Please Help!! Tough Decision

<p>Hey everyone,</p>

<p>I've been thinking about this and I've been asking a lot of people for about a week now and I haven't come up with a decision. I wanted to know what is the better choice: NYU or UC Davis??</p>

<p>I'm going to major in chemistry as a pre-pharmacy major and I'm not sure whether UC Davis would be a better choice than NYU for that (although NYU is more prestigious). Since I'm an international student, I can't visit the campuses in order to get a "campus feel". I know NYU does not really have a campus but it is located in one of the best cities in the world. I've also been to NYC many times and am familiar with the environment while I have never been to California. Despite that, I still feel that UC Davis has a more welcoming atmosphere than NYU and it does have a very good internship program. Then again, NYU's location facilitates finding internships in NYC. Which would be the better school if I'm planning to get into a good pharmacy or possibly medical school? Does prestige have any effect upon the decisions of good pharm or med schools or do they only look at how you take advantage of your opportunities? As you can see, it's really a toss-up. I really need to make a decision SOON so I can mail out my reply form. Can anybody please help me decide and tell me which school would be the better choice and why? Thank you so much in advance!</p>

<p>I'd go with NYU, hands down. Since you don't live in CA, the tuition should be the same for both schools. NYC is great city to live in, trust me. I'm sure you'll love it there.</p>

<p>prestige does have a big effect, but ur happiness matters more. Since u seem happy with both and cost is similar, Id cast my vote in favour of NYU</p>

<p>Thanks! :) Anymore suggestions please? Is NYU really a lot more prestigious than UC Davis? What about my chances of getting into a pharmacy school? I heard Davis was more science-oriented...?</p>

<p>I never really heard of UC davis before the whole college rush and i don't think alot of people outside of Cali would have heard of it either.. if you want the name recognition and prestigious ranking, goto NYU. It's going to cost you alot though...</p>

<p>NYU is known... U say u went to UC, ur gonna be asked Berkeley or LA?
Even the big one UCSD isnt known... all good places, but not known :(</p>

<p>i know someone who went to Davis, and got into every single top 10 med school.</p>

<p>I heard that Davis is ranked significantly higher than NYU in its chemistry department although NYU is ranked higher overall...would it really matter which university has a better chem program seeing that they're both very good universities or do pharmacy/med schools actually take into account which school actually has a better chem program (however slightly better it may be) before they look at the school's prestige?</p>

<p>its more accountability that makes prestige. If u come from say stanford, they know that u are smart as they dont admit anyone short of that, hardworking in the majority... Also they have a feel of the academic situation and grading scheme.</p>

<p>If u get a 4.0 in Uofchicago, which is very hard, it will hold water as they know of it. If i goto Antarius college and get a 4.0, no one will know whether to trust it or not... prestige takes root in history and accountability</p>

<p>I understand that, Antarius, but the question I'm asking is although NYU is more prestigious than Davis, Davis is still known for its biological/chemical programs...despite that, it doesn't have the NYU tag. So, would pharmacy/med schools who are aware of the strong chem program in Davis place accountability upon the school or does prestige take over anyways?</p>

<p>well, I dont really know and I think a more experienced member can better answer that thean me. But going by what I said above, I think that NYU will carry more water irrespective of the program...</p>

<p>what I mean is.. the NYU brand name ag preceeds you. In UCD, they will look further and all to determine. Also, the average student in NYU is def. a rung higher and that helps as it is expcted (and u def. will be to get into NYU) that you are of that calibre... so Id say NYU carries more weight</p>

<p>Okay, I get what you mean. Thanks! :) I totally agree with what you're saying...it's just that I don't want to regret going (or not going) to NYU. UC Davis has one of the best internship programs in the country and it has a very friendly, warm, "college" environment. NYU, however, lacks that but has a renowned, prestigious name. Any more suggestions?? Thank you so much to all of you. You're awesome :D</p>

<p>how sweet <em>sniff</em> :)
well, thats a big factor in deciding. Till now we were talking prestige. I for one didnt apply to NYU or BU or MIT due to the building business they have. To me a campus was essential, and I followed my feelings. </p>

<p>Comparing along prestige, NYU yes, but which enviroment would you like? campus or concrete?</p>

<p>That's a good question...I have to figure that out, haha. Well, personally, I don't mind concrete but the thing about NYU is that it really has no campus at all. I mean, if it was Columbia, then I would go there cuz it has a campus and a college "feel". NYU, however, is just a name. Well anyways, thanks again Antarius! You've been very helpful...I have to think about it some more and decide SOOON (like today or tomorrow max). Just one more question...if I do decide to go to UCD instead of NYU, would that be completely stupid? (Turning down a prestigious university such as NYU to a less renowned university that has a better campus feel)</p>

<p>well, I didnt apply to the big Ivy's because I didnt like them. Call me stupid people can, but I would follow where I think id be happy. I wouldnt be happy at NYU at all...</p>

<p>Many people turn down famous colleges for much lesser ones for aid and happiness. For example I applied to Cornell, but was so disappointed with their responses and all that I said no even before the decision arrived.</p>

<p>As I always say, Happiness is more important than prestige. If you find more comfort and feel from UCD, then go there... u will be happy</p>

<p>Glad to be of help,
Post your decision for all of us to know,
Antarius</p>

<p>Sure thing! :) I'll post my decision either tonight or some time tomorrow...</p>