<p>Accepted to UCLA out of state. Accepted to UMiami with scholarship of $112,000(28k/year), Honors Program and Foote Fellowship(no required general education courses).I know that UCLA has a bigger name, but the Miami offer is very tempting, especially since I am interested in environmental and marine science , in which they are very strong.I would greatly appreciate any feedback. Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>Last year, my son got into both Miami and UCLA, but attended neither.</p>
<p>Normally, I would advise you to go to UCLA, but since you have a very specific interest in environmental and marine science, your choice is tougher.</p>
<p>You don’t state what UCLA’s reputation is in environmental and marine science.</p>
<p>That would obviously be a consideration.</p>
<p>What is you COA for UCLA?</p>
<p>I think for UCLA out of state it’s around 55K/year plus travel. I live in Massachusetts. Am I incorrect in thinking that no required general education courses is sort of a big deal ,since I have read that getting courses and graduating on time at UCLA can be problematic.</p>
<p>Take the scholarship. It is not worth it to pay $55k/year for an undergraduate education. It makes sense to go to Miami if it has the stronger program in environmental science/marine science. I personally don’t know very many marine biology majors here and it seems like the environmental science department (Institute of the Environment and Sustainability) is smaller and younger compared to the other sciences on campus, though there are some excellent faculty in the department (Thomas Smith and Glen MacDonald come to mind). I would recommend going to Miami and saving a ton per year.</p>
<p>I’m in the same situation… UMiami is offering me $23K per year and it’s only 30 minutes from home. UCLA has a MUCH bigger name in research/medicine, but it’s $55k per year and 6 hours away via plane.</p>
<p>Instigator, did you get Honors Program and Foote Fellowship? The Foote seems to give the recipient a lot of freedom and flexibility. I really liked the vibe at Miami. It seemed more like a “family” UCLA because of the size seems more impersonal. Don’t get me wrong, I’n not knocking UCLA. It’s a GREAT school with a well deserved reputation, and I am honored to be accepted. I’m looking for the best fit not necessarily the biggest name, especially since I would be on the other side of the country with no support system.</p>
<p>I didn’t get honors program, just 18K presidents scholarship and since I’m a Florida resident, bright futures. I think I’m going to UCLA though because I’ve always wanted to move to California. Now I finally have the opportunity to do it!</p>
<p>Did you apply to any other Cali schools?</p>
<p>USC and Berkeley, so that remains to be seen.</p>
<p>Applied to those also but don’t want to go there.</p>