Costs vs. Public: Is it worth it?

truth123
Tue, 27 Mar 2012 23:33:47 +0000

@Llama231 Financial issues are tough and if there really isn’t an option, then you will go to UCLA, do very well, and go on to do great things.

But since you asked whether there is a difference in the schools, let me just say this:

1) I went to UChicago undergrad. I live in Los Angeles and I know Westwood very well. I have taken quite a few classes at UCLA for fun (mostly through extension programs) so I’ve spent quite a bit of time on campus, besides the fact that my dentist and doctor are there, etc. There is QUITE a bit of difference between UChicago and UCLA. With UCLA you are basically getting more of a big, state school (perhaps even party school) atmosphere. UChicago is much smaller, ‘more intimate’ undergraduate experience with smaller classes and, well, tougher classes.

2) You might change majors. Many people do.

3) As I say, I live in Los Angeles and am aware that people here are only aware of two universities LOL! UCLA and USC. However, I grew up on the other side of the country and, although I certainly knew of UCLA, people would mention their own state school much more frequently than UCLA. When I applied to college I was offered some kind of scholarship to go to UCLA (because I was a National Merit Finalist, etc., etc.) but I never really considered it for two seconds even though it cost more to go to UChicago.

4) Especially if you move outside California or certainly apply to grad school, you would get a bit of a boost going to UChicago.

But in the end most of it is up to you. You can be a success or failure going to any school. I’m sure you will do well whichever you choose. But in general the difference comes down to more of a state school environment vs. a smaller liberal arts college atmosphere (approximately speaking, since UChicago is actually a research university.)