<p>So today I committed to UCLA. Go bruins!! But my mom has completely voiced her opinion after saying Berkeley was ranked higher and it was closer and my sibling goes there. I was mad. This is my mother, she's supposed to be happy for me. I think her main problem is the distance and rank. How do I help her to see my side? I think rank and distance are her main issues.</p>
<p>In the real world, no one is going to be like “ewwww…you went to UCLA.”</p>
<p>Sheesh, they both are excellent schools. This is your decision because, you know, going to college is a big choice in your life (future friends, future spouse(maybe?), learning, etc.).</p>
<p>UCLA is a great school. Besides, if she really cares about USNWR, she should really look into their methodologies (a lot of it pretty arbitrary). Seriously, the ranking difference between these two schools is like two. That’s like a parent complaining their kid picked Yale over Harvard.</p>
<p>Which again, brings back the point that no one in the real world (of importance…like prospective employers) is going to be like “ewww…you went to UCLA.”</p>
<p>I didn’t even apply to Cal because I knew if it came down to it, I would pick UCLA. This of course is a personal preference and has nothing to do with overall quality of the school. But really, a lot of kids choose between the two and go either way. You could tell your parents that you feel this is your decision, your future, etc. Both are great schools, so fit really determines it. Prestige isn’t everything! You want to enjoy college. :)</p>
<p>OP, why do you prefer UCLA to Berkeley? Just curious.</p>
<p>If there ever was a six-of-one-half-a-dozen-of-the-other choice, this is it.</p>
<p>Juicy-
Typical scenario, they allow you to apply to both, but when you get admitted to both, the parents put the pressure on to pick Cal.
Go happily to UCLA, it is the first decision you made as an adult that was totally yours.
The first of many decisions you’ll make.
Don’t be guilted out of your happiness.
You made the best decision for yourself by yourself.
No regrets.
The distance and living on your own will be good for you.
I’ll do a happy dance on your behalf.
Happy Easter.</p>
<p>My niece picked UCLA over many other superb schools (she didn’t apply to Cal, too close to home.) Her parents weren’t happy - until they saw how happy SHE was. Relax. Your parents will get over it, especially if you can convey to them how much of a good fit UCLA is for you academically and socially.</p>
<p>Pizzagirl, no it’s not! </p>
<p>OP, you should listen to your mother…she knows best!</p>
<p>;)</p>
<p>Buzzers, eeeeew UCLA?!!</p>
<p>I think Pizzagirl’s comment
… was more along the lines of SMC or Pierce? Not so subtle putdown…</p>
<p>So, so many students here chose it over Berkeley. You’ll be amongst good company! You should explain that for undergrad, there is no ranking difference. 2-5 spots doesn’t count as meaningful in such arbitrary rankings schemes. You should let your parents know that if you get into Berkeley for grad school, you’re there (seriously, fantastic in almost every discipline). Let them know that you feel like the fact that you like UCLA better will help you get better grades, enabling you to get into Berkeley for grad school. There’s data to support that last claim so find it!</p>
<p>By the way, I had to make the same choice and in no way regret my decision. Congrats on your choice!</p>
<p>p.s- maybe a better thing to tell her is that the decision is final, and there is nothing to be gained by her making you feel bad. You should remind her that this is a time in her life when you really need her support.</p>
<p>tell your mom there is a specific professor you like in your major</p>
<p>For my mom it’s about location. How do I get her to see that distance isn’t necessarily a bad thing?</p>
<p>How about the universal infamous Jedi mind trick that always works on parents? </p>
<p>Look at your parent deep in their eyes and say “but mom/dad, I love you. Do you love me? I will only be happy at X-school” [cry if necessary] </p>
<p>Guaranteed to work!</p>
<p>I tried that!! It’s not like they’re not letting me go. I just want them to approve of me and be happy that I made my decision. My own parents aren’t being proud of me.</p>