Choosing A College: Do I Pick for Prestige or the "right feel"?

College Search & Selection
1

Hello all!

I recently did my campus tours, and these tours totally changed my perspective of the schools that I was thinking of applying to. Before, I thought that if I applied to UC Berkeley, and got in, I would hands down apply to that school over UCLA because it was higher ranked and there was more weight in the name. However, after visiting both campuses and getting a feel of the schools, I really could see myself at UCLA, and I found that I much preferred the environment of that campus over the other.

So any input? What should shape my process for choosing the school? Should I go for UC Berkeley, which is a school with a name that is more prestigious? Or rather, should I go for UCLA, a campus where I feel more at home and comfortable?

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!!

2

They’re both prestigious. Go to the one u like better.

3

^^ I agree. While I can’t really see why it would make a veru big difference. Knowing the two areas I can really see why I would prefer one of the locations over another.

4

If you “much preferred” the environment at UCLA, then by all means go there. It’s an outstanding university, ranked in the top 25 nationally. Among national public universities, it’s ranked second behind Berkeley. UCLA has a strong all around package - excellent academics, athletics and social/cultural life. Go for it!