Hey! Was really lucky this past app season to get accepted into these two great colleges, but am struggling to decide between them. For reference, I plan to major in Computer Science with plans to attend grad school and have emphasis on machine learning, though am adaptable within the sphere of CS.
The benefits of Yale are mostly the overall prestige it has an Ivy League, as well as the fact that its smaller student population compared to UCLA makes it a lot easier to get research opportunities, internships, and sign up for necessary courses. I also like their residential college system a lot, as well as the overall campus vibe.
On the other hand, UCLA is more known for STEM, specifically CS, and I would probably get a stronger foundational learning there. The increased competition there (in my mind, Yale CS would have a less competitive / challenging experience compared to UCLA) would probably help for personal growth as well. UCLA is also cheaper and more convenient as an in-state college.
Basically, it boils down to overall college branding versus major strength. Would definitely appreciate some help!
If you are going for a PhD, Yale is probably less of a problem. Because most CS grad school tends to be about math, and Yale is not that bad for that. You should talk to the CS department at Yale before making that decision. If at all possible, you should prefer Yale, because it gives you optionality. At a place like Yale, you can have very high faculty contact which is critical to go to grad school, and which is very difficult at UCLA.
I’m worried about choosing Yale and not getting as strong a computer science education / sacrificing things like cheap tuition or convenience.
Anyone have other opinions or in support of the above? Would choosing Yale open significantly more doors than UCLA or vice versa? Or is this more just about personal fit / cost?