I’m having a really hard time choosing between UCLA and Vassar as a newly admitted freshmen from Canada. I’m wanting to major in Business and probably minor in English (pre-law track). As an Asian student I feel that I would adapt better to the Cali environment and urban location, which gives me tons of internship opportunities. I’m also aware that the open curriculum at Vassar that shapes students to become more curious individuals. I also heard that attending LACs increase my chances of getting into a top notch law school but that LAC academics are more challenging. Any suggestions?? I have to decide by May. 1st!!!
Have you visited either? They are extremely different environments.
I would not make the assumptions you made about internship opportunities. On-campus recruiting exists.
BTW, as a Canadian, you may attend any of the top Canadian Unis cheaply, and Toronto/McGill/UBC are in urban environments. In that respect, other than the weather, UCLA would not be much different from the Canadian Unis (it’s also a giant research-focused public). Vassar would be a completely different experience from Toronto/McGill/UBC/UCLA.
I’ve actually visited Vassar and I loved the beauty about the campus but I was quite hesitant in terms of its suburban setting (since I’ve never lived in one and I’m afraid of the lack of entertainment). As for UCLA’s large population, the only concern I have is that it will cause a great competition when applying for grad school.
While I am a big proponent of LACs and their benefits of tight community, small classes, and great opportunities for undergraduates and, given the same choice you have, I would pick Vassar myself in a heartbeat-- it sounds like you really prefer UCLA. If that is the case, then go to UCLA! Everyone is different and your college experience should be what you want it to be. Both schools are excellent so you really can’t go wrong! Choose the environment you prefer.
(Note: Vassar does not have a business major. You might major in economics or something else.
Top liberal arts colleges bring entertainment to their campuses. Take a look at a weekly calendar from Vassar and see if it provides the type of entertainment you seek.)
UCLA alumnus here.
I honestly wouldn’t worry about this. UCLA has a good reputation and many of my friends went on to get MBAs/Law and never heard them complain about grad school competition. Yes, there will be competition, but it’s like applying to college: you’ll be competing against people from everywhere, not just your school.
Law school does not require any particular undergraduate major or minor. GPA and LSAT scores are very important.