<p>Im having trouble decide between BioE at UCLA and BME UCI. I got into the honors program at UCI, and when I went to the honors program reception it seemed really nice. For example, I get priority registration, which I would not be getting if I went to UCLA and something I heard is really important these days. Also, my parents want me to go to UCI since its closer to home, but distance isnt really important to me. Theres a chance that I might go pre-med, and it might be easier for me to get a higher GPA at UCI than LA. </p>
<p>But then UCLA = Better academics, more prestigious, and I'm assuming the social life is better there because of sports and the fact that its not as much of a commuter school than UCI. I haven't visited LA yet but I'm going to both Bruin day and the engineering open house. Both schools are going to cost about the same for me financially. Can I get opinions on where I should go?</p>
<p>I was in the same situation, and when I visited the reception for CHP (funny name, campuswide honors program/california highway patrol) at UCI, everybody seemed nice and the campus was no doubt beautiful. But I think I just liked the idea of going to UCLA better because it was a more mature school with a greater reputation.</p>
<p>Yes UCLA is more prestigious but as for GPA-killing/honors help I can’t really comment on that. I still wish they had kept priority registration with the honors program here.</p>
<p>From what I’ve heard UCLA has a better social life too. All my friends who go to UCLA LOOOVE it and find their own niche of friends, but it’s also still possible to constantly meet new people. A lot of my friends who go to UCI (and trust me, I have a lot of them) often complain it’s the same type of people after awhile and that they get bored. Of course they like it okay but there’s not the same level as spirit as you tend to find with Bruins. There is also a lot more to do in the LA area than Irvine if that matters to you. General consensus seems to be UCI is good but UCLA is GREAT. If you’re willing to put in the work you should be good. Definitely visit both and feel it out!</p>
<p>choose UCLA. i did.I got into that honors program in february and i didn’t even consider it. Sure, academically it would give you an advantage, but will you enjoy it and will you have the legendary name? probably not. I think when you apply for grad school/ job coming from UCLA will probably trump the irvine honors program. I’m not really sure but that’s my opinion. If you care about the social setting, which most people do, UCLA has a much better one. Also, UCLA is very well funded and it’s not as impacted by the budget cuts as other schools (like Irvine). Although you would be getting priority registration (which of course is an amazing advantage) you would feel the effects of the bdget cuts like a smaller choice of classes, larger classes, less programs and activities. You do not want these things to be compromised and you have the chance to go to UCLA.
good luck!</p>