<p>Hello guys. I'm currently a high school senior and have been accepted to both UCLA and NYU for the class of 2015. I'm interested in studying neuroscience/neural science in college and am having a difficult time choosing between the two schools. I live in California right now and was hoping to venture out a little by going to college, so if I go to UCLA, I feel like I won't be able to experience what I could by going to NYU. I know that UCLA's neuroscience program is ranked higher than NYU's, but I feel like NYU can offer students much more connections and intership programs than UCLA, especially because UCLA has a weaker alumni program. GAHHH. I really don't know how I can decide, so I was hoping you guys could help me out by giving me your opinions. Thanks so much! </p>
<p>Oh, and by the way, my financial aid for UCLA is still pending, but for NYU, I've been offered about $20,000 in scholarships which I have heard is quite a lot for NYU because they're pretty stingy with their money. Financial aid isn't a HUGE issue and I am the only person who will be attending college in my family for a while, but at the same time, I do feel kind of bad for my parents who have to pay so much if I do decide to attend NYU. But on the other hand, I did hear that what you pay is what you get, and with UCLA's tuition costs rising every year, I'm beginning to think that maybe private is a good choice. GAAHHHH. Enough of me babbling.</p>
<p>You’re in a “fortunate predicament” here. Two great schools! I just want to clear up some things you said first. Although it is true about UCLA’s annual tuition rise, the yearly tuition rise also applies to NYU. For the upcoming 2011-2012 school year, the tuition for NYU will experience a 3.8% increase and the trend will likely continue, as it always has. </p>
<p>I’ll explain the finances since you said you are slightly worried about the cost that your parents will have to pay. So, I dug out a little information from the UCLA website (you may already know this information) and I don’t know your upcoming situation but: Living With Relatives - $22,045 / Residence Halls - $30,340 / Fraternities - $24,634 / Off Campus Apartments - $27,481 (with financial aid still pending). You said you received a 20k in scholarships to attend NYU which will put you in the 40k to 50k (counting food/groceries, toiletries, daily necessities, clubs/party entrance fee, possible transportation back and forth to home, etc.) range for yearly attendance. NYC is NOT a cheap place to live as it is one of the priciest places in the world to live in. Just keep that in mind. Staying in state at UCLA, even with the annual tuition hikes, will prove to be more financially feasible upon your parents’ pockets in the end. Keep that in mind. </p>
<p>I can understand your point of view of wanting to experience something new. And, NYC can offer that. It is one of the busiest cities in the world with many things to see and do. However, the question is if you have ever experienced or have a basic yet efficient knowledge of the city of New York. Some people have this preconceived mindset that NYU is the perfect place for them in college. However, being in such a large city, NYU is infamous for lacking the traditional feel of a college. Many incoming students feel displaced and overwhelmed by its enormity and lack of a centered community. You will most likely feel isolated for your initial time here and learn how to be independent in order to survive in this city. Many have transferred out due to the inability to adapt. It ultimately depends on you. </p>
<p>Paying more does not necessarily mean you will have more in the end. It will definitely mean you will have more to pay in the end, however. What I mean is that even though it costs more does not mean it is better for you. I would personally choose NYU over UCLA IF it were Stern or Tisch. But, I don’t feel that paying more for a good education that you could equally receive at a lower price is worth it. </p>
<p>It really depends on you! Academically your set for both…even though I think NYU ranks higher than theyre both good schools academically. However, NYU is big on research and is a good school for that as well as having a lot of notable scholars. If I were deciding on this…it would come down simply to location. Do you want to be in LA…or manhattan??</p>
<p>Same problem. UCLA or NYU. In the end, i picked UCLA. NYU just doesn’t appeal to me other than it’s location because I prefer judging a school by its rankings and UCLA has that. Not only that, UCLA is in a great location as well. So based on these two things, I picked UCLA.</p>
<p>Wow, I haven’t checked this thread in a while! Sorry for the late reply guys. In the end, I chose NYU. I’ve lived near Los Angeles for a little over 10 years now, and I just felt like NYU was the better choice for me. I visited the UCLA campus for the Bruin Day event and also went to a NYU Admitted Student reception that was offered in LA. After attending both events, I decided to go for NYU. It was a better choice for me because though UCLA’s rankings may be a little bit higher, NYU offers more opportunities for its students through research or internship programs. Sure UCLA has these too, but I feel that NYU offers more of it to its students. Also, like I said, I’ve lived in LA for a long time and because of this, I wanted to venture out a little bit more and experience the East coast. </p>
<p>Honestly, whatever college suits you best and appeals to you the most is the one you should attend. Both UCLA and NYU are good schools, but NYU appealed to me more. But wherever you guys choose to go, best of luck to you all! :)</p>
<p>UCLA MAN!!! I’m bias though I’m a New Yorker and i’m tired as heck of the city, haha. Honestly they are both good schools won’t make a difference which you choose.</p>
<p>california is broke man. both last year i heard someone donated hekka money to ucla. so more applicants got better money. nyu isn’t too bad with money but nyc is really expensive.</p>
<p>i guess it comes down to which city you like better. nyc is dirty and rude, but there really isn’t a place that is as diverse or convenient. new yawkers kinda think they’re the **** and that their city is the best thing in the universe. ny really is overrated though, and even the cockiest nyers will admit that.</p>
<p>it’s not like la is problem free either. i mean just look at east la. but ucla is in west la so you should be fine, lol.</p>