<p>I’m a 19-year old second year community college student (a.k.a I’m poor) with a 3.75 GPA and a huge decision to make.</p>
<p>I’ve been offered a full ride scholarship to UCR and only UCR (ranked 83rd in U.S. News) but I know I could get into Berkeley or UCLA as well (ranked 20th and 26, respectively) at the cost going deep into debt (Thats never good) and working more hours. I’ve got about 2,000 dollars in grants and scholarships to play with but not nearly enough to make the tops schools affordable. The biggest problem here is money.</p>
<p>My intended major is political science with a minor in philosophy, if I were to attend a top tier school, or a double major in Pol. Sci. and Philosophy otherwise. </p>
<p>I’ve heard UCR’s business program is top notch but hear nothing about the quality of the social science programs. On the flip side I have seen many of the criticisms of Berkleys social science programs, specifically the political science program, which makes me a little uneasy.</p>
<p>Have not seen the Berkeley campus though I’m sure it’s nice. Have seen the UCR campus, not thrilled with the nearby city but the campus is very alive and good looking.</p>
<p>What would you do in my situation? Has anyone else had a similar experience? An opinion of the schools mentined would be helpful too. I’m trying to keep it in California (to cut down on costs) however any other school recomendations or alternative options are welcomed.</p>
<p>I’d go for UCR. It certainly isn’t a bad school, and it’s the individual that makes an education successfull, not the school. Think of it this way, is going to UCB worth X many years of debt repayment? WHY would it matter that much if you say yes? Just think this out, and trust yourself.</p>
<p>You probably wont go that deep into dept, since Berkeley and UCLA might offer you scholarships, and you can even find some yourself.</p>
<p>With 2 years to go, if you are accepted to Berkeley, it will be less than $8000 per year for tuition, plus $8000 per year for dorms and books (you can significantly lower this cost by living somewhere else). There are lots and lots of job opportunities in Berkeley, with most paying 10-15 dollars per hour. If you work a modest 12 hours a week, that’s 6300 dollars over 35 weeks. </p>
<p>Better yet, if you get a car, employers all over the Bay Area would be willing to hire you for more than 20 dollars an hour. You could easily find a job over the summer and end up in the green after 2 years. Graduates from the Bay Area’s two great universities are a very highly valued asset for any company.</p>
<p>Compare this to Riverside, where there are far fewer opportunities, and you’ll end up wasting your great mind and getting a diploma that few people care about.</p>
<p>Dont let money get in the way of going to a school that you like.</p>
<p>I’m a little confused. If you’re poor, money shouldn’t be a huge issue. Sure, UCLA or Cal might require loans, but they should be manageable. UCR does not have a top notch business program as far as job opportunities are concerned. Many more business opportunities will be available to you as a grad of Cal or LA. You will alao have much better chances for a good job and top MBA program. So if we are talking about under $20K in loans, I would, as a business hopeful, invest in a better school.</p>
<p>Sorry, read your post again. What do you want to do? You;ll have a way better chance at any grad school for Cal and LA. And better job opportunities. However, if you want a PhD, it may not matter as much,</p>
<p>My friend was in the same situation between ucr with money or ucla with loans. If you have visited both places, and feel that you will flourish more at ucla or berkeley, the debt may very well be worth it. If you are determined enough to go to a school that is harder to afford, and you feel that it is worth it, do it. However, if you feel the same about ucr and ucla or berkeley (besides the value of the name), then perhaps ucr might be better. I live in riverside, and i’m going to berkeley. Money was not an issue for me, although ucr offerred me some, i felt so alive at Berkeley and i wanted a change of lifestyle that i decided it was right for me. I realize that yes, i probably would receive more personal attention at UCR, as you will, too, probably, if you choose to go there. However, it might not be for you. Perhaps you will grow much more at Berkeley or UCLA, but maybe not. I say visit berkeley and ucla and then decide after much more thinking.</p>
<p>I echo what DRab says. You need to visit all the schools. Talk to students at the campus cafeteria or in the dorm dining hall (at most schools, BTW, you can pay a few bucks and eat in the dorms for a meal). See what they think of the campus and their school. Its a big decision, but first-hand visits can give you a lot of info.</p>