University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Maeva

when you find the perfect college for you, you know it in your heart. find that one place you can call "home" when you are back in your hometown/parent's house. you know you have found the right place when you can picture yourself there and enjoying every minute/experience. make sure you understand the distance between you and home because it is important depending on how often you want to return home. also make sure the weather is in your comfort zone. especially if you dont like snow for example. check out extracurricular activities on campus that might interest you besides sports such as Greek life iand organizations. understand the finances needed to attend that college to make sure it is in your range and please know about financial aid and its availability--very key! be open to new people/ideas because college will introduce you to much of both. set goals and be determined/focused to do the best you can to achieve greatness socially and academically. be observant and know your surrondings. College grants you three people who will prove to be your best of friends for life-also enjoy every part of it!

Shanita

Visit: visit classes, tour the campus, and speak to current students.

Kevin

The most valuable thing I have experienced in my time at Carolina is the quality of relationships I have established outside of my academic pursuits. It is important to take academics seriously and work hard, however many people get lost in pursuing a career and success and allow books and theories to become their only meaningful interactions in the process. Extra-curricular activities are a great way to get to know people who share common interests and values with yourself and build lasting relationships. Also, if you decide to pursue an academic direction midway through college that the location you are at does not have a strong program in, do not be afraid to transfer to a place that does. College is what you make of it. You have the option of going the party route and killing as many braincells as possible in the name of education, or you can really have the best of both worlds by pushing yourself academically and intellectually while building life-long friendships that in many ways you are likely to find more valuable than whatever intellectual pursuits you strive for.

Jesse

Parents: you have to let your child decide what types of opportunities are right for them. Choosing and matriculating at a school is a very personal process and only the individual can truly know which school will offer the most to them. Students: while knowing what you want to study and getting good grades is very important, do not let "requirements" limit you in terms of the classes you choose or the major you choose. It is your school. Eat up everything it has to offer you.

Alexa

My best advice on finding the right college would be to listen to yourself. Within the college selection process, it is easy to get swept away with everyone else's opinion on different schools. For example, during my college selection process, I felt myself saying, "Well, Dad went here and Mom likes the campus, so this could be the one." However, I learned that i needed to listen to which schools were the best fit for me, not just for my family. I began to look at schools at how they best suited my academic, athletic, and social goals. In doing so, the right school seemesd to fall right into my lap and I couldn't be happier! It is most vital that you let your own opinion be the most important one. Go to a school that you love and couldn't live without. Go to a school where you could see yourself fitting in and flourishing. Ultimately, this will be your school and your future, so make your voice heard!

Will

Visit all of the colleges that you are interested in, if possible. Take the tours, stay a night in a dorm if you are able to, visit the surrounding town. While the education that you will get is the most important aspect of the university you choose, without a great community surrounding it with exciting things to do, college won't live up to its potential and you won't be able to handle the workload.

Sierra

Don't be scared to take a risk. Weigh your options and find the best fit for you! Go for it! Once your there, dive in head first and take advantage of every opportunity!

Tracie

pick some where cheap for undergrad. pick somewhere that has the same values that you do. pick somewhere that is as close to your level of intelligence as possible. do not pick somewhere just because they have your intended major. do not pick somewhere you know will be too challenging.

amanda

Know what you want to be when you grow up before you even apply

Ashley

Any college can be the right college if you make the most of it. Of course it's easier to find the right college if you have an idea of what you want to do. Money can be another factor when deciding too whether it's choosing one that you can afford or not. For the parents you might want to look at the surrounding areas and look into the safety of the school. There's no way you can choose your college until you have visited them. Sometimes you know what college is the right one for you by being there physically, walking through the campus. Basically just go with your gut, nothing is final and you're bound to have a good time where ever you go.

Becky

When I applied for college, I only selected a few schools; when it came time to decide, my options were few. Fortunately, I was very lucky to have UNC-CH on my list, and I am extremely happy with my choice. My lesson was to keep my options open, and also my mind. Go into college with an open mindset, and you will find that wherever you go, it's the right place. As a freshman in a brand new environment with no friends to speak of, you may feel overwhelmed with apathy and homesickness and just want to sit in your dorm room all day. Mark my words - this will drive you crazy. Its imperative to get up and go outside and make friends. Because the friends you make a college will become your friends for life. Join something, whether its a sports team, a club, a fraternity or sorority, or any other organization. I run cross country on my school's team, and I would not trade the friendships I have made for anything in the world. Try new things, step out of your comfort zone, and you may be surprised with the new fun things you discover.

