Please help me choose.

State Forums
1

I’ve narrowed down my choices to UC Irvine and UC Davis. I applied to Irvine as a Business Administration major and Davis as an Economics major. I intend to graduate in 4-5 years, take the CPA exam, and become an accountant.

Here’s the financial breakdown:
Irvine: $20.25k grants + 1.5k Work-Study + 1.5k health insurance waiver (which I will probably get)
Davis: $17.75k grants + 13.75k Fulmor Scholarship

I have visited Irvine and liked the campus, though I was disappointed how a CHP offer did not translate to extra aid. I’ll visit Davis in a week. My parents are putting pressure on me to accept Davis’s offer, and I understand their reasons from a financial POV. I care less about the prestige side of their argument.

Thank you.

2

They are both very good schools.

I don’t think Davis offers a BS in accounting - which is now a 5 year program and all but required for a CPA.

Most people change their major at least once so, don’t let that lock you into UCI but, while @ UCD next week, ask them what your options are…

3

UCD does not offer a BS in accounting, this is the reason my son’s roommate 2nd year at UCD, decided to transfer to SCU. He found that the Managerial Econ program did not focus on the areas of business he was interested in pursuing. Nothing against UCD’s program, he just had a different focus. I am an Aggie mom and slightly bias, but I would probably consider UCI if you want a career in Accounting. I love everything about UCD but if you they do not have your major, it is really not worth attending. Since you are visiting, spend time discussing the program with the department advisors. Good luck.

4

UCI offers an accounting minor in their business school. That’s probably a better call than business economics at Davis. But I must say the business econ students from UCLA & UCSB I’ve worked with over the years do just fine.

5

I’m curious what is the prestige side of your parents argument? Ive always thought UCI and UCD are on equal footing.

6

Thank you all. My parents and I are discussing this calmly. They seem like they’ll respect my choice either way, but I know in their hearts they prefer Davis (they’d also prefer if I went into pre-med, so that’d be double the disappointment…). I asked upfront if they’d let me choose in the end so I’d know if this discussion might go anywhere.

phospholipase: They put UCD above UCI because UCD’s older and overall ranks slightly higher. All their coworkers favor either Davis or San Diego (which I took out of my shortlist) over Irvine.

7

My DD loves Davis. We really liked it as well. All I can say is visit the campus and ask questions. You’ll see what we mean.