The Vibe
The Better Blue.
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What it Feels Like to Go Here
Chapel Hill’s Instagram
Whether you go to school in a big city or small college town, the collegiate attire of leggings, jeans and sweats remains the same, even at UNC. And when Chapel Hill students aren’t studying to keep up with intense academics, people find ways to have fun. Some go out once a week and some even go out five times a week. “There is a strong sense of community and wanting to uplift those around you, regardless of the differences you may have,” freshman Molly Paul said. UNC has organizations ranging from Greek life to a bacon-eating club to a fundraising doughnut dash. Student life in Chapel Hill clearly never fails to entertain.
Awesome Alumni
He shoots, and he scores (a degree in geography)! Michael Jordan, the greatest NBA player of all time, graduated from Chapel Hill in 1986 where he played basketball for the Tar Heels. Another sports star, Mia Hamm–two-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA Cup winner–graduated from Chapel Hill with a poli-sci degree. And can you remember the iconic Mr. Chow from the Hangover trilogy? Because he also graduated from Chapel Hill. From sports stars to comedians and even to presidents (James K. Polk), Chapel Hill alum really have it all.
Where We Hang
If you sit on the steps of the Pit for an entire day, a.k.a. pit-sitting, the theory is you’ll see every student at Chapel Hill once. That may or may not be true, but it’s an interesting theory, don’t you think? Beside the Pit stands the three-story student union at Chapel Hill. It has a few food joints like Alpine Bagel and Wendy’s. Apart from food, there are spots all over the place where you can sit with friends, study or just watch a few YouTube videos between your classes. “The union and the Pit are probably the two most common hangout places, but I also love the arboretum or stadium to hang out with people. Off-campus concerts at Cat’s Cradle or YoPo for dessert are also great options,” Paul said. Cat’s Cradle, a live music venue 10 minutes from campus, has performers every week ranging from artists like King Mackerel & The Blues Are running to Wake Flocka Flame. Ticket prices go from $5 to about $30, depending on the performer.
Q & A
1. How much are students partying?
“Students party a lot,” freshman Jordan Gamble said. “Some will go out 5/7 days of the week.”
2. What will you get in trouble for at Chapel Hill?
“Students get in trouble for cheating and underage drinking and smoking on campus,” freshman Andrew Howard said.
3. How much sex are students having?
“There’s a pretty significant ‘hook up’ culture, especially at and just after parties. Definitely a greater percentage of the population having regular sex than in high school,” freshman Jordan Oria said.
4. What would you tell incoming freshman Chapel Hill?
“My biggest hesitation when coming to UNC was my perception that ‘everyone went to UNC,’ and that having mostly in-state students would hinder diversity. Geographically it’s less diverse than a private school would likely be, but in terms of things that matter more like background, life experiences and identities, UNC is very diverse. I underestimated how diverse it would be,” freshman Molly Paul said.
5. What’s one thing you wish you knew before starting at Chapel Hill?
“One thing I wish I knew before Chapel Hill was just how busy my life was going to be. To be successful in school it’s all about time management and not procrastinating, which is something important to get in control of early on,” freshman Lizzie Dravis said.
Overall Experience
“I love UNC. There is a strong sense of community and wanting to uplift those around you, regardless of the differences you may have. It’s academically rigorous, my peers are brilliant, and there are many opportunities to get involved in research.”–Molly Paul, Chemistry major, Class of 2020
“It feels like I’m a member of a community that is bigger than I’ve ever experienced. It’s extremely comforting to be around many like-minded students with similar interests.”–Jordan Gamble, Biology major, Class of 2020
“My experiences at UNC have been wonderful so far, dating back to visiting my older brother when he went here. I have been most surprised by the amount of resources and incredible people that the university brings for events/forums/speeches.”–Siddharth Vasisht, Business Administration and Political Science double major, Class of 2020
“I think Chapel Hill is a beautiful campus, and while classes are hard, there’s a generally positive morale on campus.”–Jordan Oria, Chemistry major, Class of 2020
“My experience socially has been good. I did a random roommate and it worked out great. I get along with my whole suite, and we hang out together. I joined a fraternity and that has been a great way for me to meet great friends and get involved in extracurricular stuff.”–Andrew Howard, Business major, Class of 2020
Top 3 Majors (2012)
1. Biology
2. Journalism and Mass Communication
Top 3 Most Popular Organizations
1. Campus Y celebrated its 150th year of being the center of social justice at Chapel Hill. Known as the largest and liveliest organization on campus, the Y brings in around 2,000 student volunteers for its different events. 30 social justice organizations make up the Y; some of their organizations being Students United for Immigrant Equality, Youth for Elderly Service, Project Literacy and Carolina Hunger and Education and Activism Project. “I am heavily involved in the Campus Y because I have a firm belief that all people should access resources in an equitable way,” junior Tiffany Turner said. The organizations at the Y cover a variety of issues like hunger, homelessness and education, so if you go to Chapel Hill and want to discover your inner good person, Campus Y is your go-to.
2. The Carolina Union Activities Board plans all the activities that go on throughout campus. There’s an event almost every week. “CUAB is a university-sponsored organization run entirely by students for students,” VP of External Affairs Jessica Beach said. “We work to program fun, engaging, diverse and inclusive events for the entire Carolina community.” Within the board, committees with different responsibilities plan the events, along with sponsoring and executing different programs with the approval of the Activities Board. They host events like Craftsgiving, film showings and Build a Gingerbread House. “Our work is important because it helps students feel valued and stay connected to the university as well as their peers,” Beach said. If you like to be in the midst of event planning, try getting involved with CUAB.
3. The exec branch’s slogan is, “From UNC. For UNC.” “The overarching goal of everyone within Executive Branch is really to provide sound representation of diverse student viewpoints on university policy issues before administrators, faculty and the UNC Board of Trustees while providing service to our student body,” said Ashley Fox, the director of strategic communications of exec. Members of the exec board are the middle people between the students and the “man.” They advocate on behalf of the students to tackle policy issues that students care about. Student government covers civic engagement, academic affairs, multicultural affairs and diversity outreach, environmental affairs and student safety and wellness.
Getting In
“When applying or interviewing, it’s important to have an overarching story about who you are, and why you do what you do,” Paul said. “How do your classes, extracurriculars and personal interests tie together? Conveying your passion for something genuine is incredibly important. I never thought I would end up here, but as my senior year progressed I realized what a fantastic fit it would be for me.” In the end, apply to a university you feel would match your personality the most. Chapel Hill looks for smart, motivated, service-oriented, curious, creative and courageous students that’ll enhance the community as a student and after they graduate.
Admissions requirements:
- One essay and two short answers on the Common Application
- Official transcripts
- Either SAT or ACT
- SAT Math: 610-720
- SAT Critical Reading: 600-700
- ACT Composite: 28-33
- Superscorings
- Average weighted GPA 4.63; 98% of freshman have a 3.75 or higher unweighted
- Letter of recommendation required
Stats
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Tuition & Fees: $8,834 (in-state) and $33,916 (out-of-state)
Total Cost: $24,898 (in-state) and $51,466 (out-of-state)
Undergrads Enrolled: 18,415
Grads Enrolled: 10,669
Total Enrolled: 29,084
Acceptance percentage: 30%
Percent Admitted Who Enroll: 45%
Freshman Enrollment: 4,228
Percentage of Male Students: 40%
Percentage of Female Students: 60%
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 43%
Percentage Receiving Federal Grants: 22%
Percentage Receiving Federal Loans: 41%