<p>As we all know, decisions have come out and we are all busy deciding where we want to go. Well, I have it narrowed down to UCLA and UCB. However, I am only considering UCB because of my parents. I really want to go to UCLA because it will be different (lived in NorCal, near berkeley, all my life) and I have regents there. At UCLA, I would not have to pay anything (the first year at least) but at Berkeley, I have to take out about 7k in loans and do work-study for 2k (ew, work..haha). But my parents will not let me go! My dad's like he'll do whatever is necessary for me to go to UCB.</p>
<p>Well, my dad's reasons for wanting me to go to CAL:
1. It's more prestigious (well, i think it's a bit overrated and UCLA is just as good)
2. I'll be closer to home (my parents really baby me which is why i kinda want to go to UCLA -- I can be more independent)
3. He'll actually have a child going to UCB (you know the asian stereotype that they like bragging about their kids... yeah, that's my dad -___-)
4. I'll actually spend less money because of transportation, food, etc. than if I went to UCLA (hmm, I need help on this because he might be right...)</p>
<p>I don't know what to do. My parents did so much for me and I don't want to disappoint them by going to UCLA. My dad seems so crushed that I'm even THINKING about it but money is a huge concern for me. I care about a good education but I don't want to have to worry about money. Loans are scary. Sorry for the long post but this has been on my mind ever since the UCB decisions came out. Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated!!!</p>
<p>Oh, and if it helps, I plan to go into health (probably public health).</p>
<p>If they want you to go to Berkeley so bad, perhaps they can take out PLUS loans to finance the difference - instead of you shouldering the burden.</p>
<p>Regents at UCLA is hard to pass up. </p>
<p><em>Berkeley is more prestigious and much better than UCLA, IMHO</em></p>
<p>Well, money-wise, it's not expensive to get back and forth from UCLA. You are looking at a $100 plane ride, especially if you plan ahead and are willing to be a bit flexible in scheduling. </p>
<p>You can try to research the specific field you want to study and argue to him that UCLA is better for that. UCLA has the medical school, after all, which might be a benefit to someone interested in studying public health.</p>
<p>If UCLA is substantially cheaper than Cal, and you think you really want to go to UCLA, certainly it makes sense to go to UCLA. However, Berkeley is still Berkeley, and if you "sacrifice" and opt to go there to make your family happy, I can't believe you'll regret the decision.</p>
<p>Look up the numbers, make a cost comparison chart, and present it to your father. Include the potential student loans you would be taking out and calculate the amount you would end up paying over time for said loans. $7,000.00 per year for four years adds up to nearly $30,000.00 and that is before interest payments are added in. Then, look up the average salaries for your intended major at both schools. Next, figure out a rough estimate of your salary, how much rent will cost you once you graduate, and how much your student loans will cost you. Finish with a general pros and cons list of both schools. Then you will be able to make an educated statement about what you feel you are willing to take on debt-wise. Maybe seeing the numbers on paper will steer your parents in the direction you want them to go. As a parent, if my kid took the time to do something like this, I would have to take him very seriously and listen carefully to his arguments.</p>
<p>If your father really wants to brag about something, saying that his son attends UCLA on a merit scholarship is pretty damn good. </p>
<p>Do the right thing for yourself - go to UCLA. You should not mortgage your future, literally, because your dad is pressuring you. Explain to him that you simply cannot afford it.</p>
<p>i think you should go to UCLA. its you going to college, not your dad. Also, you got the regents scholarship!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you would save more money than if you go to UCB even if you live close to UCB</p>
<p>actually..im in the same situation as you. except i dont have the regents. i really can't decide..</p>
<p>Agree with sillywhit. If your heart is set on UCLA, you should go. Dad should be very proud of the choice you are privileged to make.
Sillywhit, the two campuses have a very different vibe. Will you visit before you decide?</p>