Hello! I would love some input on choosing a college, as title states. Any insight would be appreciated!
**UIUC: **
Pros: highest ranking program, I generally don’t like UCs due to impaction.
Cons: tuition is 2x the cost of UCLA and 3x the cost of UCD even after federal and merit aid ): I would have at least 120k in debt by the end of four years. Is it worth it?
UCLA:
Pros: widely respected (good for jobs hunting) and much more affordable bc I’m in-state
Cons: I don’t know if I’ll fit in with the vibe here. Is it cutthroat and super competitive? I’m not really into that /: I also feel like I would be bottom of the class here lol
UCD:
Pros: I think UCD’s CEE program is better than UCLA’s? also, I think the small town vibe might fit me better. It’s about 3k cheaper than UCLA but I’m willing to overlook that because UCLA is still pretty cheap
Cons: not as prestigious = not as helpful for job hunting, family/peer pressure to accept UCLA because “ITS UCLA!!”
thanks so much!
Don’t worry about rankings. Figure out where you feel is the best fit. However, I’d rule out UIUC due to cost. Don’t go into debt undergrad.
You will have the same position in job hunting at UCD and UCLA. You need to take advantage of the opportunities at both schools. Prepare to work hard at both schools, UCLA is more competitive in admissions but you need to realize UCD is no slack. Don’t feel like you need to go to UCLA bc it’s UCLA.
You need to figure out what type of school you want. UCLA is huge, do you want a larger student body, large school spirit, a big party scene, and big sports?
You mentioned you liked the small town vibe of UCD and it is cheaper. For these reasons I think UCD is best for you. I think you are looking at UCLA for the wrong reasons. Stop focusing on numbers and focus on yourself and what you personally want in a college.
UIUC has many majors that are impacted, and $120k debt is a very bad idea.
So go to one of the UCs (whichever you like better).
thanks for the input everyone! i visited all campuses within this week and its still not any easier for me to decide… haha. I think I will email UIUC asking for more money and if that isn’t possible, I’ll rule it out. then its between UCLA and Davis…