<p>Hello! I applied to both MIT and UCLA and was blessed to get into both. I am pretty sold on MIT, but love UCLA as well. The social life is not a worry at either, and I feel like I would fit the personality of either.</p>
<p>I got into Biological Engineering (Course 20) at MIT and MIMG (Pre Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics) at UCLA. Either way, I wish to later pursue graduate studies in Immunology and end up in research, preferably in maleriology. I am very much interested in undergraduate research opportunites and, obviously, overall quality of learning.</p>
<p>Can anyone give me insight into these majors at either of these fantastic schools to aid me in my decision process? Thank you so much! :)</p>
<p>The MIMG major at UCLA is much more relevant to your interests than Biological Engineering at MIT. However, there is no reason of which I’m aware why you couldn’t switch to the Microbiology track in the Biology major at MIT should you choose to attend that school. It’s probably easier to switch majors at MIT than it is to get admitted to a particular major at UCLA. So, either school could prepare you to pursue your graduate and research interests.</p>
<p>I’m an Immunologist, and I can tell you that both schools are highly respected in the field, with perhaps a slight edge to MIT. I’d make the choice based on finances plus where you’d like to live for four years - Boston or LA.</p>
<p>Thank you for your responses! They are extremely informative and helpful! Can anyone tell me about the research opportunities at either school and the relative size of the majors?</p>
<p>I have a few good friends here in MIMG and they seem to like it quite a bit. With that said, I feel like the quality of your education would be higher at MIT. Everything I’ve heard about MIT makes it sound like a fantastic place to get an education.</p>
<p>I’d put it like this:
MIT has an edge academically, but UCLA is still great
If you think you would like both schools equally, then I would choose MIT
If you see yourself being happier at UCLA, then go for UCLA because it’s definitely not a bad place to be</p>
<p>I can’t tell you about the research opportunities at MIT, but there are plenty of opportunities here at UCLA. There’s a top ranked medical center right next to campus that uses plenty of undergraduate researchers, for example.</p>
<p>Good luck with your decision and congratulations!</p>
<p>Essentially everybody at MIT is involved in research. The UROP program has been part of the undergraduate curriculum since the 1970s. My D is a senior in the neuroscience department and has been doing research continuously since sophomore year. The biology department alone has over a dozen labs in which students can do research. There are often more research openings than students applying. You can also propose your own research program and get funds as needed.</p>
<p>[Biology</a> UROP & Mentoring Program: For Students](<a href=“http://web.mit.edu/biology/www/undergrad/bump/students.html]Biology”>Biology UROP & Mentoring Program: For Students)</p>
<p>You should also post your inquiry in the respective college sites on CC. You will get more specific answers.</p>