NYU vs. UCLA

Colleges and Universities A-Z New York University
1

<p>I'm deciding between UCLA and NYU. I want go into astronomy or physics, as of now. UCLA has an astrophysics major, which I like. Both have physics majors. Also, I could minor in German at both and study abroad in a German-speaking country.</p>

<p>I'm from NJ, an hour out of Manhattan by train. I'm very comfortable with the area around NYU and love it. I would know people around there and be able to see my family. I loved UCLA when I visited it, but it is a six hour flight and I don't know the rest of LA very well.</p>

<p>Neither are offering me financial aid. UCLA is $56000 and NYU is $61000, though this would come close to evening out with the transportation costs for UCLA. I am somewhat scared to go so far from home.</p>

<p>I've been struggling a bit in my AP Physics class this year, though I really enjoy my BC Calculus class. The ability to have good teachers and good academic support is important to me, though I realize these are both huge schools. I get the impression that UCLA has stronger sciences in general.</p>

<p>I'd much prefer the weather in LA, but I am used to the weather around NYU.</p>

<p>Most of all, I just want somewhere I'd be happy. People seemed friendlier at UCLA, but again, I'm used to New Yorkers.</p>

<p>Please give advice!</p>

2

<p>It sounds like you have a tough decision to make. I’d suggest looking at both school’s websites, contacting your admissions counselors with questions and making pro-con lists for each school (it sounds cheesy but it helps!). Also, try to picture yourself in college and see what kind of school you’re at. While UCLA and NYU are both large schools, they have different atmospheres. NYU is in the heart of the city, but UCLA has a campus with a lively student community.
Hope this helps and good luck with your decision!</p>

3

<p>You’re correct about UCLA typically being stronger in the sciences than NYU. </p>

<p>NYU has traditionally been a liberal art and humanities power house - for must subjects in those areas, NYU is a world-leading research University. However, the same cannot be said for physics. </p>

<p>UCLA ranks at #19 for physics, compared to NYU’s #40. </p>

<p>Is NYU’s physics department ‘bad’? No, of course not. The faculty at NYU simply isn’t as strong as the faculty at UCLA. </p>

<p>That said, it comes down to what’s important to you.</p>

4

<p>I got into Stanford so I’m actually going there! I gave up hope. But thanks everyone!</p>