<p>I'm from CA, and I have visited all three of these campuses. Unfortunately, my visits all proved to me that visits aren't really helpful. I liked different aspects of each campus, but one in particular did not jump out at me. I really liked The Core, NYC, and the diversity that Columbia offers...but my visit was pretty lame. Cal was really nice, and it seems to be strong in practically every field, which is good because I am unsure of what direction I would like to go. UCLA was probably the nicest campus and has the nicest weather, but its close proximity to my house (2 hours) is not very appealing. Due to financial aid and scholarships, cost is not a factor. I'm not sure what to base my decision on. Help?</p>
<p>Can you at least narrow your choice down to two? That might make it easier for you to decide where you really want to go. You might want to prioritize what you want for yourself, and then see how each school fits. Good luck, you can’t make a bad choice, but you can make sure that the school you choose “fits” you.</p>
<p>I would agree with UCLA Band Mom and narrow it down to two. I’d probably say to figure out if you’d rather go to Cal or UCLA and then compare that to Columbia.</p>
<p>It depends on what you want to do, if you’re interested in math, science, or engineering I’d choose Cal. Humanities I’d probably choose UCLA. If you can narrow it down to one of those to compare with Columbia then you’d have a good start. </p>
<p>If you’re at all interested in journalism or anything close to that, Columbia is the obvious choice.</p>
<p>What you should do is weigh how much the proximity, environment, and academics.</p>
<p>I weighed the academics more so than the others so I chose Cal for engineering. All three of the schools will be strong academically, and if you’re not sure what you’re interested in you’re probably not going to be disappointed unless you suddenly decide you want to be an engineer (then Cal is probably you’re best bet). NYC can be a fun place, but you have to decide how comfortable you are with that urban setting.</p>
<p>In conclusion I’d decide between Cal and UCLA, (I’d lean towards Cal since UCLA is only 2 hrs away. That being said I live 2 hours away from Cal and while it isn’t what I wanted it is sort of convenient for moving in). Then decide whether or not you like NYC, because it will affect your life at Columbia much more so than San Francisco/LA will affect Cal/UCLA. At Cal if you dislike San Francisco you don’t have to go there, but in Columbia NYC is a big factor. After you think about that, try to decide what path you want to go in (keep it general, but try and decide between Humanities and Math/science/engineering. You can always change later, but it will help your decision now.).</p>
<p>Sorry for writing so much, but i definitely think it is important that you find where you will fit best. I really like Cal, but UCLA and Columbia are both excellent schools and it really depends on who you are and what you want to do.</p>
<p>What are the costs? I would choose Columbia personally - no doubt but it would depend on cost and if that is an issue.</p>
<p>if prices are the same, i’d say columbia. privates offer much more if you’re the type that needs hand holding.
if you’re a go getter and can always do things for yourselves, even when you don’t know that the resources are there, then pick between the uc’s(which ever you like best)</p>