I have already committed to NYU’s Core Liberal Studies program, with the expectation that I would spend my first year in Washington, D.C… I just got admitted to UCSD’s Warren College off their wait list.
Each school has its own upsides and issues, from my perspective. On one hand, NYU has the advantage of location, given that it is on the East Coast. The school is attractive both because of the cultural amenities of the East Coast (I love museums, shows, and the vibrant culture in NYC), but also because of the potential that it presents for forming connections on the East Coast. Its academic reputation is another upside. In terms of my personality, I am most suited to NYU.
The issues with NYU include the program into which I was admitted; it seems to offer me very little freedom of choice in terms of my classes, meaning that I am saddled with an extremely rigid schedule for the first two years of my time at the school. NYU is also extremely expensive.
UCSD is a great school, but it lacks NYU’s cultural appeal and its intense focus on STEM is extremely off-putting. As a person who intends to major in political science/international relations with a strong interest in art history and linguistics, I am worried about the mathematical atmosphere at UCSD.
Does anyone have any advice? I have to submit my SIR for UCSD very soon.
As someone who transferred from one University to another after her freshman year, I can speak confidently in saying that the culture of the University you choose is very important. Follow your heart and where you think you’ll be happiest. If you eventually want to settle on the East Coast, and with the opportunity you have to spend in DC, this seems like an easy choice (unless there is a substantial cost difference and NYU isn’t a feasible option). Good luck!
I vote UCSD. Much better weather and less of a hipster feel to it