William

Parents- Be supportive of your child's decision or search for a good university. At times guidance is certainly needed from parents and at times I would go as far as saying it is your responisbility to provide such guidance. However, support and encourage them, don't demand or force them. Students- College is a jumpstart to your occupation later in life. Choose a school that will best equip you for the future you want to have and don't hesitate to invest in your studies. On the same note however, college has the potential to be a lot of fun where you can make life long friends. Look for a school that is well balanced between the academia and the social atmosphere.

Elizabeth

First, visit anywhere you think you might like to go and even some places you're not too interested in. It's very important to get a feel for the campus and brochures and websites can't give you the true experience. Also, if you don't know your major, pick a school with a lot of options so you have freedom to try different things adn change your mind. This is important even if you think you know what you want to major in. Once you get to school, be flexible, with roommates, class schedules, even your major choice. Life plans can change and that's OK. It's important for parents to understand this too. If your kid doesn't want to be a doctor like you've always planned for him, that's OK. Ultimately, it's better to be happy than rich.

Sheena

Make sure that you not only judge the school on other people's perception but yours as well. What may be the greatest school for one individual may be the worst for another. Make sure that the school you choose is absolutely the one that you want to be at. Make sure to schedule a campus visit, don't only talk to the tour guide, talk to other students you may see around campus and ask them about their perception of the school. You will be surprised by how many different opinions you will get. Conversations with present students may be your deciding factor. Basically, just make sure that you are prepared for the big step you are about to take, remember, you're probably going to be at this school the next 2-4 years of your life. Make sure you choose the right one!

Walter

The quality of the academics is the single most important thing when choosing a school. Students everywhere will find ways to have fun, so don't worry about extracurriculars or where your friends are going. Go to the most academically sound university that will accept you. After you choose a school, do research on what you want to do after school to get an idea of what your major will be. Knowing what you want to do heading into your first year will give you a huge advantage and prevent a stressful sophomore year. After you've found your school and know what you'd like to major in, register for easy classes your first semester to get acclimated to the new environment and the demands of college. These classes should not include: physics, biochemistry or advanced math courses. Take some general requirement courses or pre-reqs for your chosen major and ease into it. Good luck.

Andrea

Everyone is mesmerized by national rankings when it comes to college, but there's the factor only you can sort schools by, and not a national ranking: the "me" factor, or how well the school fits your needs and interests. I highly recommend taking a summer or long break to tour schools in the region your're interested in, and to be especially aware of aspects of the campus outside of the brochure and the campus tour. Observe the type of students that attend: Are they diverse? Friendly? Do they seem to be academically-minded? Try to even find people in areas you're interested in to talk to, such as a student group, a professor, or a coach. When you've assessed what how comfortable you will be at the school, gauge how the school fits your major and career interests. In the job market, GPA and the credibility of the school you attended are certainly qualities of a strong applicant, but many employers also look to specific schools that trian people well for their field. After all of this, you will have done all you can to ensure a productive and satisfying undergraduate experience.

Mina

I would advice parents and future students to not judge colleges based on stereotypes or reputations, but rather, I would advice them to take tours of prospective campuses. It's not just the academics, school spirit, or open-mindedness that sets some colleges apart, like the University of North Carolina, but it's the feeling you get when you're there that really grabs a hold of you and does not let go. I would advice parents and students to go to their prospective college and fall in love; because if you don't, it's not the right school for you.

Dymenn

Choose a college that would fit your lifestyle and something that you are somewhat similar to. It is also very important to make sure you have your finances aligned to make sure these are things that you don't have to worry about during the school year so it won't interfere with academics.

Corinne

I would tell someone to find a school that is full of people similar to them in their goals and work ethic, but diverse in culture and beliefs.

Bolu

Take your time!

Paige

Finding the right college for you is something that may be easier than you think. In my experience of applying to college I found that visiting the campuses was the best way to gauge my feelings about the campus and to gain more concrete information about the university in a tangible way. Campus tours provide great insight into the academic, social, and athletic atmospheres at the school. My favorite parts of campus vists were that I actually got to experience the campus for myself, see how people interacted, and most importantly what the students were like. Overall, no matter what the reputation of the school, I was most interested to see what everyone was like, how they dressed, how the interacted, etc because those were the people I was going to have class with, eat with, hang out with, and go to games with. But above all, visits were helpful because I had the opportunity to see if I could see myself there and invision how I would mesh with the students and the overall scheme of the university. Choosing a university is a very personal decision, and I think college visits is a great way to make this choice.

