Deciding between UCSB, UCI, and NYU

kluge
Sat, 04 Apr 2009 13:31:18 +0000

sfang, as a parent of two UCSB students, and having recently visited NYU, I may have some perspective that would be of value to you. First, I don’t know about NYU’s reputation for biochem specifically, but in general I doubt that NYU’s “name” would actually give you any detectible advantage over UCSB’s for anything you might want to do in the future, and might actually be less advantageous. USNews ranks NYU overall at 33, UCSB at 44 - but outside the top 25 or so, few people are making that fine of a distinction as a general matter. Also, NYU’s reputation is mostly driven by a few non-science departments. We tend to take our UC’s (other than Berkeley and UCLA) somewhat for granted, but their academic reputation, particularly in science fields, is very good, nationwide. Second, as I’m sure you’re aware, NYU, even with that aid, will be much, much more expensive than UCSB. And finally - NYU is in New York City - Manhattan - a totally urban, east coast experience which would also probably limit your ability to come home for holidays, etc. due to expense. The difference in the overall life experience you would have there compared to UCSB is hard to overstate. Slogging through slush in boots and riding subways vs. flip flops and bicycles. Are you and “indoor” person or an “outdoor” one? Would you be comfortable in New York? If you were my kid, it would be a no-brainer what my preference was.

I can’t help you with Irvine.