Our 48th Rhodes Scholar, Rachel Myrick

Congratulations to our newest Rhodes Scholar, political science and global studies major Rachel Myrick. Rachel came to us from Myers Park High School in Charlotte, NC and she's done some incredible things during her four years at Carolina, uniting her passions for social action and policy. She has spent the last three summers working for a domestic violence shelter in Belize, an international development firm in Cambodia, and a strategic consulting firm in Washington, D.C.

On campus, she serves as the student body vice president and was the driving force behind last year's very successful TEDxUNC conference. She'll also graduate as both a Public Service Scholar and a Carolina Research Scholar.

Rachel plans to use her Rhodes Scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in international relations, studying the causes and consequences of ethnic conflict in world politics. Read more about Rachel.

Early Action Applicants: Is Your Application Complete?

This weekend, we sent out emails to Early Action applicants whose applications are still missing critical items. If you get one of these emails, DON'T PANIC! But do take action! The first thing you should do is read the entire email (you'd be surprised how many people don't do this). The email has very clear instructions on how to follow up on your application materials to make sure they get to us quickly.

Whether or not you received the email this weekend, it's easy to check the status of your application and your submitted materials online. Here's how:

Log into MyCarolina for Applicants. You'll log in with the UNC Guest ID and password that you created after you submitted your application. If you haven't created a Guest ID yet, go back to the email we sent you when you submitted your application and follow the instructions. (And if you don't have the email anymore, email us at unchelp@admissions.unc.edu and we'll re-send it.)

Once you log into MyCarolina you should see this:

Click on "Connect Carolina Student Center" to view your application information. Once you do that, you'll go straight to your Student Center, which looks like this:

Your To Do List is in the right-hand column. Click on "Admissions Items" to find out which items are missing from your application.

If you did get the email regarding missing items, we're asking that you re-send any materials that were sent before November 14. It's a good idea to double-check your To-Do List before re-sending anything, as it's possible the materials have been received in the past few days. Also, if you sent your items electronically through the Common App, Naviance, Docufide, or CFNC but they're still showing up on your To-Do List, give us a call or email us. It's possible that we have the materials but weren't able to link them to your application (this happens sometimes if your identifying information--name, email, address--doesn't match what we have on file).

Transcripts must be official copies sent by mail or secure electronic submission and test scores must come directly from the testing service, but all other materials may be submitted by email to uncsubmit@admissions.unc.edu.

As I said before, don't panic! We still want to consider you for Early Action and there's still time to get your missing materials in. But we can't review your application until we have all of the required items. If we haven't received everything by the end of the month, we'll either go ahead and review your application based on the material we have or unfortunately, we'll need to withdraw your application from consideration. 

Questions? Leave a comment below, or if you have a specific question about your application or a submitted document, email us at unchelp@admissions.unc.edu or give us a call at (919) 966-3621.

Q&A with Assured Education Student Stephanie Cassell

Today's Q&A is with Stephanie Cassell, a first-year from Mint Hill, NC who is a student in the Assured Admission program in the School of Education. Last year was our first year offering assured admission to the education program, so Stephanie is a part of the inaugural class. Assured Education students are able to start their education coursework early with a special first-year seminar and other classes. It's just one of the nine special opportunities that we offer each year to enrolling first-year students. (Get more info about these opportunities in this blog post from last year.)

What do you hope to do with your degree in education? What experiences have led you to this field?
With my degree in mathematics education, I plan to be a high school math teacher in North Carolina. Currently I am open to teaching any type of high school math once I become a teacher. Quite a few experiences led me to this field. I knew that I wanted to teach when I taught classes at my church, and I knew that I wanted to teach math because it was my favorite subject. I was also a tutor for a few years. I tutored students who were in the 3rd grade all the way up to 11th grade students. I loved tutoring. Many parents cosigned on my dream to be a teacher when they would tell me how their child’s success in math was partially my responsibility. I also took two years of Teacher Cadet. Teacher Cadet introduced me to the different forms of teaching and the many different types of teachers.

What are some of the benefits of being in the Assured Education program?
One of the benefits of being in the Assured Education Program is that I am able to take education courses during my freshman year. By being able to take education classes during my freshman year, I have more time to decide if education is truly the field for me. By taking education courses early, I am also able to network with those who have worked in the education field and I can possibly meet a future mentor.

