<p>Alright so as of now, I have been accepted to University of Michigan, UCLA, and UNC-CH. More decisions are coming out this week and next week but most (if not all) of those schools are all elite private schools such as Rice, Notre Dame, Northwestern, CMU, etc. So here's the problem, my parents really want me to attend an elite private school for the reason of prestige but I, myself, would much rather attend a good public college like UCLA. I'm certain that I will probably get into one of those private college and consequently my parents would mostlikrly force me to go there instead just because it's ranked higher. So my question to you guys is, would you choose an elite private institution like for example Northwestern over UCLA? </p>
<p>Personally, I feel like public colleges are way more down to earth than many of those private ones. They have so much more school spirit and enthusiasm and I just have the gut feeling that I will be happier at a public college. Right now I'm leaning towards UCLA because it's a great school with great school spirit and is located in the absolute best location. So do you guys have any advice to give me? I feel like I shouldn't have even applied to those other private colleges but I was unsure of my chances if I only applied to 3. Thanks for the help. </p>
<p>Edit: Also I forgot to mention I'm OOS for all those public colleges.</p>
<p>It seems to me that UCLA, UNC-CH and University of Michigan are all the equal of the private ones you mention. I would definitely choose the public schools, especially if they cost less. It makes sense to apply to more than three colleges, so don’t feel bad about that. You can tell your parents that you’ll consider private schools for grad school–which you can pay for with all the money you’re saving them!</p>
<p>Endicott, thanks for the reply but I’m OOS for all those public colleges. So on a financial standpoint, all the colleges I applied to will cost roughly the same amount. So I can sort of see why my parents want me to attend a private college if the cost is going to be the same. But still I would rather go to UCLA.</p>
<p>I could not see choosing UCLA as an OOS student over Northwestern. UCLA is in financial crisis and has a 4 year graduation rate below 60%. You will have many more resources at NU, much less red tape a ton of spirit, and a far stronger alumni network when it comes to internships and jobs.</p>
<p>As a parent, I wouldn’t pay the $46K for UCLA unless you were to be a film major or something else they were great in.</p>
<p>It doesn’t really sound as though you want to go to “a public college,” it sounds like you want to go to UCLA. Your best bet is probably to gather all the information you can about the particular major you will pursue and how going to UCLA is educationally your best option. If you can’t come up with anything better that “I want to live in California,” you may have trouble convincing them.</p>
<p>If your parents are paying for your college education, remember that it is ultimately their decision where they choose to spend their (+)(-)$50,000/year. If they say no and you STILL want to go to UCLA, be prepared to pay for it yourself.</p>
<p>alamemom, thanks for the advice. I’m going to be majoring in engineering and UCLA has a decent engineering program. Michgan on the hand has a wonderful engineering program and I wouldn’t mind go there either. I’m still waiting on Berkeley though. If I get into Berkeley then would it seem reasonable to choose Berkeley over the other private institution since not many other schools can rival Berkeley in Engineering except maybe MIT.</p>
<p>^That sounds like the beginnings of an effective argument! When you are discussing the options with your parents, remember to listen very carefully to their objections, tell them you will think about what they have said, then do research to try to address their concerns.</p>
<p>Try to avoid wording such as “you are forcing me to go to this university…” when they are actually offering to pay a staggering sum of money so you can attend an excellent university - it might sound a bit childish. You have more than a month before you have to commit, so stay calm and present reasoned arguments. Even if it doesn’t ultimately go your way, your parents may see you in a whole new light.</p>
<p>You have great options and have worked hard for them - I hope it all goes your way!</p>
<p>If you are not going to use your UNC acceptance - can my daughter have it. lol
She fell in love with that school and applied ED. Rejected and was crushed.</p>