Kristen

Tips for finding the right college... BE OPEN-MINDED! Visit or research as many colleges as you can!! Remember that paying more for college doesn't always mean a better education. (But if you're set on an expensive school, there are many scholarships and financial aid awards out there!) Write down all of your interests -- majors, on-campus organizations, volunteer efforts, jobs -- and see which schools are strong in these areas. Talk to recent alumni about their experience at the school. Tips for making the most of your college experience... BE OPEN-MINDED! Remember that classes will be demanding, but it's worth it in the end. Get involved! Helping others/your school and having fun -- you're not going to find a much better combination. Take time for yourself to de-stress every once in awhile. Utilize your college's resources -- the library, counselors, professors' office hours, online support, etc. They WANT you to ask for help if you need it, I promise.

Bethany

In order to find the right college, you have to go there. You have to get on campus and meet the students. You have to sit in on a class and see if the professor's personalities fit your learning style. You have to find out what activities students are involved in and figure out what you'd like to do there. Every school has either good or bad cafeteria food, either nice or falling apart dorms, either alcoholic or non-alcoholic parties, either a major in economics or in English. You could be content with a degree from any of them. But in order to make the most of your college experience, you have to find a school where you will make friends and memories. Make friends so that you can be active in the life of your school and community. And make memories because when you are with people you love doing the activities that you enjoy, you are living life to the fullest.

Mitchell

Find your practical interests and go with the nearest, best value school that excels in or has that major.

Derrick

Take a visit and see what the school is really about. Read the school's daily newspaper and do your research and ask questions. Once your choose your school and start classes, get involved. You meet so many people where you can pick and choose what group you fit in well with and from there create great memories.

Asa

Finding the right college really involves looking at each college's opportunities to really get involved in the surrounding community and the world at large. Visiting the school and talking to a lot of students will really aid in creating a well-rounded view of the school, which goes a long way into selecting the right school for each student. Making the most of the college experience is another matter. Getting involved in the campus community is obviously the first step. Branching out from within your dorm the rest of the campus, and the surrounding community will go a long way into helping create a positive college experience. Get involved in clubs and go to events with your friends! Most importantly, I have found that bonding with your floormates has been the most rewarding and community building part of my college experience. Without the strong friendships I have built I believe that my college experience would have suffered immensely!

Laura

The college you and your son/daugther pick should feel right, especially to the student. Visiting the campus is extremely important. Visit all campuses the student might be considering, whether he or she really wants to go or is even just slightly thinking about it. Ask MANY questions when taking tours and speaking to other current students. You should be 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} convinced that you see yourself in that campus, that you WANT to be there, and that you feel you would belong. Also, don't close yourself up, or limit your child, just because it is your "dream" school or you would love your kid to go there. Be open to many different perspectives and many different options and encourage yourself/your child to apply to many different schools. Once getting in, don't forget your family and friends and do not lose sight of what you really came to college for... school work. Find what you really enjoy doing and get involved. Be open and prepared to meet new people, have new experiences, and live a new life.

Zoe

Go with what feels right to you, don't listen too much to your head. If you feel at home somewhere, go there, you won't regret it, regardless of the financial aspects.

Yatin

Figure out what is most important to you in terms of campus life, and what you want to accomplish at school. Then visit the schools and learn as much as you can from online resources and people attending the school.

Elizabeth

College is about learning where your passion in life is. Students should invest in many different classes and be willing to change their ideas about their majors, talking with professors about potential jobs and internships. The more curious a student, the more successful. However, college isn't just about succeeding academically. College is the first time students can think completely on their own, making up their mind about big issues including faith, politics, friends, etc. I would argue that college teaches more about social interactions than anything. Students should not let academics rule their lives as learning how to be a good friend, a good listener, a person involved in the community is more beneficial to the heart and mind than anything. Yes, enjoy the academics. Find your passion whether it be medicine, law, or theatre, but don't forget to rest and enjoy the time in college you're given.

Katie

Students need to find a school that's right for them - not for their parents or their friends, but for them. I used a collegeboard.com college search that was extremely helpful. It made me think about aspects of each school that I hadn't even considered yet, like how big of a school I wanted to go to, whether I wanted to go to a liberal or conservative school, etc. Once you get to school, you just need to get out and meet people. The people I've met in college are so different from the people I knew in high school. In general, when you go to college, you're amongst people that have a lot in common with you, starting with the fact that they chose the same school that you did, and that they could get in in the same school. At UNC-Chapel Hill, I usually find myself surrounded by people of the same intelligence level, people with the same interests that I have. Find a school that fits you, and once you get there, get out and meet people. That's the best you can do.

Nathan

Just be open for anything, but everything in moderation.

Nicole

Can you do what you love? Will it open your mind and bring you new experience? If you can answer affirmatively to these questions, then you've found the right college. Be careful to not automatically assume that rumors of a college are true: a preppy college will have its artsy niche, and tough academics will be easier if you're doing something that excites you. When I graduated high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do or where I could go to do it. However, I loved writing and always wanted to be able to walk to school, so I selected a college with a good English department, a beautiful campus, and a lot of opportunities. I am now an English and Environmental Studies double major, a leader of a student environmental organization, and I just completed one summer study abroad (about to go on another!). Choosing the "right college" may seem like a daunting task, but if you remember to look for what you love and trust your instincts, it can be an easy and enjoyable experience.

