Wash U vs UCLA?

College Search & Selection
1

Hello,

I was recently rejected by my #1 and #2 choice schools, Northwestern and Rice. However, I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to attend either Wash U or UCLA, both fine universities. I could not find too many older threads comparing these two schools, probably because they are so different.

To start off, I am out of state for both of these, so cost is the same and not an issue. I tentatively applied to the School of Engineering at Wash U and Undeclared Engineering at UCLA; I don’t know if I want to do engineering, but I know I want to do something STEM related and I figure it’s easier to switch OUT of the engineering school than in. I feel that UCLA has the better reputation in engineering, but I have heard that it can be a nightmare to switch majors and get the classes you want. This probably would not be as big of an issue at Wash U, since it is a small private school. I also feel that UCLA might have a better national reputation than Wash U (correct me if I’m wrong).

I like that UCLA has a huge number of degree offerings, but I like that Wash U will have smaller classes and, presumably, more faculty-student interaction. I guess this is boiling down to a big school vs. small school issue. I go to a very small, high-ranking high school, so I was thinking that if I go to Wash U, I will have a similar experience (which I like). At UCLA, however, I could be exposed to a different kind of environment. I am definitely a more introverted, type B personality guy, so I don’t know if a massive school like UCLA, where it might be harder to find friends but easier to have anonymity, would be a better choice than a smaller school like Wash U.

I definitely like the location of UCLA over Wash U. LA weather trumps that of St. Louis. Los Angeles is a global city, so it’s not really a fair comparison to St. Louis. It’s also closer to home (I’m from AZ). However, going to St. Louis would expose to me to something new, a region of the country that I have not lived in. I’m not sure that I want to live in the Midwest after college (excluding Chicago).

As an aside, I did not mention it in the title but there is a tiny part of me that wants to go to my state school and be close to my family and friends. Although my parents would be happy if I stayed home, they also want me to use these four years to explore and venture out on my own.

So what do you guys think? Based on what I’ve written, or your own experience, would you pick Wash U or UCLA? Thanks so much!

2

My son is having the same questions for business having been accepted to Ross at Michigan and Olin at Wash U. Both out of state from CA, not far from UCLA. Tuition will be the same but Wash U is smaller and my son seems to fit your description . We are going to Wash U in April and will be in AZ in May. Post which school you decide on. We left LA 5 years ago and live in a northern state.

3

From what I read from you, it sounds to me that you will be much happier in WU. Don’t go with other people’s perception of a school, go with whichever you fit better.

4

Any other opinions?

5

Wash U has a high degree of flexibility for majors and classes, and has great advising and creature comforts. Its not an engineering powerhouse though. A lot of the students major in engineering before business, law or medical careers. Fewer students who actually want to go into engineering careers than at UCLA. Job placement may be easier out of UCLA.

6

Between the two options, Wash U would be worth the added cost. Smaller classes, no barriers to major switching, and you aren’t going to have to deal with impacted majors and delays to graduate based on being shut out of key classes.

That said, ASU Barrett, if that’s one of your options, is a great place and would be a pretty sweet deal. Better weather too.

7

@stemmmm Thanks. I definitely want to live and work on the West Coast after I graduate, and for that I know UCLA has the clear advantage over Wash U. Do you know if Wash U’s reputation extends further than the Midwest?

@mamaedefamilia Those factors are what make me lean towards Wash U. On the other hand, I feel that UCLA has the better location, which includes being closer to home, and a student body that I could connect more to, if that makes sense. That’s why this decision is super hard. I didn’t apply to Barrett but I am in the Honors College at the U of A. Going to the U of A is probably the most comfortable/predictable route; I can stay in the dorms for one year, then get an apartment, get my degree, all while being 15 minutes away from home. But another part of me is telling me to go outside my comfort zone and experience a different city & culture.

8

Wash U is a nationally ranked university that draws students from all over the US and internationally. It has a strong alumni network. The surrounding area has a lot to offer, including Forest Park and its renowned museums and zoo and the campus is well connected to other parts of the city by light rail. Have you visited? I believe they pay for air travel to attend admitted students weekends.

9

This is how I would rank your choices based on what you described:

  1. Wash U
  2. U Arizona
  3. UCLA

I agree with the advice above to decide after visiting all 3.

10

Wash U has a national reputation and if you decide to change majors, you will still do well graduating from Wash U. I am hugely in favor of using college time to live in other parts of the country and meet a diversity of people. You will be a much better person for it. You have the rest of your life to live in Arizona or on the West Coast, use this short time to experience something different.