My child is trying to decide between the same two schools. Also an international student, and also just turned 17. I also had the impression that Georgetown would be a warmer and supporting school, even though my daughter loved the student vibe at UCLA. But it’s really a BIG school and your daughter needs to be outgoing and self-starter to get UCLA at its best. If my child decides against a gap year (she’s considering doing that) I hope she chooses Georgetown, where I feel she would be more comfortable as a younger-than-the-rest student.
In terms of reputation, and I know that is important in Asia specially, the rankings you mention are unfair to Georgetown because they take into account factors that have nothing to do with the undergraduate experience or the quality of the teaching, such as times a published teacher/researcher is cited. Anybody who knows about colleges in the US and who would consider hiring your daughter in the future will know that Georgetown is a top school. That may not be the case of regular people in Asia.
Let us know what she decides!
In my personal opinion, DC >>>>>>>>> LA. A city rich in history and culture compared to one with no downtown and a very superficial feel to it. No comparison.
DC = Northern charm + Southern efficiency
Ugh to no change of seasons.
Having lived in DC for many years, I’d say it also has a very superficial feel to it.
The vast majority of residents work for the government or work for someone who works for the government or works for someone following the government (news, for example). Just like LA, its an ‘industry’ town, but in this case, the industry is government.
“Both colleges require a substantial financial investment from an about to retire father although UCLA is $ 11k cheaper in tuition fees.”
I really think this is the deciding factor in favor of UCLA. Both are great academic schools and both have strong Muslim communities (assuming that is important to a degree). So if $44K is meaningful, which it should like it is to you, then you may have your answer. But, I hope that your daughter has a big, big say in the decision.
Dear All. I really appreciate your valuable opinions particularly from parents. Yesterday, my daughter finally made up her mind and advised us she is leaning towards Georgetown. We are so happy that she has reached a decision that we are more comfortable with as well. Granted, financially GU is more expensive, but there is no investment more valuable than your child’s education. My daughter felt that whilst both schools were really good as advised by many on this forum, 90% of students in UCLA were from California. Although this intake was ethnically diverse, Georgetown seems to have more international diversity. Secondly she felt that the class sizes in GU would suit her better. So Georgetown it is and we look forward to meeting up with the parents and students when we come to drop our daughter off in August. Best wishes to @Tibeten @twoinanddone and @gradygrad for your children. Thank you and God bless.
I lived in Pasadena for three years and to my surprise I loved LA. It has great restaurants, lots of fun ethnic neighborhoods, several good art museums. In an hour you can be at the beach, in the mountains or in the desert. I also went to high school in the DC area and it’s a great town in terms of things to do and stuff to see. I think either town would be a great place to go to college.
And seeing that the OP has made a decision, I wish her daughter the best! (I think the point that UCLA students are mostly from CA is a good one.)
Hoya saxa, OP! Thanks for letting us know.