<p>Hi, I'm posting for a friend who is very conflicted about which of these two schools to attend. She's visited both and this is how she feels about each. Notre Dame she likes bc it's a more personable school. She won't be taught by TA's and it's also just a very close knit community. But she can't stand the fact that it seems like all the kids do is drink and there isn't much to do outside of that bc it's so rural. As far as UCLA, the location is perfect since we are Orange County natives - so it's not too far but just far enough. Also, there's a lot to do in LA so she won't feel pressured to constantly hit up the party scene. She just wants to know which is better, a school close to home that resides in such a dynamic area, or a school that is close knit where she can actually communicate with her professors. She just hasn't been able to fully weigh out the pros and the cons.</p>
<p>UCLA will offer almost all of the opportunities that Notre Dame does. So it really depends on which school she likes more.</p>
<p>She has two great choices! Totally different schools, one public, one private, and that makes them completely different experiences in education. Very different approach, a student at ND, a number at UCLA, that is how it is. Everything is more of a struggle at UCLA, just like it is throughout CA, always fighting for resources, standing in line, etc. Doesn’t mean it’s all bad, there are growth opportunities there. Seems hard to get CA kids out of CA into something different though.</p>
<p>I had a similar problem. Accepted to UCLA, UCSD, and Notre Dame. I didn’t like the way UCLA pushed you around like cattle due to it’s size, even though more internship opportunities were at UCLA. It came down to Notre Dame or UCSD.
Like UCLA, They both have excellent resources and opportunites, Notre Dame has good sports, UCSD is ranked higher in any list you look at, and I liked both campuses.
In the end, I chose UCSD just to stay in California and because I don’t think I would find too many similar people at Notre Dame. Besides religion, many people at ND wouldn’t have too many similarities. Atleast at UCSD I wouldn’t be the only Hispanic walking around campus. (There’s hispanics at ND, but very very few relative to it’s size)</p>
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And she thinks such an answer exists, true for all people and all situations? No, this is a choice I’m afraid she’s going to have to make on her own.</p>
<p>Question is what is she going to major in, should factor which school would offer the best education for your major. Also it’s always funny to see how people say UCLA just label you as a number or treat you less than human, the truth of the matter is you’re probably just overwhelmed by its school size and how diverse it is which is why you feel the spotlight isn’t pointed at you. If you want the spotlight and not be treated as a so called number be more active and stand out from the crowd, participate and get yourself known rather than just sit idly and complain/have regrets</p>
<p>@SuppySide
“UCSD is ranked higher in any list you look at”</p>
<p>Which lists do you look at? Notre Dame is ranked higher according to USNewsReport</p>
<p>Notre Dame #17
UCSD #38</p>
<p>Not that rankings are important. I was just a bit confused.</p>
<p>@hakuex, it doesn’t matter how involved you are when you are crammed 3 in a tiny dorm, and can’t get the classes you want/need or have to wait in a 10 deep line at the “teller” windows, or want to change your major cause at 18 you weren’t sure what you wanted to do and things/people change - just participating won’t help any of those things, you are still a number and why people will always be willing to pay for private and/or smaller schools. I don’t think poster is looking for spotlight, just looking for a good college experience. What concerns me across this board is how very few say it is fabulous after they are there, it is just the hype of getting in. I have read/met a lot who ended up saying it was “ok” but nothing more. Just yesterday, two alumni told me they would go there for grad school but not undergrad. On the outside it looks grand, I just think it is covering issues within.</p>
<p>I am in the same situation! I hope to pursue a science-related major, but am unsure of what I what I want do to. I love getting involved with my community, but I also want to receive more individualized attention and guidance. How hard is it to change into a science major at UCLA? Is there a strong support system to help you if you are struggling with classes or planning your future?</p>