honor of sorts. You belong at your East Coast schools. Have fun!

responseOriginal Author:
After three semesters at my new school, I decided to revisit my original review. It was written just a month after I got my transfer admission letter, so in hindsight I would have used different language choices in some areas. It was never my intention to be "arrogant," but I can see why parts of my review came across that way.

That said, I stand by most of my original review. My new school offers history classes that are smaller, better taught, and more engaging. Class discussions tend to be excellent and are usually led by professors.

Visiting my friends at UNC (who I'm still very close with) has been eye-opening. The sports craze is still prevalent, as evidenced by the black hole of the athletic scandal. Students choose not to talk about it, although I didn't press the issue too much.

At my new school, people tease me for attending UNC and ask how many paper classes I took. I think they're right to be critical. My situation still isn't perfect, but I feel like my institution now has genuine academic integrity and the appropriate aversion for sports. I would never slander the thousands of Carolina grads who worked hard and honestly, but I know my decision to transfer was right.

responseI was always impressed by UNC graduates. Bright students and graduates have a " don't want to be bothered by much", which schools like UNC and my alma mater get. You can ne an MD the school and alumnawe should love that. UNC grads never made me feel like "……, ….. out of state student."
Ask a Question or add a response!
The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
Compare UNC-Chapel HillSave UNC-Chapel Hill