<p>Hey there! Question: I am trying to decide between cal and ucla, two really good schools. I plan on doing premed/biology and/or business. I got a ton of financial aid from ucla i.e. full ride all four years because of a scholarship. I'm stuck deciding because (1) the money issue -- ucla gives me more than cal and (2) well cal is the more prestigious school and if I go to ucla, I might regret not going to cal. Any thoughts? Thanks!</p>
<p>I’m not so sure Cal is more prestigious in all areas of the country, or even the state.</p>
<p>^unfortunately, Cal generally is. However, in many respects, contrary to Cal’s claims to the contrary, Cal and UCLA are seen as equals. It’s like trying to compare harvard to yale. Someone might say ‘well harvard’s more prestigious’ that doesn’t mean that that’s solely a good reason to pick it over yale.</p>
<p>Many people face this decision every year. Just go to whatever school you feel more comfortable at. It’s important to note that Cal uses semesters and UCLA uses quarters. That’s one of the bigger difference imo.</p>
<p>Yeah, but I think the quarter system is much better since it forces you to be more organized. Time management will be one of your greatest obstacles if you get into medical school, so UCLA really preps you well. Plus, most of the information you learn in your classes will still be fresh in your mind in time for mid terms and finals (10 weeks vs. 16 weeks makes a big difference) so you won’t feel as unprepared when it comes time to study for these exams.</p>
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<p>It would be interesting if someone were to do a poll of perceived prestige of schools and compare the results in different areas of the country. Berkeley might win in certain areas, but I think UCLA would win in others. Right now I’m in North Carolina, so before I go back to Cali for summer I might do a little poll of my friends and find out. I’m curious.</p>
<p>Personally, either way, it really doesn’t matter, those two schools are the cream of the crop and are known all over, like the Harvard vs. Yale example. Either one you go to is going to be damn impressive to any informed individual no matter where you are. Don’t choose one just because it’s one point above the other, tour the campuses and find out more about what the students think.</p>
<p>P.S., and that free ride to UCLA may go a long way to making your four years quite enjoyable and stress-free in terms of finances. That’s HUGE, people underestimate how much stress finances place on students. I found out first-hand.</p>
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<p>There’s your answer right there. UCLA has plenty of prestige, a lower acceptance rate than Cal, nearly identical student stats, and is located in a much nicer neighborhood. You are very lucky to have been offered a free ride.</p>
<p>thanks for the replies! :)</p>
<p>yes i think that the money is an incentive to go to ucla. but i don’t think ucla is flexible in terms of the offering of majors. like at cal, i could try for business and major in comp sci through cal’s college of engineering in case i end up not doing bio.</p>
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<p>in terms of USNWR: it’s berkeley, UCLA and UVA, Michigan, and then i think UNC-CH</p>
<p>in terms of public perception, i think it’s: Berkeley, Michigan, UVA, UCLA, and then UNC-CH</p>
<p>UCLA has more rep on the west coast, whereas michigan tends to dominate on the east from what i’ve heard. Most people i’ve met at UCLA haven’t even heard of UVA haha.</p>
<p>I was in a similar situation last year (full ride at UCLA vs. $10,000/year at Cal) and I chose UCLA. Besides the money thing, I liked the area/environment, the weather, and the food better at UCLA. Many people are impressed when I say I get a full ride here so in terms of prestige I’d say it’s actually, in your situation, the same as Cal when you bring that up on a resume or in an interview. However, prestige is dumb anyways. Make the decision on where you think you’ll be happiest.</p>
<p>UCLA and Cal have its strengths in certain areas. </p>
<p>For most pure science majors like bio, physics, math, engineering,psychology as a social science, political science, majors that do well on the LSAT, business- Cal is stronger. </p>
<p>For pre-med/health, any discipline in the health sciences, psychology as a medical discipline (psychobiology), neuropsychology, theater, film, performing arts, music- UCLA is stronger</p>
<p>Our family friend told me this. In fact, he works at UC Berkeley.</p>
<p>Berkeley is slightly more prestigious but you can not go wrong with these two great schools.</p>
<p>wait, you’re deciding between two great schools, and one of them is giving you a full ride? take the full ride.</p>