UNC vs NCSU

[mental gull]

Current UNC student, considering transferring to NCSU

Schools: NC State, UNC Chapel Hill
Intended major: Chemistry/Biochemistry (end goal is to prep for a masters in toxicology)
Similarities: In-state, good programs, close to home, can go part-time for my mental health

NCSU
Pros:
Short term
• Closer to boyfriend
• Nothing bad will happen if I get rejected
Long term
• Dedicated programs to what I’d like to do (biochemistry, enviro. toxicology)
• Can take however long I need to get my degree (w/o going part time)
• Can get a 2nd bachelor’s degree
• Hands on field work
• Friendly people
• Professors are kinder
• Cheaper

Cons:
Short term
• CODA if I want to change majors
• Not guaranteed to get in
• New campus, new people (temporary increase in anxiety)
• Filling out a college application… again

UNC Chapel Hill
Pros:
• Friends already established
• More prestigious
• Higher ranked
• Used to campus
• Easy to change majors
• Double major + minor/major + double minor options

Cons:
Short term
• Another semester of Japanese (which I really don't want to do)
Long term
• Puts me through the academic ringer, especially since I’m doing chem
• Worsening mental health
• 4-year limit to get my degree (ignoring part-time semesters)
• “You should be grateful to be here” vibe

Tiebreaking considerations: Is NCSU really easier than UNC?

Addendum: I have close friends at both schools, so social aspect isn't as important to me. I want to make a good decision for my mental health and college experience. If UNC is going to be as grueling as it feels now for the next 3 years, I don't think it's a good choice for me. If NCSU isn't any different, then I might as well stay.

[raven ember]

I got into both for compsci and whenever I ask students from both they say UNC is much more difficult in terms of workload, and since it has a lot of liberal arts requirements you end up needing more credit hours than State. And also NCSU is more major-focused (and compsci is more application than theory)

but idk first hand of course

and also my perspective is from compsci

when I talked to some Biology students at State i remember them warning me that I won't have free time if I choose UNC lol

[pine orchid]

If u think NCSU would be a healthier environment for u, I think u should choose that

NCSU is a great school as well so I think focusing on your mental health is a good idea (plus the dedicated programs are nice)

[sweet agate]

NCSU's program will prepare you for the job industry where as UNC's will prepare you for grad or PHD

The curriculum in NCSU is more practical and hands on compared to UNC which is highly theoretical

NCSU has a great engineering program and you will enjoy the process too