Any study abroad, internship, extracurricular, or other interesting experiences you’ve had or plan to pursue?
In the near future, I plan to tutor students in nearby high schools in the subject of math. Also, here at Carolina, students are able to take some math courses abroad. It would be very interesting to take a class in my favorite subject while being in a country that I have never visited before.

What else would you tell prospective students who are considering Carolina?
I would tell future students that there is something for everyone here at Carolina. No matter what a student’s interests may be, there is a club or a group for it. If there is no group already formed, there is a great chance that there are a group of people who have the same interests as you. I would also tell prospective students that there are so many resources on campus to help students succeed. For example, there are resources ranging from a writing center to multiple tutoring services. Finally, there are many ways for students to improve themselves outside of the classroom. There are sessions that focus on improving study skills as well as improving reading speed. By taking one of the study skill sessions, I have gained multiple tips on how to take better notes and how to prepare for exams. Not only can students improve their minds but their bodies as well. There are multiple places to work out that offer a variety of group fitness classes. Some personal favorites of mine are Zumba and belly dancing. Here at Carolina, you can do it all!

Q&A with Assured Business Student May Chang

Today we have a Q&A with May Chang, a sophomore from Plainsboro, NJ who is a student in the Assured Admission program in the Kenan-Flagler Business School. The Assured Business program is one of nine special opportunities that we offer to enrolling first-year students. (Get more info about these opportunities in this blog post from last year.) Thank you, May, for sharing your experiences with us!

Camel Riding in Dubai

How did you choose to study business and what would you like to do with your degree?
In high school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study, I only knew what I didn’t want to study. Eventually I realized that I wanted to do business because I liked interacting with people, and knew business was applicable to everything and was a necessary skill not only for jobs, but also for managing personal finances.

As I was exposed to the business school at UNC, I discovered that I wanted to focus on marketing and finance; I’m interested in how people think and how their backgrounds, values, and beliefs impact their purchasing decisions, and enjoy working with numbers. As of now, I only have a hazy idea of what I would like to do after graduation – I’m considering working within a marketing or finance department of a corporation then branching out to international locations, and later use my business knowledge and apply it to a job within the U.S. government. As I go through my studies, I feel that my classes and experiences will help better shape what I want to do with my degree.

What are some of the benefits of being in the Assured Business program?
The best thing about being in the Assured Admit Program is the early exposure to Kenan-Flagler’s culture and community through the classes, the professors, and the students. I had the opportunity to take classes at KFBS early on and loved interacting with business school professors as well as learning about the different aspects of business, which solidified my desire to study business. You can’t put a numerical value to how beneficial the early exposure is – you can see the intelligence and drive that the students possess and attend the social and professional events that KFBS hosts. Because I was an Assured Admit, I was able to establish a connection and relationship with KFBS early on in my undergraduate year.

KFBS Undergraduate Business Symposium

As an Assured Admit, I was required to take two business school classes specifically organized for first-year students to teach us about the different areas of business. We not only learned about what business was, but also about ourselves – what our strengths and weaknesses were, how we could improve our public speaking skills, and how we could develop as a leader. There were several workshops that I participated in to develop my hard and soft skills, as well as to go over my resume. Mr. Mur’ray, the head of undergraduate business, brought in several speakers from companies as well which was quite interesting.

Being an Assured Admit also allows you to participate in some KFBS activities that normal first-years and sophomores can’t do such as the Global Immersion Electives and Undergraduate Business Symposium. You also are able to start working on the core curriculum for the business major as early as fall semester sophomore year.


Any study abroad, internships, or other interesting experiences you’ve had or plan to pursue?

KFBS Students at Dubai Media Center

As an Assured Admit, I had the opportunity to participate in one of Kenan-Flagler Business School’s Global Immersion Elective (GIE) Programs as a first-year student. Last semester, I traveled with 30 other business school students to Dubai and Abu Dhabi over spring break to study business in the Middle East.

It was a truly fantastic educational and travel experience – it was amazing to see how rapidly Dubai and Abu Dhabi are growing and the amount of modernization that has occurred in Middle Eastern business practices and the city scape.

