Hi! I’m Sophia Oh, a sophomore at UNC-Chapel Hill, double majoring in Biology and Neurodiagnostic & Sleep Science, with a certificate in Health Communication & Marketing. I was born in New York City but raised around the world, and graduated high school in North Carolina. On campus, I serve as an Undergraduate Admissions Ambassador, a Learning Assistant for the Biology Deparment, am part of a research lab, and hold leadership roles in multiple clubs. Whether you’re curious about academics, student life, or how to make UNC-Chapel Hill feel like home, I’d love to share my story, answer your questions, and guide you through the community that makes Carolina truly special!

Hometown

Chapel Hill, NC (Growing up constantly moving, I have called many places home over the years—primarily New York, New York; Bergen County, New Jersey; South Korea; and Atlanta, Georgia)

Major(s)

Biology, Neurodiagnostic & Sleep Science

Minor(s)

Certificate in Health Communication & Marketing

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Dermatology Society at UNC-CH (Fundraising Chair), TriBeta Biology Honor Society (Service Committee), Carolina For the Kids (E-writing Subchair), Global Pre-Health Alliance (Outreach Chair), UNC ScienceDays (Community Outreach and Social Chair), Alliance of Health Science Ambassadors (Secretary), Interprofessional Education and Practice (IPEP) Distinguished Scholar

Describe your college experience

I genuinely believe UNC is the perfect fit for me, but I’ve learned that college comes with its fair share of highs and lows. My transition was—and still is—a rollercoaster, but it has pushed me to become more adaptable, open-minded, and confident. Since I attended a middle college in high school, I wasn’t overly shocked by the workload or newfound freedom. Still, the rigor at UNC challenged me—especially as someone who struggles with test-taking—and I had to learn strategies to manage exams and coursework effectively. Stepping out of my comfort zone was another big hurdle; as an introvert, it wasn’t easy to introduce myself to new people or try new clubs. However, once I did, I discovered that everyone is eager to connect, and I’ve made lifelong friends. Sometimes, I catch myself wondering if I truly belong here since everyone seems to be so far ahead, but I remind myself that I earned my place and am on my own path. UNC is a wonderful environment that empowers each of us to carve our own journeys, and I couldn’t be happier to be part of it.

Tip for future students

When Applying to College: 1. Look Beyond the Numbers It’s easy to fixate on acceptance rates and rankings, but remember to consider a school’s community, energy, and culture. You’ll be calling this place home for the next four years and building lasting connections. If you truly love a school, don’t let a low acceptance rate or less-than-ideal test scores deter you—your genuine passion can shine through in your application. When Starting College: 1. Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself College is designed to be challenging. If your first exam isn’t an A+, treat it as a chance to refine your study techniques and identify gaps in your knowledge. Everyone struggles in different ways, so focus on personal growth and don’t compare yourself to others. 2. Use Your Resources Universities like UNC offer abundant support—from peer tutoring to professor office hours and career services. It may feel overwhelming at first, but once you take advantage of these resources, they can truly transform your college experience. Seek help early and often. 3. Balance Academics and Fun With newfound freedom, it’s tempting to procrastinate or overload your schedule. Instead, space out study sessions, review notes regularly, and keep up with assignments. At the same time, remember to explore campus events, attend sporting games, or just hang out with friends. Striking a healthy balance ensures you’ll thrive both academically and personally.

Favorite class

This is such a hard question for me because I feel like I have a new one every semester. Although one of my top and most memorable classes has to be ARTS​/​BIOL 409: Merging Printmaking and Biology—a small, interdisciplinary course co-taught by an art professor and a biology professor. With just 14 students (half from biology, half from art), we explored the intersection of science and creative expression through three major projects. One of the highlights was carving a four-foot woodblock based on a scientific design that blended macro- and micro-level concepts, then printing it onto muslin using a steamroller at Chapel Hill’s Festifall Arts Market! Working alongside classmates with different backgrounds and skill levels pushed me to think about my passion for science in new, artistic ways. I loved diving into a biological topic that I’ve always been curious about and sharing what I learned through art. This class also opened my eyes to career paths I never would have considered otherwise, and I gained new skills that complement both my science and creative pursuits. As someone who’s always struggled to pick between STEM and the arts, this course really showed me that the two fields can come together seamlessly—and that professors who genuinely support your interests can make all the difference

Career goals

After college, I plan to build a career in the healthcare field. I have not figured out the specifics yet, but I’m especially drawn to becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) or exploring opportunities in dermatology.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal free night would involve grabbing dinner on Franklin Street with friends, then settling in for a cozy movie night or getting creative with some DIY projects while we swap stories and catch up. After a long week, there’s nothing better than a laid-back evening to unwind and spend quality time with people I care about.

High school or secondary school

Middle College High School at Durham Technical Community College - Durham, NC East Chapel Hill High School - Chapel Hill, NC