The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

Chemistry is tough at Chapel Hill - I've seen a lot of students totally frustrated, because it sometimes seems that the department deliberately tries to weed out a lot of students from the major, rather than helping them succeed. These are all bright students and would do fine at most other colleges, I think. I wouldn't recommend this school if you're looking for support. It's sink or swim here, and in Chemistry at least, only the strongest make it through. I'm making it, but my grades aren't stellar.

3rd Year Male -- Class 2006

Social Life: A+, Faculty Accessibility: C-

I just finished my first year at Carolina, and I must say, it was an experience. First things first, for all incoming high school seniors, please do not come into Carolina believing everything you have been told and all the hype surrounding the university. If you believe and buy into that hype, then you are setting yourself up for a major disappointment. Overall, most of my professors were helpful and nice; however, you will run into a few that will treat you more as a number than a person. Some of the courses are very challenging while some are a breeze. Carolina is a big school and I found that meeting people in the dorm is the best way to meet people. Also, join organizations that you’re your interest and needs. You can find and meet a lot of people that way too. You will run into many snooty and stuck-up people, but then you will find a few that are down to earth. The Pit is also a good place to mingle. Remember, this is a college campus, and from my experience, there are some people with racist ideologies on campus and people that believe that you are inferior based on your race, class, and etc…, but I managed to ignore those idiots. Social life was not what I expected. Outside of the occasional black greek party here and there, there is really nothing to do as far as being a minority student goes. Yes, there is Franklin Street, but majority of the bars and clubs are not for minorities (unless you play basketball or football) but that is a whole different story in which I don’t care to write about at this time. Let’s just say that there is some racial tension on and off campus. Basketball games are bananas from the two I attended this past season. You have to be really lucky to get into the Dome unless you buy season tickets or in the Rams Club. Basketball season at Carolina runs from August to May for students and it is really the main thing talked about 24/7. Some nerds complain that some players have an easier time in classes than regular students, but I don’t care, just as long as the Heels win, I am happy. Overall, I would give my first year a B- because there are many things in which I think could be better, especially after I visited my friends at other schools and see how much fun they are having. I am upset that two of my girls are transferring, but I plan to stick it out. Looking for a better year staring in August.

1st Year Female -- Class 2008

Campus Aesthetics: A-, Useful Schoolwork: D

My time at UNC-CH was a nightmare. I had high expectations for UNC since it has somehow acquired a fairly good reputation among universities. But the reality of the place was so disappointing that I nearly transferred out. The classes in my department were HUGE -- maybe other departments have smaller classes, but I wasn't fortunate enough to have any. I heard professors complain (in class) about how much they hated teaching undergrads, and how it was taking time away from their research. I could hardly believe my ears. The Poli. Sci. dept. is heavily focused on grad students, and they seemed to get all the attention, got to work with the best professors, etc. I felt frustrated and discouraged a lot of time, and really regretted going to UNC.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000