I was admitted to UCLA off of the waitlist and am wondering if it is worth it. I live in New Jersey, and it is across the country. It is also $10k more per year, so I would be ~ $100k-120k in debt, taking into account my parents’ contribution. However, I would be $60k in debt from Maryland, unless they decide to give me merit aid (which they should), but I did not apply early. I might also plan on going to grad school, so more debt there, but UCLA would probably make me more likely to get in.
It seems obvious to go to Maryland instead, but I am not going for an average career when I grow up. I want to change the world like Elon Musk, and I am pensive on whether UCLA’s opportunities will help me achieve this goal for the price. What are the relative differences in Comp. Sci rankings for these two schools? Will the proximity of Silicon Valley give me a jump start to my dream career? I know I would be very happy at UCLA (not taking money into account), and I would be much less happy at UMD, so this is also a factor.
I also have a mother who makes an absurd amount of money, but will pay only $30k per year, so I will receive little to no need-based financial aid.
What do you guys think I should do?
Thanks!
P.S. I might also be planning to transfer to a top university, so that can be taken into account too.
Didn’t you post this question before? Your other posts indicate that you are a New Jersey resident. Presumably, you could have gone to Rutgers and stayed within budget, but either did not apply or chose not to go there this year.
Both bring too much debt for you (since that amount requires parent loans or parent-cosigned loans, generally not a good idea). Maryland is the less bad choice between these two, but a financially more sound choice would be to look at starting at a community college and then transferring to Rutgers to complete your bachelor’s degree.
am wondering if it is worth it.
NO, its not worth it.
<<<
was admitted to UCLA off of the waitlist and am wondering if it is worth it. I live in New Jersey, and it is across the country. It is also $10k more per year, so I would be ~ $100k-120k in debt, taking into account my parents’ contribution.
<<<
Insane amount of debt for an undergrad.
<<<<<
However, I would be $60k in debt from Maryland, unless they decide to give me merit aid (which they should), but I did not apply early.
[QUOTE=""]
[/QUOTE]
Well, contact the Director of UMaryland admissions/scholarship office and apologize for applying late, but that you’d like to attend (with your VERY high SAT ) but that it’s not affordable without a merit scholarship. Tell him/her that you will enroll if you get a merit scholarship. Mention that you’ve come off the waitlist at another school, but you’ll stay with your plan to enroll at UMCP if a merit award is given.
[QUOTE=""]
I might also plan on going to grad school, so more debt there, but UCLA would probably make me more likely to get in.
[/QUOTE]
No, it won’t. Grad schools will not choose a UCLA grad over a UMCP grad simply over the school’s name. Absolutely not.
and UCLA is not that close to the Silicon Valley. It’s 5 hours away
You mean this? http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1890149-ucla-vs-u-of-maryland-for-engineering-compsci.html
I’m trying to raise $1 million for ucla, which I can do if 20 OOS kids enroll. It is clear to me that the right decision, without question, is to enroll at ucla!!! You’ll get everything you asked about. Fun times. Career jumpstart. Grad schools begging you to enroll. You’ll change the world. All this, if only you’re smart enough to make the right choice here.