UC Irvine or Washington

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Irvine
1

<p>I know I have been in this forum a lot defending UCI's social scene and only have spoken positively about the school, but I am having trouble deciding. </p>

<p>I currently live in northern california bay area, and for the life of me cannot decide between UW and UC Irvine. Both are great schools and are similarly ranked academically, but at the same time are completely different in terms of what they offer and what kind of environment I will be in (physical and social environment). Any insight as to which school you guys think I should go to?</p>

<p>Both schools would be business related, although at irvine it would be business economics with a minor in management, whereas UW would be business admin with a minor in environmental policy. Thanks!</p>

2

<p>i can't really help you but i have a friend going to UW.</p>

<p>he got into davis as well but didn't get into irvine.</p>

<p>if he had been admitted, he would have chosen irvine over UW.</p>

3

<p>Heres my post taken from the washington thread talking about my struggle choosing between schools:</p>

<p>In my opinion the social life wasn't sub-par at irvine, it just wasnt outstanding. I would most likely be forced to join greek life (not necessarily a bad thing) if I chose to go to UCI. I agree that OC doesnt have much to offer, but as a california native coming from suburban norcal its definitely an improvement going off to college in general.</p>

<p>I actually love seattle, bellevue, etc, but found the area immediately surrounding UW to be a little underwhelming. It reminded me a lot of the area surrounding UC berkeley, which I do not like too much. Full of homeless and hippies, trashy street scene. For the most part it was clean and wasnt a huge deal. I do agree that academically UW has the edge especially in my field of specialty. I plan on going into business administration with a minor in environmental policy which would be suited perfectly at washington.</p>

<p>I also don't mind the squares at OC, seeing as im a little nerdy myself, as well as any of the kids getting into these more competitive colleges. I do find the social aspect of college very important thats why I am so curious.</p>

<p>Also, I am taking into account future internship possibilities. I know I can probably work anywhere with a decent background, but I would actually prefer to go back to california for an internship, and then off to a california graduate school. I am worried that going to washington will hurt my chances of returning to california for an internship or grad school.</p>

4

<p>really, if you do well enough, it won't really matter which school is higher ranked.</p>

<p>ranking is important, but i don't think the difference between UW and UCI is significant if you get good grades.</p>

<p>from the post, it seems to me you would like it better at UCI but UW's edge in academic ranking has you thinking twice.</p>

<p>also, i'm similar in the fact i love california. i've lived in norcal my whole life and will be living in socal soon and i doubt i could ever enjoy leaving the state for more than a few months.</p>

5

<p>Rankings are actually irrelevant, thats why im raising so many questions...If I were to go to UW, I could take my exact major and exact minor (provided i get into the school of business) which would be business admin with a minor in environmental policy. I know I could take biz econ with a minor in management at UCI, but that wasnt exactly what I planned on taking. I don't mind the weather or rain so much at washington, but I would be leaving everything behind to go to a school solely for the academics, sports, alumni base, programs but have to deal with the negatives such as a huge student body and tons of lecture hall classes outside of GE's. All my relatives live in pasadena/san diego so I could visit them at any time, as well as keep the resouces I have now. I would probably have to make some sacrifices going to UW (sell my car, etc- nothing huge or important that would change my mind) because I did not receive any scholarships for any schools and UW was a little more than my parents wanted to pay. I am trying to keep cost out of the equation and choose whats best.</p>

6

<p>Hey Fycus</p>

<p>As you've stated, UCI and UW are both great schools and rankings are generally irrelevant. However, being at UW you'll be more likely to tap into the job findings within the area. If you plan to move back to California after college then going to a college within California will definitely give you the edge in getting internships here. The alumni networks and career fairs at each school will be derived from the companies within the area. In addition, an internship can be taken during your studies here in California. You can work for a few years in Seattle and pursue an MBA here in California and settle here in the long run. Bizecon isn't a difficult major and interning during your school year would definitely benefit you. However, it would not ruin your chances of getting into a graduate school in California. By the way have you found anything about the business administration major under review?</p>

7

<p>Fycus,</p>

<p>I'm a current UW student who has lived (for a short period of time) in the Northern California Bay Area. I would say go where you're most comfortable. Forget rankings. You're going to be there for four years, and then potentially going on to grad. school. Either way, you will be able to get a good education. </p>

<p>What I will say about UW is that, even though it does have a large student body population, it really isn't that big. There is more to college than just academics. If you are proactive about getting involved and developing life skills outside of the classroom, you can succeed anywhere you go. If you really want small classrooms and less students, you can always apply for the Honors Program where classes are seldom larger than 35 students. Plus the fewer requirements of Honors gives you more flexibility to take electives and explore different fields. While Honors classes may sound harder than regular classes, they are actually easier to do well in if you put in some effort. Honors classes are more focused on learning and analytical thinking instead of accumulating and reproducing knowledge--incredibly personal and ultra-friendly Honors professors reward you for your efforts to expand your way of thinking.</p>

<p>If you're looking at business, the UW Business School is one of the top in the nation. I am hoping to study business, and I have plenty of friends in the Business School. Not only do you get awesome professors who have many connections to businesses in the community, you have organizations and activities that regularly network with the business sector in Seattle. </p>

<p>I don't know much about UCI, but there a ton of opportunities to get internships in Seattle. Internships aren't only for the summer, and you can even get credit for internships throughout the academic school year. If you're serious about finding solid internships, you can find ones that accommodate your plans and give you the maximum benefit.</p>

<p>Overall, UW is an amazing school in a beautiful city (which really doesn't get as much rain as people think). While there are a few homeless people who reside around the campus, you will find that anywhere you go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what's best for you--forget rankings, forget money, forgot prestige--choose the school that you can think can help you achieve your potential and where you feel comfortable and excited to attend.</p>

<p>I hope this "insight" to UW is helpful in your college decision. I'd be more than happy to answer any additional questions you may have.</p>

<p>Sam
Founder and Chief Developer, Sam's Scholarship Kiosk</p>

8

<p>It's already been said, but you will have a much easier time getting internships and jobs if you go to UCI or any other mid tier UC school. Also, when you graduate, you will have more contacts from undergraduate if you go to UCI and stay in California. </p>

<p>U of W is a good school, but it really is a regional school. If you were debating between a school like Tulane or Wisconsin, I think it would be a harder decision since those schools are more nationally known and recognized with graduates all over the place.</p>

<p>I would almost pick U of O over UW since it seems like more students from California go there and a lot of UofO graduates make their way back to CA unlike UofW.</p>

9

<p>Thanks for the input guys, it is greatly appreciated. Any other opinions/comments?</p>

<p>I have an appointment with the president of the real estate division at the graduate school at Irvine and will discuss possibilities at both schools. Thanks again!</p>