<p>I've pretty much narrowed it down to these two schools: UCLA, with honors program and in-state tuition, and UVa, as an Echols scholar and tuition that's actually pretty much the same.</p>
<p>I applied undecided to both, but my major would probably be something related to science, so I'm not sure which one has the stronger programs.</p>
<p>I guess that I would have originally chosen UCLA, because of where it is and all the opportunities available there, but I'm starting to like UVa more and more. My parents are pushing UVa, because they think that it is more prestigious, but I definitely do like a lot of things about it. My one concern about UVa is that it would be a major adjustment for someone from California, and that it would be maybe difficult to fit in as an out of state student</p>
<p>Can anyone help me with this?? Thanks!</p>
<p>I've heard great things about both schools, and though I'll be going to UCLA, I visited UVa not long ago for my twin, so here's what I got out of it.</p>
<p>UVa is, undoubtedly, a southern school. Greek life is much larger than at UCLA, and the southern fraternities are unquestionably there.. However, racism isn't as prevalent as people make it out to be, though I've heard that a few Asian students were victimized 2-3 years ago. School spirit is very fun and evident, doesn't lose out to UCLA in the slightest there. And the campus is beautiful, I mean BEAUTIFUL, not to mention a great college town surrounding it.</p>
<p>All in all, I can see you taking a little while to adjust, because it's definitely different from California. But you get what you put in, and if you go in there excited and eager, you'll definitely have a lot of fun there. Tuition being about the same helps a lot, too, that's awesome. Ideally, I'd visit as soon as possible and see if it fits your tastes, but if you can't before May 1 don't worry too much.</p>
<p>Just for the record, if I had to choose between the two (and I might have, if I had applied), I would choose UCLA... but I've been a little biased ever since I committed. :] My sibling took UVa in a heartbeat, though, and there's definitely a distinct college experience there.</p>
<p>I would recommend UVA solely because living far from home, and experiencing a different take on life (southern influence + learn manners) will be a blast for you.</p>
<p>In my view they are equally prestigious on the West Coast and Asia. On the east coast UVA is more prestigious. I mean thomas figgin jefferson founded the place, didn't he? UCLA was founded as a trade school (teacher's college).</p>
<p>DunninLA,</p>
<p>You are wrong. UCLA is by far more prestigious on the West Coast and in Asia. Who says that UCLA is less prestigious because UCLA was initially founded to train teachers? Your point of view is very provincial. Please be logical.</p>