Columbia vs. UCLA for CS (1 day left to decide)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia University
1

<p>Deciding between Columbia SEAS and UCLA as a computer science major. I've almost eliminated CMU SCS as an option because I want a more well-rounded education and it seems like I'll be able to get more of one at Columbia or UCLA. (if you disagree feel free to say so, CMU is not yet completely off the table)</p>

<p>Bottom line: </p>

<p>I like Columbia a lot more but I'd have to take out 90k in loans + interest. My parents can fully pay for UCLA. </p>

<p>My goal is to eventually go on to grad school, and probably go into finance (maybe a quant job? Not sure right now. Too far ahead to think about) I have about a day to make my decision so any input is helpful. As of right now I'm leaning towards UCLA because I wouldn't have to take out loans. I'm not sure if paying so much for Columbia is really worth it. </p>

<p>Can anyone here convince me? Or would you say that I'm better off choosing UCLA?</p>

2

<p>I would recommend going to UCLA. Do very well there, and then apply to a prestigious grad school. Your grad school will matter more than your undergrad. Save the money so that later on, you can pay for a very decent grad school.</p>

3

<p>Can your folks pay the full ride to CMU(perhaps not because it’s not much cheaper than Columbia)? </p>

<p>I’d have to side with bstrekha on this one and advise on UCLA for undergrad than grad school somewhere else.</p>

4

<p>Are my chances for getting into a good grad school lower or higher if I go to UCLA instead of Columbia?</p>

5

<p>If you get good marks in school and get yourself published in a paper or two, the name distinction between UCLA and Columbia shouldn’t be much of a factor. The universities have similarly strong CS departments, so I don’t think graduating from one or the other will make much of a difference. It will all come down to how well you do in the school you choose.</p>

6

<p>CMU is the place to go for CS in your list. That would probably be the best choice, but if you don’t choose CMU, you can’t go wrong with the cheaper option when the programs are comparable.</p>

7

<p>Both daughters went to Barnard and did summer school at UCLA, so my experience is limited to that of a visiting parent. I would take the UCLA option on the basis of expense. You probably should check on how long it takes to finish CS. I’ve heard that some premeds are taking more than four years because of course availability.</p>

8

<p>I am a regents scholar, so getting the classes I need shouldn’t be a problem.</p>

<p>Would it be more competitive at Columbia? Would it be harder to maintain a good gpa?</p>

9

<p>I would say probably. Increased selectivity at Columbia will give you brighter classmates and will make it more difficult to get a higher GPA.</p>

10

<p>What did you decide finally AnonymousA??</p>