The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

I'm going to divide my comments on UNC-CH into sections.
ACADEMIC: Difficult. These guys don't mess around. The thing is, UNC is a flagship research university, so understand what you're getting into. Seminar classes (that is, those higher level classes) are much easier to get a good grade in than introductory level classes. Working very hard will get you a B. Working casually/normally will give you a C. The A is basically indicative of mastery or excellence: at least in my experience (Natural sciences and political science), getting an A is a huge achievement. Be warned.

Now that I've talked about the bad, here's the good: like I said, it's a flagship research university. This means your professors are the best of the best. Don't take this lightly: the experience, insight, wisdom, and potential opportunity they have to offer you as a student is immeasurable. If you have any interest whatsoever in research, UNC-CH is a goldmine. It's a rare combination of professors who are exemplary but who also really enjoy engaging their students. Don't underestimate the value of leaving a good impression: I was rejected from a study abroad program, but because I did well in a professor's class, I was able to land the opportunity to assist another professor in his research.

Bottom line academically: be passionate, be committed, and be focused.
SOCIAL: UNC wasn't my cup of tea, but this is a very personal preference. Also, I found my niche, so I definitely wasn't miserable--in a big school, you'll find friends. Join clubs, be social, and make conversation with your classmates. UNC students are easily accessible in terms of conversation and introductions. Having said that, if you'd like to hear my complaints: I felt like, as it is at many college campuses, UNC really favors the indigenous (to NC) and the generally fratty. It's a bit elitist in that sense. The other group I noticed getting the most notoriety was the activist. But like I said, these things are personal and while I didn't really quite fit in here, there's a lot of people here who absolutely love it.

ADVICE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS: Take advantage of opportunities. Seriously. There's funding opportunities for unpaid internships, study abroad options for dirt cheap, research being done by professors that (if you are good/passionate enough) you may be able to help with. Other than that, just remember to work your butt off.

ADVICE FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS: I don't want to beat a dead horse, but I wasn't kidding about passion. If you can convey your passion, you'll be competitive for UNC admissions. Find what you like, and do things which signal your commitment to excelling in it. Grades are great. Extra-curriculars are great. Being focused is ideal. Your A+ in biology is pretty good, but it's amazing if you want to be a doctor. Same with English. Or History. Understand your coursework, extra-curriculars, and volunteer work as being a stepping stone to whatever it is you want--even what you think you want--to do. The End.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

After UNC undergrad, and going to UGA grad, I will say your experience will be what you make of it. Coming to UGA I was comparing everything back to UNC and it made me miserable. I was carrying an elitist attitude on top of not doing what I wanted to do.

You pretty much have to create your own satisfaction, if you're not enjoying what you are doing, you will not enjoy what is around you either.

I've said it before, if you want attention, you better seek it out. Join clubs to meet people. There is not animosity among in-state and out-of-state. According to responses on here it seemed that most of the out-of-state students looked down upon the education of in-state students. I had an out-of-state student ask me what I made on a paper in English class after he told me he made a B+, and when I said A, he said that was what he made too, and said a B+ because he didn't want me to feel bad.

Athletics is a huge part of the UNC identity but you don't have to be a fan to take in what the school offers. Go check out a play put on by the drama department, join dance marathon, watch an acapella group.

It is true that most out-of-state students would most likely out perform the in-state students. The out-of-state students that come to UNC are designated the cream of the crop and UNC is very selective as to who they accept in that regard.

There are definitely cliques. I am a minority who happened to socialize mostly with the majority. If you want to have a good life after graduation, start making your connections now. This is one thing that I regret I did not do. Life isn't just about the degree. As one of my professors said, "It's not what you know, or who you know. It's who knows you!" This is true no matter what school you go to. It also helps if you don't spend all of your undergrad just enjoying the moment but also planning out the future and having a direction.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

The best advice I can offer is that you find a school advisor who represents the field(s) in which you are interested, and stick w/ that advisor. UNCCH is big, and among that many students it is easy to get lost in the crowd. I have no regrets, however I do think that finding the right advisor for my scholastic interests/concerns and demanding that I be permitted to stick w/ that advisor - instead of allowing the university to randomly assign me to one - would have greatly improved the quality of my experience at Carolina. Also, don't stress out! Study and you will do well.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000