<p>Hi guys,
I am currently 17 years old; I took the CHSPE (equivalent of a GED) when I was a sophomore in highschool and have been going to a community college for the past few years. </p>
<p>I applied and got into UCI, UCSD, UCLA, and UCBerkeley (as a spring admit, however).</p>
<p>Ultimately, I want to do a PhD in Political Science/International Relations etc and go on to become a professor in the UC system. I know that to score a job in the UC system, however, I would need to go to a top institution for my PhD. . . </p>
<p>I am unsure of where to get my undergraduate degree. UCI is the closest to home for me, and being young and extremely sheltered, I think that would be the most convenient. However, it is also less prestigious than the other universities I applied to, and thus I am afraid that I would have less of an opportunity to go to an Ivy league.</p>
<p>My question is . . . where should I go, then?</p>
<p>Any insight would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Basically you’re saying whether you should stay closer to home and keep being sheltered or venture out there and possibly increase the chance of achieving your dreams.</p>
<p>While I can’t say whether the difference between going those schools is critical, it seems the choice is pretty obvious here and entirely up to you.</p>
<p>It sounds lie you’re not sure if you’re ready for college given your maturity/age. If UC Berkeley already admitted you for spring term, consider that option. You’d have another few months of growing up and still be able to go to a top school.</p>
<p>well, my real dilemma is between ucla and berkeley… is there really that big of a difference between the two?</p>
<p>All four of those schools are excellent options. It really doesn’t matter too much which one you choose as long as you do well while you are there. You may want to consider the cost of attendance since you will be going to school for quite a while, you don’t want to accumulate too much debt.
People get into top schools for various institutions. There is no formula going to Berkeley will not ensure you a spot anywhere. It is more important that you choose the school that you feel you will preform the best at, since your grades and research will get you into grad school.<br>
You also might want to find out which school will offer the most opportunities for undergrad research.</p>
<p>UCLA and Berkeley are both fantastic schools, but I would personally recommend Berkeley - while it is on par with UCLA in the humanities it is noticably better in the sciences. That translates to wider overall recognition and better opportunities for grad school and employment.</p>
<p>But I’m really splitting hairs here - the best answer is to visit both schools (if possible) and see which one will give you the best opportunities to succeed. It really is a personal decision.</p>
<p>I second cosmicfish and vote Berkeley. Based on reputation, and the ‘experience’ you might get there, compared to UCLA. Especially since you are a young 'un.
Best of luck–good for you for everything you have accomplished.</p>
<p>since you are pretty sure on graduate school…then the undergrad institution does not matter…</p>
<p>just make sure you get a great GPA and great test scores…</p>
<p>Mrpotatoehead, you’re getting waaaay too far ahead of yourself. Already, you’ve mapped out your career when you haven’t yet gotten your bachelor’s degree. Take everything one step at a time since you’ll learn along the way how opportunities and desires change over time.</p>
<p>Concentrate on selecting the best undergraduate institution out of your options. When I say “best,” I don’t mean highest ranked but rather the school that will meet your needs, personal and intellectual. While Berkeley probably has the best national reputation of your choices, it may not be the right spot for you.</p>
<p>Once you pick your undergraduate university, then concentrate on doing your best. You won’t have to worry about graduate school until the end of your junior year. Have fun. Learn a ton. The works.</p>