UNCA is a bit inconvinient in that it is 4 hours away from my aunt, but I liked it best of the three schools I visited in NC. The students (though I did not get to speak to any of them) seemed nice and laid back. The campus is probably the most unappealing of the three schools I toured, being that it was built circa 1960 but it is surrounded by mountians and you can stare at the mountians while you eat in the dining hall (which had amazing food). The music department is more focused on the recording arts ( I guess their thinking being that if you want music you go to UNCG). That was a bit off putting. But the admissions lady came out into the lobby before the tour and introduced herself to everyone. She was very nice. I am applying to UNCA and Earlham as a transfer. I sent in UNC A today, and my Earlham application is due April 1st
I can't speak to the UNC campus, but Asheville the city is wonderful. It has an array of fine restaurants; a thriving downtown; amazing and abundant craft stores, with handmade jewelry, clothing, furniture, and more; at least one great wine store; and art galleries. It also has one of the best shoe stores, Top's, this side of Atlanta.
The surrounding mountain scenery is exquisite, and the weather is moderate--not too hot in the summer but with a sprinkling of snowy days in the winter.
