Recently, I have been accepted into the University of Washington’s computer science program (direct admit) along with UCLA’s computer science program. I wanted some help in deciding which one would be better for me given the factors below.
UW Pros:
I am a Washington resident, so the price is much cheaper
CS program is ranked higher than that of UCLA’s (#6 to #13)
UW Cons:
I hate it here in Washington (weather mostly) and I don’t want to see people from my high school in college
UCLA Pros:
Much larger Asian population, along with Korea town and just lots of Asian cultures
Greater overall prestige over UW
I love California and I love the weather there (I’ve lived in Cali before)
I feel I would be a lot happier in UCLA
UCLA Cons:
CS program is ranked below UW (#13 to #6)
To sum it all up, I believe UW will be better in cost and slightly better in program quality, but UCLA will be better in overall quality of life. My family is high middle class with a $500,000-ish salary, so the tuition of UCLA is not that big of an issue, but it is always good to save money when possible.
Which school do you guys think is the better match for me? Does the price outweigh the quality of life benefits of UCLA?
Also, does a #6 vs #13 CS ranking matter? Is there a noticeable difference between the strength of UW and UCLA computer science?
It sounds like you would be happier at UCLA. I live in the Los Angeles area. It definitely has much better weather. The overall school is a better school also. If the cost or the distance isn’t a factor UCLA is better imo.
It really sort of depends. You’re right, #6 and #13 aren’t really that different from one another, both colleges are really good. I don’t know much about either program since i’m not interested in CS, (but I do live in LA and also was just accepted to UW!) but UCLA seems more about theoretical aspects, while at UW you might have more opportunity for practical, hands-on things. If you’re more into research, go for UCLA, but if you want to go out and do things more in your undergrad years then UW might be better (though maybe not, since UW’s is also a more notoriously competitive major, so internships would also be the same).
If I were you, I honestly might just pick UCLA. Even if the program isn’t maybe as hands-on as you may want, it’s not like you’d be going to an unknown school. You’re going to get internships and jobs, or into a good grad school if that’s what you want. Since you say money isn’t too much of an issue, you might as well go to UCLA and have fun. College, after all, is about making the most of some of the last bits of total freedom you’ll have and trying new experiences. I hope this helped!
How much does the cost difference matter to you and your parents? I.e. would there be parent or cosigned loans, or would the extra cost make it difficult for your parents to fund their retirement or college costs for any younger siblings you have? If your parents really do have a $500,000 annual income, it is likely that the cost is not a big deal, but the question needs to be asked.
Realistically, it is unlikely you will see many of the people from your high school at a large university.
Even though I can afford it, do you think my greater interest in UCLA outweighs the price difference? Even if I can afford it, I don’t know if the price difference of 30K (120K total) is worth choosing a school I like more, for similar program strength.
Many life choices matter - for a variety of reasons. Where you attend college is only one. Students often place too much weight on a single variable when there are many in the equation of happiness and success.
OP, you have two equally fantastic choices here. As a decision based on academics and future opportunity, you will be set from either. As a financial decision, while it’s a non-factor for you, I’ve seen parents in similar scenarios offer student the monetary difference for investment upon graduation - learning value of personal finances in making choices;)
Once those considerations are decided, it’s secondary factors. Two great, unique urban areas here. You currently live in WA but you have lived in CA too. So neither is a big leap to somewhere unknown. If weather is the deciding factor, so be it. Whichever you choose embrace your decision, approach wearing a positive set of lenses and optimize your 4 yr. college experience.
OP I would focus on cost. UW and UCLA are both great schools. I think UCLA is a great school but not so prestigious that I would saddle yourself with lots of debts post graduation. UW is also a top research university. Look at the US News World College Ranking.
Yeah, I would consider myself so very fortunate haha.
I’m strongly leaning towards UCLA at this point. I just can’t give up the amazing city + beautiful beach coasts and weather that UCLA offers for Washington’s gloomy weather for 4 more years.
YOLO, dude.
If the family can comfortably afford it - do what feels right.
You don’t have wrong decisions here …
Just make sure to do the research on how to get in class etc - plenty of info on the UCLA forum.
