<p>@fulload, maturity is a huge advantage. I bet you get your top choice!</p>
<p>I kinda wish I wanted to pursue a field that had a more or less straight line, like doctor or lawyer. Even at my age, still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I just keep faith if I study courses I’m passionate about, the right career path will unfold…</p>
<p>@fullload, sounds like a good deal and plan!</p>
<p>And yeah I’m planning on LS as well. Targeting the school that gives me the most money. Total CoL for 3 years is insane at sticker so that isn’t even an option for me. I’m applying to most of the t14. I feel like I’ll end up at Cornell if they help me out with the insane costs haha. I really want to practice in NY. </p>
<p>Candles, I’m pretty sure I’m about ten years older than you. It’s never too late. ;)</p>
<p>Awesome, Zalrons. Good luck! Cornell would be sweet. How have your diagnostic lsat’s been going? Or have you already taken?</p>
<p>@Zalrons </p>
<p>Dude, seriously, good luck with law. That market has been getting harder and harder to succeed in in recent years, although it seems to be getting a little better now with decreased law school enrollment.</p>
<p>Not even the t14 lawyers are safe anymore, it seems; my sister’s friend went to Columbia Law School, got a job somewhere(Don’t know where), and got laid off like 6~7 months later. I heard from my sister that she’s been having trouble trying to get a job ever since.</p>
<p>Try and shoot for Harvard, Yale, or Stanford if you can. :)</p>
<p>@fullload, I’m consistently in the low 170’s now. I’ve dedicated almost two years to LSAT prep so I’m not sure how much higher I can score at this point. Really need to hit 172 on the real thing which I’m going to take next summer and/or next October. </p>
<p>@cayton, the market is brutal. I’m gunning for biglaw and the average career span is around 3 years. Lol. That’s so bad. Cornell places really well into NYC biglaw but the bottom 20% of the class is s.o.l. so it’s incredibly risky regardless. </p>
<p>If this insane country ended the failing war on drugs already I’d simply start my own business in the hemp industry. Damn 'Murica. </p>
<p>@Zalrons </p>
<p>Damn… </p>
<p>And I have a feeling the War on Drugs will end in the next 10~20 years. Maybe then you could be a lawyer for all of those marijuana growers. :D</p>
<p>@2016candles we seem to be in similar boats - deciding between the dream school & prestige over a more logical choice. thanks for responding to my question. Granted 1 year gives you a cushion during which to get another job - even if it’s just enough to make ends meet for the last year… I wish you the best in your decision :)</p>
<p>Delete</p>
<p>Oh yeah, my bad. didn’t see it. 
</p>
<p>Good luck to to you too @dulchinea - Have you made a decision?</p>
<p>@2016Candles no 
and I have to make it pretty much within the next 24 hours… </p>
<p>@dulchinea Sometimes shorter deadlines are better. They keep us from a seemingly endless cycle of indecision. Good luck- truly I mean that. I know it’s not an easy choice.</p>
<p>@2016Candles I know this might be a late response, but I believe the answer to your question comes down to a couple of things:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>What graduate program(s) do you want to attend post-undergraduate studies?</p></li>
<li><p>What do(es) those/that program(s) look for the most during their admission process? (I know that some graduate programs weigh prestige, performance, personal statements, recommendations, and prior-relevant-experiences differently than other programs do). </p></li>
<li><p>How confident are you that you would be able to maintain a high enough GPA to qualify for merit based scholarships and grants offered at UCLA?</p></li>
<li><p>How willing are you to write multiple essays to general scholarships (not restricted to UC’s) ?</p></li>
<li><p>Why did you apply to UCLA in the first place? (Not a sarcastic question at all, I mean this in the sense “did you want to go to UCLA for the prestige and the ability to look back proudly on the accomplishment?” etc.)</p></li>
</ul>
<p>I ask these questions because there is no cut-and-dry “solution” to your dilemma. Hopefully these questions help you in your decision making process. </p>
<p>@Chitosiri Basically I applied to UCLA, and a few other schools because I wanted to have the options. At the time that I applied it was more feasible for me than it is now. Shortly after I applied, I got transferred with my job, and I don’t have the flexibility that I used to have. I thought I was going to be able to do some different things, but long story short it didn’t really work out.</p>
<p>My top choice for grad school is USC. The school I’m applying to says that they look at your application as a whole and the prestige of your undergrad isn’t really a factor. Who knows if that is exactly true, but that’s what they said. GPA, work history, and GRE scores are the primary factors.</p>
<p>I have actually written several essays for several different scholarships over the past few months, and will continue to do so. Actually finished another essay for another scholarship just today. I really have no reason to think that I would not be able to maintain a high GPA at UCLA. </p>
<p>As far as financial aid goes, I am getting enough financial aid to cover all of my tuition plus some additional money on top. I actually get significantly more financial aid with UCLA than I do at my current CSU.</p>
<p>@2016Candles
Based on your answers, my next question is: </p>
<p>Do you believe that you will be able to live on the financial aid, scholarships, work study funds you will receive with UCLA? </p>
<p>I say, if you and the person you financially support are able to live with those funds, I’d advise you to go to UCLA. If not, I’d advise against it. </p>
<p>Side question: Are you looking to get your undergrad degree and go to grad school in order to gain some form of a promotion at your current job? Or do you plan on working somewhere else post your degrees?</p>
<p>There are many unknowns in my scenario, so right now, I’m not making a decision until some of the unknowns become definitive.</p>
<p>I’m not focusing on specifically where I will work post grad school. I need to stay focused on finishing undergrad, and getting into grad school. Once I’m in grad school, then I’ll think of next steps. </p>