Advice in choosing a college: Ivy League vs State School

Applying to College
1

<p>First post here at CC! I just need some suggestions from the CC veterans.</p>

<p>So basically, I was accepted to 13 out of the 17 colleges that I applied to and I've narrowed my list down to 4.</p>

<p>In alphabetical order: Berkeley (Spring admit), Brown, Cornell, UCLA</p>

<p>I'm a California resident (low-income family). However, I pay LESS at Ivies than at UCs (about $6-10k less).</p>

<p>I've couldn't imagine myself in a place other than Cal since I was a kid, but that was because I never expected that I could get into an Ivy.</p>

<p>Stats:
4.0 unweighted GPA (school does not weight GPA)
2200 SAT
33 ACT</p>

<p>Looking for a school with a fun social scene and not too "crazy hard"/competitive academics. I'm a pretty chill guy. (Oh and I'm Asian.)</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>What can you pay? My initial advice would be to go to Brown</p>

3

<p>Have you been able to visit the campuses? Brown has a very laid back environment. At the end of the day, cost should be at the top of your list.</p>

4

<p>Go to Brown. The cost is less, it’s a laid back atmosphere with happy students. College is a great time to try living somewhere new. You will also be able to start in the fall and finish in four years. Will you be able to finish in four years at a UC?</p>

5

<p>Cornell is awesome but Brown has a more laid-back feel. Try to visit both.</p>

6

<p>I’d go to UCLA or Berkeley; however, if the savings were significant, I agree that heading east might make the most sense. Brown and Cornell are both fine schools. The winters at Cornell are pretty depressing though. A gray blanket sits over that part of NY to make for a very long (and, for some, depressing) winter. It bothers some people; others don’t seem to mind. As for Brown, the main complaint I’ve heard is that it’s too loosey-goosey. Students are given great latitude there. Make sure you have the internal discipline and self-direction to flourish in such a place. If you know what you want to do, go with the place that has the strongest program.</p>

7

<p>Is the price difference you mention annual or total across the 4 years? IF the latte, keep in mind the cost of cross-country travel, summer storage, etc. Have you visited any of the east coast schools?</p>

8

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