Public or Private undergrad? UCSD v. Scripps v. Smith

College Search & Lists
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<p>So, I’ve pretty much narrowed it down to 3 schools:
-University of California, San Diego
-Scripps College
-Smith College</p>

<p>I love Scripps and its 5 college consortium (CMC was actually my first choice but I didn’t get in) and I think I would go there if money weren’t an issue. While my parents tell me that I have enough in my college fund to pay for a Scripps education, that would be all it could pay for and thus I would need to pay for the entirety of graduate school myself. I’m considering Smith because it is ranked higher than Scripps (18th versus 25th) & is in a consortium with Amherst, but I don’t really know much about it (I’m visiting next weekend though).</p>

<p>What it all boils down to is this: Should I choose UCSD (still a great school), stay close to home, and save money for graduate school or a private institution and then be very limited in funds and debt for graduate? </p>

<p>Also, if you could share any opinions, information, or general recommendations in regards to any of these schools it would be greatly appreciated. I’m still not really clear on the strengths of each major in each school, so if anyone knows this please reply. Thanks for any help or information!</p>

<p>P.S. If you were wondering, I applied to 13 schools total, rejected from 5, waitlisted to 1, and accepted to 7. I have a 3.91 weighted GPA due to some screw ups in sophomore year and a 2260 SAT. Not relevant to my topic, but some people are curious.</p>

<p>P.P.S. My other feasible choices are UCI, UCR, and Indiana University, so if anyone has insight on those schools please reply as well. :)</p>

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<p>Forgot to put instant email notification.</p>

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<p>How much money are we talking about? I think if it’s a factor we should consider it. Also are you talking about the University of Indiana-Bloomington? Scripps and Smith are wonderful institutions and I would opt for where you feel most comfortable between the two. That being said if the cost is SIGNIFICANTLY higher then perhaps UCSD would be a fine choice as there are many stellar faculty members at UCSD.</p>

4

<p>Well, not including housing the Scripps/Smith tuition is about 40k per year; I’m guessing with housing it’ll be around 50k. For UCSD, it’s about 10k/year; with housing it’s about 20k. So, there is a pretty significant difference.</p>

<p>And yes, I am talking about IU Bloomington.</p>

5

<p>UCSD makes the most sense financially. I just don’t see the other schools as worth the extra money. Smith would be an exceptionally nurturing environment, but I just don’t see how it’s worth the extra money.</p>

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<p>I have to agree with grumpster. UCSD is a great university at a good cost comparatively speaking.</p>

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<p>Scripps - $52,900
Smith - $50,380
UC:SD - $19,855</p>

<p>There’s a $132,180 difference between Scripps and UC:SD after four years. La Jolla is BEAUTIFUL. I really think you should just go there, I am sure you’ll have the time of your life.</p>

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<p>Ok, I’m considering Scripps and Smith as well, however, I won’t be able to visit Smith because another university’s visit is on the same weekend and i registered for that one ages before. (Which I regret now.)</p>

<p>Scripps has a gorgeous campus and while, yes, it’s not as high ranking as Smith, the other colleges in it’s consortium are all right next to each other, whereas you’re looking at a commute if you want to take classes at smith’s other consortium members.</p>

<p>What do you want to major in? That ultimately has a BIG say in which college you should choose, and after that, financial aid. Smith and Scripps are well known for meeting need (Scripps is meeting 100% of mine), and, as great colleges with great connections, you can walk out of either with a bachelor’s that gets you that much closer through the door of grad school. Also, if you can visit both, you should, because walking on campus and meeting the people there will have a big influence on your decision. (Did you go to SADIOS?) I think, consindering where you’ll be going, it’s worth it to pay that extra money that in the end will get you either a great degree from scripps or smith, and, if you work hard, you’ll make it that much easier to get a free ride or money for Grad school.</p>

<p>San Diego and the whole UC system at that is losing a bit because of the budget (or lack there of) in California, and this is just my opinion, but if you’re going to stay in San Diego and want to save a little money, CSUSD might be your better option (if you applied) because of all the public institutions in California, CSUSD is not nearly suffering as much.</p>

<p>I think, in regards to great housing, degree, programs, the advantage of an all-women’s evironment, and the consortiums, you’re better off choosing between Scripps and Smith. And to decide between those two, you should consider three things in the order of which is most important to you:</p>

<ol>
<li>Major</li>
<li>Financial Aid
3.When you visit, can you see yourself going there?</li>
</ol>

<p>I wish you the best of luck! And, if you have time, could you send me a message telling me what you thought of Smith?</p>