<p>So, I got admitted to Davis and am pretty positive that I'm in at UCLA, but I'm not too sure about Berk (have to wait until Friday).
I live in LA, so I'm pretty familiar with UCLA and its campus. I like it a lot, but I'm just not sure I want to stay in LA. I feel like I should branch out and move away from home.
At the moment, Davis is kind of my first choice, because out of all of the UCs, it seems like the epitome of a college town. I like that it has a lot more relaxing atmosphere, that the city is small, that I'd be able to afford my own apartment, that I'd be branching out from home, that there's an emphasis on bike riding, etc.
However, I'm not sure if its worth turning down the name of UCLA. Also, I think I'm going through that moment where I'm afraid of leaving a place of familiarity. I do really like the campus, already have a lot of friends there, multiple family members around, etc.
And then, there's Berk, which some people tell me I'd be stupid to turn down in favor of Davis. I also like Berk a lot, but I'm just not sure I'd like it as much as Davis. I sort of feel like I'm trying to convince myself to go to Berk or LA instead of Davis, rather than really feeling like I should go to one of the two.
Any advice or experiences? Thanks :)</p>
<p>Davis is a wonderful school. What is your intended major? What are your long term goals?</p>
<p>This is a good time in your life to start doing what your gut tells you is right for you rather than doing something for the perceived prestige. If there were a big difference in the quality or opportunity in your major, that might be something to consider. For most students, graduating from UCLA vs UCD is not going to have an impact on their futures.
If you’re happy in your environment, chances are you will find more opportunities that work for you, make more friends, and even do better academically. Davis is a wonderful school for people who want a balanced life. I think it’s a great choice. Congratulations!</p>
<p>Same boat, man. I live in the greater LA area. I am in love with the UCLA campus, the architecture, all that. It’s definitely my ideal of a university. I also like the prestige and name recognition it has. But, my area of interest (bio anthropology) is not well represented there, and, Davis has a great bio anthro program. Its also a pretty neat little town and I am sure I would be very happy there. But, how could I turn down UCLA (I am fairly confident of getting accepted after looking at the mean gpa of folks with my major getting in to LA, I am well above it). </p>
<p>I don’t know if I am able to help you, because I am still trying to figure it out, but if you think of anything that makes your decision easier let me know, lol. I am gonna first see if I even get into UCLA, and then compare fin aid offers. Hopefully one of the schools will make it easy for me to say no/yes.</p>
<p>I am selecting UCI over UCLA (If I get in), it is one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. While its not exactly like your situation, it is similar in the sense I had to pass up on the brand name to select a school that was a better fit for my situation. Do what feels right and do not allow rankings alone make your decision.</p>
<p>Absolutely not crazy to take Davis over Berkeley or UCLA. It’s a fantastic school, and I think environment and personal factors are worth weighing heavily.</p>
<p>Is Davis ranked that high by Berkeley and UCLA?</p>