<p>So I've been accepted to UCLA, UC-Berkeley, and Vanderbilt, and I'm really having trouble making this decision. I should start by saying that I don't really know what I want to study yet. I'm going in undecided wherever I end up. However, my interests are business, computer science, pre-law, and pre-med.</p>
<p>The UC's have a better worldwide reputation than Vanderbilt, due largely to their immense capabilities and work in research. Also, the weather out there (especially LA) is just gorgeous. </p>
<p>Vanderbilt, however, has much more of a close-knit, campus-y feel, which is something I'm looking for. I started my college search looking for a school of around 6-8k students, and Vanderbilt fits in that. I think I would like the smaller class sizes. Also, being from Illinois, Vandy would be an easier transition. However, Vandy's reputation as an elitist, rich, white school worries me. (Let it be known that I'm also white and the son of two physicians, so it's not like I would stick out.) But the elitism worries me, as does the Southern "old-boy network" culture.</p>
<p>Any information or advice you could provide to aid me in the decision would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!</p>
<p>Wow, I had to make the exact same decision two years ago and eventually chose Vanderbilt. It seems to be the right choice so far, judging from what I heard from my friends at Berkeley and LA. At UCB and UCLA, it is very difficult to switch majors or even get into a major, so if you’re not sure what you want to do, Vanderbilt is probably the better choice. Also, if there is even the slightest chance that you are interested in doing a science major or pre-med, DO NOT go to the UCs because the intro level math and science classes are impossible. They’re not exactly a breeze at Vanderbilt either, but at least an A is entirely reachable with sufficient effort even if you’re not good at those subjects. (However, this statement does not apply to single-variable calculus. Try to take a higher level math course if you really must take math.) Lastly, getting an undergraduate research position at UCB and UCLA will be very hard, so that’s another reason to go to Vanderbilt.</p>
<p>As for elitism at Vanderbilt, I haven’t really seen anything like that. But again, I’m not very observant so I suppose it could have escaped my notice.</p>
<p>I’m from LA and know a lot about the UC’s, and am waitlisted at Vanderbilt. I’ll tell you that the UC’s are very crowded. A lot of people do not get classes they want and some people even have to stay longer to complete their majors and stuff. I mean I know people who love both schools, UCLA is in Brentwood which is an amazing neighborhood. Berkeley I have been to and has such a laid back vibe. I understand what you mean about the elitist culture at Vanderbilt but like powerof0 said, I don’t think it will be that big of a deal and you will get used to it. Plus, this may not be an issue, it isn’t for me I just thought I should mention it, both UCLA and UC Berkeley are about 40% asian. I am sure you know that but just to show you the difference in being the majority at Vanderbilt or the minority at UCLA. And when it comes to worldwide rep, most people here at least think Vanderbilt better than UCLA and usually better than Berkeley. Just sayin…haha</p>
<p>My friends from Cal. tell me all the UC’s are going through tuff budget times. Something to think about.</p>
<p>I have 2 sons at Vandy, we are a minority and from the northeast. Neither of them have felt that Vandy is any more “elitist” than any other top school would be nor do they find the school very southern.</p>
<p>Your choices are all great schools, best of luck.</p>
<p>Yes- think twice about going to a UC. My daughter graduated from Vanderbilt, came home here to Northern California for a year & is now back at Vanderbilt for her PHD. Programs here are being cut, making it even more difficult to graduate…our economy is definitely not recovering, only getting worse, protests are happening here at the colleges & universities. She really wanted to stay in CA, but not a possibility. So happy to be back in Nashville- the first thing she said was that she didn’t realize how depressed California is until she got out of here! We are happy she is back at Vanderbilt- wish we could join her but our business, or what’s left of it, is here.</p>
<p>As the other posters have already stated, I would think very seriously before attending UCLA or Cal, especially since you have another great opportunity. My D’s father and I have three degrees between us from UCLA & Berkeley and in spite of that our D did not even apply to either school. Everything said above is true (and in some cases worse) and the forecast for the UC system is bleak and getting bleaker. Vanderbilt is much better choice in every respect.</p>