<p>I was accepted to both UCLA and UCB as a statistics major and I'm still trying to decide where I should go. I live in the Bay Area and actually took a class at UCB last fall as part of my CC's concurrent enroll program, while I never been down to LA since I came to California 10 years ago. I know UCB is ever so slightly more prestigious and they have an excellent math program. However, from looking around, some people also say that LA is better for applied math. Does anyone have info on how the Statistics program are at these two places? I know it's not a very popular major and most people just go with applied math or a joint math program instead. </p>
<p>At the moment, my heart is telling me to go to UCLA, knowing full well that UCB ranked higher academically. I think I will enjoy the environment at LA a lot more because I love big cities and I miss the bustling environment that I experienced during my childhood overseas. Maybe I am just sick of being in the Bay and want to get away from my parents for a little while. Is there going to be a really big difference if I go to one over another? Also, how are the internship opportunities in this area for both of the schools? While my current plan is to become an actuary, I may decide to attend grad school in the future. I heard both these schools do not like to admit their own undergrad, if anyone could give me their take on these questions that would be lovely. </p>
<p>The quality of education at the two schools is highly likely to be the same despite the ranking differences. Those rankings really only apply to graduate school.</p>
<p>If you really like the idea of living in a highly urban area, go to UCLA. I recommend touring the campus first before deciding. That seems to help people decide whether they want to be at a school for the next 2-4 years.</p>
<p>I don’t know much about internship opportunities, but I doubt there’s a shortage of them at either school. I therefore believe you’ll be fine(Or screwed, lol) at either school.</p>
<p>I too have heard that some schools, such as LA and Berkeley, prefer not to accept their own undergrads to their grad programs, but I don’t know if this is true, and if it is, I don’t know how much it matters to them. If this is true, you can always go to one of the schools to complete your bachelor’s degree and the other for your master’s degree or Ph.D.</p>
<p>And congrats on getting in at both schools. That isn’t an easy feat!</p>
<p>@Tyosan
I’m also looking into Berkeley’s statistics program.
The only problem: Whenever we try googling statistics or stat program… we get results about people asking for stats on other programs or their GPA and etc. :(( </p>
<p>I a current math undergrad math major… I spoke to many TA’s (current Phd students). Part of the reason that Grad schools are sometimes reluctant to accept their own students is the viewpoint that it is bad for them in the long-run. They think that collaborating and building a network is vital for success and that by attending a different grad school you are expanding your reach. </p>
<p>The statistics and math department are separate at UCLA and there is a sense of snobbery that Math > Statistics.
I have taken classes in both departments and can admit that Stats classes tend to be easier. </p>
<p>If you are planning to be an actuary, UCLA offers the financial math major (part of the Math department)… It is a brans new major (1st year, used to be part of applied science) also the Bruin Actuarial Society is a popular club for networking for jobs <a href=“Bruin Actuarial Society at UCLA”>http://www.math.ucla.edu/~actuary/</a>
Many people have gotten offers, with bonuses for people that have passed exams.</p>
<p>Pros and Cons about Financial Mathematics major.
Pro: can be an actuary w/o grad degree, which can save people time and $$
Cons: very narrow focused… what if you change your mind?</p>
<p>Arguably, both Cal and UCLA are in highly urban areas. If you want to experience a change from the Bay Area, I would suggest UCLA. Visit UCLA first before you make a decision! Campus visits really do make the difference. It’s one thing from looking at photos on their site and another to actually get the feel of the place. Maybe you’ll love the city of LA or absolutely despise it. You have to visit it. </p>
<p>Both are excellent for Mathematics! You have great choices, choose wisely! </p>
<p>@Loyshi I feel your pain man, every time I try to look into some colleges’ Stat program all i get from google are statistics about college admission and such.</p>
<p>@Dagoberto That’s some very useful information, the Actuarial Society sounds great, but I get how the Financial Math major can work both ways, which is why I choose to apply as stats major. </p>
<p>Warning: The rankings seemed to have been put together sloppily. Berkeley is somehow listed as #2 and #15 on this ranking system and UCLA is listed twice at #30. lol</p>
Hi, Could I ask what you GPA was when you got accepted to this two school? I am also interested in the Stat program at this two college. Thank you!
AND which one did you go finally? LOL