We met with several prominent companies in the area, including Emirates Airlines, and heard their executives speak about their companies’ growth and future goals. In my free time, I went to the beach, sampled some of the different restaurants, went on a scavenger hunt around the entire city, rode a camel, and went dune bashing and sand boarding. I had a great time bonding with my peers and learning about Middle Eastern culture. Next fall, I plan on studying abroad for a semester because I believe that it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you only get when you’re at college.

One of the things I do on campus is represent General Mills as their Campus Ambassador. I act as a liaison between the company’s headquarters and recruiting team and UNC, letting students and staff understand who General Mills is, what they do as a company, and what opportunities they offer for undergraduate students. It is one of the best jobs I have had at Carolina and has given me an incredible amount of exposure to General Mills. I organize information sessions and work at the career fairs throughout the school year. I also give out free samples across campus and am known as the “General Mills girl”!

UNC Club XC Women -- Southeast Regional Champions

One of the best things about Carolina is that there are so many exciting opportunities to pursue and activities to try out – you just have to be proactive about it. I’ve built an strong base here at Carolina with the Club Cross country team, UNC Campus Recreation, and the Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity just to name a few.

What else would you tell prospective students who are considering Carolina?
If you’re hesitant, come to Carolina and get a tour or better yet, reach out to a student who is pursuing something that interests you and spend the day with them – go to their classes, walk with them to wherever they are going, and grab a meal with them. That way, you really get a feel of what it’s like to be a part of the Carolina community. Make sure that you not only fit Carolina, but Carolina fits you. In the end, it is you, not your parents or friends, that will be at this amazing university for the next four years. Also, take the time to enjoy and have fun during your senior year of high school – don’t stress too much!

Dinner with a Carolina Alum

Song of the Day: “Monster Mash,” Bobby Pickett

Hello, admissions intern Will Rimer again. UNC has many famous alumni. There’s a lengthy Wikipeia entry about them all. I suggest you give it a read, although it might take you a while.

If you could eat dinner with just one of them, who would it be? Tough question, right? Well, I asked the admissions counselors. They thought it was a pretty difficult too, but below you’ll find what they think.

 

Who would you choose? Let me know, and if you have any questions you’d like to ask admissions counselors, tell me.

PS-My choice: Thomas Wolfe, Billy Crudop, Adam Greenberg, Rick Fox, Andy Griffith, Stuart Scott, Davis Love III, Bomani Jones, Woody Durham, Charles Kuralt, Jim Lampley, Walt Weiss, Rob Nelson, James K. Polk, Rasheed Wallace ….

PPS-Yes, I know that’s more than one, but I make the rules, so I get to choose.

PPPS-Yes, I want to be a sports broadcaster.

EA Update and this Week's FAQs

Thanks to all who submitted their applications for the Early Action deadline. We received about 15,000 applications, and we're now hard at work reviewing them. At this point, all EA applicants should have received the email with instructions on how to create your Guest ID so that you can sign into MyCarolina and review the status of your application and supplemental materials. (This email goes out within a few days after you submit your application.) From your Student Center, you can view your Admissions To-Do List which will list any outstanding application materials. You can also scroll to the bottom of the page to view the official test scores we've received.

As you check your To-Do List, please keep in mind that it can take us a bit of time to link submitted materials to your application. If materials are sent separately from the rest of your application (especially via postal mail), it can take several weeks for us to link these documents to your application and update your To-Do List. There's no need to contact us about missing items unless it's been more than four weeks since you submitted them. In all likelihood, your To-Do List will update in good time.

Below are some of the FAQs we're getting this week. Let us know what other questions you have! (But first you might want to check out our previous FAQ post, as you may find the answer to your question there). Thanks!

I already submitted my application. Can I add information to it now?
If you have an important addition or revision to your application, feel free to email it to us at uncsubmit@admissions.unc.edu. Please include your full name and birth date so we can easily link this information to your application.

Do I need to send an official AP score report?
Supplemental testing, including AP, IB, and SAT II testing, is entirely optional, so it's up to you whether you'd like us to consider this information. We don't need an official score report for the admissions review, you can self-report these scores on your application. However, keep in mind that if you are admitted and choose to enroll at Carolina, we'll need the official score report in order to award placement/credit for the scores.

