UNC Chapel Hill CS Ranking - How much should it influence my decision?

Hi everyone, I am considering applying to UNC Chapel Hill for Computer Science. I checked out their CS ranking, and it's pretty high, but I'm not sure how much I should take rankings into account. What's your take on this? Any advice is appreciated.

P.S. I'm a bit stressed, so straightforward advice would be really helpful right now.

Hello there,

You're on the right path, reflecting on the importance of college rankings. While it's normal to look at rankings for a rough idea, it's important to note that they should not be the sole or even the main factor in your college decision process.

It's true that UNC Chapel Hill has a high-ranking computer science program. This typically means the program has distinguished faculty, robust curriculum, and strong research opportunities. However, it's equally, if not more, crucial to ensure that the university's overall environment, culture, and opportunities align with your personal and professional goals.

For example, are there particular aspects of computer science you're passionate about? If so, see if UNC Chapel Hill offers relevant courses, research, intern opportunities in that specific area. Also, consider other factors like the school size, location, social environment, financial aid, faculty accessibility, and student support services.

An effective strategy could be reaching out to students or alumni from the UNC Chapel Hill CS program. You could ask about their experiences and insights. Mainly, you want to ensure that you'd have a fulfilling experience both academically and personally.

At the end of the day, it's about where you'd thrive and be happiest because that's where you'll do your best work and have the most success. Best of luck with your college application journey! It's a major life decision, but remember it's also an exciting new chapter.