<p>Having received replies from several universities, I've managed narrow my top choices down to three universities. (still waiting on the Ivy's, Duke, Cal, NYU and some LAC's).</p>
<p>My three choices include, CMU (Econ shared between H&SS and Tepper), UMichigan (social sciences) and UCLA (Undecided social sciences). I'm pretty much stumped when it comes to making a decision between the three; I also have LSE which I would choose over these three, but its conditional (37 points at IB) and I'm currently going through 'senioritis'.</p>
<p>My points of contention include the prestige of each of these universities, their location (I prefer cold and rainy conditions :P) and their respective party scenes.</p>
<p>A 37 is pretty easy, but it depends how serious your senioritis is :p</p>
<p>Anyway, UCLA is good for social sciences, but Berkeley is better. Out of context, did you apply to Berkeley?</p>
<p>Within your three choices, I would choose CMU hands down, if you’re fine with paying that $232k tuiton :)</p>
<p>If finances are a consideration, I would suggest UCLA.</p>
<p>Candid enough? ;)</p>
<p>EDIT: Just looked up UCLA’s estimated tuiton for OOS, on-campus students for next year. The total for four years is $219k. That’s just $13k lesser than CMU. So now, the question is, are you willing to pay that extra amount for the benefits of a private school? I would :p</p>
<p>First of all, congratulations !
It would help if you let us know if you are living in India currently or abroad (non-US).
The reason I am asking is - do not underestimate the cold weather in Pittsburg and Michigan.
One can get tired of that pretty easily.</p>
<p>Academics wise - I agree with Tizil. CMU will be the most challenging though guess that applies more to CS.</p>
<p>Socially - I would go with UCLA…that combines the best of social and academics and good cosmopolitan culture. LA is never that hot really…it is coastal, it is sunnier than Berkeley…yes, it rains here in winter…summer is dry.</p>
<p>Michigan - Never been there but it is cold/snowy…but if you get Ross, that is better than UCLA ? you should ask in the respective college boards also.</p>
<p>And yes, Berkeley is the best for social sciences and it is cloudy/rainy there as well. If you dont choose CMU, personally I’d go with UCLA over Michigan. UCLA may have the edge in prestige over Michigan.</p>
<p>Well…in terms of prestige, Berkeley and CMU may be tied. In Social sciences, Berkeley actually has the edge over CMU. Again you should ask yourself, where you would ‘fit’…go visit the websites, look at student life, check out the videos and post on the respective college boards. </p>
<p>CMU may have smaller class sizes and more personal attention than UCs.
But with UCs, again, if you are independent and not shy to ask for help/seek out opportunities, you should be fine.</p>
<p>I’m not used to it ^^, I rarely spend more than a few minutes at a stretch outside in the summer. The cold really doesn’t effect me :), having been to some pretty cold places in my life time I’m quite sure the cold will only be a plus.</p>
<p>What do we get if NYU and Duke are added to the equation? I’m leaning towards Duke ofc but how would you guys individually evaluate Duke, NYU, and CMU.</p>
<p>Hyaline - Actually I think Duke may have the edge for you, for a bigger school experience. Though I am not sure about the “fun factor” for Indian students. The location isn’t that cosmopolitan…(from what I remember…but can’t say for sure)</p>
<p>As for student life, NYU may hold the edge. However NYU if I remember, the campus is pretty integrated with the city…quite urban. So you have to be ready to walk around like a city (think kal ho na ho)</p>
<p>CMU - I feel is too techy if you are looking for the “fun factor”…(again disclaimer: no personal knowledge)</p>
<p>Berkeley - College with an attitude either you love its energy/quirkiness or you don’t . You should be ok here as well if you get in. Though known for its hard workload (but that is for any of these places)</p>
<p>Have family in SF as well :), but CMU is smaller… and Duke is well, Duke. I’m doing econ at all these places so based on that can someone help with me with evaluating each place individually. Nobody I know has any constructive advice, they’re all somewhat biased in one way or the other. I need to be understand the pros and cons of each place not considering ranking.</p>
<p>Stuff like class sizes, prestige and job prospects. Forget party scene, I think all unis have one.</p>
<p>Easily Duke, no question at all. Far superior lay prestige, better job opportunities, phenomenal absolutely breathtaking campus. Frankly to my mind its not even close, Duke for sure. If you had been admitted to princeton or harvard then it would be a different matter. But as it stands Duke should easily be your choice. I mean its Duke. 11% acceptance rate, ivy level academics, usnews top 10 consistently, usually ranked within the top 7.</p>
either you love its energy/quirkiness or you don’t . You should be ok here as well if you get in. Though known for its hard workload (but that is for any of these places)</p>