I'm planning to change my course schedule. Do I need to notify UNC?
Yes. It's important that you let us know if you make any changes to your schedule after submitting your application. Email us at schedule@admissions.unc.edu and let us know what changes you've made to your schedule, as well as the reason for the change. We'll include this information with your application.

Q&A with Assured Journalism Student Thomas Gooding

Next up in our Q&A series: the Assured Journalism program. Through Assured Journalism, students not only get assured admission to the J-school, but early exposure to all the resources within the school and special coursework that allows them to jump-start their studies. To tell us more about the program, here's Thomas Gooding, a first-year from High Point, NC.  (Get more info about all nine special opportunities that we offer to incoming first-year students here and here.) 

Madison Morgan (left), Elizabeth Gooding, and me at Relay for Life on campus

What do you hope to do with your degree in journalism?
I plan to pursue a specialization in reporting, multimedia or electronic communication. With my degree, I hope to investigate human rights and international conflict as a reporter or foreign correspondent for a national news organization.

What past experiences made you want to study journalism?
My mom is a graduate of the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Journalism, and her experiences as a reporter have inspired me to pursue a career as a journalist. She helped convey the significant influence of journalism in facilitating conversation and inspiring change.

In addition, many experiences in high school nurtured my interest in journalism. I had the opportunity to write a monthly opinion column for my local paper, through which I realized the value of challenging readers to consider important issues that affect our community. Overall, my experiences helped me understand the importance of informing the world and thus fostering positive change.

What are some of the benefits of being in the Assured Journalism program?
Students in the program have the opportunity to explore the field early in their careers at UNC-Chapel Hill. A wonderful benefit of the program is the opportunity to interact with top professors at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, which allows students to build relationships and gain the individual attention necessary to excel at the school. The program challenges students to think creatively and profoundly, gain new perspectives of mass communication and discover their potential as journalists. Through the Assured Journalism program, I have developed confidence as a student and gained an opportunity to pursue my goals in my first year of college.

Any study abroad, internship, extracurricular, or other interesting experiences you’ve had or plan to pursue?
The opportunities available through the Assured Journalism program and the School of Journalism and Mass Communication are many. I hope to write for The Daily Tar Heel, the student-run newspaper at UNC-Chapel Hill, which has earned numerous national awards and honors. I also hope to participate in broadcast and multimedia journalism through Carolina Week and Reese News.

Neha Kukreja, a fellow UNC student, and me in Alaska
through a scholarship program at Carolina

Academically, the school offers a unique opportunity in conjunction with UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School to pursue business journalism. It is just one of the many specializations offered, from photojournalism to electronic communication.

 In addition, I would love to take advantage of the study abroad opportunity in London, which boasts state-of-the-art multimedia studios and contact with professionals from the BBC, The Times and The Guardian. The study abroad programs in Spain, Argentina, France and Australia are also exceptional opportunities.

Why did you choose Carolina?
The liberal arts education that Carolina offers can be summed up in one word: opportunity. The diversity of disciplines and fields of study at Carolina allows students to explore beyond their immediate interests and discover their greatest passions. It allows students to learn how to think critically, search for innovative solutions to problems and make important decisions.

Community and diversity are incredible aspects of the Carolina family. Not only racial and cultural diversity, but also diversity of study, opportunity, and exposure to new ideas and issues. At Carolina, students know that they can be themselves. We celebrate the value of each individual and the uniqueness of his or her background.

Most importantly, the Carolina family is dedicated to helping students and faculty succeed. Opportunities inside the classroom and in the community, local and international, provide every student with what it is he or she needs to excel. The Carolina community is dedicated to each Tar Heel with the trust that he or she will make a positive impact on the world.

What else would you tell prospective students who are interested in studying journalism at Carolina?
The UNC-Chapel Hill School of Journalism and Mass Communication is one of the most distinguished in the United States. Students in the school learn from top professors who have worked with major news organizations and come from diverse backgrounds of journalism experience. There are numerous opportunities on campus for students to immerse themselves in journalism. It is truly an exceptional and rewarding program.