Robert

Make sure its somewhere where you feel like you will fit in. Then GET INVOLVED. It is absolutely necessary to get involved in order to have a good experience. Find waht you like to do then find the club or organization that does that and get as involved as you can. Try out new things and find what you like to do, but dont just sit around and do nothing. Get involved and make friends.

Katherine

Visit the campuses before you decide

Young

It is important to read between the lines when looking at the "numbers" when finding the college. Accordingly, it is crucial to acknowledge that both sides have their ups and bads, and personal preference should be the major factor. Large student bodies may provide a microcosm of society, a beneficial experience, but smaller ones may give a closer, more intimate community experience. Large cities may provide more internship opportunities and entertainment, but suburban places may be an ideal environment to make friends and focus on academics. The neighborhood, various educational facilities, transportation availability, accessibility of internship/career fair/research opportunities, student organizations, recreation and diversity also have a large impact on the quality of college life, the bulk of college memories. Deciding between engineering, arts, sciences, etc is also a big step to make before deciding on which college. Once in college, exploring and deciding on your interests and developing a proactive attitude will be the best way to enjoy college as well as prepare for the real world. Actively research and decide on what courses, job, student group you want to get involved in and consider time management as well. Be open, eager, experimental, responsible, decisive and have fun!

Bonnie

VISIT, VISIT, VISIT! The feel of a college is very important for a student.

Patrick

Go look at the campus, take a tour, walk around and try it out. When you return for school, make sure you know what you want. It is not cheap to get a quality education, and college is what you make of it. Don't lose focus on what really counts, your grades and your activities. Try not to get bogged down in the social whirl of parties and binging.

Steven

Do research. Really.

Margaret

Definitely visit! Do not base a school on financial reservations, there are numerous packages and scholarships available. Do not go too far from home.

Alex

Don't try and use "logic" to figure out which college you want to attend. I would listen to your heart. As strange as it sounds, I had no "logical" reason for choosing UNC. I just knew it was the place I wanted to go to college. It was like a voice told me. As terrible as that sounds, choose the college where you have that feeling.

Chad

While college is first and foremost an academic experience, the social aspect of college can not be dismissed. I personally think it is very important to find a school where the student "meshes" with the general student population. Research the various outlets and opportunities for meeting people with hobbies and interests to your own. A good social network will affect everything else. All students are familiar with those who spend every minute of each weekend in the library; I can imagine few things more miserable than that. Make sure to research the opportunities and support for graduates a year or two out from college. An alumni network is crucial, as many fields are run by networking and who you know is as important as what you know.

Ashley

do what you want to do and don't go where your friends are going

Markus

Visit the school beforehand and see how you feel in the environment before you make a decision. When I came to visit Carolina, I just knew it was a right fit for me; that's how I made my decision.

Chad

Find a niche to invest time in as soon as you get to college.

Kalin

Definitely tour campus, and take your time. Think about the distance, academic quality, and location of the school. Also, make sure the school has a good reputation, and the major you are interested in is a good major at the school.

James

Do what you want to do

Daniel

Students should take high school classes seriously in order to be competitive. They should make the highest grades possible in order to obtain a high grade point average. Students should also participate in extracurricular activities and community volunteering to broaden their horizons. Parents need to motivate their children to succeed and spend time with them by going to seminars, career fairs, etc.

Taniya

When choosing a college, make sure you visit the campus and check for ease of parking and proximity to campus. While touring the campus, note the available facilities such as food courts, library resources, student union, religious service providers, places to relax indoors and outdoors, recreation, outdoor lighting and emergency phone systems. Please take the time, especially if you know what you would like to major in, to meet some of the people in that department. Get very familiar with the General College administration to facilitate the transition to a campus. Check the on-campus as well as off-campus housing keeping public transportation systems in mind.

Sarah

While in high school, my college search was very very school specific. I had it exactly in mind where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do. However, when it came time to make I decision, I ended up somewhere completely different than I had planned on being. At first, this was rather disconcerting. But after I got over the initial shock of being in a different atomospher and looked up at the friends, professors, and campus around me, I realized that I was attending a fantastic school! So as you look for colleges and sort out what is and is not a good fit, don't judge too quickly or make assumptions like I did. You may end up in exactly the right place! Focus on what you want to get out of the college experience, and don't get bogged down in all the details. In the end, college is about discovering yourself and becoming an educated individual. So find a place that will let you be you!