<p>Oh, another thing to consider are the accents of southern California and Michigan. The Michigan accent isn't the worst of midwestern accents, but it still gives me the chills after living here for over 10 years. It's not as prevalent in the Ann Arbor area, though. </p>
<p>Also, since you plan on taking Spanish you could consider the study abroad programs for each. LA would obviously be the better area to practice your Spanish, though, unless you get lucky and get a Spanish speaking room mate.</p>
<p>LOL. Midwestern accents. You mean like the kind of accent that every news network on television tries to duplicate? In the meantime, do you really think that is a good reason not to attend a school? I say go to Michigan. You'll get a real world college experience and make friendships that will last a lifetime.</p>
<p>Btw Katliamom, i have been to the big "farmers market" in LA off Fairfax. Typical LA. That place feels like a farmers market from the back lot of a movie set. Bland is the best word i can use to describe it. Ann Arbor has a real farmers market with outdoor stalls that is opended all year long. It has actual farmers who grow local produce and sell their wares fyi.</p>
<p>Yeah, I remember seeing one at the Universal Studio...</p>
<p>If you like the farm experience, come to Ann Arbor... you can ride horsey, do hayride, sip apple cider, sit around a bonfire and watch the leaves turn red...</p>
<p>hm okay. truth is, i have spent very little time in michigan or southern california.. i lived in san diego when i was little, moved to new york, to germany, to minneapolis, to south africa, moved around in south africa for a few years, then back to new york, then to north dakota (don't ask, haha), where i've been since i was 16. right now i'm leaning towards michigan, if for no other reason than because i've actually been to the campus and know i generally like it.</p>
<p>A few thoughts from someone who's familiar with both schools:</p>
<p>Some people LOVE that whole LA/Hollywood-sunglasses-at-night-my-daddy's-Porsche-is-better-than-your-daddy's-Rolls-I-gotta-tan-then-do-aerobics-then-study-if-I-have-the-time vibe. I know UCLA itself isn't quite THAT superficial, but when you're in Westwood it's in your rearview mirror all day long. If that LA/Hollywood vibe bugs you, 4 years at UCLA would be torture. Even if it doesn't bother you, I think most people would agree it is not the type of ambiance that is condusive to hiding out in the library all day studying.</p>
<p>The intellectual vibe in Ann Arbor is as strong as any place I've ever been, even Harvard Square. It's the sort of place where you can get swept up in the spirit of learning and exploring. </p>
<p>I've never heard anybody complain that there weren't enough Jews in Ann Arbor.</p>
<p>The UCLA student body is amazingly racially diverse: something like 40% Asian and 15% Hispanic. But almost all are from California, for what that's worth.</p>
<p>UCLA's football team plays way over at the Rose Bowl in Pasedena, which would seem to put a damper on the whole "football weekend" thing. It's usually considered a major-plus of going to an athletic powerhouse that you have these big weekend festivities, but if the stadium is an hour away....</p>
<p>OKAY! I just chose Mich. Go blue! :D</p>
<p>You chose wisely! hehe!</p>
<p>Haha yup. sent in the deposit this morning. Thanks for all the help!</p>