North Carolina High School Seniors Prefer University of North Carolina Over Duke University by a Wide Margin

LEE'S SUMMIT, MO (05/18/2011)(readMedia)-- MyCollegeOptions.org, the nation's largest college planning program, has announced that The University of North Carolina has beaten out Duke University in the minds of North Carolina high school seniors.

Thirty-four percent of seniors in North Carolina have named The University of North Carolina a top college choice compared to 11% of the class declaring a desire to attend Duke University.

Over 34,000 North Carolina students have reported their top college choices to MyCollegeOptions.org. Overall, around 66,000 North Carolina students currently participate in the MyCollegeOptions.org college planning program.

"This year's competitions between universities are not only settled on the football field, the basketball court and other sporting venues – they begin much sooner for students and families across the country. As early as 8th grade, students are planning and preparing to attend the college or university that is best for them. All institutions of higher education try to stand apart from their competition in the hearts and minds of their future freshman classes," remarked Ryan Munce, Vice President of My College Options.

For now, in the battle of choice, The University of North Carolina has beaten this longtime rival. But like any sport, there is always next year, and the high school class of 2012 could have a very different opinion.

Rounding out the top five overall most declared colleges for the North Carolina high school class of 2011 are:

1. The University of North Carolina - 33.6%

2. North Carolina State University - 26.2%

3. East Carolina University - 21.2%

4. Appalachian State University - 14.6%

5. The University of North Carolina-Wilmington - 11.1%

About My College Options®

MyCollegeOptions.org, the nation's largest college planning program, is operated by the National Research Center for College & University Admissions™. For almost 40 years, this non-profit education research organization based in Lee's Summit, MO has served as the primary link between high school students and colleges, universities, and the resources they need to succeed. For more information, visit www.mycollegeoptions.org.