I have 2 days to decide and I am confused between WashU and UCLA. I am interested in Computational Neuroscience but would also like to explore fields like Philosophy and Physics. I have a strong biology background but not as confident in computer science. Being in the midwest WashU would be closer to home for me, but definitely more expensive. I want to get into research, possibly AI, and am certain I don’t want to do premed. Will getting research opportunities at UCLA be difficult? How much does the personal attention of a private university matter?
Weather doesn’t make a huge difference to me.
I don’t think you could have two better–or more different–choices. I can’t speak to the quality of the specific programs. You’ve probably hit on the biggest difference–UCLA is a very large school with a vast array of resources, but you have to be motivated to navigate them. WashU works with kids on a very personal level to make sure they have what they need. I think reasonable minds can differ as to whether that type of concierge service is altogether a positive thing. There is also a vast cultural difference–WashU is at the very top (per a NY Times study) of wealth disparity among students–UCLA is probably the most socio-economically diverse of all the “prestige” universities. WashU is likely be more competitive than UCLA given how diverse UCLA’s student population is. I think this is an instance where it really depends what you’re looking for out of your college experience–you can’t go wrong.