University of St. Andrews vs. UC Davis?

Student Lounge International Students
1

Hey guys!

I got into both UC Davis (University of California-Davis) and St. Andrews, and I was wondering if you guys know which one is a better school to study at.

There are rankings for both schools but usually within their respective countries, and I haven’t been able to find much comparing Davis (or any other UC’s) to St. Andrews.

Any answer/opinion would be extremely appreciated!!

I’m not 100% sure of what I want to study, and I know that it’s really difficult to change majors at U.K. universities once admitted. My major at St. Andrews would be Neuroscience, and at UC Davis would be either Neurobiology or Animal Bio.

2

I don’t think you’ve been admitted yet, don’t see how it’s possible. Can you explain?
Are both within budget? - check with your parents.
Are you instate for UCs?
What do you want to do after your degree?

3

Agree with poster above that the UC application submission period does not open until Nov 1. How are you accepted already?

4

My daughter was admitted to both last year and the costs were about the same. (If in-state for Davis)

But she got her St. A offer n December and UCD in March.

5

In terms of pure reputation I’d take St. Andrews. As you mentioned, you’re limited in your freedom to change subjects at St. Andrews, so if you’re not 100% sure about neuro or a very similar field, St. Andrews probably isn’t a good fit.

6

It would be pretty easy at St. Andrews to take first year modules that could lead to neuroscience or biology.

7

Or psychology.

8

Yep.

Most programs only require 1 first year module each semester and you can take 3. So with careful planning you do have choices at the end of year 1.

9

I think either decision is reasonable, and it should come down to what kind of atmosphere and fit is most desirable for you, and what you are really looking for from a university experience. I would consider carefully the different types of experiences (educational and otherwise) that you would have at these very different places. I think both have a lot to commend them. My own child selected Univ of St Andrews over the UC campuses, including over a campus ranked just a tad higher then UC Davis (in-state, did not apply to Davis). I’m pretty familiar with the UCs (having graduated from another myself) - and I was pleased my child applied, and was accepted to, the UC, but was also comfortable with child making another choice. I think it depends on the person.

10

My D was accepted there too, along with some pretty decent US schools, Emory, Kenyon, Oberlin. How does she like it