I’m trying to make the decision between UCLA and Duke. Some further information about my situation:
I’m in-state for UCLA
I’m originally from NC (Duke is near home for me)
Although I haven’t gotten my financial aid packet for Duke, I probably won’t get any. No aid at UCLA. My family is well-off but will definitely have to take out loans to afford full tuition
I’m not entirely sure what I want to study, I’m looking at some combination of possibly Mathematics, Economics and Public Policy
I am interested in law school but not dead-set on it
Honestly, I’m kind of wary of the Greek life dominating social culture aspect that I hear about Duke. I don’t know much about Greek life, and I’m not sure what my actual opinions of it would be. Having spent the last 3 years in the bay area, I have grown accustomed to the diversity and am wondering how diversity factors into both of the school’s vibes.
The debt free education is a no brained. Pick UCLA. UCLA is 13% Greek (social Greek chapters) or 18% if you count the professional and cultural ones so it’s def visible but you can be fine without it.
At my time at UCLA, I didn’t really see Greek Life as prevalent. Perhaps, that had to do with being within a few miles of Hollywood and the beach. There is so much to do in the surrounding areas. You’re in Los Angeles not Durham, :-0. Plus, I knew plenty of students who during the weekends went to Vegas or if Coachella was happening, they’d head over to Indio.
Duke is a fantastic school yet the costs will be too much if you plan on pursuing another degree after your undergraduate’s. And if you’re plan on going to law school, law school can run up to 200k. So, you take into consideration of Duke’s tuition and what law school costs, I’d say it is perhaps best to choose UCLA.
Money is an important factor. Only you know what is best there. Putting finances aside, IMHO, I think it comes down to if you are an east coast or west coast person. For me, I would forget the school and decide based on that. Where do you want to live and which coast suits you best? They are very different and I feel as if people are typically drawn to one coast over the other.
^That is good advice. What a tough choice. I’d have to go with UCLA, bc of cost and the cultural differences. But only you know which is better for you.
Have a percent make the choice. If you are disappointed in what they choose, you’ll know which one is for you;)