I am lucky enough to get into both wonderful schools, yet I am having trouble deciding between which to attend for undergrad education. My goal is to get into a top STEM grad school such as Stanford, MIT, Berkeley and CMU (preferably Stanford or MIT).
Vandy: 1. smaller classes,
2. more available research,
3. flexible curriculum (I am thinking to major in CS+MATH+HOD),
4. more accessible professors/TA,
5. great undergrad edu and big name.
cons: 1. location, less internships opportunities,
2. not known in STEM.
UCLA: 1. well-known in CS Math (prestige-wise).
2. LA!
3. well known overall and has big name
cons: 1. bigger classes, and it would be remote 2021 fall because large lectures are still online (I assume freshman intro courses are huge).
2. research are fantastic, but resource/student is lower than Vandy
3. might be more competitive/cut-throat than Vandy
4. less accessible professors.
I am planning to go on Data Sci track for grad school, and would like to major in at least CS and Math for undergrad. Tuition does not matter. Please offer me some suggestions!!! I appreciate your help!!!
First of all if you want to go grad school then the research work and academic professor connections outweigh prestige. Similarly, going to MIT and Stanford will not guarantee that you get a Turing award
I love squash and was in our school team. Also interested in music. I am international but study in NY. For college, I am not sure about what dorm life would suit me best: frat sounds interesting but I am fine with normal dorm life.
I finished Calc BC in junior year with score of 5. I have in total of 8 APs(6 with score 5 and 2 of 4.) But I don’t think I will use them because college professors are better at teaching than myself lol. There are 5 APs yet to be tested this year.
Thanks for your reply.
Yes, I would agree with you that the actual academic work and academic connection is more tangible and important for applying to grad school. So I assume you suggest Vandy because there are more research opportunities per student at a private school like Vandy, and professors can better know you due to low student-faculty ratio?
Ok, great info. I am trying to get a sense of fit - from a “how will your life be when you aren’t studying” vantage point. Nashville v LA and comparing smaller campus to big campus.
If you love music, do you anticipate taking in the music scene in either city? Will you have a car? Does diversity natter to you? Does the residential college set up at Vandy appeal to you?
Have you compared the math offerings at both schools? UCLA likely has more depth and breadth, if that matters - which it might if you’re already through calc BC. Also, how outgoing are you? If you are the type to reach out to profs, undergrad research opportunities will be available at UCLA. It just might be more difficult to get their attention.