<p>Hi guys... honestly this is my 3rd time asking this question on this website..
I was admitted to UCLA(international development studies), UC Berkeley(development studies), and USC (global studies). And I don't know where I should go.. They are all giving me the same amount of money.
And I want to work in NGOs in the future to help underserved children.
Which one has the best program and please tell me pros and cons of each school!
Thank you!!</p>
<p>Go to each U’s page and ask about those specific majors. </p>
<p>Also, evaluate the cost for each after the award. If you are in state, USC will be more expensive if the dollar amount of your award is the same.</p>
<p>NGO’s are too broad. What kind of NGO do you want to work for. Your major will partially depend where you are. As far as the programs go, they are all similarly ranked, so the numbers won’t have that much of a factor. For cost of living, Berkeley and L.A. are very expensive, so that’s not much factor either. If you can, visit all the campuses and see which one you like better. Additionally, you can check which one will help you graduate faster. </p>
<p>Like UNESCO, UNICEF, or other organizations that helps underserved children. How do you know they’re similarly ranked? Do you have any source that shows that? Just to make sure 
I’m from LA so i’m really familiar with UCLA and the whole area. I feel comfortable in LA. I visited Berkeley few days ago, and I really didn’t like it that much. I think it’s because Im not used to it. I kind of want to get out of my comfort zone once and experience something new and try new things. Being independent, learning from a different culture(?) and environment. I don’t know… I just felt that LA is more chill and everyone in Berkeley is competitive and have strong beliefs(it that makes sense). </p>
<p>I do have sources, but I can’t share them with you as it requires you to log in with credentials of another person, and I don’t think they will share it with you =|. Although a more general search will reveal, that all 3 schools are highly ranked in their respective major. Although you should keep in mind rankings are not direct reflections of the school’s program. There are some qualifications that seem irrelevant (imo) that judges each program, differently. You should check each journal’s qualifications before simply looking at number. Remember, all three schools have the prestige factor any student would want, and they all three programs are very similar, so whilst I am not an expert in the field of your interest, I feel the close similarity wouldn’t hinder you much in a job search. </p>
<p>As for each individual school’s environment, I agree with your sentiment of UCB. I don’t how it is on the social studies side, however, in the Stem majors, a lot of students are hyper competitive, and elitist. And although I understand the need to stand out, I couldn’t go to the lengths some students went for the A or A-. And I couldn’t stand the elitism. However, I found the same people at UCLA. The point is, you’re going to find these people everywhere you go. </p>
<p>In terms of cities, a lot of things you’ll find in la, you’ll find in berkeley too.The major differences are the attitudes between the Northern and Southern Californians, as I’m sure you have experienced. Being from LA, you are obvious more comfortable with what you know, which will help your study habits (as you don’t have to readjust), but going alone will develop your character in different ways as well. I will note, that you are going to move out on your own eventually anyway, so you will have that experience at some point regardless. </p>
<p>You should consider worse case scenario. If something happened to you at UCB, it seems like you will be on your own, which can be disastrous if you don’t have support for what emotional, financial etc… trauma you may experience. I wish no ill will on you, but a safety net is something to consider. </p>
<p>Another thing you should consider is where do you want to network? Wherever you go will be the primary area you network. Although both are internationally known cities, I find L.A. is better known. Again, I’m not an expert in the area, but you might find better opportunities in LA for your goal. You should do some research on the subject though, as I might be completely wrong. </p>
<p>So I’ll ask you this: What defining qualities are you looking in a uni? </p>
<p>Yea i did some research before and I found out that they all have strong programs and are very similar as you said, but I just wanted to know where you got those information Thanks a lot for your comment! I really appreciate it. Honestly, I really don’t care about the rankings and all that… I am not really sure what I am looking for… that’s why I can’t decide so easily. In fact, it’s really hard. I would say that this is the hardest decision of my life.
As I mentioned before, I think i’m looking for adventure. Getting out of my comfort zone to get grow as a person. But at the same time, I think I can grow even if i go to UCLA or USC(may be grow in different way though or may be similar). I just don’t want to regret my decision. I want to make the best decision! Yea people that me that what ever choice i make, it’s going to be the best decision… may be thats true… but it’'s hard… its hard… it’s frustrating…
I want to leave my family and be independent, but at the same time I want to be with them. Moreover, I’m kind of tired of change because I have gone through it many times.
May be connection is what I should seek. But I believe that that’s my responsibility. People say USC has good connections, but I think that wherever I go I need to work hard to get good connections.
Food: LA > Berkeley
You might think that I am indecisive, but it’s really hard… ;(</p>
<p>I understand. Choosing the right university is a large milestone for your adult life. </p>
<p>The “best” choice possible is very subjective. What you think is the best decision now, may not be true in five years. Like wise a decision you don’t like now, you may come to respect later. Whatever you choose, if you do it for yourself, you generally don’t have feelings of regret. </p>
<p>From what I read; you don’t seem like you really want to leave your family, but you are concerned that you are missing out on experiences, which will inevitably happen regardless where you go. I’d say stay in LA. </p>
<p>I visited UCLA today and realized that I want to stay in LA But now I have to decide whether I should go to UCLA or USC… </p>
<p>Well, at this point, it about money and enviroment. You said you get the same finaid for both schools. Is that net cost? Because as a member has stated before, since usc is more expensive, the same money award will make usc more expensive still.</p>
<p>UCLA because everything is within walking distance. Son had to make the same decision and he was leaning toward UCLA because of convenience and food choices.</p>