<p>Hi,
I'm from Wisconsin but I really want to go to college in California, so I'm plannning on applying to several UC schools as well as USC and Stanford. I have good grades (99.1% average), 35 ACT, and I'm shooting for around a 2280 SAT. Right now USC is my top school because it has programs in both journalism and design (I want to do a double major) and I'm also really interested in Stanford's product design program. In terms of UC schools, UCLA is my top choice--I loved it when I visited and they have a Design/Media arts major I like. My ideal school would be a large, academically rigorous university in an urban environment with strong art and English programs (preferably with a focus in design and creative writing or journalism). Other schools I'm applying to are Boston U, NYU, Northeastern, Carnegie Mellon, and possibly Yale.</p>
<p>I'm filling out the UC app right now and I have to designate which UC schools I want to apply to--I know UCLA for sure, but I'm not sure about the others. If I wanted to apply to 4 or so other UC schools, which ones would best fit my ideal learning environment? I'm thinking maybe Davis because they have both a creative writing emphasis within the English major and a design program? Does each school have a "vibe" or stereotype it's known for?</p>
<p>Erin’s Dad brings up an important consideration. UC schools are very expensive for OOS students, and good financial aid packages are not likely.</p>
<p>I also suggest you visit a few UC schools. I think those visits would be more important that visiting your other choices. You need to look long and hard at the UC schools, because unlike the other schools on your list, these schools are very lean on OOS kids. It may not seem like a big deal to you right now, but on a social basis, it can be a issue along with what amenities the schools provide. Look at how many kids are commuters from home, how the social networks are. it’s always a bit of an issue when you go outside of your geographic circle to school, but the privates and certain state schools have enough OOS kids that it doesn’t make much difference, but then some schools don’t. Other than LA and Berkeley, the state schools in CA tend to serve mostly residents and are so set up. NY is the same. It’s something you should go in person to so you get the feel of the school.</p>
<p>I am saying this as a mom of a kid at a large OOS school. His choice has a bigger OOS population than, say UC Davis, but it has been tough going to a school where a critical mass of kis seem to know each other as they come from the same highschools. He went there not knowing a soul. Not one kid from his high school there. It is a whole other environment and feeling from going to a private school that has more geographic diversity. So this is an issue I recommend you check out.</p>
<p>Other than LA and Berkely, the other UC school that I’ve known a bit about is San Diego. Don’t know what it’s programs are like in your fields of interest, however. The UCs do have an excellent academic reputation, but they are being hit hard with cuts, and many people, including a brother who lives there do not think they are a good choice for OOS undergraduates at the prices charged.</p>
<p>Berkeley and LA sound like awesome fits! I don’t know about your EC’s, but your ACT score definitely puts you in the range for top CA schools (and certain other ones in the north east haha)</p>
<p>Be aware that UCs are expensive for out of state (> $50,000 per year). They do have financial aid estimators on their web sites, but be aware that the aid estimated or offered will not cover the out of state additional tuition (about $22,000 per year).</p>
<p>Regents’ Scholarships are available to out-of-state students, but they web sites are vague about the amounts given.</p>