<p>I'm an HS senior who has been admitted to NYU Gallatin (with the MLK scholarship that includes stipend and almost full tuition along with special trips and perks), Smith College (manageable but the priciest of the four), UCSD (John Muir College), and UC Davis. I've visited all but Smith. I want to major in sustainability/environmental studies. Can someone please compare them in terms of student body, reputation for grad schools, professors, internship/job opportunities, and learning environment in general? </p>
<p>Congratulations, these are great programs, and getting money out of NYU is no small feat.</p>
<p>so what are the costs to you of each school. loans are costs to you, so include them.</p>
<p>UCSD and Davis are the same price (UCSD a little higher because dorms cost more in La Jolla than Davis). NYU costs a little less than the UCs, and Smith is by far the most expensive - at about 45k a year. The reason my choice is so difficult is because I am definitely more of a LAC type of person - introvert, quirky, nerdy - but also am not shy about reaching out to professors, love big cities, and take advantage of leadership roles and internships. So the ideal would have been LAC in big city, which is not an option. I’m worried about the financial burden of going to Smith, but also of getting lost/being bored at a UC. I’m worried about how bureaucratic NYU is, but perhaps Gallatin and the MLK program could bring the sense of community that I’m looking for. Any thoughts, which would you recommend? </p>
<p>I think you should go to NYU. Obviously, you are going to have to make compromises – and I think the smart decision would be to make the decision that doesn’t put a financial burden on you.</p>
<p>You are not going to find the tightly-knit community you are looking for at NYU. It’s a large school and you are in a large city. However, like most things in life its about attitude and what you make of things. There is a niche for every type of person in NY - but you will have to work at it by joining organizations, etc.</p>
<p>Normally, I vote against against NYU due to costs, but if you have an affordable package I think you should consider it.</p>
<p>In california, ucdavis. short of the big cities component, Davis has what you want. but go to the NYU forum here on CC and ask your questions about Gallatin, MLK, and NYU there and see if you find any help in making your decision. </p>