As you can tell from the title, I’m having a hard time deciding between Berkeley without any scholarship and UCLA with Regents. I’ve visited both schools and I could see myself at either campus. It’s also not the difference in price that’s making the decision difficult, but the difference in the overall experience I’ll have with the Regents Scholarship.
From what I’ve read online and heard from current students, it is very easy to get “lost” at both schools. That’s why I feel as though having Regents at UCLA would give me a minor but significant edge (I’ve even heard that it’s easier to get a position in a lab as a Regents Scholar). Having attended the Regents Scholar reception, I also feel more “wanted” by UCLA.
Lastly, even though I applied as a biochemistry major for both schools, I’m now leaning towards biochemical engineering. This difficulty of switching into engineering is something I’m also considering in making my decision.
I would be grateful for any advice regarding my decision and whether I’m justified in placing such importance on being a Regents Scholar.