UCI vs. UCR - help me decide?

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

Hey so I applied to both UCR and UCI for business…

I got accepted into UCR with Honors (I’m probably not gonna apply though) and the Chancellors Scholarship.

I got into to UCI as well but as undeclared instead of Business Admin, which I applied for.

Right now, I’m leaning more towards UCR just because it seems like the cheaper + easier option, but what are your guys’ thoughts?

I haven’t done much research on UCI bcus I didn’t wanna get my hopes up LOL but is it really that much better than UCR?

Is it worth just committing to UCI for the social side/prestige and trying to declare as a business major later on?

2

Since you did not get into your preferred major at UCI, you will then have to change majors if you plan to pursue Business. The Business school is very competitive, so you need to take that into consideration if you plan to attend UCI.

http://www.changeofmajor.uci.edu/CoM_Business.html

I am all for the direct admit, and UCR has a very good business school.

I would visit both schools, talk to some Business students and also check with UCI about how difficult it will be to change majors.

Best of luck.

3

@happyapple1 At UCI - It is easy to change into business econ at the school of social sciences if you want, and minor in accounting/management/ “unofficially” through Merage. You can always apply to switch to Merage, but your worst case scenrio will be a Business Econ Degree with a minor in accounting or management. You will benefit greatly from the recruiting of the Big 4 at UCI.

I don’t know much about UCR.

Visit both campuses, talk to people, get a feel for it and understand ALL your options. Then, decide.

4

UCI - better city, better weather.

5

Here’s my take on both schools as my kids are currently attending each one. UCR really has its act together in terms of program (Bus. Admin program) and school events, housing,parking etc. My other kid is an Econ major at UCI. It doesn’t have a strong community in terms of pulling students together for concerts/events. Parking is the worst!!! We pay for parking at the dorms/apartments/and at the school. So think double parking fees. UCI has better weather and better city. It’s in a wealthy area. UCR has ample parking and housing fees are significantly less. UCR feels like a college campus. Also the food at UCR is really good, UCI is really awful. These are from the opinions of my kids. Both would be good for your degree, just look at everything before you decide. Go to the ADMIT day event at both schools (if possible) and you will get a better feel of the students/campus. Good luck!

6

If I was in your position then I would go for UCR but that’s because I’m far more concerned with debt than having a social life in college. No doubt UCI is better socially and has more prestige but in business UCR is very well respected. It seems like you’re leaning towards UCI though. Keep in mind that you’ll have to work very hard to switch into the business school as GumbyMom has noted how competitive it is. That may not lead to a lot of room for your social life. They’re both great business schools. Like we all have said, visit both schools and see which one you feel fits you most. Best of luck.