Hello!
I have narrowed down my college choices to University of Oregon (human physiology major) and the University of Washington (pre-nursing major, but may switch to public health or biology since nursing school SO competitive at UW). I have visited both and love both campuses, I love the PNW and the rain. I like the town around U of O a bit better than the city around UW as it was super cute and college town feeling, but I really like the opportunities Seattle has to offer, especially in terms of gaining healthcare experience with a bachelors degree, as I know for I want to go to Physician Assistant school (or something similar). I know I could get the clinical experience I need anywhere, but it is much easier to do in a big city as there are tons of places to do it.
I am out-of-state, coming for the SF Bay Area, CA. I go to a very competitive high school, so academic-wise I would be very average at UW and probably upper average at U of O. I have a 3.92 unweighted GPA with a couple of AP classes and lots of extracurriculars, just so you know how I may compare to other students at these universities. For merit money, I got ~10k/year at U of O and ~3k/year (I know I know this is pennies) at UW. Money is not an issue, but this is just something to think about. I know the majority of students at UW are very academically focused, and I like that as I am NOT a partier at all, but I also know this creates a competitive atmosphere. I am a bit worried about the academic motivation at U of O (anyone have any insight for me? Is it just a rumor that it is more of a party/chill school than UW?) as I like to be with others who as just as motivated as I am.
My question is: if you were me, where would you go? I am having such a hard time picking! Both have their pros and cons, and I love both equally.
Oops, I meant coming *from the SF Bay Area.
I have never heard anyone from WA or OR say that UO is the better school. It is pretty much understood that the UW is academically stronger than UO. That does not mean that you won’t get a good education at UO. And there may be stronger majors at UO.
Did you not get admitted to any in-state options?
UW is the stronger school imo. UO is more of a party school by comparison.
Do you like the feel of one over the other?
My son chose UW over Oregon Honors, 2 Big 10 schools and a few UC schools. But, he loves PAC-12 sports so that was a big draw too.
Did you apply to Clark Honors at Oregon?
I did. I got into several nursing programs at CSUs, every one I applied to. I was not interested in any of the private schools in CA. Waitlisted at 3/4 of the UCs I applied for and rejected at the other one… UCs were a crap shoot this year. I know many high achieving and well-rounded students who did not get into most/any. I got into several other out of state schools, but have narrowed down my options to the two I like the best. I kinda want to get out of CA. I have lived here my whole life and am ready for a change. Plus it is far too expensive to start a life around here. 2 million for a 3 bed 2 bath house? No thanks…
Yeah, I understand that about the rating of UO and UW compared. As I said, I would be average at UW, as there is a majority of highly competitive/very academic students there and my scores are pretty much very average for this school - I am not special compared to the other students. Where is at UO I would be a bit above average, as there is more of a mix of academic levels of students and I have scores above the published average. Both of these have their pros and cons.
I was invited to apply to the honors college at the time of acceptance to the general school (I did not do it at the time of application). I talked to an advisor and they said if I decide to go, I could apply once I am at UO if I am looking for more of a challenge.
I like both equally I would say in terms of the campus itself. Amazing places, just beautiful.
How is your son liking UW? What is he studying/planning on majoring in?
Since you don’t mind the weather in the PNW, UW is clearly the better school academically compared to UO. UW has many highly regarded and ranked programs, especially at the graduate levels. It is a large school and being in the PAC 12 Sports Conference, there are lots of school spirit. The school offers a comprehensive lists of majors, which is a reason S, also from a competitive high school in the SF Bay Area, chose to attend there. He recently graduated and is at a Big 4 firm. In recent years, many Bay Area kids are choosing to attend UW since getting into the top UC’s is getting more random. In recent years, UW is getting more competitive to get into. Plus the out of state tuition costs to attend UW is still much less than an elite private school.
My son applied as a bio major and was placed in pre-science. He has really been exploring his major, taking Econ, anthropology, psychology, etc. I’m not sure what major he will end up declaring.
UW was the best choice for him. He is very happy! He has made great friends, attends tons of sports events, loves the PNW, gets out to hike occasionally, and enjoys his classes.
If you end up accepting at UW, seriously consider EFS! It’s a great way to get a few credits, get settled, and start making friends. My son’s roommate is from the Bay Area and my son is from the LA area. I’d guess that CA is the 2nd most populous home state by far! But, my son has friends from TX, MT, OR, Wash DC, and OH. He is having the time of his life!!
Best of luck with your decision!