<p>I'm currently having a fit trying to decide between these two. On one hand the familiarity of California beckons, while on the other a little voice in my mind wonders if this isnt a chance of branch out in life and acclimate to a new enviornment. The pros and cons of both a large school such as UCLA are in deadlock against those of small Dartmouth. The new face of a UC vs that of the older Ivy...the beaches of LA vs the Ski ranges of Dartmouth...and so on and so forth. The only constant seems to be the caliber of academic excellence, which either college would offer.</p>
<p>So I'm forced to ask the question: what would YOU do given these choices, and why? Perhaps listening to the arguments of others is the only way I can come to a conclusion. </p>
<p>It would help to know what your intended major is and also how confident you are that you'll stick with it? And congrats for having such a difficult choice to make, lol.</p>
<p>I intend to major in History. I have no doubt whatsoever that I'll change my major. If I were somehow swayed from this major,however; then a major in English would be my next choice. </p>
<p>I'm usually pretty good at making a choice, but this is damn hard...</p>
<p>it's a tough decision and it comes down to location and cost. if you really like those sandy beaches, you won't be seeing them much for the next ~4 years. On the other hand, I've heard many good things about Dartmouth. UCLA's history program is really strong too. My friend had to make this choice last year and he chose Dartmouth.</p>
<p>I would choose Dartmouth because it's like a large liberal arts college. It is also more racially diverse than UCLA. It has about 4000 undergraduates which is about 4x the size of a normal LAC. (4000 is about the size of the incoming UCLA class by the way.) It has great financial aid:
[quote]
Financial Aid Distribution
Percent of total undergraduate aid awarded as:</p>
[/quote]
while 100% of need is met. (I can't find the figures for UCLA)
[quote]
</code></pre>
<h1>Average financial aid package: $30,712</h1>
<h1>Average need-based loan: $3,481
[/quote]
It is a more intimate experience. It is not as FAMILIAR as the typical tiny LAC. It has a special focus on the undergraduate experience. CONS: It's in Hanover. It's freezing cold (depends on you though). It's on the opposite coast (depends on you). There is a lot of drinking at the school. It could get boring and the town might get on your nerves because it's so familiar (at least in LA you can spread your wings). They have good graduate school placement and will help you get things down - you have to tackle people down and hold your own at UCLA.</h1>
<p>UCLA: I'd go if I wanted to take a WIDE RANGE of courses. (They have everything under the sun here.) The sports programs are great -- a good RAH RAH FEEL without the sacrifice of a crappy academic experience. People care about academics... but it isn't intense all the time and in your face 24/7. Westwood is a safe wonderful college town. If it feels too small, you can roam Los Angeles. You will meet all kinds of people if you take the effort and try. I agree, it is like a mini-city and you're on your own with a map.</p>