<p>I am currently a senior at a California high school. I worked really hard in high school (I got straight A's and I got involved in a lot of extracurriculars). Now that all of my hard work has paid off, I really want to make the right decision as to which college I should choose. I am choosing between:</p>
<p>Johns Hopkins
UCLA
UC Berkely
UC Sandiego
UC Santa Barbara
UC Davis
UC Irvine</p>
<p>I want to go to a college where I will be challenged, but I will also feel at home. I am really in to the concept of work hard, play hard. I do not want to be studying all the time, but I do want interesting and engaging classes/ professors. I want a really vibrant social scene at a place where people are really friendly, open and exciting. In a nutshell, I don't want to be bored and depressed. Any opinions or advice would be much appreciated!</p>
<p>UC Irvine - less social as a who but a large asian student population. beautiful school w/ lots to offer</p>
<p>UCSD - some school spirit - fairly social on campus but located in a communiy that does not appreciate the students so much - in a fairly wealthy area. next to nothing to do other than shop.</p>
<p>UCLA - lovely campus w/ lots of social opportunities and certainly well regarded. may not be your best choice but might end op being your best fit. ‘only’ a very highly ranked school…</p>
<p>Berkley - a little more brainy than UCLA w/ some school spirit and fun…</p>
<p>UCSB is a FUN school. lots of spirit and partying. less regarded as your other choices. Amazing location. Very safe and fun w/ a decent education.</p>
<p>UC Davis - decent school but less fun and certainly very few people would view this as a first choice to your other options…simply does not compete in your criteria…</p>
<p>JHU - world’s best Biomedical Engineering and one of the best schhols to prepare you for medical. Baltimore has its plus’ but how would you say it compares for the fun factor? - my guess is you choose a California school.</p>
<p>remember, YOU are the #1 factor in your education being as good as it can be. If you are happy, you will read far grater rewards than if you are not, even if your professors are top notch. That said, looking for the Best Fit is the ideal path to the best education.</p>
<p>If you plan on a graduate school after, where you attend undergrad makes less of a difference. If you do amazing at and Joe Blow College, you can still get into a premium grad school and have a prestigious degree.</p>
<p>Go to Hopkins. If you have lived in California your whole life you should probably get a new experience. Part of my decision was that I wanted to get far away from my home state. I think everybody should do that.</p>
<p>What do you want to study?
What is the relative cost?
If there is a difference, how much will it mean to your family?
Do you want to go to school in California, or would you prefer East Coast.</p>
<p>Hopkins or Berkeley – at the end of the day, probably.</p>